The Free will Baptist [serial]

WILLIAM R. PERKINS
LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY

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the Internet Archive

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j Allow the Lord to clean your life, and it can be more
Easily lived for Him in the New Year.

tree Dill
baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1976

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY, THE SLATE, OR THE LIFE?

An old English custom of cleaning the chimney on New Year's Day was
supposed to bring good luck to the members of the household during the coming
year. Later the phrase, "cleaning the chimney" was equated to such sayings
as "cleaning the slate" and "turning over a new leaf," each representative of
making resolutions to break bad habits, to correct mistakes, and to avoid the
failures of the past year.

Certainly the superstition associated with the cleaning of a chimney never
profited a household anything. The cleaning of the chimney probably made the
fire draw better; but so far as good luck is concerned, it is ridiculous to suppose
that a "clean sweep" afforded such.

Erasing the slate of its mistakes may give one needed exercise (if it is done
diligently ) , but the physical act alone is of no real consequence. Slate cleaning,
as of old, merely results in a clear space for writing. The original purpose, of
course, was to provide a clear area for writing down principles of good living,
but few have made full use of the privilege afforded them.

From Times Square, New York, to the smallest home of a remote and
lonely farming community, persons made their resolutions ' 'not to do thus-and-
so next year," and however sincere the resolves, few will be kept. New Year's
Eve marked the ending of the Old, and with the ringing of the bell or the
chiming of the clock at midnight, in many places the New was ushered in with
gaiety and music, confetti and balloons, food and champagne, and a big
hullabaloo.

The traditional "Auld Lang Syne" (good old times) song was sung with
reflection upon old acquaintances, and amid embraces and kisses tears were
cried and laughs were laughed. For some, the next morning, the beginning of
the New Year, brought the pain of a headache and the queasiness of a stomach
subjected to too much of a good time the night before. . . .

Isn't it strange that big events, the supposedly happy occasions, and the
majority of holidays are celebrated with uproarious carrying on? For some
reason man has decided that quietness is not to be desired, that the louder and
longer he celebrates, the happier, more cherished, and longer remembered
will be the spirit of the occasion. Mankind as a whole is confused. Men always
have and always will resort to any measure to satisfy the cravings of the
physical side of their natures, taking little note of their spiritual depravity.

A clean sweep is certainly needed. The slate needs to be wiped, and, yes, a
new leaf needs to be turned over; but, man goes about it in the wrong way. It
seems that personal dignity is no longer revered. Self-respect is considered of
little importance, but when one loses that quality, what, really, does he
possess? We say, "Very little."

It is ironic that in the quest for fame and fortune both these are achieved at
the loss of self-esteem (though few would admit this fact). However "big" we
are, all the accolades in the world can never compensate for the pangs of guilt
the heart feels when self is destroyed— and for what? A little money, position,
and power! A doorkeeper in the house of the Lord is more to be admired than
all the millionaires, executives, and power-hunger magnates who have
achieved their goals at the expense of personal integrity. For them, the
chimney is so soot-filled that a thorough cleaning is next to impossible.

But! Here is where proper motivation and rightly-placed priorities could
help. "Good luck," so-called, is not all it's cracked up to be. True, there are
some who are born into and experience better fortune than others; and as true
as that: There are individuals who, at the onstart, seem to have the proverbial
two strikes against them. The only solution, of course, is a closer and sweeter
communion with God. This may not solve all the problems, but at least it will
make those problems easier to bear. The proper relationship with Him wipes
the slate clean in a manner unequalled by all the pious efforts of "holy" men
who project to the masses the proper way of living. "Proper" living avails one
nothing unless he is right with his God !

Our advice for this year is simple enough: Draw nigh to God, and He in
return will draw nigh to you. He and only He can really clean the life, and with

(Continued on Page 15)

Cover Photo by Ed Carlin

i
t

/l

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Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

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Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

\\Q EADERS will recall that at the
f\ beginning of the period covered by
nese memories, Free Will Baptists who
yere left from the deflection of 1911 had
Inly one educational institution— the
iyden Seminary of Ayden, North
;arolina. You will recall that this
emained the only denominational school
intil it was joined by a school founded in
Jklahoma in the early 1920s. The name
if the Ayden school was changed later to
iureka College and moved to a new
ocation. There a nice building was
irected, but in 1931 both Eureka College
n North Carolina and Tecumseh College
i Oklahoma were destroyed by fire. This
eft the denomination with no educational
nstitutions for several years.

Fire could destroy the Eureka College
Duilding, and cause a cherished in-
istitution to cease its existence, but it
could not destroy the dreams in the

began to become one not only of a school
to train Christian workers, but a college
where our young people in general could
receive a liberal arts education in a
Christian_atmosphere.

In 1951, the Board of Christian
Education of the North Carolina State
Convention, with less than ten dollars in
its treasury, dared to go before the
convention and ask for the authority to
start a college. There were some present
that day— and, in the interest of being
strictly honest, I must admit that I was
among them— who. while favoring the
idea of a college, did not think the timing
right. There were a few who frowned
upon the whole idea that we needed a
second college for the denomination. But
when the vote was taken the plans of the
Board of Christian Education were
approved by a good majority, and this
writer is now proud to say that he

■

remarkable progress. He threw himself
wholeheartedly and unselfishly into the
task. The name was changed to Mour.
Olive College, a new campus was '
purchased, and plans made for modern
buildings. These early years were not
easy ones. Some of the denominational
leaders of the time could not accept the
idea of a liberal arts college being
promoted by a Christian denomination.
The college experienced the natural
"growing pains" of a new experiment in
education. Some of its most severe
critics were constantly looking out for
faults and mistakes: and, of course,
finding a few, of which they made the
uttermost possible use in their opposition
to the college.

The following is a summary of some of
the positive developments of the college
over the past several years: On
November 6, 1959, the college received

FREE WILL BAPTISTS
OF MY DAY

A DREAM COMES TRUE

(Part Twenty-Two)
by Loy Everette Ballard

hearts of North Carolina Free Will
Baptists for a Christian school in the
state where Original Free Will Baptists
had their beginning. Later, by united
effort of Free Will Baptists, a Bible
College was established in Nashville,
Tennessee. North Carolina rallied to its
support, making liberal donations to the
construction of its buildings, and sent to
its student body a number of young
people who are today active in Free Will
Baptist ministries at home and abroad.

However the dream of some kind of a
restoration of a religious educational
institution in the state where such
education began among Free Will
Baptists did not diminish, but enlarged
itself. The dreamers began to take
serious note of the fact that not only were
we losing ministers, but many of our
young people in general who, desiring a
higher education in liberal arts, were
going to colleges where they were being
exposed to influences detrimental to their
spiritual good, and causing many of them
to leave our denomination. The dream

switched and voted with the majority. It
was hard to keep from admiring the grit
and determination of men like the Revs.
Lloyd Vernon, David W. Hansley, D. B.
Sasser, M. L. Johnson, J. C. Griffin, R.
H. Jackson— to name a few among many
who were pulling strong for a North
Carolina college.

In 1952, the dream found positive
realization in the opening of Mount Allen
College under the direction of the Rev.
Lloyd Vernon, provisional president, with
Cragmont Assembly, Black Mountain, as
its temporary location. It was named
"Mount Allen" after the mountain
back of the assembly. The first session
featured only an institute for Christian
workers with a limited attendance.

In 1953, the institution was moved to
Mount Olive, where an abandoned school
building was purchased. In the summer
of 1954, an enthusiastic young man
named Burkette Raper, just out of
college, was chosen as president. This
proved to be a wise choice. Under his
leadership, the college has made

full accreditation by the North Carolina
Department of Education and became a
member of the North Carolina College
Conference. In 1960, it received full
regional accreditation by the Southern
Association of Colleges while meeting in
Memphis, Tennessee. In 1963, the
Mount Olive College Area Foundation was
formed, which has brought in large sums
of money for the development of the
college. In 1965, the college moved into
the first building erected on its new 90-
acre campus, just outside of the town of
Mount Olive. The same year this writer
gathered and published in The Free Will
Baptist figures that showed that the
college which had started in 1952 with a
capital of less than $10 had become an
institution worth more than $1 ,000,000.
Of later developments, and of the
college's contributions to the spiritual
and educational development of Original
Free Will Baptists, we shall have
something to say in later articles

(Next: A New Challenge and Gathering
Clouds)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

THREE MAJOR PROBLEMS

(Part Three)
by Wade T. Jernigan, President
California Christian College

III. SEX

50 God created man in his own
image, in the image of God created
he him; male and female created he
them" (Genesis 1:27). God's command
to them necessitated the union of man
and woman for He said, "... Be fruitful,
and multiply, and replenish the earth,
. . ." (Genesis 1 :28). Woman was made
for man when God saw ". . . It is not
good that the man should be alone,
. . ." (Genesis 2:18). When the wo-
man was made for man's "help meet,"
the Lord himself ordained the proper union
of man and woman by instituting the
estate of marriage. "Therefore shall a
man leave his father and his mother,
and shall cleave unto his wife: and
they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
Having been brought together as man
and wife, ". . . they were both
naked, . . . and were not ashamed"
(Genesis 2:25).

There is, then, a God-sanctioned
relationship between a man and a
woman. And further in this study it will
be shown that this is true with the
minister of God as well.

A. Proper Sex

1. Proper Sex Is God-Ordained
This can be seen in the first union for
it is recorded, "... Adam knew Eve his
wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain,
. . . And she again bare his brother Abel.

. ." (Genesis 4:1, 2). Also in Genesis
4:25 it is stated, ". . . Adam knew his
wife again; and she bare a son, and
called his name Seth: . . ." Eve's
statement, "I have gotten a man from
the Lord," upon the birth of Cain, and
her saying, "God hath appointed me
another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain
slew," shows just how divinely proper
sexual relations are between those
properly joined together in marriage.
(See Genesis 4:1-25.) The very fact that
Genesis, chapter five, is given almost
totally to the subject of procreation gives
testimony to the fact of proper sex. That

is not to imply that to engage in sexual
relations other than for the purpose of
procreation is improper, for Paul's
admonition, "Let the husband render
unto the wife due benevolence: and
likewise also the wife unto the husband.
. . . Defraud ye not one the other, except
it be with consent for a time, that ye may
give yourselves to fasting and prayer;
and come together again, that Satan
tempt you not for your incontinency" (1
Corinthians 7:3-5) would most definitely
prove otherwise. But it is to point up the
fact that proper sex is between husband
and wife only.

2. Christ Sanctioned Proper Sex
Christ dealt with the subject of

eunuchs in Matthew 19:12, "For there
are some eunuchs, which were so born
(without capacity for sex) from their
mother's womb: and there are some
eunuchs, which were made (often this
happened to male slaves who were made
house servants) eunuchs of men: and
there be eunuchs, which have made
themselves (possibly Paul's case)
eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's
sake. He that is able to receive it, let him
hear." This admonition came just after
His disciples had commented, ". . . If
the case of the man be so with his wife, it
is not good to marry" (Matthew 19:10).
Their statement was in response to
Christ's teaching in Matthew 19:4-9 on
the subject of divorce. Christ's treatment
of the subject of eunuchs was not in
contradiction of the original statement,
"It is not good that the man should be
alone," But rather answered the
disciples who had jumped at a rash
decision. He wanted the apostles to
know that though divorce was a
possibility in marriage (because of the
hardness of men's hearts— Matthew
19:8), not all men could receive the
message on eunuchs for themselves and
neither should they. Christ nowhere
taught celibacy.

3. Paul Believed in Proper Sex

Even Paul did not teach it as some

would have one to believe; however, hgji
did say, "... I would that all men werg!
even as I myself. ... I say therefore trj
the unmarried and widows, It is good fojl
them if they abide even as I" (fj
Corinthians 7:7, 8). And it is an evident
fact that Paul was not married. Note his
words in 1 Corinthians 9:5, "Have we
not power to lead about a sister, a wife,!
as well as other apostles, and as the!
brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" PauL
knew that not every one would be able to
contain as he had been able to do. On the
subject he had this to say, "... Bui1
every man hath his proper gift of God,
one after this manner, and another after
that .... But if they cannot contain, lei
them marry: for it is better to marry than
to burn" (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). Paul also!
stated, "Nevertheless, to avoid for-
nication, let every man have his own
wife, and let every woman, have her own
husband" (1 Corinthians 7:2). The!
position of Paul is made clear in 1
Corinthians 7:35, ". . . this I speak for
your own profit; not that I may cast a
snare upon you, but for that which is
comely, and that ye may attend upon the
Lord without distraction." He recognized
the problems of the unmarried anc
expressed the following, ". . 1
Nevertheless such shall have trouble II
the flesh: but I spare you" (1 Corini
thians 7:28).

4. Ministers and Proper Sex
Ministers are not called upon to refrain!
from marriage. (There are those whcj
forbid to marry, but Timothy is told that
those who advocate such have departed!
from the faith, giving heed to seducing;
spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking!
lies and having a seared conscience— II
Timothy 4:1, 2.) In fact, the exact'
opposite is taught in the Word. Wheni
giving the qualification of the bishop, the
apostle writes, " . . .the husband of onej
wife, . . ." (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6)i
This writing is not designed to deal with!
the various shades of meaning that have
been given to that particular
qualification, but to emphasize thafl
marriage is acceptable with the pastor.
Further indication that the church
shepherd should be married is seen in 1
Timothy 3:4, 5; "One that ruleth well his
own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity; (For if a man
know not how to rule his own house, how
shall he take care of the church ol
God?)" Bachelors and widowers trying
to pastor are seriously handicapped.

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

f ;,ome may want to argue this point, but
\nhs writer endeavored to pastor while yet
ingle. God blessed and every incident
as met through His grace, but there
ere times when a "help meet" would
ave helped meet the situation. Paul felt
In at the married man would care for the
filings that are of the world— how he may
lease his wife (1 Corinthians 7:33); and
[he unmarried would attend upon the
Lord without distraction (1 Corinthians
':35). Yet he had the highest regard
or Simon Peter. And too, as has been
deviously cited, Paul is the only inspired
[vriter who spelled out the qualifications
iwhich include marriage) for the man
Jesiring the office of a bishop.

y PROBLEM SEX

Disregard for scriptural warnings and
failure to be cautious will endanger
[may even ensnare) the minister. God
Knowing the nature of man dealt ex-
tensively in the Bible even with this
subject. For the minister to think himself
exempt from temptation in this area is to
be guilty of an unexcused naivete,
j 1. Sex Is a Problem When Men Are
put of Place and Failing to Perform Their
Responsibilities

Who among the called would dare
project himself to be beyond David who,
Recording to His Lord's testimony, was
the man after God's own heart (Acts
ifJl3:22); and yet, he became guilty of
wtl( adultery with Uriah's wife (2 Samuel
J 11:4). David's problem in this area came
|because he was not where he should
jcjft; ■ have been at the time. Scripture records,
ta|!"And it came to pass, after the year
J expired, at the time when kings go forth
J to battle, that David sent Joab, and his
J| servants with him, and all Israel; ... But
David tarried still at Jerusalem" (2
Samuel 11:1). Had David been with the
troops in battle, verse two would have
never been his experience: "... David
arose from off his bed, and walked upon
the roof of the king's house: and from
the roof he saw a woman washing
herself; and the woman was very
beautiful to look upon." If the lust of the
eye had not taken over his senses, then
the lust of the flesh would not have
gotten him in verse four: "... and she
came in unto him, and he lay with her;
. . ." When men of God are not where
they should be, doing the things they
ought to do, they are subject to be-
come like David. Sex is a problem.

ircl

2. Sex Is a Problem When Men Go
Outside of Marriage

Man is told, "Drink waters out of thine
own cistern, and running waters out of
thine own well. Let thy fountains be
dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in
the streets .... let thy fountain be
blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy
youth. Let her be as the loving hind and
pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee
at all times; and be thou ravished always
with her love" (Proverbs 5:15-19). The
man of wisdom continues in Verse 19 by
adding, "And why wilt thou, my son, be
ravished with a strange woman, and
embrace the bosom of a stranger?"
Following the question, man is made
aware of God's knowledge in improper
conduct and states that such a trans-
gressor will be taken by his own iniquity
and shall die without instruction. Every
minister (especially the young) should
read carefully what the Proverbs has to
say about the strange woman: "... her
house inclineth unto death, . . ." (2:18);
". . . her end is bitter as wormwood,
. . ." (5:4); ". . . whoso committeth
adultery with a (strange) woman . . .
destroyeth his own soul" (6:32); "Her
house is the way to hell, . . ." (7:27):
". . . her guests are in the depths of
hell" (9:18).

3. Sex Is a Problem When Men Go
Contrary to Scriptural Advice

The following bibical questions bear
this out: "Can a man take fire in his
bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet
not be burned?" (Proverbs 6:27, 28).
Speaking of a man going in unto a
woman (not his wife), the Bible states,
"... whosoever toucheth her shall not
be innocent" (Proverbs 6:29).

" . . . It is good for a man not to touch
a woman," wrote Paul in 1 Corinthians
7:1. This did not mean that man under
no circumstance was to touch a woman,
but not to touch in a sexual way a woman
to whom he is not married. The writer of
Hebrews declares, "Marriage is
honourable in all, and the bed undefiled:
but whoremongers and adulterers God
will judge" (Hebrews 13:4). Solemn
warning is given to the man who lusts
after the whorish woman. ". . . by
means of a whorish woman a man is
brought to a piece of bread: and the
adulteress will hunt for the precious life"
(Proverbs 6:26).

C. PERMISSIVE SEX

"New morality" concepts have
swayed the unwary even in Christian
church circles. This creates two
problems for the preacher: some of the
female segment of the congregation have
not the old-fashioned ideas held by their
mothers and grandmothers (thus being
somewhat loose in their conduct toward
the equally changed male counterpart)
and their casual, unguarded, indiscreet
conduct around men; and in some cases,
especially so toward the unsuspecting
popular preacher. Ministers should
never be so stand-offish with the women
(1 Timothy 5:2, 4) in the congregation
that they feel ill at ease, but one's guard
should always be up. Today when the
intimate secrets of couples are discussed
much too freely, God's man has to be
very careful with whom, when, and
where he deals with the problems.

A deterrent to sexual sins in the
congregation is hard scriptural pulpit
preaching. Declaring the whole counsel
of God in respect to adultery and for-
nication will eliminate most of the
permissiveness on the part of the young
and the carelessness on the part of the
older. Preachers proclaiming and
professing loudly, purity (both in life and
from the pulpit), are not likely to be
overly tempted in illicit sexual activity.

Paul's admonition, ". . . avoid
fornication, . . ." (1 Corinthians 7:2)
and "Flee fornication. . . ." (1
Corinthians 6:18), is still appropriate
advice for the fledgling preacher (old as
well).

In the case of sexual temptation, man
need not appeal to his head, it will not
think right; neither will it help him to
appeal to his hands, they will not work
right; nor can he appeal to his heart, it
will not function right— so he must
appeal to his heels and run.

Sex is a problem!

DID NOT WRITE LETTER

On Page 5 of the December 18 issue,
Volume 7, Number 23, of the FOUN-
TAINHEAD (an East Carolina University
paper sponsored by the Student
Government Association), a letter was
printed bearing the name, "Thomas
Manning." I would like our readers to
know that I am not the author of the letter
and neither had knowledge of such until
someone brought it to my attention.

Thank you,

Tommy Manning, Editor

[Si

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

THE LORD AND WILLIAM LLOYD'S

MOTHER

0 i / HEN Wiiliam Lloyd Garrison, great
abolitionist, was sixteen, he wrote
his mother that he was thinking of termi-
nating his nearly tinished printing ap-
prenticeship to join forces on the
mission field with his greatly esteemed
friend and brother Christian, the Rev.
Tobias Miller.

"There is only one thing to do when
you're not sure what to do— which road
to take—" she wrote back. "Pray. Keep
on praying and when you're all prayed
out, just listen for awhile. Could be the
Lord has something to say, too.

"Now missionaries are very important
people in God's army of workers, William
Lloyd. There was a time when I used to
ask Him to let you be one of them. But
He has shown me that there are other
important places besides the mission
fields in which He needs service; and it
could be that He has something in mind
for you in one of those, William Lloyd. So
pray and wait. He'll let you know."

Mother Garrison's son had expected
her to be jubilant over his news, but she
didn't seem to be at all. It just wasn't
like her.

He recalled how eagerly she had
listened to missionaries when they had
visited their church (the Newburyport
Baptist Church); how gladly and
sacrificially she had contributed from her
steadily dwindling money supply to their
support.

Perhaps he didn't know her as well as
he had thought he did. Or maybe she had
changed these last few years while they
had been forced to live apart from each
other, due to unfavorable financial
circumstances.

But he would take her advice. Thanks
to her constant good guidance he was no
stranger to prayer himself. And she
could be right.

William Lloyd and his mother had a
wonderful letter relationship. He kept
everyone that she sent him; and in later
years he was especially glad he had done
so, since reading and rereading them
was such a comfort and joy for him. He
was frank to admit to himself and to
others that the letters he liked best were
the ones in which she had praised him.

by Mary Rust Burnham

"I'm very proud of you, William Lloyd.
But don't you be proud or boastful: '. . .
him that hath an high look and a proud
heart will I not suffer' (Psalm 101:5),
even though you can set 1 000 'ems' an
hour with just a very few small
mistakes. And, most important of all,
never, never forget, William Lloyd, that
all of your skill and energy and strength
come from Him. Why, without Him, my
boy, you couldn't even lift so much as
one of your little fingers. So praise Him
and thank Him everyday and He will help
you to become even more useful to your
benefactor, Mr. Allen."

Ephraim Allen was editor and owner of
the Newburyport Herald where William
Lloyd was serving his printing ap-
prenticeship. He had been only ten years
old when he began it and had previously
run away from two other attempts to
learn a trade— one as a shoemaker and
another as a cabinetmaker.

In about a year now, if he stayed with
Mr. Allen, instead of going with Mr.
Tobias, he would be a full-fledged
printer, earning a fair salary, and living a
life of his own. Then he would bring his
mother back here to Newburyport,
Massachusetts, and they could go again
together to church services with Deacon
Bartlett and all their other friends.

But wasn't it selfish of him to think so
much about his own happiness and well-
being? Surely no born-again, sincere
follower of Jesus, with eternity in mind,
could afford to think of himself. "Deny
thyself and follow me," that was what
the Rev. Tobias Miller was doing. No
doubt about that.

The following week William Lloyd used
all of his spare time praying and
listening. Everyday he prayed a little
harder— listened a little more intently
and a little less impatiently.

When the answer came he was not
excited or surprised— just grateful.

"Thanks, Lord. You've made it all so
clear. Mother surely knew what she was
writing about when she urged me to pray
and listen. I'm glad I followed her ad-
vice. And, truly Lord, I did want to finish
my apprenticeship. The important thing
was— Did you want me to finish it or to

go with Mr. Tobias?"

One thing that Mrs. Garrison didn'
know about her son was that he liked ti
write and practiced doing it, with somi!
degree of regularity.

A few months after William Lloyd hai|
made his important decision to stay witl
Mr. Allen, the Newburyport Heralt,
published his first successful piece 0|
writing. William Lloyd clipped it and sen,
it to his mother. She replied that shii
expected to see many more— even bette;
ones. After that there was usually i
clipping or two tucked between thu
pages of his weekly letter. She read then
all very carefully and never failed t(j
comment on them.

A paragraph in an article of hisj
published in the Herald in thesummero
1822, pleased her more than any of th(i
previous ones had done.

"It seems unlikely that mucf
propriety, decorum, exactness, ancj
moderation could exist in the minds of i
people among whom slaves abound. ' '

"Slaves!" It was the first time sto
had ever come across that word in any oi
his writings, although she knew full weli
how strong were his feelings agains:,
slavery.

"Someone has called the pen a mighty
instrument, Lord," she prayed, bowinc
her head, "even mightier than thti
sword. My fervent prayer to you is thaj
the pen my son will use may become;
truly mighty in speaking out for the
liberation of our mistreated black;
brothers, unable as they are to speak fotj
themselves."

Mother Garrison died the followincj
summer while William Lloyd was visitinc
her in Baltimore. Had she lived until
1831, she would have seen the answer
to her prayer when her son founder.,
"The Liberator" the periodical in which,
for thirty-five years, William Lloycj
Garrison, great American abolitionist
waged his hard-core, uncompromising
literative campaign against one of the
greatest evils the world has evei
known — slavery.

Research: WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON by Russe
Blaine Nye

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Question: At what point in a Christ's
xperience is his sanctification com-
jleted? Is it on this earth or at death? Or
j. it in heaven?

j Answer: Of this we may not have full
nowledge in this present life. One's
anctif ication begins when he is saved. It
Dntinues all the time he is here and
Deys the command to grow in grace and
nowledge.

Peter exhorts his readers against
tiling from their steadfastness. In 2
eter 3:17, and then in the final verse of
lis epistle, he exhorts, "But grow in
ace, and in the knowledge of our Lord
nd Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be
lory both now and for ever. Amen" (2
eter 3:18).

Then we have the exhortation written
y Paul to Timothy and brought down to
nd made applicable to us now: "Study
shew thyself approved unto God, a
/orkman that needeth not to be
shamed, rightly dividing the word of
uth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
We have one exhortation after another
the Bible requiring of everyone that he
ome to Christ, accept Him as Lord and

* aviour, and to utilize all the time and
nergy allotted here in an honest pursuit

a life in Christlikeness. Jesus called
nd commissioned His 12 and then the
fO to a life of devotion to God and of
jiervice to their Maker— the kind of life
"w ^nd aservice they had seen Him live and
ender in their presence. They and we
ire exhorted in the Old Testament to
, 'Come now, and let us reason together,
saith the LORD: though your sins be as
1 if jscarlet, they shall be white as snow;
s* though they be red like crimson, they
« jshall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18); ". . .
r j Ihey that wait upon the LORD shall renew

* jtheir strength; they shall mount up with
'M wings as eagles; they shall run, and not

[be weary; and they shall walk, and not
" faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
1 : 1 He also exhorts in such New
u 'Testament passages as Matthew 11:30-
sw 32; 28:18-20; and Acts 1:8. His call is

* ever the same. He wants all sinners to
*Jcome and become attached to Him in a

legitimate way and thereby henceforth to
^' jbe yielded instruments of righteousness
5ll,ijin His hands. When we thus come to
Him, He saves us from our sins and
gives us a new nature— His nature. Then
as members of His spiritual body, in
| harmony with Him and having His mind
in us, we think in harmony with Him and
act in unison with Him; so being thus

4 1 THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

exercised, we are expanded in our
capacity of spiritual usefulness. We grow
in grace and knowledge, yes; but we
also become more perfectly sanctified or
set apart in Him— set apart further from
the world, the flesh and its domination,
and the devil and his wiles. We are less
vulnerable to the devil and more perfectly
aware of his snares and methods of
deception. We acquire a Christlike
kindness, a deeper love for the lost, a
more perfect affection to like-minded
Christians, and most of all to Christ
himself.

We live like Christ lived ". . . in
honour (with Him) preferring one
another" (Romans 12:10). Jesus prayed
in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Sanctify
them through thy truth: thy word is
truth. As thou hast sent me into the
world, even so have I also sent them into
the world. And for their sakes I sanctify
myself, that they also might be sanctified

speaking in them of these things; in
which are some things hard to be un-
derstood, which they that are unlearned
and unstable wrest, as they do also the
other scriptures, unto their own
destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

In the case of Christ and the Christian
in the process of sanctifying the
Christian the twain become one.
"Therefore we ought to give the more
earnest heed to the things which we have
heard, lest at any time we should let
them slip. For if the word spoken by
angels was stedfast, and every trans-
gression and disobedience received a
just recompence of reward; How shall we
escape, if we neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began to be spoken by
the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by
them that heard him" (Hebrews 2:1-3).
In contrast to this the Bible says: ". . .
the eyes of the Lord are over the
righteous, and his ears are open unto

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

through the truth. Neither pray I for
these alone, but for them also which
shall believe on me through their word"
(John 17:17-20).

The disciples were set apart when
Jesus called them and sent them out in
teams of two. They were further set apart
as they went forth in obedience to His
call and each day of their experience.
While obeying Him, they were set apart
further from the world and were nearer to
Him and to God the Father under the
influence of the Holy Spirit. The human
author of the Book of Hebrews wrote:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the
doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foun-
dation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine
of baptism, and of laying on of hands,
and of resurrection of the dead, and of
eternal judgment" (Hebrews 6:1, 2).
Peter wrote: "As also in all his epistles,

their prayers: but the face of the Lord is
against them that do evil" (1 Peter
3:12).

George H. Sandison gives the
following answer to a similar question on
Page 433 in 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered:

"We cannot dogmatize the state of the
beNever in heaven. So little is revealed to
us about that state, that absolute
knowledge is impossible. Judging by
what we do know, we infer that there
must be a vast increase in knowledge of
God and divine things which must have
its effect on the character. Then, too, to
be in the presence of God, and
associated with pure and holy beings and
liberated from the gross influence of the
flesh would, we should imagine, tend to
elevate and enoble and develop the
spiritual nature. Perhaps it would be
more accurate to describe the progress
we expect as growth and development
rather than sanctification."

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

MOU

ffiJI

NIGHT CLASSES AT
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
SPRING SEMESTER, 1976

As a service to those whose work or
other responsibilities will not permit
them to attend college on a regular day
schedule, Mount Olive College has
designed a night program that will
accommodate almost anyone who truly
wants an education.

Each course meets only one night
weekly, and under this arrangement a
student may enroll in one, two, three or
four courses, depending upon the
number of nights he can attend. Courses
are offered on four nights: Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
from 7 p. m. until 9:50 p. m., in the
Henderson Building.

Night courses are taught by regular
members of the Mount Olive College
faculty and carry full college credit. The
courses are varied from year to year so
that it is possible for a student to
complete sixty-four semester hours of
academic credits and to graduate from
Mount Olive by attending night classes
only.

Below is the schedule of classes for
the spring semester beginning in
January. For additional information,
interested persons should contact:
Director of Admission, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina
28365; telephone 658-2502.

Night classes for the spring semester,
1976, will begin Monday night, January
1 2, and are as follows:

Monday Night

Religion 210— "The Free Will Baptist

Church," three semester hours: Dr.

W. Burkette Raper, professor.
English 205— "Public Speaking," three

semester hours; Mrs. Margaret

Walker, professor.

Tuesday Night

English 101 — "English Composition,"
three semester hours; Mrs. Lucy B.
Mooring, professor.

Psychology 201 — "Introduction to
Psychology," three semester hours;
Dr. Hilda F. Owens, professor.

Wednesday Night

English 102— "English Composition,"
three semester hours; Mr. Sidney T.
Johnson, professor.

History 102— "Western Civilization
(1 500-Present)," three semester
hours; Mr. Kenneth Dilda, professor.

Thursday Night

Religion 208— "Christian Ethics," three
semester hours, Mr. Sheldon
Howard, professor.

Sociology 210— "Introduction to
Sociology," three semester hours;
Mr. Anderson Floyd, professor.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and tor
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor ot "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issue", only )

Mr. Keith Cobb has recently been
licensed to preach by the Dilda ' s Grove
Free Will Baptist Church. He is now
available for supply work. Any church or
minister interested in his services may
contact him by writing Route 1 , Box 237,
Fountain, North Carolina 27829; or
telephoning 827-5360.

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "... according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of!
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost" (Titus 3:5).

j

THE RESULTS OF
REGENERATION

Everything we do is done with some
kind of motivation. Every act warrants an-
accomplishment. In other words, results'
are the rewards or fruits of doing. Living
the Christian life will not fail to bear fruit'
and bring rewards. So, regeneration'
brings its reward and accomplishes its'
purpose. Without regeneration, there can
never be the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.}
Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit,;
there can be no Christian living, no
spiritual growth in holy things, no fruilj
bearing in godly products, and no way,
provided to reach heaven when we die.
We are the temples of God and He, thej
Spirit of God, dwells in us. "Know yej
not that ye are the temple of God, and,
that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
(1 Corinthians 3:16).

Then the Holy Spirit indwells our
hearts and we are His temples. He
becomes our Lord, and in this capacity,
becomes our Commander in Chief in
charge of all our affairs. We become His
ambassadors. We represent Him in all
the affairs of life. He gives us authority
and power to perform to His name's
honor and glory. God uses the Christian
in all the areas of His kingdom work here
on earth. The Holy Spirit enables us toj
distribute of the bounty of His riches
among the poor. We have given our
selves to serve as builders or mechanics
in charge of all kingdom interests. Yes,
He even assigns us captains anc
secretaries. Some become Secretaries o
State; some Secretaries of Foreigr

x

THE FREE WILL BAPTTS'

affairs; and yes, some even become
Secretaries of War.

j The first thing that comes as a result
If regeneration, then, is the indwelling of
/he Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit has
et up housekeeping in the Christian's
ife, He begins the transformation on
hat life. All the sinful habits, activities,
i in d participations must be subdued,
"hey must be completely destroyed or
endered powerless. ". . . be not
lonformed to this world: but be ye
ransformed by the renewing of your
nind, that ye may prove what is that
jood, and acceptable, and perfect will of
aod" (Romans 12:2).

This brings us to the idea of the
ransforming of the mind, the second
esult of regeneration. When this
happens, we turn aboutface and the
hings we once loved, we now hate; and
he things we once hated, we now love,
bnly the born-again Christian knows this
or sure. Drunkards become sober,
^peace-loving individuals with self-
[espect and concern for the well-being of
i heir families and loved ones. The
Immoral, loose-living person becomes
sjclean and decent, both in body and
jjeeds.

I The third result of regeneration is the
assurance of everlasting life. "... now
being made free from sin, and become
^servants to God, ye have your fruit unto
fholiness, and the everlasting life"
|Romans 6:22). The assurance comes as
:{p result of the washing of regeneration
and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
When Christians become aggravated
pith fear and doubt, it most likely comes
as a result of walking too far from the
Lord. When this happens, frustrations
|and temperaments flair up. All you need
do is backtrack— go back to Bethel— go
back to where you left the Lord. And
idon 't forget to erect an altar and make a
(sacrifice unto the Lord. This may involve
an increase of tithes and offerings, or the
j sacrifice of something dear and precious
to you. But you will be glad that you were
(willing and able to return to God and His
I love and protection.

Sometimes the pathway's easy;

Sometimes it's filled with pain.
But through it all I love Him

And praise His Holy Name.

FEEDING THE MULTITUDE

(John 6:5-14)
by

Mrs. Royce Matthews

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In the Bible story of Christ's feeding
the five thousand with five loaves and
two fishes, the list of words below are
familiar words used in the story. See if
you can locate each of these words and
circle them. Remember the words may

be spelled forwards, -backwards, ver-
tically, horizontally, or diagonally.

When you have circled all the words,
the last part of the verse (John 6:14) will
be left not circled along with six X's.
Good luck!

Andrew

lad

barley

little

baskets

loaves

bread

men

come

miracle

company

Peter

distributed

Philip

eat

prophet

eaten

remain

filled

Simon

fishes

sit

five

thousand

fragments

truth

gather

twelve

grass

sufficient

great

small

hundred

two

Jesus

unto

Linda Bray

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

it

MOST RECENT STATE
CONVENTION OFFICERS

Due to many requests we are printing the most
recent officers, board members, committee members, united
program, etc. of the North Carolina State Convention of Original
Free Will Baptists.

Officers

President, the Rev. Robert May; vice-president, the Rev.
Earl H. Glenn; recording secretary, Mr. Gary F. Barefoot;
assistant recording secretary, the Rev. J. B. Starnes;
treasurer, Mrs. Frank Walston.

Executive Committee

The Rev. Robert May, Route 4, Ahoskie, N. C. 27910; the
Rev. Earl H. Glenn, 3506 Patetown Road, Goldsboro, N. C.
27530; Mr. Gary F. Barefoot, 302 N. Church Street, Mount
Olive, N. C. 28365; the Rev. J. B. Starnes, Route 3, Box 123,
Newport, N. C. 28570; Mrs. Frank Walston, Route 2,
Walstonburg, N. C. 27888; the Rev. Floyd B. Cherry, P. 0. Box
337, Pine Level, N. C. 27569; the Rev. Leslie Hawley, Route 3,
Box 93-C, Kenly, N. C. 27542.

United Program

Education: February, July, and each fifth Sunday— Mount

Olive College, Mount Olive, N. C. 28365
Foreign Missions: January, March, and April— The Rev.

Joseph Ingram, P. 0. Box 979, Goldsboro, N. C. 27530
Home Missions and Church Extension: The Rev. Taylor Hill,

1207 Arsenal Avenue, Fayetteville, N. C. 28305
Children's Home: May and November— Free Will Baptist

Children's Home, Box E, Middlesex, N. C. 27557
Cragmont Assembly: June— Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box

298, Oriental, N. C. 28571
Promotional Work: August— Mrs. Frank Walston, Route 2,

Walstonburg, N. C. 27888
Retirement Homes: September— Mr. Sam Weeks, Free Will

Baptist Children's Home, Box E, Middlesex, N. C. 27557
Superannuation: October— The Rev. Walter Reynolds, Box

474, Ayden, N. C. 28513
State Sunday School Convention Porgram: The Rev. Adrian

Grubbs, Route 1 , Sims, N. C. 27880
Free Will Baptist Student Fellowship: December
State League Convention Program: Miss Leah McGlohon, Box

2, Winterville, N. C. 28590

(These are the enterprises sponsored by the North
Carolina State Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. Your
regular support of these enterprises will enable you to have a
part in the greatest endeavor on earth— the extension of the
kingdom of God.)

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

Children's Home Board: Mrs. William Dale, Billy Wayne
Dilday, A. C. Glover (1976); Mrs. E. C. Davenport, J. B.
Hardee, Reginald Styron (1977); Lynwood Cobb, Oscar
Webster, Mrs. Mildred Johnson Penny (1978); Curtis Jones,
Walter Sutton, M. E. Cox (1979).

Board of Superannuation: Daniel Barrow (1976), Clyde
Cox (1977), Wilbert Jones (1978), David Mayo (1979), J. B.
Starnes (1980).

Board of Foreign Missions: Norman Ard (1976), Clarence
F. Bowen (1977), Henry Armstrong (1978), J. Stewart
Humphrey (1979), Marvin Waters (1980).

Board of Home Missions and Church Extension: Noah
Brown (1976), C. L. Patrick (1977), Ray Wells (1978).
Grayson Spencer (1979), Taylor Hill (1980).

Representatives of Cragmont Assembly Stock: Harry
Grubbs (1976), N. Bruce Barrow (1977), Willis Wilson (1978).

Board of Trustees: David W. Hansley (1976), Felton ■
Godwin (1977), James A. Evans (1978).

Representative of Free Will Baptist Press Foundation:
William E. Futch.

Representative of Church Finance Association: Bobby
Bazen.

Historical Commission: Ralph Barnes (1976), L. E.
Ballard (1977), Gary Barefoot (1978).

Commission on Free Will Baptist Student Fellowships:,

Frank R. Harrison (1976), Buddy Sasser (1977), Harold!
Herring (1978).

Board of Trustees of Mount Olive College: Mrs. N. B. -
Barrow Sr., James B. Hunt Sr., Arthur Kennedy, Dr. Hervy B. .
Kornegay, Robert Whorton (1976); Robert Bynum, Garland I
Fulcher, Mrs. W. P. Kemp Sr., Harold "Mac" Wallace, Mrs.
Edwin Howard (1977); Ray Warrick, J. J. Grimsley, Harold!
Hardison, Miss Louise Edgerton, Raymond T. Sasser (1978);:
David N. Henderson, Lloyd Vernon, Leonard B. Woodall Jr.,
William McLawhorn, Thomas Strickland (1979); Nathan:
Garner, John N. Walker, Arnold 0. Jones, Marvin Edwards,!
Bizell Johnson (1980); Felton Godwin, Sam Bundy, J. C. Boyd,
Mrs. Eula Whitley, Fred Rivenbark (1981).

Chaplain's Commission: Sheldon Howard (1976), Dr.
Michael Pelt (1977), Adrian Grubbs (1978), L. B. Woodall Jr.
(1979), James V. Joyner (1980).

Layman's League Committee: Denver Mitchell (1976),
James Meeks (1977), J. M. Langley (1978).

Commission on Scouting: Buddy Sasser (1976), Mrs.
Dorothy Kennedy (1977), Scott Sowers (1978).

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

/eterans Day Services At Shady Grove Church

In observance of the nation's two
: 'hundredth birthday, the Spivey's Corner
;,: Bicentennial Committee sponsored
Veterans Day services in the area
' (churches on Sunday, October 26, 1975.
J j Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
'■Route 5, Dunn, participated in the event
J at the 11 o'clock worship hour by
ihonoring 24 veterans living in the church
S| community. On entering the church,
^ each veteran was presented a bicen-
tennial flag pen and then marched into
\Vne sanctuary as the organist sounded
IIJf' jthe "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The Rev. Cedric D. Pierce Jr., pastor,
'' | welcomed the veterans, after which
Peyton Lee sang, "It's Time for America
"fSl to Pray." A special tribute was paid the

veterans by Mrs. Lee Morton Jernigan as
she reviewed the origin and meaning of
Veterans Day in the various countries of
the world, followed by the choir anthem,
"God Bless America."

Mr. Pierce, in his message entitled,
"Lest We Forget," appealed to the
congregation to never forget what these
honored veterans did for America and,
most of all, what Christ did for everyone.
Each person was challenged as he sang
"Am I a Soldier of the Cross?"

The veterans honored were from left to
right, first row: Pfc. Jeff Wooten, C.
Nelson Stewart, Atlas Register, Carroll
Wooten, Percy Dudley, and Leslie
Strickland. Second row: Maj. William R.
Miles. William C. West, Hugh Lee,

Robert C. Willis, and Victor Jordan. Third
row: Richard Jackson, Gary Mack
Daughtry, Taylor Newton, Bruce Warren,
and Danny Jackson. Fourth row: Carl
Pernon Warren, Joe Wilson, H. Peyton
Lee, and William Sydney Blanton. Fifth
row: Sgt. Leslie Mark Godwin, Arthur P.
Butler, and Estel Brock.

Gift to Children's Home and
Mrs. Cox's Surprise Birthday

Recently Superintendent and Mrs.
Sam Weeks were presented a check for
$500 to be used by the Home by several
churches of the Piedmont District. The
presentation was made during a service
at the First Free Will Baptist Church of
Durham. Pictured above are Mrs. Maxine
Cox and Mr. and Mrs. Weeks as Mrs.
Cox is presenting the check.

On this occasion Mr. Weeks brought
the evening message which was followed
with a surprise birthday party in the
fellowship hall of the church for Mrs.
Cox, who is the wife of the pastor of the
church, the Rev. M. E. Cox. The event
was a joyous one for all who attended.

Elm Grove Weekend Revival

The Elm Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Ayden wishes to announce a
series of revival services beginning
January 9 thru January 11 time 7:30
p. m. Serving as guest speaker will be
the Rev. Marvin Waters, pastor of the
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church, assisted
by the pastor, the Rev. Gary Bailey.
Special music will be rendered each
night, with the Vanguard Brothers having
complete charge of the Sunday night
worship service. The public is cordially
invited to attend.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

1 1

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS£>)

THE SUNDAY ^
SCHOOL LESSON^

For January 18 ^^^F* "

GIVER OF LIFE
AND HEALTH

Lesson Text: Matthew 9:18-31
Memory Verse: Matthew 18:17

I. INTRODUCTION

Jesus is the Lord over life, health, and
death; therefore, He is the giver of life
and health and has control over death.
Through His ministry He gave many
people good health, gave sight to blinded
eyes, gave healing to crippled limbs, and
even raised some from the dead, a
notable example being Lazarus; but still
another example being the young maiden
in our lesson story today.

Jesus heals according to His will and
what is best for His children. Everybody
who is lame, blind, or sick will not be
healed; most will bear their suffering
until they die. Some say, "I prayed but
God did not heal me, yet He healed
another. What is wrong with God?"
Nothing is wrong with God, but much
could be wrong with us. Jesus does not
want to explain why He doesn't heal
someone because when He does it
means that our faith is void. He wants us
to trust in Him whatever the outcome
may be. If Jesus had to explain why He
did not do such and such we would never
learn to trust Him. Christians are unwise
when they complain about any act of
Jesus; it is much better to believe what
He is doing is best for us. We should
read Romans 8:28 everyday and say
"Thank you, Lord; I do believe."

When illness lingers and death comes,
as it will to all if Jesus tarries, let us go to
meet Him in faith. If healing comes and
death is delayed, let us find much time to
praise Him and be faithful in serving Him
as an expression of our gratitude.— The
Bible Teacher (F. W. B. )

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. There are those who say that
every miracle Jesus did can be done by
science today. One doubts this. Have you
heard of any miracles of raising the dead
to life that has been done by science?

B. Jesus raised the daughter of
Jairus from the dead, in the home. Could
this indicate that the best place to reach
children for Christ is in the home? In
fact, if they are not reached in the home,
they may not be reached at all.

C. How could Jesus know that the
woman touched the hem of His garment?
This seems to be an indication of just
how sensitive He really is to human
needs.

D. Note all three of the miracles in
today's lesson and you will see that faith
played a great part. God can work
miracles without us, but He will work a
miracle for us quicker if we show faith in
Him.

E. The fame of Jesus spread abroad.
Even those who had been healed, and
Jesus has asked to keep what had
happened a secret, disobeyed. Isn't it
strange that those who have been
blessed by Jesus would disobey?

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. How did Jesus do miracles? No
human power can stop a hemorrhage
without treatment, give life to the dead,
or open blind eyes with a mere touch.
How did Jesus do it?

Only one answer is possible. He did it
by the power of God. Those who do not
believe in God have no answer at all. That
is why some are driven to say that
Matthew did not write the truth. But
Matthew was there. He recorded what
happened. And if we believe in God, it is
not hard to believe the record.

Why did Jesus do those miracles? Part
of the answer has been given already: He

EMPLOYERS,

TAKE NOTICE!

Isn't it strange how unimportant a
man's job is when he asks for a raise,
and how important it is when he wants a
day off?

is loving and compassionate. But that is,-:
not all.

Jesus did miracles to lay a solid r
foundation for our faith. In them we can/
see that He worked with the power otj
God. We do not believe God entrusted His
power to a fraud and a liar, and therefore
we know that Jesus told the truth. Jesus
said He was the Christ, the Son of God.
(See Matthew 26:63-66.)

We can be sure of that. Paul reminded
the Corinthians that their faith did not
depend on the wisdom of men, but on the
power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). That
is true of our faith also. God's own power
assures us that Jesus is God's own Son,
and we believe it. Isn't it about time to j
give more attention to doing what He I
wants us to do?

Jesus' compassion and power are as j
strong today as when He was with us in
the flesh. If He does not work a miracle !
to meet our need, He may do something
better. If He does not call us back from
death, He mav lead us through it to j
endless life — Standard Lesson Com-
mentary

B. Have you ever considered the
influence of Christ upon Christians
concerning their attitude to sick people? :
Christianity is the only religion in?
the world that gives intelligent care to the I
sick, the feeble, the cripples, and the
insane. In some pagan lands sick people
are put aside to die, aged people are
brought to a wilderness place and leftJ
and others are afflicted with all manner of
useless medicinal witchcraft. Christians:
go all out to help to restore the sick andj
helpless to health and life. We are thej
way because Christ was that way.— C.
F. Bowen

C. Many years ago a suffering Jobj
observed that, though trouble did not:
come forth from the ground, nor affliction,
from the dust, yet he was convinced that;
man, who was born of woman, was born,
unto trouble, even as the sparks flyl
upward. We can appreciate the faith that
helped ancient Job through his time ol1
trial and be thankful that we serve a Lord;
who is interested in all of our needs and;
capable and willing to help us solve all olj
the problems which beset us. He is oui
life, and if we will continue to work in
harmony with Him, He will make life!
more enjoyable and productive.— The
Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
Scripture Reading— 1 Timothy 2 : S

SOMEONE PRAYED
be weary ones had rest, the sad had
joy

Itiat day. and wondered ' how? ' '
i plowman singing at his work had
prayed.

Lord, help them now. ' '

may in foreign lands, they wondered
how"

Their simple word had power.
A home, the gleaners, two or three

had met
To pray an hour.

7es. we are always wondering

•how?"
Because we dc not see
Someone, unknown perhaps, and far

away
On bended knee.

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Many times through the day people
>/ other countries pray for us. People
' will never know but who love us
md wish us well.

MONDAY. JANUARY 12
Scripture Reading— Job 23 : 10

^ IT NONE WIRE SICK. OR SAD
f none were sick, and none were sad.
What service could we render?
think if we were always glad
We scarcely could be tender:

our beloved never need
Our patient ministration.

would grow cold and miss in-
deed

Its greatest consolation.
Did sorrow never grieve our heart.
And even." wish were granted.
Patience would die. and hope depart :
Life would be disenchanted.

- s e . e :

:ed

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is strange that without trials and
tribulations we lose incentive and fail
to forge ahead. Adversity makes us
"'.ore alert and strengthens us.

TUESDAY. JANUARY IS
Scripture = dir. re s 1-

AN UNDERSTANDING SMTT.E ! ' '
It r.eeds so little sympathy

To cheer a weary way.
Sometimes a little kindliness

Lights up a dreary day :
A very simple . friendly word

May hope and strength impart.
Or ;us: an understanding sr." lie

Revive some fainting heart :
And. like a sudden sunlit ray.

Lighting a darkened room .
A sunny spirit may beguile

The deepest depths of gloom.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our moods can be affected by the
attitudes of those around us. By the
same token, we are able to create an
atmosphere of love or con-
temptuousness. Take care, it seems a
small matter but is of g^ect
-:zg de.

WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 14
Scripture Reading— Psalm 107 : 17

A FOOL LN ACTION
A prize essay, by a Georgia school
girl, had this telling statement:
Take one regular, natural-born fool,
add two or three drinks of liquor and
mix the two in a high-powered motor
car. After the fool is thoroughly
soaked, place his foot on the gas and
release the brakes. Remove the fool
from the wreckage. Place in a black,
satin-lined box. and garnish with
flowers. ' ' — United Presbyterian.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Unfortunely many of us may come
to an unsa\x>ry end. A little less in-
dulgence and a little more diligence
z-.z inze'.'.igence is '-:z:.:-ii

THURSDAY. JANUARY 15
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 10:26

THROUGH DEEP WATERS
One who was passing through deep
waters of affliction wrote to a friend :
"Is it not a glorious thing to know
that, no difference how unjust a thing
may be. or how absolutely it may
seem to be from Satan, bv the time it

'ISI '"THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

reaches us it is God's will for us. and
will work for good to us?'* For all
things work together for good to us
who love God. And even of the
betrayal. Christ said. The cup which
my Father gave me. shall I not drink
it?" We live charmed lives if we are
living in the center r: Gcd's ".sill. All
the attacks that Satan can hurl
against us. are not only powerless to
harm us. but are turned into blessings
on the way. — Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
We must fortify ourselves with
God's love and grace. Satan never
gives up. and it is only through God's
help that we shall emerge victorious.

FRIDAY. JANUARY 16
Scripture Reading— 1 rshua 1: 11

JUST TO BE TENDER
Just to be tender, just to be true.
Just to be glad the whole day through.
Just to be merciful, just to be mild.
Just to be trustful as a child :
Just to be gentle and kind and sweet.
Just to be helpful with willing feet.
Just to be cheery when things gc
wrong.

Just to drive sadness away with song.
Whether the hour is dark or bright.
Just to be loyal to God and right.
Just to believe that God knows best.
Just in His promise ever to rest
Just to let love be our daily key.
That is God's will for you and me.

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
God's love for us is an everlasting
story that is filled with tender com-
passion. Would that we might cover
ourselves with His cloak of care and
receive the blessings of His grace.

SATURDAY. JANUARY 17
Scripture Reading— l Chronicles
16:15

WORTH SHARING
A prominent man in the business
world expressed to a friend his keen
desire for something real in life.
■How about God?" asked his friend.
He is very real to some of us. "
"Well." was the reply, '"if He is.
why don't all of you begin to make
Him real to the rest of us? He can't be
very real to most Christians, or they
wouldn't succeed so well in keeping
Him out of all their conversation."
If our religion is worth anything at
(Continued on Pase 15 )

13

A MISPLACED HEART

by June R. Chapman

EFF glanced at the clock and
saw that he had thirty more
minutes of baby-sitting before Davy's
mother would be back. Mrs. Sharp had
brought him over and asked Jeff to keep
an eye on him while she and Jeff's
mother went to the supermarket.
However, Jeff had had no idea how much
mischief a five-year-old could get into in
such a short time.

Jeff knew that his sister was going to
be very angry when she saw what Davy
had done to her knitting. Jeff had been
looking at a magazine, and he forgot
about Davy for a moment. When he
looked up, he saw Davy unraveling the
yarn from one sleeve of the sweater. Jeff
yelled so loudly that the little boy was
startled and began to cry.

"I'm sorry I shouted at you," he told
Davy, "but you shouldn't touch things
that belong to other people."

"Is it yours?" Davy asked, rubbing
his hand over his tear-filled eyes.

"No, it's not mine. It's Pam's, and
she's going to be plenty angry when she
sees it."

' 'Will she yell at me?" Davy asked.

"No, she'll probably yell at me in-
stead," Jeff told him.

Jeff had succeeded very well in
keeping an eye on him since then. He
was glad when Davy was content to look
at a magazine. At least he was quiet and
not getting into trouble. "I like that," he
heard Davy say. Jeff looked down at the
picture.

"Is it water?" Davy asked.

"No, it's lemonade," Jeff informed
him.

"I'm thirsty. I want some lemonade."
"I don't have any lemonade," Jeff
told him.

"Well, may I have some soda pop?"
Davy begged.

"I guess so," Jeff said as he got up
and started for the kitchen, Davy
following him.

He had just finished pouring the drink
into a glass for Davy when the phone
rang.

Putting Davy in a chair at the table,
Jeff said, "You sit here and drink your
pop, and I'll be back in a minute."

It was his best friend on the phone,
and Jeff talked longer than he had in-
tended. Suddenly he thought of Davy in
the kitchen by himself.

"I've go to go, Bill, or I'll be sorry!"
he exclaimed and hung up without a
word of explanation to his friend.

Jeff was shocked as he stood in the
kitchen door and looked at Davy. The
child had opened a lower cabinet door,
taken out a box of cereal, and was
pouring it all over the floor.

"That does it!" he yelled. "I'm never
going to watch you again, even if your
mother offers me a million dollars!"

Jeff took the broom and dustpan and
swept up the mess. Then he saw by the
kitchen clock that he had ten more
minutes to go before the hour was up. He
certainly hoped that the women wouldn't
be gone any longer than that.

He took Davy into the den and gave
him a coloring book and crayons.

"See whether you can keep out of
trouble with these," he said half angrily.

"Are you angry at me?" Davy asked.

"Yes, I am," Jeff said in positive
tones. "You're not a baby, and you
should know better than to go to
somebody else's house and do such
things. It's not a nice thing to do, and
nobody will want you around if you keep
playing with things without permission."

"What's permission?" Davy asked,
giggling .

"That's when somebody says you
may do something."

When Davy began to color, Jeff wenfi
over to the bookcase to get a book he hadi
been reading. )

"I can write my name," he heard
Davy say.

"That's nice," Jeff responded
without bothering to look.

Jeff found his book. When he turned
around, he discovered that Davy could
indeed write his name. He had written it:
on the wall and was now busy trying to j
write it on Jeff's mother's new table.

As Jeff grabbed the crayons from |
Davy, he heard the front door open and
close, "Jeff!" he heard his mother call.
"We're back, and Mrs. Sharp said we;
should send Davy home right away."

Jeff breathed a sigh of relief. He'd be'
glad to send Davy next door, and the
sooner the better.

A few moments later, helping his!
mother put away the groceries, he told'
her of his baby-sitting experiences.

"I saw Mr. Sizemore at the store,";
his mother said, changing the subject. i
"He wanted to know whether you'd,
come over to the church and help,
him clean your room for Sunday mor-j
ning."

"Sure," Jeff agreed, "but why is he<
doing it?"

"Mr. Pace is ill this week," she<
explained.

Jeff hopped on his bike and was at the
church in less than five minutes. He
found the door open and went in. Wheni
he got to his classroom, he saw that Mr.
Sizemore hadn't come yet. Jeff did not)
want to waste any time, so he went for a
broom and dustcloth.

It sure does need sweeping, Jeffi
thought as he looked at the tiny pieces of)
paper scattered over the floor. It looks as
if Davy has been here with his cereal
box.

Then Jeff stopped in his tracks. He
remembered how those little pieces of
paper had come to be there. He had
laughed heartily when Bill had torn a:
sheet of paper into tiny pieces,
remarking, "It's snowing!" as he threw
them into the air.

It seemed to Jeff now that there
wasn't any difference between Bill's
behavior and Davy's. Jeff sweptthe paper
into a pile and resolved that he
would talk to Bill about it.

As Jeff began clearing the table, he
saw something that really opened his

9

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

;iyes. Could it be possible that he had
-ieen so thoughtless? He had been
leasing Bill for a long time about Tammy,
!nd there before his very eyes Jeff saw
jfie heart he had drawn on the table with
'Bill -4- Tammy" written in the middle,
t was true that there were other marks
n the table, but that was no excuse for
im to do such a thing. As he looked at
, he seemed to hear a little voice say, "I
an write my name."
Jeff had been so very angry with Davy
Dr the things he had done at his house,
ut he couldn't help thinking how
ispleased the Lord must have been
,'hen Bill and he did the same things in
od's house.

When Mr. Sizemore came, he was
urprised to see the room already
leaned and in order.

"I see you have accomplished a lot
lefore I got here, ' ' the teacher said .

"Yes, more than you'll ever know,"
eff said.

Even though his teacher looked
mzzled, Jeff knew that Mr. Sizemore
as a smart man, and in time he would
ealize just how much Jeff had really
Accomplished. — Selected

ST:

MR. AQUILLIA GRAY

The following is a memorial tribute to
i/lr. Aquilla Gray of Route 2, Snow Hill,
vho passed away November 17, 1975.
This tribute was written by his children.

God called our dad home and left our
nom behind. But she has God and seven
children to fill her heart. Dad was a very
special man and a devoted husband to
e! in is wife. He loved his children and cared
' jfor them. He was a poor man and worked
1 hard all his life. He never knew many of
1 \he comforts of modern living, but he had
something far better than riches and
Wi jmodern conveniences: he had love for
1 his fellowman and never saw a stranger.

There was always a smile on Dad's
j face and a friendly chat he shared with
] jeveryone he met. Even though he did not
go to church, he knew there was a God
above. He believed in Him, accepted
Him, and asked God to save his soul. We
believe God did this, for which we are
very thankful.

We children would not take anything
for the way Dad and Mom brought us up.
We all love you Daddy, and always will.

Church Auxiliaries

"STOCKINGS FOR
THE CHILDREN'S HOME"
CHRISTMAS TREE

One Sunday, December 21 , during the
morning worship service at Hickory
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church,
Ahoskie, the Sudie May Woman's
Auxiliary sponsored a "Stockings for the
Children's Home" Christmas tree.

At the beginning of the service, each
person in the congregation was given a
stocking. At the close of the service each
one was asked to come forward and hang
his stocking containing his offering on
the tree. This offering was later sent to
the Children's Home at Middlesex.

The Rev. Robert May is pastor of the
church. In the picture above with the
Christmas tree is Mr. Billy Wayne Dilday,
superintendent of the Sunday school and
chairman of the Children's Home Board.

ATTENTION, CAPE
FEAR WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS

As we begin the New Year, 1976,
many of our auxiliaries have elected a
slate of new officers. I am sure each
officer would like to do her best during
the year, and this is the way it should be.
However, many times these officers are
unable to do their best because of the
lack of proper information.

In order that I may serve you better as
president of the Cape Fear Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, I am asking that
each local auxiliary president send me a
copy of the names with addresses of
each officer in her auxiliary. Please send
these as soon as possible.

May God bless you as you serve Him,
is my prayer.

In His service,
Mary Lou Jackson
1010 Raleigh Road
Clinton, N. C. 28328

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 13)
all, it is worth sharing with others.
— Prairie Overcomer

PRAYER THOUGHT
// God plays the role in our lives
that He should we shall have no dif-
ficulty sharing Him with others. His
presence will be among us at all
times. We cannot overlook someone
who is always near and dear to us.

(Devotions used by permission,
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

TO WHOM IT MAY
CONCERN

I was asked to audit the books
for the Missions and Church
Extension Department of Original
Free Will Baptists of North
Carolina. To the best ot my
knowledge I found the books to be
accurate and in balance for the
fiscal year, July 1, 1974— June
30, 1975.

Jack Mayo

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE FREE WILL
BAPTIST MIDYEAR
SPIRITUAL LIFE
CONFERENCE
The Free Will Baptist Midyear Spiritual
Life Conference will be held January 16
at Kings Restaurant, Kinston, North
Carolina, at 6:30 p. m. The Honorable
Arnold Jones, judge, and member of the
Stony Creek church near Goldsboro, will
be the featured speaker. Special music
will be rendered by the youth choir of
Holly Springs church, Newport.

CLEAN THE CHIMNEY,
THE SLATE, OR THE LIFE?

(Continued from Page 2)
His help serious resolutions can be
kept. We trust that you rang in the
New Year with a keener con-
sciousness of the Lord, in the hope
that all things will reorder them-
selves. A cleaner life will make a
cleaner world. Is there any greater-
need?

Clean the chimney, and the fire
will draw better. Clean the slate, and
the writing will be more easily read.
Clean the life, and it will be more
easily lived for the Lord— especially if
He is allowed to clean it for you ....

15

LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, M. C.

COM

27703

GRAHAM

The two books, "Angels" by
Graham and "Bloom Where Yoi
are Planted" by Joyce Procto
Beaman, sell for $4.95 each. These
may be purchased from—

BLOOM

E
D

The Ayden Bible and Bookstore,
811 North Lee Street, Ayden, or
any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson.

JoyCE

PROCT{

OR

BEAM

AN

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

KE UNIVERSITY LIBRA!
JAN 14 1976

DURHAM, N. &

Release for which the soul yearns and the heart
cries : A Peon's Plea.

the free Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1976

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert,

A PEON'S PLEA

A peon is usually considered to be a person of lowly estate, and formerly was the
name given to one bound in servitude or who was compelled to work for a period of
time until some indebtedness was liquidated. The peon in the poem below ascribes to
himself the title— willingly— and in this accord seeks servitude rather than having it
imposed upon him. The real message in his plea is that of desired enlightenment and
self-improvement.

Lord, let me bring some little light to every dark and dreary night;

Help me rejoice when I can give some love and joy each day I live.
Make me to see a better way to lead my brother day by day,

And make me strong to climb the hill but weak enough to need thee still.

Lord, help me weigh the right and wrong and ever travel with a song;

Yet grant that I shall bear the toll of pains that scar my inner soul,
And set for me some major test to help me merit given rest;

And if at times I fail to call, please hold me fast lest I should fall.

Lord, chasten well my sinful deeds, that I may fall upon my knees
In sorrow for the selfish pride that keeps me from thy blessed side;

Then give my heart an added thrill when I've stayed steadfast in thy will;
And lift me gently from despair that I may know that thou dost care.

Lord, help me look without, within; reveal to me the secret sin
Which thou dost know is in my heart; then help me find a better part

That tempers well this soul of mine; and make me fit— more wholly thine.
And give me, Lord, a courage new to do the things thou 'st have me to.

Lord, listen well— this peon's plea does beg release inside of me;

I know not how, or where, or why; but thou canst hear my humble cry.
I want to live a godly life— but not completely free of strife —

For growth in thee I do aspire: This is my aim — my sole desire.

Lord, give me grace to stand behind, to follow slowly in the line
Of those who've worked and earned their place with fervent zeal to see thy
face:

And as for me: Just let it be that I can have some sign from thee;
And when at last at set of sun, reward me with, "My child, well done!"

What greater reward can any person have than commendation from his
master— and in this case the Master of masters? Perhaps each of us needs to become
a peon for God. Only when one commits himself totally and in humble submission to
the will of his Father does he realize the spiritual release for which the soul yearns
and the heart cries.

There is honor in service— and fulfillment. And only when one realizes his
humanness and utter dependence upon his Maker and strives to live a consecrated
life for Him can he attain beneficial spiritual enrichment.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JANUARY 1 4, 197b
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconc
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mu!
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four year:
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discouri
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and aq
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute'
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refle^
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eaa
article is given the person whose name appearJ
under the title or to the person submitting sai;
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 15£
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m —
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. mi
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a. rr
— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manninc
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistar
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassei
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarl
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

PET'S begin with a story.
4)oe was born into a "good" family,
ft parents were regular church
ismbers, always taking Joe to church,
i6 always concerned about his welfare,
h parents' efforts payed off and Joe
j3w up to be a "good" boy.

Church was OK for Joe. He was
I cher for the church softball team and
liny of his school friends were in the
4me church.

( When Joe was about 14, his church
Id a revival. As usual, Joe's parents
liade sure he was there. Coming to the
Irvice the last night, Joe heard several
[ his friends talking about joining the
inurch.

I For the first time that week, Joe
iecided he would listen to the preacher,
[he sermon was about Jesus and the
i rgiveness of sins. Joe had heard all
lis before in Sunday school, but
somehow tonight seemed to bother him.
j e wasn't sure if he understood how he
lilt or what he should do about it, so he
\ st tried to not think about it.

: j When the invitation was given, Joe
J oked to see what his friends were going
jji do. One girl, who had seemed really
jprious about the whole thing all week,
lent up. Then, almost all at once,
javeral of Joe's friends walked the aisle
j^id that settled it. Joe went too.

He still wasn't sure about the funny
fleling he had but he knew he must be
||oing the right thing. As he shook the
Treacher's hand he was told, "You're
i foing the right thing son." Before he
< new it, the service was over and
;veryone was shaking his hand, telling
im how glad they were for him. His
parents were happy and that too pleased
oe.

The next Sunday night the pastor read
jo Joe and his friends something called
[he Statement of Faith and Discipline.

Joe was impressed by all the big words it
jlontained, although he wasn't sure what
ihey all meant. Then, one by one, Joe
ind his friends were baptized. Joe still
lid not understand it all but he felt
satisfied that the pastor was taking care
pf everything.

I Finally Joe graduated from high
school. Like other normal boys he had
oroblems, but basically he was a good
ooy. He got a good job in the community,
jTiarried, and had three lovely children.

Along with being a respectable
nember of his community, Joe was
considered a good church member. He

took his children to church, paid his
tithe, and did his share of the work. He
even held several offices in the church.

Sometimes, when he heard a sermon
or Sunday school lesson on the death of
Christ or sin he would feel a little un-
comfortable. But he just shrugged it
off— after all no one understands it all.

Finally, after a long and good life, Joe
died.

But you see, this "good" story has a
sad ending— for Joe went to hell. He had
never been saved— he was not a
Christian.

Is this story painful to think about? It
should be for all of us. Maybe we can

HOW

DO

THEY
GET

IN?

(Part I)
by Calvin Mercer Jr.

find comfort in the fact that this is not a
true story. Yet perhaps that comfort
disappears when we realize that maybe
Joe is typical of hundreds, maybe
thousands of "good" church members.

I hope the story of Joe will make us
aware of the problem, but perhaps some
history will help. The more I study
church history, the more I am convinced
that it can speak to many of the current
problems we face in our churches. As we
dabble in this bit of history, let's
remember that we are trying to shed light
on what may be a problem in many local
churches.

For our history lesson, let's start with
the Early Church. After Christ died for
man's sins and ascended back into

heaven, committed believers took the
message of Christ throughout the Roman
Empire. But it did not go unhindered, for
the early Christians were violently
persecuted for their faith in Christ.
Stephen in Acts, Chapters 6 and 7, was
one of the first of many Christian martyrs
(those killed for their faith).

Because of the fierce persecution and
unpopularity of the Christian message, a
person became a part of the earthly
church only because he had truly
believed in his heart. For the most part,
this early fellowship was made up of
born-again believers.

The years passed, the message of
Christ was faithfully proclaimed in the
midst of persecution, and the number of
Christians grew and grew. As the
number of Christians in the Roman
Empire increased, certain changes took
place. We will skip names, dates, and
places, concentrating on the important
trends.

Some important Roman officials were
said to have become Christians. Before,
it had been very unpopular, even a
crime, to be a Christian. Now, almost
suddenly it seemed, becoming a
Christian was the popular thing, the
"in" thing to do. And because many
government leaders were "professed"
Christians, it was good business and the
socially accepted thing to "join the
church."

And so a church that a few hundred
years earlier was filled with true
believers, intent on worshiping God and
serving Him, became filled with
members who were there for every
reason but the right one. They knew little
about the Bible and even less about what
salvation was.

Can we learn from this bit of history? I
think so.

Many things stand in the way of men
accepting the salvation God of-
fers—money, pride, good times, hard-
ness of heart. But God forbid that
church membership should give anyone
false security, keeping him from a saving
knowledge of Christ.

Could it be that some church members
have never been born again?

Many may disagree over how big a
problem this is, and some may deny the
problem exists. But to those who see a
problem, and desire to correct it,
however severe it may be, we will offer
several simple and practical suggestions
next week in Pail II.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

DANIEL F. PELT SR

A Tribute Delivered by His Brother, Michael Pelt,
at the Dedication of the Daniel F. Pelt Classroom
in the Henderson Building at Mount Olive College,
December 14, 1975

ANIEL Frederick Pelt was born
in Jackson County, Florida, on March
29, 1 909, the second son of Cary Joseph
Pelt and Georgia Sellers Pelt. Along with
other children in the family he attended
the public schools of Jackson County and
did his share of work on the family farm
when school was not in session. When
the plowing and harvesting did not
require their time, he and his brothers
were kept busy doing other jobs like
cutting trees for lumber and firewood.
Thus, Daniel learned early in life how to
work hard in order to help keep a large
family going.

Before finishing high school he and his
older brother dropped out to help on the
family farm. Throughout his life he con-
tinued to believe in the dignity of work
and found it difficult to understand how
anyone else could fail to look upon
honest labor in the same way. Although
he lived to enjoy a few years of
semiretirement, he never stopped doing
things with his hands, such as tending a
garden and taking care of the chores
around his home.

In his earliest years the most formative
influences upon him were probably his
home life and the rural environment in
which he grew up. Aside from his
parents his paternal grandmother, who
lived in the home, made a lasting im-
pression on him. Her faith in God helped
to make him more conscious of a divine
purpose in human affairs that include
young Daniels in every age.

Call to the Ministry and Education

When Daniel was converted, he
became a member of Marvin Chapel Free

Will Baptist Church near Marianna,
Florida, during the pastorate of the late
Rev. Henry Melvin. Not long afterwards
at the age of twenty he answered the call
to the ministry. That same year he
married Ruby Carroll, who was to share
so much of his life for the next forty-five
years.

Sensing the need for further education
he enrolled at Zion Bible School near
Blakely, Georgia, and studied for two
years under the Rev. T. B. Mellette while
serving as pastor of rural Free Will
Baptist churches. After the birth of their
first son, Roland, and a daughter,
Ramona, they moved to a home near
Dothan, Alabama, which Ruby had
inherited; and Daniel continued serving
as pastor of churches in that area. When
the family had increased to five by the
birth of a second son, Daniel Jr., they
decided to sell their home and move to
Eufaula, Alabama, to accept a pastorate.
From there they went to Abbeville,
Alabama, and thence back to Jackson
County to occupy a house on the farm
where Daniel's father and other members
of the Pelt family lived.

By now Daniel was determined to
complete high school in order to prepare
for college. He was twenty-nine years of
age when he enrolled at Marianna High
School to earn the required units for
graduation. A year later he was
awarded his high school diploma.

The Pelts would have to move yet
another time before Daniel and Ruby
could enter college. This time they
moved to Troy, Alabama, where they
both enrolled at Troy State Teachers

College while Daniel continued h!
pastoral work on weekends at churcfl
in Southeast Alabama. Two years lat
they both obtained teachers certificati
and began a distinguished career
teaching in the public schools of Jacksd
County, Florida. Meanwhile Dani
continued his college work during tf
summers and received his B. S. degn'
at the age of forty. In due time, Ruby wi
able to complete a degree in the sarri
manner. Their three children ah1
received their undergraduate educatki
at Troy, which by that time had becorrf
an educational mecca for the Pelts.

Pastor

Although Daniel and Ruby bought j
farm in Jackson County on which thd
settled for the remainder of his life, I*
continued to serve as pastor of churchy
in the tri-state of* North Florida
Southeast Alabama, and Southwei
Georgia during a period when few Fre
Will Baptist churches in that area coul
afford resident, full-time pastors.

He was well respected by botj
ministers and laymen ' in hi
denomination, having served a
moderator of local associations as well a
moderator of the Florida Stat;
Association. He was known for hi
leadership in church building program
and for his ministry to hundreds (
families in crisis situations. He als
conducted scores of revivals bi
probably brought more people to Chris
and into the church through his paston
labors. In 1950 he was honored by Th
Progressive Farmer as "Florida's Rur;
Minister of the Year."

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

fjacher

sAlong with his pastoral work Daniel
tjjoyed his teaching career. In fact, his
jjent for teaching was a great asset in
Ife ministry. But he also loved to act as a
Italyst in the public school classroom
\here he rubbed shoulders with
tenagers for over twenty years.
(He worked hard at the task of relating
ijthese young people, most of them from
[ral backgrounds, skillfully prodding
pm to drink at the fountain of
lowledge in his usually relaxed
Inner. His use of humor and his ability
I uncover the simple but profound
waning in any perplexing situation
uant that his advice and counsel were
lued by his students. The same gifts
abled him to help people of all ages,
eluding his relatives and closest
ends.

For a number of years Mr. Pelt was the
iter of The Advanced Sunday School
arterly which is now being written by
e Rev. Clarence F. Bowen.
Daniel was a clear thinker with
icided views on a broad range of
sues. If he felt that a companion was
terested, he would share his thoughts
if he wanted to test them against other
SJ inds. If an idea was worth thinking
Dout, he believed it was worth sharing
ith someone else. That was another
dication of his gifts as a teacher.
He was a tough-minded person, yet
is heart was warm and tender. That was
ie paradox of his nature. Those who
new him well felt the warmth of his
(jersonality, but they also knew
pmething of his mental powers and they
inspected him for that. There is an
lldmonition in the teaching of Jesus that
iescribes the paradox of his tough-
pindedness and his tender heart: ". . .
Ipe ye therefore wise as serpents, and
jiarmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

Father

Just how happy he was in his
Ihildhood, I am not able to say, for he
fvas 22 years older than I; nevertheless,
Jill who knew Daniel knew his love for
Ihildren— his own as well as others. His
grandchildren, his nephews and nieces,
'and the children of his parishioners, all
elt his affection and genuinely enjoyed
;he favors he showed, as well as his
teasing manner. He knew they would
;soon grow up, but he wanted them to
remember some special moments of
childhood, some simple joys that they

lyi

would cherish in later years— like
swimming in the creek behind Merritt's
Mill or fishing in his farm pond or just
sitting down to a treat with his grand-
children on what he cheerfully called
"store day."

Churchman

Daniel loved the church: the
denomination which gave him so many
opportunities for service to others. He
was troubled by the divisive spirit which
rent the denomination in the early sixties,
having worked faithfully to build local
churches and to develop a cooperative
spirit among them. He felt an affinity with
Free WifT Baptists throughout the
southeast, having attended at least one
session of the earlier General Conference
which met at Black Jack church in Pitt
County, North Carolina, prior to the
organization of the National Association
of Free Will Baptists in 1935. He also
tried to be a part of the National
Association, but found it increasingly
difficult when the issues demanded that
men decide just where they stand.

Because of his interest in Christian-
higher education and because of his
leadership among Free Will Baptists in
the area where he lived, Daniel was

elected to the Board of Trustees of Mount
Olive College in 1959. While serving in
this capacity and afterwards he en-
couraged generous support for the
College. His own generosity was mainly
expressed through a $10,000 bequest
underwritten by an insurance program.

Memorial

In appreiation of this bequest and his
faithful support of the college, the board
of trustees has approved the naming of a
classroom in his honor. This classroom
in the Henderson Building was chosen
because it serves mainly the instructional
program in religion at Mount Olive
College. Students and teachers who use
this classroom will henceforth be
reminded that it is dedicated to the
memory of a man who knew the im-
portance of higher education and showed
great determination in the struggle to
attend college while carrying heavy
responsibilities as a husband and father
as well as a pastor of rural
congregations.

If others are inspired to follow his
example of combining serious study and
Christian service, the Free Will Baptist
Church will not lack capable leaders in
the coming generations.

A memorial to the late Rev. Daniel F. Pelt Sr. of Grant Ridge, Florida, was
dedicated at Mount Olive College December 15. Participants in the service are
shown with a portrait of Mr. Pelt which will be placed in the Free Will Baptist
Historical Room.

Left to right: The Rev. F. B. Cherry of Pine Level, a life-long friend of the
Pelt family; Dr. Michael R. Pelt, brother of Daniel and chairman of the
Department of Religion at Mount Olive College; Mrs. Daniel F. Pelt; Mr.
Pelt's daughter-in-law and son, Dr. and Mrs. Roland Pelt of Chappaqua, New
York. Also participating in the dedicatory service but not shown were
President W. Burkette Raper, Chaplain Frank Harrison, and Professor
Sheldon Howard, all of Mount Olive College.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

FREEWILL BAPTISTS
OF MY DAY

A NEW CHALLENGE AND GATHERING CLOUDS

(Part Twenty-Three)
by Loy Everette Ballard

<zl ROM the time it was organized
in 1940, the North Carolina Free
Will Baptist Sunday School Convention
had as one of its principle objectives the
employment of a field promotional
secretary to visit schools, organize new
schools, and in general promote the
improvement of Sunday schools
throughout the state. The second year of
its existence, Mrs. Ballard was chosen
as field secretary on the basis of devoting
some of her spare time to visiting Sunday
schools, with only her expenses
guaranteed by the convention, and the
suggestion that the schools visited take
an offering for her. She visited a number
of schools, was well received, and
received some small offerings. But other
claims on her time caused her to resign
after a few months. The idea of a field
worker was not given up, however, and
the schools were encouraged to con-
tribute to a fund to be used for field
work.

The executive board of the convention
met soon after I relinquished my position
at the Free Will Baptist Press in 1953,
and it was decided that a sufficient fund
had accumulated to justify beginning
field work on a part-time basis, and I was
asked to take the office. After praying
over it, I became satisfied that it would
be in the will of the Lord for me to accept
the call; and a vote in the convention
meeting a few days later, approved the
action of the board.

I had always been a Sunday school
enthusiast, partly, I suppose, because
my father had been an active Sunday
school promoter a large part of his life;
and, I was definitely challenged by this
new opportunity for ministry. However, I
did not dream at the time that I was
entering upon a field of Christian service
which would occupy a big part of my time
for more than twenty-two years.

The first project undertaken by the
newly established field work department
was the planning and directing of youth
conferences. Up to this time there had
been no regularly convention-sponsored
annual youth conferences at the
assembly, though ours and other
conventions had cooperated in con-
ferences sponsored by the assembly
itself.

We enlisted three groups of young
people to go to Cragmont during the
summer of 1953: two in June and one in
August. The June conferences were
called "The General Youth Conference"
in two divisions; while the August
conference was given the name "Young
People's Bible Conference." "The
General Youth Conferences" have been
held each year since under the same
name as the first youth conference of the
season, and the "Young People's Bible
Conference" has continued annually as
the final youth conference of each
season. For the first several years I
directed both the conferences, plus a
number of youth conferences for par-
ticular areas, and I have been associated
with the conferences most of the time
over the years as registrar and an in-
structor.

In addition to the Cragmont work, my
responsibilities have been to promote
and conduct Sunday school institutes
and workshops throughout the state,
prepare and publish the "Sunday School
Reporter" and other items of promotional
literature, act as coordinator for the
annual meeting, represent the Sunday
School Convention in general
denominational bodies, and in general
supervise the work of the convention
between sessions subject to the
president and executive board. At the
same time, I have regularly pastored
churches on a part-time basis. In all, I

have enjoyed a most pleasing experienj
in the work of the Lord, about why
there will be more later.

During the 1950s, differences i
tween some of the agencies of tjfl
National Association and the Nor
Carolina State Convention began to thrc
shadows on the relationship. One matt
of controversy which had arisen fro]
time to time was the matter
literature— especially for the Sund;
schools. There had been an agreement !
early years of the National Association I
which the Free Will Baptist Press w<j
recognized as the source for the supp
of Sunday school literature for the enti
denomination; but around the middle
the 1950s, the National Sunday Scho
Board began making plans for providin
some of the literature from other source|
In 1958, the North Carolina Sta'
Convention registered a complahi
against this with the Executive Board i
the National Association, and
somewhat shaky compromise wa
worked out. Also about this same tim
there began to arise some difference1
among some of the ministers, churche;
and conferences in North Carolina ir:
volving relationship among them, an1
also involving relationship with thj
National Association. It was believed <!
the time, by some of the people in Norf
Carolina, that much of the confusion anc
misunderstanding came about becaus:
of differences in opinions regarding thi
educational philosophy of Mount Oliv
College and jealousies between ad
vocates of our two colleges— the Bibb
College in Nashville and Mount Oliv
College. However, the Executiv
Committee of the National Associate
issued a special statement strongl]
denying that this had influenced i
anyway the actions of the Nation?:
Association.

It was during this time that our soi
Jerry graduated from Columbia Bibl
College, Columbia, South Carolina, an^
was soon thereafter asked to work wit
the National Foreign Mission Board a<
Director of Publications and Com
munications. We gave our approval, bi
with some slight reservations, becaus
we had a growing fear that friction migh
arise between the organizations witl
which we were associated and th
National Association agencies.

Matters began to reach a dangerou
situation when the Western Conference
undertook to settle a dispute in t hi

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

luJjgemont church in Durham, North
arolina, between the Rev. Ronald
ej^ceech, pastor of the church, and a
inority group in the church. The
J )nterence took sides with the minority
o^j roup in the church, and this brought
to focus a question which had
isturbed the relationship of various
roups of Free Will Baptists in prior
Bars— the question of what authority, if
ny, conferences and associations have
verthe churches composing them.
It is not my intention in these articles
express opinions regarding
enominational disputes. I am simply
tating what, in my opinion, was back of
le clouds that darkened the skies of our
enominational fellowship for a number
f years; and finally, caused a rupture in
he unity of Free Will Baptists in 1961-
i2.

(Next: The Parting of the Ways)

ie tii

a

a

The Unmitigated

TRUTH

by the Rev. R. P. Harris
Scriptural basis: "Now when they
iard this, they were pricked in their
art, and said unto Peter and to the rest
the apostles, Men and brethren, what
{nail we do?" (Acts 2:37).

AN ENCOUNTER
WITH
PINS AND NEEDLES
The person who hears the Word of God
jan never be the same again. To be
ricked in the heart is no small matter,
he source of convicting power cannot
ipe denied or ignored. Peter's message
;ii ifvas not full of eloquence nor was it a fine
roup display of language; however, the hearts
edipf the people were pricked because the
ill power of Peter's message lay in the
truthfulness of the speaker, his evident
ifstjaith, and the assent of the witnessing
Bill brethren. But the real cause was
at because God's Holy Spirit was with the
rtj/Vord of God as it was proclaimed by
rd < Peter in the message.
Co The heart is the germ or the center
jjupon which a response can be
aus Iregistered . It is the seat of the affections,
nijljthe compassions, and the instrument
(God provides every human with so that
I He may supply them with wisdom and
Jknowledge. It is to be distinguished from
roiijthe seat of the intellect and the will. An
encounter with pins and needles may be

(Continued on Page 15)

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR NOVEMBER, 1975
Albemarle Conference

Cape Colony Mission

$ 50.85

Corinth

40.00

Gum Neck

40.00

Hickory Chapel

618.00

Malachi's Chapel

154.25

Mt. Tabor

160.00

Mt. Zion

88.00

Union Meeting

18.85

Piney Grove

50.00

Shiloh

20.00

Sidney

55.00

Sound Side

55.55

Trinity

185.00

Union Chapel

430.19

Total

$ 1,965.69

Blue Ridge Association

Cedar Hill $ 21.00

Cape Fear Conference

Bethel $ 25.00

Casey's Chapel 191.29

Faith 150.00

Goldsboro, First 755.00

Hopewell 112.35

Johnston Union 12.00

Lanwood Chapel 50.00

Lee's Chapel 700.00

Oak Grove 324.00

Powhatan 150.00

Riverside 140.00

St. Mary's Grove 5.00

Shady Grove 25.00

Smithfield, First 25.00

Tee's Chapel 701.64

Victory Mission 20.00

Wooten's Chapel 219.75

Total $ 3,606.03

Central Conference

Aspen Grove $ 243.00

Ayden 421.27

Bethany 33.47

Blackjack 86.70

Community 3.00

Daniels Chapel 604.00

Dilda's Grove 25.00

Edgewood 105.00

Free Union

570.00

Friendship

71.43

Greenville, First

210.00

Grimsley

340.12

Gum Swamp

452.00

Harrell's Chapel

25.00

Hickory Grove

222.01

Howell Swamp

100.00

Hull Road

20.00

King's Cross Road

1,675.76

Little Creek

55.00

Central Conference

110.66

Old Saint's Delight

105.00

Ormondsville

335.00

Otter's Creek

296.17

Owen's Chapel

676.34

Peace

57.48

Piney Grove (Beaufort)

328.75

Pleasant Hill

150.00

Rocky Mount, First

50.00

Rose of Sharon

595.00

Spring Branch

300.00

Sweet Gum Grove

255.00

Watery Branch

115.00

Williamston

61.67

Winterville

221.38

Total

$ 8,920.21

Eastern Conference

Bethlehem

$ 25.00

Beulaville

157.30

Bridgeton

286.71

British Chapel

180.00

Christian Chapel

300.00

Core Creek

91.60

Crab Point

38.00

Croatan

100.00

Davis

100.00

Deep Run

220.66

Dublin Grove

384.78

Faith

5.00

Folkstone

150.40

Friendship

35.54

Gray Branch

426.46

Hillsberry

70.00

Indian Springs

115.00

Juniper Chapel

38.28

Kinston, First

371.16

Lanier's Chapel

100.00

(Continued on Page 15)

! THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Question: Could a person be a
Christian and not show any evidence to
indicate he is growing in the grace and
knowledge of Christ?

Answer: This is probably possible but,
I think, not likely. As a rule one who is
saved wants to help others to find Christ
and will manifest this desire in one way
or another, and possibly in several
ways. However, when such a person
finds no sympathy for his feelings and
newly acquired enthusiasm from those
he would naturally expect it, but rather
coldness and indifference and possibly
criticism, such an attitude on the part of
those in whom he has had confidence
will tend to dampen his spirit and may,
so to speak, drive him into a shell of
indifference, making way for Satan in his
wiles to do him great damage. Remember
that Satan not only appears to a new
Christian as a roaring lion or a ravening
wolf, but also as an angel of light. What
more could be done to drive a convert, a
babe in Christ, with such enthusiasm
into the arms of the first enthusiastic
false religious teacher and his hell in-
spired doctrine?

I often wonder how many false
religious teachers may be where they are
and doing as they do to propagate a
satanic doctrine of some false religion
who once were brought into the light by a
correctly propagated gospel message,
but because of the lack of interest and
help on the part of some well-meaning,
but lazy Christians, the new life in Christ
was not nurtured by the correct guidance
in spiritual things that appealed to it and
that it was starving for?

Christ in the parable of the seed and
the soil said of the seed, "... other fell
into good ground, and brought forth
fruit, some an hundredfold, some
sixtyfold, some thirtyfold" (Matthew
13:8). Reading the whole parable causes
one to see that the good ground is that
which has been correctly prepared.

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Anyone who has been successful in
preparing land to plant so that it yields
well has of necessity in his tilling
removed hindering obstacles. I once
rented a plot of ground that the owner
told me was practically covered in briars.
I had cultivated land before that had briar
patches, but they were not so bad once I
was able with the limited equipment I
had to subdue the briars in breaking the
land and keeping them under all the
growing season. Therefore, a good crop
was produced in the briar patch— even
better than in other parts of the field. But
in the case of the whole field of briars, !
was not able to correctly prepare the land
and was therefore unable to cultivate it
properly. The result was a poor yield.

I also have had experience with rocky
land and about the same was true of it
until I got the correct equipment,
removed the rocks, made a deep seed
bed, and cultivated the plants. Then I
received good yield. The thorny land on
which I made next to a failure- had
yielded fairly well for the owner who
knew better how to cope with the
problem. Later the owner obtained better
equipment, got completely rid of the
thorns, and did well in the place where
he received his former ordinary yield.

The Bible tells us, "Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy
2:15); "... I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the
Greek" (Romans 1:16); ". . . the word
of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joint and
marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart"
(Hebrews 4:12); ". . . the preaching of
the cross is to them that perish

foolishness; but unto us which are saveo
it is the power of God. . . . For after tha^1
in the wisdom of God the world b^j
wisdom knew not God, it pleased God m
the foolishness of preaching to save them
that believe" (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21);
". . . his delight is in the law of the
LORD; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night" (Psalm 1:2); "Preach
the word; be instant in season, out o
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort will al:
longsuffering and doctrine. For the timet
will come when they will not endurei
sound doctrine; but after their own lust?!
shall they heap to themselves teachers*
having itching ears; And they shall turn
away their ears from the truth, and shalj
be turned unto fables. But watch thou ir
all things, endure afflictions, do the worl-j
of an evanglist, make full proof of thy
ministry" (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

To read the Bible and mediate day am
night on its contents means to turn frorl
the worldly and fleshly iusts. This mean;
that one begins to obey God's in'
structions, and in this, a Christian
becomes fitted and better equipped 1
meet with and cope with all the evils h:
must of necessity encounter while her!
on the earth. The following verses tei
how to carry the parable further I
preparing the heart, which is the soil !■
this case for the seed, the Word of Godf
"... thus saith the LORD to the men |
Judah and Jerusalem, Break up you!
fallow ground, and sow not amon'
thorns" (Jeremiah 4:3); "Sow II
yourselves in righteousness, reap i
mercy; break up your fallow ground: fo
it is time to seek the LORD, till he comi
and rain righteousness upon you'i
(Hosea 10:12).

Jesus tells why those having heari
symbolized by the stone and bria^
cannot appropriate the gospel pe;
sonally: "... he that received the see
into stony places, the same, is he th,
heareth the word, and anon with jc
receiveth it; Yet hath he not root
himself, but dureth for a while: for whe
tribulation or persecution arisen
because of the word, by and by he
offended. He also that received see
among the thorns is he that heareth tr
word; and the care of this world, and tl
deceitfulness of riches, choke the won
and he becometh unfruitful" (Matthe
13:20-22). There is not sufficient root
the stony hearts, though there is 1
enthusiasm. The word is a hammer and
fire that when rightly applied breaks tl

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTK

*«;■'. jck, allowing place for substantial
Rioting. "Is not my word like as a fire?
i bmith the LORD; and like a hammer that
od ^eaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah
H}:29). One might read several chapters
2l| this section of Jeremiah to note the
;! li; image false religions and their teachers
ay cause to those not versed in the
f* briptures sufficiently to rightly divide or
'it jterpret the Word of God.

The "word," as the Bible well in-
cates, is sufficient to meet and defeat
rery evil purpose of evildoers including
ose who wrongly interpret or divide the
ord of truth but must have the way
eared with a correct application of the
slityspel of Christ. God did not force the
uth upon Pharaoh while he constantly
wferdened his heart against God's truth;
Hl|jt in spite of Pharaoh's continuous
ardening of his heart, an unnumbered
yan ixed racial multitude was sufficiently
jnvinced that Jehovah was the only true
eariSod that they left with Israel, turning
ileir backs upon the richest land known
stijlr the poverty-stricken wilderness en
dilute to God's Promised Land,
si In the ordeal manifested in this exodus
ne||om Egypt to Canaan, the land of milk
ijpd honey, when the spies went in to see
fi 'hat the situation really was, when they
soil eturned, all of them agreed that it was
Got /hat God represented it to be. But ten of
01 }iem gave a bad report, saying that they
yu ould not take it for they would be
moii) verpowered and outnumbered, and in
h pis way they proved they had not grown
jpji faith and grace though they had
d:i liraculous cause to do so. But on the
con^jjontrary , two stalwart saints of God that
you pt these hardships and the miraculous
jjeliverance from them and from the evil,
iearjaused Joshua and Caleb to say, "We
j,nJ- re well able to take the land for our God
p(B with us."

J Is He with you? Can He enable you to
jjight the hard battles experience in the
^•ihristian life? If so, doubtless you are a
]0I jiorn-again child of God. If not, you
probably need to examine yourself in the
fght of God's Holy Word and make sure
hat you accept the gospel, offer and
field yourself to perfectly conform to the
of God as the gospel offer gives you
he opportunity.

PRAYER

Begin the day with God,

Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode,
And pay thy worship there.

— Arnold Woodlief

JANUARY 18, 1976 e<?(
10A.M.

BLACKJACK
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

%

LaVerne Tripp will be the guest
evangelist for a service of singing and
preaching at Black Jack Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 3, Greenville, Sunday,
January 18, 1976, at 10 a. m.

"Born to write and sing" are the
words that best describe this young man
who is dedicated to God and to God's
music. Raised on a farm on the coast of
North Carolina, LaVerne Tripp has
always had a song in his heart. He began
singing at camp meetings and in church

twelve months of that year. His next
composition, "That Day Is Almost
Here," replaced "I Know" in the
number one spot. This song was
replaced by "After Calvary," making
LaVerne Tripp three number one songs
in a row on the gospel music chart, a
record that has never been broken. In
1972, he was crowned King of Gospel
Music. In 1973, he won the award as the
number one lead singer among all the
gospel groups.

it

when he was only two and a half years
old, and, as he grew, his love for music
grew also. After finishing Bible School in
Greenville, South Carolina, he sang with
several part-time groups before joining
the Blue Ridge Quartet for six years.
LaVerne left the Blue Ridge Quartet to
enter into full-time evangelistic work.

Many awards and honors have been
presented to this singing evangelist. In
1971, his song "I Know," was the
number one song in gospel music for all

TISlTHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

LaVerne travels from coast to coast
and border to border singing the gospel
and proclaiming to the world that Jesus
is coming soon. As the Holy Spirit leads
this man and guides his life, many souls
have been, and are being won into the
kingdom of God through his ministry in
song and word.

When LaVerne Tripp's song revival
comes to your church and city, you will
experience an evening of spiritual uplift
you will never forget.

9

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

MISSIONS

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro, N. C 27530

■

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C. 28305

anxious to hear from them.

INGRAM AND ARD
VISIT INDIA

by

The Rev. Dr. Emmanuel M. Lall D. D.

The Rev. Joseph H. Ingram, director-
treasurer, accompanied by the Rev.
Norman W. Ard, chairman of the Board of
Missions of the Original Free Will Baptist
Churches of North Carolina, reached
India on November 6, 1975, in the early
morning by the British Airways. They
were warmly received by the Rev. Dr. E.
M . Lall and others at the Palam Airport in
Delhi, India, where they were richly
garlanded as per Indian traditions. After
a short stay in Delhi, they drove to
Bareilly where they were given a very
warm reception by the members of the
Free Will Baptist church there, num-
bering over 400 at the moment. They
participated in the worship service at 6
p. m. at Bareilly where they preached the
heart-burning sermons which touched
many people who shed tears. They also
visited the sick in the hospital and had
prayers for them. They were so pleased
to meet the Rev. William Stephen Paul
and had prayers at his residence. The
Rev. Paul was seen with tears rolling
down his cheeks which he stated to be in
gratitude to God for having accomplished
what was revealed unto him.

The Rev. Joseph Ingram preaches
to the church at Bareilly through the
interpretation of Dr. Lall. The elderly
gentleman to the left is the Rev.
Stephen Paul, the man responsible for
the work in India.

Both the Revs. Ingram and Ard stayed
in the building of the church office on
rent with us. Efforts were made to keep
them comfortable. Yet, they could not
keep very well in view of the change of
living conditions and other factors, such
as food. In spite of all that they had to
face, they did not curtail a single
program. Their daily schedule was so
tightened up that they very often did not
have time for letter writing to their
homes. It was because of the fact that
their visit to the country of India was a
short one and there were so many things
to be straightened up while they were
here. Besides, all the congregations in
Northern India were sincerely wishing for
their meeting with them through worship
services organized by them alsmost
every afternoon. Their itinerary was fully
accomplished and they took care of
everything that was needing their at-
tention.

This picture shows a part of the
congregation of over 400 persons that
make up the congregation of the Free
Will Baptist Church in Bareilly. The
membership of this church has grown
from about 97 in the summer to more
than 400 today. Pray for the success of
this church in the future.

The Revs. Ard and Ingram will be able
to explain to their people at home their
experiences in India. The Indian people
have a feeling that they were richly
blessed with the presence of these
dignitaries and enjoyed a real Christian
fellowship with them. They have indeed
taken the hearts of our people who are so

NEWS FROM THE ROANOKE RAPID
CHURCH

(The following is a letter from th
Rev. Wiley Lewis, newly elected paste
of the Roanoke Rapids Free Will Baptii j
Church, to the Rev. Taylor Hill, directoij
treasurer of the State Home Mission!
Department. The Roanoke Rapids churc
in now under the watch care of the Nort
Carolina State Home Missions Depan
ment.)

December 10, 1 97 i

Dear Brother Hill,

Greetings in the name of our Lord an
Saviour Jesus Christ. I trust that th j
finds you well and everything doing fine
As for me, God is blessing in so man
ways I don't know where to begin.

We moved to Roanoke Rapids o
Saturday, November 29. God blessed ui]
with a record attendance for the morning
church service the next day. We had m
in attendance for the morning worship an
November 30. In my first service with tfw
church, November 16, we had II
present for the morning service and ffl
for the evening service. Each Sunday m
have had an increase in attendance witlj
the exception of last Sunday, a coli
rainy day, we only had 22 present. W»j
are beginning to have some visitors ant}
our people are enthused. Praise Go
for this !

Brother Hill, we are in the process o
reconstructing our Sunday schoo
program in order to have more classes
and a more effective outreach. I havi
started a teen class and my wife has
started a junior class.

The church members and I held a field
day this past Saturday, December 6:
We cleaned up the church property
where we have services; also, Brothe:
Otto and I have priced some buildinc
materials to remodel our Sunday schoo
rooms. In these rooms the plaster hj
falling down and the walls look terrible
We plan within the next few days to pane
all the rooms and also start a nursery
We are also going to construct a new
attractive sign for our church.

As I stated above, we moved here <
week ago this past Saturday; however
we haven't stopped, before we moved o
since we got here. God has blessed b)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

evening many doors for the work here in
ianoke Rapids.

Si will be on the radio for devotions the
|ek of March 8-12, on station WCBT. I
also have devotions at the Guardian
(ire Nursing Home on the first Sunday
nrning of each month. I will hold a Bible
!;jdy at the nursing home on December
m, at 10 a. m. Please pray that God will
ldPfi ntinue to direct our path and open
iors for the work here. We have or-
ls$» fed some tracts for the tract ministry
rour people.

We had a Bible study Tuesday night
r the teenagers. This has never been
me here before.

We also set a goal of $200 for our
rthday gift for Jesus this Christmas,
lis gift is to be over and above our
hes and offerings and is to be used in
ir building improvement.
Brother Hill, there are many more
ings I would like to share with you if
ne would permit; however, I will have
share these with you some other time.
. By the way, you wanted to know
Hmething about my background. I am
11 [om Beaufort, North Carolina, and my
l ife is from Burnsville. I attended the
Tee Will Baptist College in Nashville,
Tennessee, in 1966-67. In addition, I
'ave a teaching certificate from the

ifda

Jay * i

lyangelical

Teachers Training

'ssociation and am presently enrolled in

it, i

;Urrespondence work from Moody Bible
fistitute and Good News Publications. I

'ave pastored in the western part of
'ennessee and have worked with the
Ihildren's Home in eastern Tennessee.

At your request I am sending you a
pane {picture of my family and myself. Our
phildren are Daniel Clay, age 13; Ricky
Allen, age 9; and Timothy Paul, age 5.
My wife, Amyree (Ann), is the daughter
of Clay and Callie Mace, of Burnsville,
North Carolina.

Brother Hill, when we came here the

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

church had no tract ministry, no old-age
ministry, no youth program, no
correspondence with visitors or people
who were out of town, and no visitation
program. All these things have been
started now, so we pray that God will
keep our people enthused. I have found
them willing to pull together and they
seem to want to go forward in Christ.

Yours in Christ,
Wiley Lewis

I BEG YOU

According to Webster's Dictionary a
beggar is a person that begs; a person
who lives by asking alms; one who
supplicates with humility; a petitioner; to
reduce to beggary; to impoverish; to
exhaust the resources to beggary.

Beloved, when one comes to this place
he seems to lose sight of all refinement
and sophistication. Beloved, we have a
lot of wealthy people among our ranks
and also churches and auxiliaries whose
treasuries are literally bulging with God's
money that is not being used for
anything.

We also have many among our ranks
who are not doing anything to help while
we plead for help in establishing new
churches for Christ. While some of our
people might think this article is un-
dignified; I consider our negligence to be
downright disgraceful.

As of this day, December 22, 1975,
we have $182.66 on hand toward our
next week's expenses of over $1 ,100. I
make no apologies for becoming a
beggar for Jesus. We are indeed thankful
for the faithful support that some of our
people are giving and we pray all others

will join in and help while it is yet day.
Respectfully submitted,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer
State Home Missions Department

VICTORY MISSION
BREAKS GROUND

Pictured left to right: Floyd Ellis,
Taylor Hill, Charles Reep, Bill Hill,
Dennis Bridges, and Joe Gerald.

The Victory Free Will Baptist Mission
of Hope Mills is moving ahead in
everyway. Its ground-breaking ceremony
was held Sunday, January 4, 1976. The
mission expects to have its new building
completed in about 90 days. This work is
under the direction of the Rev. Joe
Gerald.

FEEDING THE MULTITUDE

(John 6:5-14)
by

Mrs. Royce Matthews

K L (' A l< 1 M)(C

o

Above you have the words in the
puzzle circled which appeared in the
"Baptist" the last issue. After circling
the words listed in this familiar Bible story
you had left the last part of the Verse 14
of John, Chapter 6, as follows: ". . .
This is of a truth that prophet that should
come into the world." Also you had six
X's that were not circled.

n

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS£"}
THE SUNDAY fC xi

SCHOOL LESSON^

For January 25

THE CALL TO MISSIONS

Lesson Text: Matthew 9:35—10:1, 16-

20, 40, 41
Memory Verse: Matthew 1 0:40

I. INTRODUCTION

When we use the word "missions"
we usually think of the specific work of
the church in sharing the gospel with
those who are not yet Christians. This
specific work may be done either at home
or abroad or both simultaneously. When
we use the word "mission" we refer to
the total mission of the church which not
only includes "missions" but also
helping people in need, guiding the
undirected, healing, taking a stand for
righteousness in the community, and
serving in any way God wants us to and
in ways that bring honor and glory to the
mission of the church but we will deal
primarily with "missions" as the most
important part of the call to mission.

The church came into being with
Christ's life, death, resurrection, and the
coming of the Holy Spirit. It grew in
those first years because of missions. It
exists today because of missions. It will
continue to grow, as it fulfills His divine
command to bring the good news to all,
which is the church's mission.

Jesus' mission in Galilee was perhaps
the most exciting of all His earthly
ministry. Already we have seen some
phases of it; today we shall look further
into His work, and observe also how He
instructed and sent forth His disciples
into the world to do as He had done
before them.— The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. In the multitude that followed
Jesus there were various reactions.
Today we are able to see the same thing.
Some are curious, some are seeking
salvation, some are meat and bread
Christians, and some are hostile to Him.
How do you react to Jesus Christ in your
own heart?

B. When some businessmen look at
the multitude, they see customers. When
some politicians look at the multitude,
they see votes; but when Jesus looked at
the multitude, He saw human beings
with needs. What do you see when you
look at the multitudes?

C. Jesus was interested in seeing
the needs of the multitude met. He did
much for them while He was on earth. He
asked the disciples to pray that more
laborers would be sent into the field. He
commissioned the church to "go into the
world" with the message of salvation.
What are you doing to help the multitude
to find Christ and the answer to their
problems?

D. When Jesus sent out the twelve,
He gave them three things: a plan of
work, power for the work, and promised
protection. Jesus gives His disciples the
same three things today. He has given us
a plan (Acts 1:8). He has promised to
give us the power for the task, and He
has said "... and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.
. . ." (Matthew 28:20).

E. If a pastor took the first six
months in a pastorate to train one man,
the next six months he trained another,
and the first man he trained trained one;
this would not have to go on long before
there would be a great church.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The fourth chapter of John tells a
fascinating story. With a little
imagination it can be retold as follows.

Jesus was tired when He came to the
ancient well. He sat on the smooth stone
curb to rest while His disciples went to
the nearby village to buy food.

Then came a lone woman in need of
water from the well, but more in need of
the living water that only Jesus could
supply. His weariness forgotten, the
Master so aroused her sleeping con-
science that she began to see her need.
When the disciples came back, she
hurried to the village to bring others for a

share of the living water.

Jesus' hunger now was forgotten
along with His weariness. He waiter
awhile, ignoring the food the disciple
had brought. Then He had a surprising
announcement:

"You say the harvest is four month
away? Look! Look at the fields! The
are ripe already, ready for harvest. ' '

The disciples looked, and they saw thr
road full of people pouring out from t hi
village to receive the living water. Thesi
were the Lord's harvest, ready to bi
gathered into His kingdom.

That was more than nineteen hundreij
years ago, but look! Look at the fields
Today they are white to harvest. When
are the reapers?— Standard Lessor
Commentary

B. An Indian girl stood on a platforn
at a train station in one of our south
western cities and a group of traveler:
during the trainstop were examining he,
wares.

"You pay two prices for what you buy
here," said a man with his hat on one!
side, who had the air of knowing it all
"But the tourist is robbed everywhere
You might as well make up your mind tc'
be cheated."

"This is not cheat," the Indian gii!
protested. "I make the baskets myset1
and they take many days."

"Oh, of course they all declare they
are selling cheap," said the man wht
had the air of knowing it all. "And whj)
shouldn't they cheat if they can? I'd dc
the same in their places."

The next remark of the Indian girl wa:
unexpected. In slow English she said:
"What shall it profit a man if he shat
gain the whole world and lose his owr
soul? That is what they taught us at thr.
mission school, and I will not lie that
may sell my baskets, even though I gt
hungry."

It was a silent company that climbet
aboard the train at the conductor'
signal. "It was not a long sermon," sail
the man who thought he knew it all, "bu!
it's the kind of one you can't forget in
hurry."— Selected and Adapted

That Indian girl by her true word;
proved to be a brave friend of Jesus
Jesus has become known over much o
tire world because He has always hai
such brave friends wherever the gospe
has gone — The Intermediate Quarterl'
(F. W. B.)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
Scripture Reading— Chronicles 16:8

atfofi

iOllt

veler
iglK

iodi

WITNESS BEARING
Dr. G. Campbell Morgan tells of two
en, nominal Christians, who worked
de by side for five years without
nding out, either of them, that the
her had ever made a profession of
ligion. One of them, in telling it to
r. Morgan, said, "Wasn't it funny?"
"Funny!" said Dr. Morgan. "Why,
Go find the man and let us get
Dwn on our knees before God, for
3U have never been born
gain." — Earnest Worker

if

PRAYER THOUGHT
If people have any difficulty
i tii{ ssociating us with God, then we had
est be on our knees fervently in
rayer.

11

ris

MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Scripture Reading— Psalm 18:49

NO SPECIAL TYPE
In a late publication, Dr. Basil
Her says that Dr. Reuben A. Torrey
as won to Christ through the wit-
essing of a godly mother; Sam
tones, by his own father; George
ilueller, by a friend; John R. Mott, by
|l teacher; George Whitefield, by a
hook; and Count Zinzendorf, through
| certain picture. There is no
prescribed type of testimony except
hat it be Christ-centered and Spirit-
lirected. Are we in the place where
5od can use our testimony? Are we
naking the most of our opportunities
)f witnessing for Him?— King's
Business

PRAYER THOUGHT
We have so many opportunities
lach day to express God to others by
jur words and through our deeds.
Pray that we shall not allow an op-

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

portunity for service to pass un-
noticed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 6 : 10

TRAMPS NOT WANTED
An American was told by an
English tourist that he was surprised
to find no "gentlemen" in his country.
"What are they?" asked the
American. The Englishman replied,
"People that do not work for their
living." "Oh," said the American,
"we have some of those here; only we
call them tramps." God does not want
any tramps, but workers for His
glory.— Rev. Evan Hopkins

PRAYER THOUGHT
Pray that we may work for God's
glory — not merely seek to glory in
God's works.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 13:21

THE BUSY MAN
If you want to get a favor done

By some obliging friend,
And want a promise safe and sure

On which you may depend,
Don't go to him who always has

Much leisure time to plan,
But if you want your favor done,

Just ask the busy man.

The man of leisure never has

A moment he can spare ;
He's busy "putting off" until

His friends are in despiair;
But he whose every waking hour

Is crowded full of work,
Forgets the art of wasting time—

He cannot stop to shirk.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Shirking work, for some, has
become a way of life. The shirkers
cause our workers much aggravation
and a great deal more work.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
Scripture Reading— Psalm 127:2

WORRY

It is said that J. Arthur Rank has his
own special way of handling the
problems of worry.

He decided to do his worrying on
one single day, Wednesday, and he
has what he calls his Wednesday
worry club.

When a worry occurs to him on any
other day, he writes it down and puts
it in a box. And, of course, when he

opens the box on Wednesday, he finds
that most of the things he was
disturbed about have already been
settled. — The Art of Real Happiness

PRAYER THOUGHT
Happenings happen with or without
our worry, so why worry? Prayer will
accomplish more and better results.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Scripture Reading— Zechariah 10 : 1

"THE WINTER SCENE ! ' '
The lark has flown, the wren is gone,
The robin and the thrush;
The daisy sleeps, the voilet hides,
The wind sighs with a hush.

The time has come for frost and ice
To dress the evergreen
With crystal beads and ermine brush,
And deck the winter scene.

—Selected
PRAYER THOUGHT
God paints as lovely a scene in the
winter season as in any of the other
seasons. His artistry surrounds us,
and his might and power is wondrous
to behold.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 11:25

REASON FOR ALARM
Thomas Guthrie used to say: "If
you find yourself loving any pleasure
better than your prayers, any book
better than the Bible, any house
better than the house of God, any
table better than the Lord's table, any
person better than Christ, or any
indulgence better than the hope of
heaven— take alarm."— Alliance
Weekly

PRAYER THOUGHT
God provides for His own, not only
food and shelter but pleasure and
comfort as well. We need not seek our
pleasures elsewhere.

(Devotions used by permission,
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

THE VALUE OF A SMILE

The thing that goes the farthest

Toward making life worth-while,
That costs the least, and means the
most,

Is just a pleasant smile.
It's full of mists and goodness,

With heavenly kindness, blent,
It's worth a million dollars,

And does not cost a cent.

— Author Unknown

13

STORIES

for our youth

A TIME TO HELP

by

Paul Greeley Jr.

JT was Saturday, and Tommy
sat in his bedroom wondering
what he could do. He looked around at
the games and things, but he'd played
with all that stuff a hundred times. He
wanted to do something different.

He went downstairs to the kitchen
where his mother was busy fixing the
noon meal. "Mom, can you think of
something I can do today?" he asked.

"Please, keep your voice down," his
mother said, softly. "Your father came
home from work, and he doesn't feel
well. He's in bed, and I'm going to take
him this hot soup."

Tommy slumped down in a chair. It
was bad enough not to have anything to
do, but now he had to be quiet besides.

His mother took a tray into the
bedroom where his father was resting.
Tommy could hear their voices.

"Thank you," his father said, "but I
can't stay here. I've got a lot of things to
do."

"Nonsense," said his mother,
"you're going to stay in bed until you
feel better. Whatever you have to do can
wait."

"But I've already called Mr. Harris,"
his father said. "He's coming over later
with his truck, and I've got to have all
the newspapers, magazines, and trash
ready so he can haul them away. ' '

"When Mr. Harris gets here, I'll just
tell him to come back next week," said
his mother. "You can't lug things out of
the cellar if you're sick."

His mother came back into the kitchen
and fixed lunch for Tommy. As he ate, he
began to think. Why couldn't he bundle
up all the newspapers and magazines
and have them ready for Mr.

Harris? That way he could help his father
and have something to do at the same
time. He only hoped he was strong
enough to do the job.

Tommy finished his lunch quickly and
went down to the cellar. The papers and
magazines were piled high along one
wall. "Wow!" Tommy said out loud.
"This is going to be quite a job!"

Tommy rolled up his sleeves and
began to work.

First, he stacked up some newspapers
and tied them up with twine. Then,
seeing how long the twine should be, he
cut a large number of lengths all at once.
He did this to save himself time. He
wasn't big enough to work as fast as his
father, and he wanted to be done by the
time Mr. Harris came.

Tommy worked hard. Before long the
newspapers were all tied. He started
bundling the magazines. His hands
seemed to fly. The magazines were
heavier, so he had to work even harder
than before.

Finally, the magazines were done, and
Tommy had a problem. There were
several barrels of trash. They were far
too heavy for him to drag up the cellar
stairs. Tommy thought a minute and then

had an idea. He put on a pair of glove!
and began putting the trash into smz
boxes. These he easily carried up th
stairs. i
Up and down the steps Tommy werf?
carrying bundles and boxes. When h
was through, he smiled. He had finishe
before the arrival of Mr. Harris. "Bo\
am I hungry," he said and went into th
kitchen.

His mother and father were seate
at the table.

"You shouldn't be out of bed,'
Tommy's mother said to his father.

"Mr. Harris should be here prett
soon, and I've got to get that stuff out i
the cellar," his father objected. "AfteJ
that, I'll go back to bed."

Tommy smiled and didn't say a word.

"Have you been playing, Tommy?'
his father asked.

"Sort of," he said. "And I'm awfull
hungry."

"Hungry?" said his mother. "It's no
time to eat yet. You'd better wait."

There was a knock on the door, am
Tommy's father went to answer it.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Harris," he said. "1
go down to the cellar and bring up al
the trash."

"What are you talking about?" sai<
Mr. Harris. "I've got it all loaded on \h<\
truck."

Tommy saw his father give Mr. Harri
some money and then walk into th
kitchen, smiling. "No wonder you
hungry, young man," he said. "You'vi
had a busy day. I think you deserve
great big piece of pie. And I appreciate
the help, Tommy. Thank you."

Tommy's mother put a huge slice oi
pie on a plate for him. "And remember,'
she said, "God has a special place in Hi!
heart for those that help thn
sick."— Selected

:hr
Til

Special foments

COMING

Very soon The Free Will Baptist will begin a weekly column of "Special
Moments" in the daily lives of people.

—The Editor.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

CHILDREN'S HOME

(Continued from Page 7)

jacedonia 350.40

lay's Chapel 200.00

jemorial 350.00

oseley's Creek 30.00

t. Olive 37.00

t. Pleasant 98.00

t. Zion (Onslow) 129.22

t. Zion (Pamlico) 65.00

ilaJones 5.00

3W Bethlehem 27.40

3W Haven 214.27

)rtheast 54.96

tk Grove 5.00

way 60.00

,grim'sRest 25.00

ney Grove 50.00

>ck of Zion 30.00

poty Branch 117.65

andy Plain 1,094.27

arecta 300.00

Tilth's New Home 200.00

leads Ferry 45.00

ow Hill 176.30

DiindView 150.00

King Hope 50.00

Mary's 15.00

rent 52.90

^ garden's Grove 211.12

'arsaw 130.00

sMhaley's Chapel 150.00

oodrow 171.90
Total $ 7,791.28

Pee Dee Association

eaver Dam

$ 75.00

merson

6.00

ittle Bethel

33.00

It. Olive

25.00

ee Dee YFA

50.00

ak Grove

98.43

ine Level

36.00

Total

$ 323.43

Piedmont Conference

alvary $ 20.00

ast Rockingham 25.00

Durham, First 370.00

rlendly Chapel 30.00

highland Pines 85.00

k Olive 175.06

'iedmont Conference 100.00

)ld Fashion 40.00

A/estwood Hill 40..00

Total $ 885.06

Rockfish Conference

vlt. Moriah

Western Conference

James Hill $
iranch Chapel
Calvary

$ 100.00

348.97
524.69
410.76

Elwood Lane

100.00

Everett's Chapel

569.08

Flood's Chapel

193.15

Fremont

259.07

Friendship

246.15

Ken ly

90.00

Little Rock

755.00

Marsh Swamp

849.15

Milbournie

83.00

Mt. Zion (Nash)

96.86

New Sandy Hill

25.00

Northern

44.00

People's Chapel

200.00

Piney Grove

115.00

Pine Level

529.00

Pleasant Grove

868.00

Pleasant Hill

290.08

Pleasant Plain

164.56

Rock Springs

73.10

Rosebud

207.34

Sherron Acres

125.00

Spring Hill

363.29

Stancil's Chapel

215.01

St. Mary's

125.39

Trinity

225.00

Union Chapel

61.90

Unity (Durham)

48.00

Unitv (Wilson)

u i i i l y I ir iiwvii I

1 14.50

Watson's Grove

50.00

West Hillsborough

77.00

Wilson, First

90.00

Total $

8,537.05

Statewide Bodies

Loose Offering

Thanksgiving Service $

189.54

Other States

Bim, West Virginia
Shelby, Ohio
Total

Total Religious
Contributions

$ 10.00
45.00
$" 55"00

$32,394.29

The Unmitigated Truth

(Continued from Page 7)
the beginning of a new and glorious
experience leading to eternal life. One
should always listen when God's Word is
being preached. "... faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of
God" (Romans 10:17). It is the power of
the Holy Spirit upon the Word that pricks
the heart, convicts of sin, and convinces
of the righteousness of God.

When one is pricked in the heart he
becomes alarmed and disturbed to the
point that he wants to find a solution or a
way out of the dilemma. An encounter
with pins and needles in the right way

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

will, no doubt, bring a saving im-
pression. God's man of the hour is the
minister proclaiming the gospel; but a
fellow Christian who has experienced
salvation and is spiritually alert in
presenting God's plan of salvation, can
lead a soul to Christ by explaining God's
plan of salvation to him. It is the power of
God upon His Word that brings results.

All true religion is of the heart. The
burning of incense, vain oblations, nor
having a form of godliness, but denying
the power of God, are no good.
Ceremonies, churchanity, and orthodoxy
of head are in vain. Forms and rituals
have their place in worship, but
professional and constrained morality
can only fail. Loud zeal, a display of
emotions, and mere passion are useless.
There is a saying that goes like this:
"The things you do speak so loud I can't
hear what you are saying." Jesus made
reference to this in the twenty-third
chapter of the Gospel according to
Matthew, when He denounced the
scribes and the Pharisees for their at-
titude toward spiritual things.

There is a tendency for some so-called
seekers to claim that they have sought
the Lord over and over again and that
nothing ever happens to them. I have
this to say about it: Either the claimant is
lying or God is. Which do you think? God
says that He will save, man has only to
meet the condition. God's Word stands.
The seeker has only to follow the plan of
salvation outlined in the Book of the
Romans and God will save him. The
steps arranged may be simplified in the
following six words: (1) Acknowledge
that you are a sinner; (2) repent of your
sins; (3) confess your sins; (4) forsake
your sins; (5) believe that your sins are
gone according to God's Word; and, (6)
receive Christ in the heart.

A hypocrite is one who makes believe
he is saved but is not. He pretends that
he is a believer but is not. There are so
many people playing church and living
by organized church rules and rituals
that it is difficult to find a person who has
had a genuine, soul-stirring, heart-
pricking experience with the Lord. I want
to make it perfectly clear that it is ab-
solutely impossible for a person to be
saved without being pricked in the
heart— an encounter with pins and
needles. If ever the latch to the heart's
door is lifted it will be triggered by the
pricks of conviction. This means that this
experience is indispensable.

15

LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, N . C.

27703

JANUARY
RETIREMENT HOMES
MONTH

In the last annual session of our North Carolina State Convention, January was
designated as a promotional month for The Free Will Baptist Retirement Homes in our
Free Will Baptist churches.

We need many contributions before we can complete the first duplex apartment;
and you or your church can be a part of this worthy effort by:

1 . Receiving a love offering on a Sunday during January; or

2. By sending a special gift from your church treasury; or

3. By encouraging individuals to make special contributions; and,

4. By having a special prayer during your worship services for the success of
this denominational work.

REMEMBER US — SEND YOUR GIFTS TO:

FREE WILL BAPTIST RETIREMENT HOMES
P. O. BOX 250
MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

I'M

the

free sill
baptist

JAM 22 m |

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA,
^W^EDI^SDAY, JANUARY 21, 1976

Editorial...

(Editor's Note: In accord with the bending of society toward materialism,
I thought it appropriate to reprint an editorial from 1971 showing the im-
portance of having Christ in one's life. )

WATER MORE PRECIOUS THAN WEALTH

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambe

The Easterners tell the story of a man who was traveling through
the desert and somehow strayed from the caravan with which he was
traveling. He found himself all alone, knowing no direction, having no
knowledge of the desert, fearing this most foreboding of wildernesses,
but hoping that he would be able to find his way out.

For a whole night he plodded onward, first in this direction and that
direction, hoping to spot the silhouette of a camel and its rider in the
moonlight or the gleaming roof of some outpost; but he sighted none.
When the sun rose in the sky and its rays bore more heavily on his back,
he became so thirsty that the want of water became a compelling force,
pushing him onward, even aimlessly.

All day he longed for water, for just one swallow to cool his parched
tongue; but he found none. Behind every hill he hoped to find some
oasis, but none appeared. When the sun set that day some relief came
— from the heat — but the thirst was as real and as severe as when it
first began. Half crazy with the want of water, he searched all night,
tired, yet pushed forward by the supremest of physical cravings, an un-
satisfied thirst. He searched in vain.

The next day, not knowing day from night, he dragged himself
along on his hands and knees, insensitive to the heat of the sun and the
sting of the sand as it was whipped against his face by the desert wind.
He dragged himself onward until his sand-filled eyes saw what he
thought was a water bag. In his weakened condition it took great ef-
fort, but he crawled toward it. Upon reaching it he tore it open in
haste, coveting the water that would satisfy his craving.

Reaching his hand inside to feel the soothing wetness of the water,
he screamed in horror as his hand brought out a cluster of jewels in-
stead. A bag of precious jewels! To him they were as unimportant and
as worthless as the grains of sand that covered him and his surround-
ings. Water was what he wanted — wet, thirst-quenching water!

He died an agonous death that day, holding a million dollars' worth
of jewels and begging for water — holding a bag of jewels which he
would gladly have traded for one small drink of water. . .

No substitute, no matter how tasty, can suffice when water is
wanted. Likewise, when peace of mind and contentment of heart are
wanted, nothing can satisfy but the love of God. Men can drown them-
selves in wealth and never know the joy of one drink from God and
never know what it means to be "rich" in Him.

Men thirst for knowledge, spiritual and mental. They reach out for
"water bags." and often, like the man in the story, happen upon some-
thing quite different from that which they really want. Many men die
tragic deaths because in their final struggle for survival the "bag" they
find does not contain what they need — the water of life. The water of
life can only be found in Christ, and he who drinks of that water shall
never thirst again.

WmBBmr <m

The next time you're thirsty, think on that.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JANUARY 21 ,1976
Volume91 Numbi:

Edited and published weekly by the Free VI
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Ij
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secoi,
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mi
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to |!
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: cj
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yei?
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoi:!
given when local churches send the "Baptist't!
the home of every member; names and I
dresses to be provided by churches. Church
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "BaptiS;;
are sent to one individual who in turn distribui
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unr
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflr
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of T
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ea
article is given the person whose name appei
under the title or to the person submitting s«
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Boxlf
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. r
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a.
— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassi
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President ; Fred A. Rivenba
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretai
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rob
May. and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

HOW
SHOULD
THEY
GET
IN?

(Part II)
by Calvin Mercer Jr.

9N Part I, we described what
could be a problem in churches
ay. If you missed it, here is a one
agraph summary.

3n the last stanza of the invitation
nebody, for some reason, comes
ward, and shakes the preacher's
Frejid. With the piano playing and the
lgregation still singing, he can barely
ke out what the preacher says, but
ling embarrassed anyway, he
mbles his agreement. Then, five
lutes after they've sung "Just As I
»," he's been voted into the church
d given the right hand of fellowship,
in the baptism service set for next
ek. He doesn't know what the death
Christ means or how sin is atoned for.
stification and redemption are foreign
irds to him. But one thing is for sure,
> name is on the roll. Perhaps he came
ward because he thought it was about
fie, or his boss comes to this church,
he wanted to go to heaven and miss
I, or his friends did, or he felt an
lotional tug at his heart, or maybe even
cause he felt guilty for his sins and
nted to know how to be saved, or for
|y number of reasons. But whatever the
Jason, he joined the church. However,
1 is still lost, because no one clearly
iplained the plan of salvation to him so
\ could accept Christ by faith. Certainly
jis does not happen in all cases, and
|obably not in most cases, but if it
jjppens at all, it deserves our con-
jderation.

; Here are four suggestions which may
elp to insure that those who begin
llowshipping in our churches have truly
een saved and will continue in the faith.
1. Present the Plan of Salvation
learly: Whether it's on the job or in the
ulpit, we should present the plan of

sue

IQli;ll

salvation carefully, clearly, and simply.
God's Word is clear about how a man is
to be saved. Man is a sinner and only
Christ can take that sin away. Man's
response is to repent (turn from sin) and
believe (accept the gift of salvation).

Men cannot receive Christ until they
know how to accept Him. And they will
never know how to accept Him unless we
present this simple plan clearly. Maybe
we fear that this simplicity will not result
in a strong Christian. So we build
salvation up by emphasizing church
membership, walking the aisle or other
works. But Paul referred to the simple
gospel as the power of God in a man's
life.

2. Present Church Membership for
What It Is. Being in a local fellowship is
extremely important, for we are com-
manded to "forsake not the assembling
of ourselves together." Because of this
commandment in Hebrews 10:25, it is
not possible to be a good Christian
without being a part of a church, as is
the argument of some. But becoming
part of a fellowship must be presented as
what it is. It is a commandment God
makes of every Christian— for our own
growth, fellowship with believers, and
service to our Lord. But it has nothing to
do with salvation. At Judgment Day all
men will stand before the Father and a
roll will be called. But this roll will be
called out of the Book of Life (see
Revelation 20:15 and 21:27), not out of
the church roll.

Likewise walking the aisle has no
saving power in itself. A person becomes
saved when he, with his heart and mind,
accepts Christ as his personal Saviour.
He can do this in the pew, the field, the
bed, or at the altar. If we give invitations
they should be given carefully. Walking
the aisle or "coming forward" is simply
a confession before men of what one has
done or is doing in his heart before God.

3. Counsel at the Altar. Christian
psychologists agree that often the best
therapy is being able to talk about what
is bothering you in a love context and
with someone who really cares. People
have problems and burdens and these
problems and burdens often lead them to
come forward at church invitations.
Whether they are sinners coming to
accept God's grace or Christians coming
to unload a burden, they need to talk to
someone who loves them, and who will
listen and try to help them with whatever
their need might be.

Here are several suggestions for
counseling at the altar:

— Let the pastor first talk with the
person coming forward to identify his
need and see if he needs or desires
counseling.

— Have several Christians in the
congregation who are able and ready
mentally and spiritually to counsel if
anyone needs it. When God's Spirit
moves in a mighty way and people
respond, the pastor cannot possibly talk
at length and personally with everyone.
The Bible says that God's Spirit has
given the gift of "helps" to certain
believers. Not all have this gift, but if you
have a knack of being able to talk with
people who have burdens and problems,
then see it as a gift and offer it to be
used.

— Let the counselor go with the
person in a back room to counsel. Not
only is it difficult to hear at the altar when
everyone is singing, but often it is
embarrassing to a person to have to deal
with very real and personal needs before
scores of onlooking people. A quiet
prayer room provides the opportunity for
the two to talk to each other and to God
about the need.

— It is important for the Christian
counselor to know how to lead a person
to Christ, to have a Bible.at hand, and be
familiar with several salvation verses.
Also the Bible speaks to the person
plagued with worry, the family having
financial problems, and the one grieved
over loss of a loved one. The serious
counselor will seek out these verses and
be prepared by God's Spirit to speak to
these of other needs.

— Do not be too fast to "vote em in."
Let the person who has accepted Christ
be sure God's Spirit is leading him to
fellowship with your particular church.

4. Have a New Convert Class. God's
Word teaches us to instruct and disciple
the new in Christ. If the person has
accepted Christ and joined your church,
or if some old Christian who has never
joined decides to join the church, have
some type of instruction just for them.
This class may have ten members or one.
The teacher does not necessarily have to
be the pastor. Anyone with the gift of
teaching is qualified by the Spirit to
teach.

This new convert class should be a
time when the new Christian is taught
the importance of prayer, Bible study,
(Continued on Page 7)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

HISTORY OF TRINITY
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

by Mrs. Betty Jean Hargis

ON Sunday night, May 12, 1974, a congregation of
concerned people gathered at the Clayton Civitan
building in Clayton, North Carolina, with hopes of organizing a
church for the glory of our Lord. The Rev. Dewey Boling, a
member of the Executive Board of the Western Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, presided over the meeting.

After much discussion, the name Trinity was voted on and
passed to be the name of the new church. The organizing of the
church was carried out as specified in the Statement of Faith
and Discipline of Original Free Will Baptists of North Carolina.
The church officers were elected and consisted of three
members on the Board of Trustees, a clerk, a treasurer, four
deacons, and five members on the Finance Committee. Thirty-
three persons united with the new church at this meeting. After
calling the Rev. Melvin Moore as the new pastor as soon as he
would be available, the meeting adjourned with prayer.

The first prayer meeting service of the new church was
conducted at the Clayton Town Hall on Wednesday evening,
May 15, 1 974. At the meeting the new church voted to become
a member of the Western Conference and petitioned the
conference for membership.

The first Sunday school and morning worship service of
the church were held in the Clayton Civitan building on Sunday
morning, May 19, 1974. At the eleven o'clock worship hour
the Rev. Douglas Johnson of Clayton brought an inspiring
message. He also brought the message at the evening worship
service.

On May 23, 1974, the Executive Board of the Western
Conference met with Trinity church and received the new
church into its fellowship.

The Lord continued to bless the church and other persons
became members. Prayers were continually being sent up to
our Lord on behalf of a building for this dedicated group of
people. On May 29, 1974, the Lord began to answer these
prayers as He laid it upon the hearts of Brother Percy Jones and
his wonderful wife, Sister Olia Jones, to donate 1 .41 acres of
land on which to build a church building.

On June 5, 1974, the church established a building
fund. At this meeting the church also voted to rent the
American Legion building in which to hold services until a
church building could be built.

On June 16, 1974, the church's books were closed for
charter members. At this time a total of 73 persons had joined
the church as charter members.

On July 3, 1974, plans for a new church building were
presented to and accepted by the church. A vote was taken and
carried to begin work on the building immediately. Mr. W. J.
(Bill) Evans, a member of the church, was appointed to look
after the construction of the building as funds became
available. Plans were to construct a fellowship hall and six
Sunday school classrooms; the fellowship hall to be used as a
sanctuary until such time as a sanctuary could be built.

In the picture above, if you go through the doors on the
extreme left, you will go into an entry through which by
turning right you will be in the now sanctuary. Through
the doors at the extreme right you will enter the now
Sunday school classrooms. This building is to be the
educational building when the new sanctuary is built, \
joining the building at the center doors.

On July 7, 1 974, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at'
the site of the fellowship hall.

In July, 1 974, sorrow came to the members of the Trinity^
church, as one of their members, Sister Minnie Barbour,!
passed away to be with her Lord. But God in His wonderfuli!
mercy, led Sister Minnie to leave all her remaining assets-
which were over $4,000 to be used for the glory of our Lord as-
the members of the church saw fit to use it. This wonderful!
gesture made the completion of the new building much nearer.

As the Lord blessed, many projects were carried out bll
the church to raise money for the materials and supplies;'
needed. Concerned members of the church and many friends;;
in the community, too numerous to mention individually, made?
large and small contributions that the new church building)
could be completed. The laymen of the church worked!;
diligently on the construction of the building.

After the resignation of Pastor Moore, the church was;
without a pastor from February, 1975, until July, 1975. During i
this period the Board of Deacons accepted the responsibility of!
speaking and providing other speakers for the services. We;
were blessed again as God sent dedicated ministers and
laymen to speak to us through the Word and through song.

On Sunday morning, February 23, 1975, the dreams of
the people of Trinity Free Will Baptist Church came true as the
first service was held in the new church. The Revs. Dewey
Boling and Douglas Johnson were guest speakers at the
morning worship service. A singing group known as the
Southernaires brought messages in song at the first evening
worship service in the new building. The bricks had not been
laid on the outside of the building and the heating system had
not been completed for the first meeting; but God again met our
needs through Christian friends at the Calvary Free Will

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3aptist Church in Wilson, who loaned us some of their heaters
intil the heating system could be completed,
f The first revival held at the church was held the week of
,^larch 17-21, 1975, with the Rev. Lloyd F. Hargis as
jvangelist. Prayers were continually being made on behalf of
3od sending Trinity church a pastor. On April 2, 1975, during a
Church conference, Trinity voted to call Brother Hargis to serve
lis pastor. After much prayer and through the leadership of
hod , Brother Hargis said he would accept the call and began
lis duties as pastor on July 1 , 1 975.

Soon after Brother Hargis became pastor of Trinity
:hurch, the auxiliaries of the church were organized. After a
:ourse on "How to Win a Soul to Christ," conducted by the
pastor, an active visitation program began. This program since
iias proven to be a most rewarding accomplishment.

The brick work on the church was completed in Sep-
tember through the blessings of our Lord. Also through the
work of the ladies of the church, the sanctuary and two Sunday
school classrooms were carpeted. The church raised enough
money to install a heating and air-conditioning unit in the
classrooms.

In October the ladies raised enough money to build a
beautiful brick sign in front of our church, acknowledging the
Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, and a schedule of its services.

Since July, 1975, the members of Trinity have continued
to be assured that this new church was sanctioned by our Lord
as His blessings have flown continually. There have been
numerous professions of faith in Christ, resulting in over 30
people being added to what we believe to be God's family here
at Trinity. It was only through the leadership of God in prayers,
contributions of many friends, and through the untiring work
and ceaseless giving of the people of Trinity that this debt-free
church building could be completed.

As of this date, November 30, 1975 (dedication day), we,
the members of the body of Christ, and as a result, members of
the Trinity Free Will Baptist Church, do acknowledge that all
the credit goes to the members of our Godhead: God the Father,
God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So we dedicate this
building and ourselves to be used for the glory of our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ. We give ourselves to be used for the
glory of God in winning the unsaved to Him before that great
and glorious day of His second coming.

STUDY GUIDE
FOR 1976 SWORD DRILL

Below is a study guide for the 1976 Intermediate and
Junior Sword Drill to be held at the North Carolina State Free
Will Baptist League Convention, March 13, at the Community
Free Will Baptist Church in Weldon. The drill will be taken from
this guide and is open to anyone through the age of fifteen. In
the character and topical drills, you may use another Scripture
than what is on the guide. Copies have been sent out to each
church that the address was known. If you did not get a copy,
you may use this one or write to the promotional secretary,
Mrs. Mike Conner, Route 2, Deep Run, North Carolina 28525,
and she will send you a guide.

I. Scripture Searching

Ecclesiastes 11:9
James 1 :1 5
2 Corinthians 5:21
1 Peter 2:24
Leviticus 17:11
Hebrews 9:22
Acts 16:31
Proverbs 27:1
Mark 8:36
Matthew 10:32

I II. Unfinished Quotations

Isaiah 26:3
Romans 12:18
Luke 9:5
Joshua 21:45
Esther 1:13
Jeremiah 50:22
2 Timothy 2:1
Micah 7:7
Malachi 4:4
Deuteronomy 18:14

There is none righteous— Romans 3:10

For the wages of sin is death— Romans 6:2

Behold, now is the accepted time— 2 Corinthians 6:2

I am crucified with Christ— Galatians 2:20

I press toward the mark— Philippians 3:14

May the Lord watch— Genesis 31 :49

The Lord is my shepherd— Psalm 23:1

For all have sinned and come short— Romans 3:22

Follow me— Matthew 4:19

I am the way, the truth, and the life— John 14:6

III. Characters

Lot (Genesis 13:12)
David (1 Chronicles 29:26)
Judea (Acts 1 :8)
Lord (Psalm 118:14)
Satan (Job 1:6)

IV. Books of the Bible

Acts
Haggai
Exodus
Jude
Romans
Micah
Luke
Joel

V. Topical

Light (Matthew 5:13)
Souls (Proverbs 11:30)
Stars (Daniel 12:3)
Mercy (Psalm 86:15)
Praying (Colossians 1:3)
Prayer (Philippians 1 :4)

Noah (Genesis 5:29)
Delilah (Judges 16:4)
Moses (Exodus 26:1)
Paul (Acts 15:33)
Nicodemus (John 3:8)

Ecclesiastes

Jonah

Titus

Numbers

Nahum

Deuteronomy

Galatians

Ezra

Charity (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Angel (Genesis 24:7)
Death (Numbers 23:10)
Preacher (2 Timothy 1:11)
Heart (1 Samuel 1:13)
Camel (Genesis 24:19)

IV. Doctrinal

That the earth is God's footstool— Acts 7:49

That it is the will of God that we give thanks— 1 Thessa-

lonians 5:18
That we are saved by grace— Ephesians 2:8
That nothing is impossible with God— Luke 1 :37
That God answers prayers— 1 John 5:16
That we may know we have been saved— 1 John 5:13

r

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Question: Please explain, ". . . in
that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye
shall ask the Father in my name, he will
give it you" (John 16:23). Is there any
exception to this declaration; "What-
soever ye shall ask the Father in my
name, he will give it you"?

Answer: When closely scrutinized
in the light of the context there appears
to be no exception to what is said here.
We need, however, to get straight in our
thinking what all is involved in this
asking. This one asking, of necessity,
must be a Christian acting in harmony
with Jesus' thinking like Jesus declares
in John 14:10 which is the case between
Him and God the Father.

As Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of
God, spoke all that He said in perfect
harmony with His and our heavenly
Father, so are we obligated to do all our
speaking and thinking in harmony with

Christ, in His acting and thinking, in
unison with God the Father. Note His
words here: "Believe me that I am in the
Father, and the Father in me: or else
believe me for the very works' sake"
(John 14:11). His works testified as to
His credentials. That is what He enables
those in Him to be doing that His works
and ways may be made manifested on an
ever increasing scale. "... whatsoever
ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in
the Son" (John 14:13).

This being accomplished the following
is true: "If ye shall ask any thing in my
name, I will do it" (John 14:14). The
things above are possible because we
love Him and are obedient to Him, or are
in the process of becoming perfectly
obedient. Paul says that we may not have
completely appertained to the required
standard, but we are consciously on our
way to this goal.

This group being addressed here are
in line for God's great Gift, the Holy
Spirit, whom God requires being in
everyone in line for such blessings as
described here. Therefore Jesus says,
"If ye love me, keep my com-
mandments. And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever"
(John 14:15, 16). Notice the description
of this One being offered. He must be
possessed as well as possessed of ". . .
the Spirit of truth; whom the world
cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in
you" (John 14:17). Then observe Jesus'
promise, "I will not leave you com-
fortless: I will come to you" (John
14:18). Then skipping one verse for the
time being note: "At that day ye shall
know that I am in my Father, and ye in
me, and I in you" (John 14:20). What

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

day? "If ye abide in me, and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you. Herein is
my Father glorified, that ye bear much
fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John
15:7, 8).

The only way to bear Christian fruit is
by abiding in Christ just as He abides in
us and His heavenly Father, which
brings harmonious relationship that
assures us our prayers are being an-
swered. This relationship is the kind that
exists between the Father and God the
Son who emptied Himself in order to give
Himself in the fulfilling— the purpose for
which He was incarnated and came to
this earth by way of the virgin birth. In
that He put Himself in my place and in
the distinct place of everyone of us that
He might give us His place. The place He
took was becoming for us or on our
behalf that He might make of us heirs of
God. "Wherefore thou art no more a

servant, but a son; and if a son, then a*
heir of God through Christ" (GalatianSj
4:7); ". . . ye have not received thri
spirit of bondage again to fear; but yi>
have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit
itself beareth . witness with our spirit,!
that we are the children of God: And ill
children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we'
suffer with him, that we may be also'
glorified together' ' (Romans 8:15-17). I
Now all this is true of the person!
described in John 15:7 These are!
enjoying that same intimate relationship')
as those Paul speaks of: "The Spirit
itself beareth witness with our spirit, thall
we are the children of God" (Romans!;
8:16); "... who hath known the mind of
the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ" (1
Corinthians 2:16); "Let this mind be in
you, which was also in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 2:5). When two people are
praying under the control of the Holy]
Spirit they will not ask for the same thing1!
of which there is but one. That kind of
asking would not be in harmony with the;
spirit.

George H. Sandison gives this answer1
to a similar question in 1000 Difficult!
Bible Questions Answered on Page 373: \

"There are cases in which it would be'
clearly impossible for each of twoi
Christians to get the same object, for
which both might pray. A certain position
might be vacant, and two Christian men
might each pray to secure it; or a prize:
might be offered and each of two:
Christian students might pray to receive:
it. Or, as indeed has not infrequently
happened, two good men might each
love the same woman and each pray for
success in winning her. In any such case
God cannot answer the prayer of one
without depriving the other of the gift.
These are all amplifications of the same;
general principle which the Lord
illustrated in the case of Paul and his
'thorn in the flesh' (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Paul's prayer was answered, but not
in the way he wished for. He asked for
relief from the thorn; he received instead
the promise of superabounding grace. So
in every case in which God must refuse
the literal answer to a prayer, he will, if
the soul is submissive and trustful, make
up for the disappointment by bestowing
direct and personal blessing, and not
infrequently even a better material gift

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

an the one requested. Again, in the
se of two Christians praying for the
me object, it is probable that only one
uld have prevailing faith. All the
cripture teaching about prayer must be
lassed together in studying any phase
:P f it. We are to ask 'according to his will'
nd 'in faith.' God would not give to two
his children the assurance that each
vas to receive a certain single object, nor
ail vould both of them reach the plane of
irevailing faith. This was the message of
he paragraph quoted. It was a warning
igainst selfish praying. When we pray
or an object we should stop to ask
)urselves whether or not our receiving
he gift means that it must be taken away
rom someone else."

v

HOW SHOULD

THEY GET IN?

(Continued from Page 3)

Christian fellowship, and witnessing.
There are many suitable studies for new
jchristians at your local Christian
'bookstore. Besides teaching these
'basics of the Christian walk, in the first
jfew weeks of his new life, the teacher
Iwill encourage the babe in Christ in the
faith, answer questions and doubts he is
-bound to have, help introduce him to the
other brothers and sisters, and most of
all, be a friend in Christ to him.

Jesus taught a parable once
describing the problem of those who
choose Christ but fall away because they
j do not take root. We can all recall too
' many cases where people have come into
i the church only to shortly lose excitment,
i get discouraged, and fall back into the
old life. Perhaps it is partly our fault for
not providing the good, rich soil in which
i they can grow and serve our Lord.

These suggestions are given in love
and with the hope that many will come to
know our Christ and grow up in Him and
serve His church. I trust they will be
taken in the same spirit and used only as
God himself would lead. The suggestions
are not taken directly from Scripture and
so are not binding as such, but I do hope
they are true to the intention of God's
purpose and arise from scriptural
principles.

May God raise up His kingdom quickly
and bless it forever.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

FIND YOUR WAY
AROUND

by Mrs. C. D. Clark

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Ps

.1

3

1

In the block of letters above you have one of our beloved psalms. By beginning
at the correct place and connecting the letter as you go, you have the complete psalm
and its location. Good luck! (The answer will be in the next issue of the "Baptist.")

First Church, Wilson, Presents the Hopper Brothers and Connie

The Hopper Brothers and Connie will
be in concert at the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Wilson, on Friday night,
January 30, beginning at 7:30 p. m. The
Hopper Brothers and Connie are from
Madison, North Carolina, and have
consistently gained in popularity
wherever they travel. Since going into
gospel music full time, approximately
four years ago, the Hoppers have fast
become one of the most sought-after
groups in the field of gospel music and

are now recognized by their peers and
fans alike as one of the most talented and
sincere groups in the gospel music
industry.

They have helped to make popular
such songs as "The Cross Was His
Own," "Lord Help Me Bury the Hatch-
et," and "From Rags to Riches."

The church extends a cordial invitation
to all to come and join in this service.

Gospel Sing to Be Held
At Otter's Creek Church

According to an announcement H
Mrs. Edna Ruth Pittman, a gospel sip!
will be held Saturday night, January 24
at 7:30, at Otter's Creek Free Will Baptifl
Church, Route 1, Macclesfield, Nort
Carolina. Featured during this prograi
of sacred music will be the Lee Family <
Tarboro and the Circuit Riders (
Robersonville.

The pastor, the Rev. Ralph Aycoc^
and the church membership issue
warm invitation for all who enjoy goo
gospel music to be in attendance for thi
service.

Singing Kirkland Family
En Concert at Trinity

A gospel sing featuring the Kirklands
Jim, Jean, and Kim of Kingsporti
Tennessee, will be in concert at th|
Trinity Free Will Baptist Church nea
Clayton, on Wednesday night, Januanl
21, at 7:30 p. m. The pastor of thi
church, the Rev. Lloyd Hargis, and thf!
church congregation issue a warn
invitation to the public to be present foi
this inspirational meeting.

Sermon Through Art
At Saratoga Church

A special service will be held at the!
Saratoga Free Will Baptist Church1'
January 24, at 7 p. m. Mr. Bennet
Straughn, accompanied by Mrs.;
Straughn on the accordian, will present i
sermon through art. Mr. Straughn uses
special lighting in addition to his skill tcj
effect his interesting and beautifu;
messages.

Mr. Straughn is a postman by
profession, but this unique gift of his ini
sermon art appeals to all ages and is in
great demand, as he has engagements}
that keep him busy nearly every night.
The Saratoga church will contribute)
singing and a period of testimony to his!
program. A time of fellowship will follow!
in the fellowship hall of the churchi
immediately following the service. The'
public is cordially invited to attend.

Cragmont Assembly Treasurer's
Report for December, 1975

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 298,
Oriental, North Carolina 28571 , treasurer
for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black
Mountain, reports as follows for the
month of December, 1975:

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

rought Forward December
1, 1975

$14,244.35

Receipts

hurches $ 91.25

uxiliary 5.00

nion Meeting 14.17
lunday School
j Convention 6.00
hdividuals 19.16
Mrs. L. E. Ballard
| (refund of $1,000
| paid to open

camp) 1,000.00
Mrs. L. E. Ballard

(profit from
j summer of

1975) 1,031.03

Total Receipts

Total for which

to Account

2,166.61

16,410.96

Disbursements

Operational
J Expenses $ 95.84
nd I- jBurress Insurance
nil Agency 70.00
mtft j Total Disbursements
Balance on Hand
January 1 , 1976

165.84

$16,245.12

Earmarked Funds

;|Kitchen-Dining Hall $ 2,564.47
Renovation of Main Building

(savings) 5,339.10

Chapel (savings) 3,257.32

Swimming Pool (savings) 302.23

General Fund 13,680.65

Total Earmarked Funds $25,143.77

I

ATTENTION!
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
OF THE
EASTERN DISTRICT

I wish to remind you women of the
Eastern District of the study course on
Evangelism to be taught Thursday,
January 29, at the Bridgeton Free Will
Baptist Church. The course will begin at
10 a. m., and will be over by lunchtime.
Each one is asked to bring a sack lunch
and the host auxiliary will furnish the
beverage.

Please try to be present for this
course. As study course chairman of the
Eastern District, I highly recommend the
book, "Say It with Love," which will be
used for the course. If you get a chance
please read the book before the course.

The ex-president of the Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention will be
teaching the course, and she too urges
you to read the book if possible. I feel
that this course will be a blessing to each
of you.

Remember, if enough of your local
members are present, the course can be
counted as one of your studies for the
year.

I shall be looking forward to seeing
you on Thursday, January 29, at the
Bridgeton church.

In His service,
Mrs. Richard Bryan
Study Course Chairman
Eastern District

TO THE FRIENDS
OF THE
REV. WILLET L. MORETZ

We received a letter from Mrs.
Moretz in regard to Mr. Moretz's health.
He is at his home in Swannanoa, and
according to Mrs. Moretz has improved
during the past two months, though still
quite ill. He would love to hear from his
friends and would welcome visits from
those who might be in Western North
Carolina or in the Swannanoa area.

Both he and his wife would appreciate
the prayers of our people. Mr. Moretz is
stilt- keenly interested in denominational
affairs, but is unable to participate
actively at this time. People who have
read the "Baptist" for many years
cannot help but appreciate and
remember Mr. Moretz's long-running
column, "The Lighted Pathway," which
proved quite an asset to the publication
and the denomination at large.

Those who wish to write the Rev. and
Mrs. Moretz may do so by directing mail
to the following address: Route 1, Box
228, Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778.

—the Editor.

NOTE OF THANKS

It is with a humble heart that we wish
to thank each of our brothers and sisters
in Christ for the wonderful gifts and
prayers during the past year. They were
a great help and inspiration to us. Our
thanks go to each church, Sunday
school, union meeting, auxiliary, the
Superannuation Board, and each person
that helped us in any way. We pray
God's richest blessings upon all of you.

We humbly beg of you to pray that
God's will be done in our lives, and that
our strength and faith be renewed each
day for the glory of our dear Lord who
has been and still is so good to us.

My husband is not any better. He is
confined to bed almost all of the time,
just getting weaker each day. We are
very happy to see any of you at any time
for a visit and to have prayer with us.

We hope everyone had a wonderful
Christmas and will have a bountiful new
year in the work of the Lord. May God
bless each of you for the glory of serving
Christ.

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. and Mrs. Wiley Ferrell

By Mrs. Ferrell

Coming Events . . .

March 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please note the change of address for
Lt. Col. John B. Narron. His new address
is 1125 Doyle Avenue, Charleston AFB,
South Carolina 29404. All future
correspondence should be to his new
address.

SpeciaC foments

NEXT WEEK

"Special Moments" will be a timely addition to
our publication. I personally feel it will enrich our
lives. Its success, however, will depend upon the
responses of our readers.

—The Editor.

T THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

FREE WILL BAPTISTS THE PART1NG 0F THE WAYS

flF MY II AY (Part Twenty-Four)

UI If I I Uty I by Loy Everette BaUard

^HE years from 1959 through 1962
*-S were difficult years for me
because of the development of the
situation described in my last article.
Some of my best coworkers in the field
work were on opposite sides in the
growing disputes; and, as the churches
began to line up and divide up in their
loyalties to the various factions, it placed
several of our most cooperative Sunday
schools in opposition to one another.
While I had my own convictions
regarding some of the questions being
raised, and— as some readers will
remember— I later gave expression to
some of these convictions, my hope
during these years was that the disputes
and misunderstandings would all be
settled without a serious rupture in the
denomination. I, therefore, tried hard to
refrain from taking sides in the con-
troversies, centering my efforts toward
preserving the progress we had made in
Sunday school promotion.

But things got worse instead of better.
Two words came into prominent use.
They were "congregational" and
"connectional." In writings and in
speech, both words were made to look
monstrous. I had known all along that
there had been some differences of
opinion regarding church government;
but my observations over the years had
been that the difference had been mostly
expressed in words, and very little in
actions. With possibly a very few ex-
ceptions, in action the so-called
"connectionalists" had been
"congregational" in matters where
internal affairs of the churches were
concerned, and the so-called
"congregationalists" had been
"connectional" in matters pertaining to
the relationship of the churches to the
denomination. Conferences and
associations in both areas had sent
committees into churches to attempt to
settle disturbances, and they had all
seemed to follow the same
procedure— to attempt to reconcile; and,
failing to do this, to try to decide which
faction was right according to recognized
denominational usages and make
recommendations accordingly. I had
served on such committees in both
areas, and we had proceeded the same

in all cases. Early in its history, the
National Association had written into its
treatise an article which most people had
seemed to consider as recognizing some
differences regarding church govern-
ment, and to be a compromise of those
differences. However, this article was so
worded that it laid itself open to various
interpretations.

The matter came to a climax in the
1961 session of the National Association
in Norfolk, Virginia. Early in the morning
of the first day of the meeting. Mrs.
Ballard sustained a fall in the auditorium,
which caused her to be hospitalized
during the entire time of the sessions;
therefore, I was unable to be present for
much of the deliberations. I was told by
some who were there that at one point it
looked as if the differences might be
dissolved. The association did not
definitely approve the actions of the Rev.
Ronald Creech and the Edgemont
church, but referred them back to the
North Carolina organization. But a
resolution was introduced and passed
which disapproved the actions of the
Western Conference. A motion to refer
the matter of differences over church
government to a joint meeting of the
Executive Committees of the National
Association and the North Carolina
Convention was defeated. Then a motion
to vacate the offices of all National
Association officers from North Carolina
who had supported the actions of the
Western Conference was passed. Since I
was not in on any of the discussions of
these motions, and not present when
votes were taken, I do not feel that I
should endeavor to offer opinions here
regarding them. Let me simply say that
these actions seemed to close all doors
for agreement between the National
Association and the North Carolina
Convention.

On March 29, 1962, the North
Carolina State Convention, in a special
session, voted by a big majority to with-
draw from the National Association. The
motion called upon the churches to
decide for themselves whether to stay
with the State Convention or go with the
National Association. During the months
that followed, perhaps fifty percent of the

churches voted on the question; anrjf
about half the churches voting decided u
support the National Association. oJ
November 13, 1962, fourteen churcheij
from the Western, Central, and Cape Fe^j
Conferences met in Garner and organizer]
themselves into a "General Con i
ference." On June 26, 1962, these
churches with around twenty-five others'
(the record in the first minutes is noi
clear), met in Raleigh and organized the
"North Carolina Association" to be
affiliated with the National Association.

Thus Free Will Baptists— as had been
true a number of times in our pasl
history— began traveling on separate
roads. I want to state here that while I
stayed with the North Carolina group
from sincere convictions, I have never
subscribed to the idea that this
separation of the ways placed either
group outside the general Free Will
Baptist denomination. We are all still
Free Will Baptists, subscribing to the
same fundamental principles of faith. As;
the years have passed, our differences
with regard to church government have
come to look more and more like "the
little man who was not there"— as I once
described them in an article in The Free
Will Baptist. No conference that I know of
is interfering in the internal affairs of any
local church. Maybe there is hope that
the two roads will come together again
someday.

There were prophets who arose in the
days of our separation. Some on the
national side proclaimed that the Lord;
would never bless the churches staying
with the State Convention or the groups
withdrawing from national churches toj
form new churches to support the North
Carolina State Convention. State Con-,
vention prophets were just as loud in
similar predictions regarding national
groups. But the Lord who judges alii
works fairly seems to have paid little
attention to these prophets of doom. In!
many communities throughout North
Carolina today we have two thriving Free
Will Baptist churches— one state and
one national.

In the final two or three articles of
these memories, we will take note of how
well these two groups of Christians have
traveled on their separate roads. Also,
there will be something about some good
Free Will Baptists who are not traveling
with either of the two major groups of
modern Free Will Baptists.

(Next: Down Two Roads in the 1960s)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
Scripture Reading— Psalm 8:2

TO THE NEW BABY

A sweet little miniature weaver
Came into our home one day,
Like a wee little queen of the cradle,
God grant her a long, long stay.

A delegated prophet, whose office
Is to brighten, and deepen home love,
We welcome you, little sojourner
As a loan from the Father above.

— Velma B. Hofman

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our children are precious gifts from
\God. Pray that we shall have the
compassion and comprehension
I required to raise them as true
I children of God.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy
6:7

A TEACHER'S PRAYER
Give me a little child to point the way,
Over the strange sweet path that

leads to thee ;
Give me the little voice to teach to

pray;

Give me two shining eyes thy face to
see.

The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to
wear,

d I Is this : that I may teach a little child.
- I do not ask that I may ever stand

Among the wise, the worthy, or the
(l J great-
ly : I only ask that softly, hand in hand,
) ; A child and I may enter at the gate.

-C. A. Fields

), j

PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, give us teachers who pray.
Help us to rear our children in such a
way that a teacher's job will not be so
difficult a task.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
Scripture Reading— 1 Timothy 4:12

BEGIN WITH THE BOY
If you are ever going to do anything
permanent for the average man, you
must begin before he is a man. The
chance of success lies in working with
the boy— not with the man. That
applies peculiarly to those boys who
tend to drift off into courses which
mean that unless they are checked
they will be formidable additions to
the criminal population when they
grow older.— Theodore Roosevelt

PRAYER THOUGHT
You can't teach an old dog new
tricks is an old adage that is very
true. Youth is yet to be molded, let us
mold them in the ways of God.
Remember they are our future
leaders.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Scripture Reading— Philippians 4 : 8

RIGHT OR WRONG?
A thing is right, or a thing is wrong,
And there is no in-between.
We sometimes wish that it wasn't so,
But it's plain what both words
mean.

If it's "not quite right," then it must
be wrong.
If "it wouldn't be wrong," then it's
right,

Though sometimes it's very hard to
choose

When the difference seems very
slight.

But no matter how old you live to be,
And no matter where you go,
There are no half measures with right
or wrong,
And it always will be so.

—Alfred I. Tooke

PRAYER THOUGHT
We cannot change the right of a
matter. Our consciences never let us
rationalize our wrongs into rights.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
9:8

"THE MORNING HOUR"

Alone with God, in quiet peace,
From earthly cares I find release ;
New strength I borrow for each day
As there with God, I stop to pray.

Alone with God, my sins confess'd
He speaks in mercy, I am blest.
I know the kiss of pardon free,

I talk to God, He talks to me.

—Bruce Fogarty

PRAYER THOUGHT
Most of us are very busy talking.
We talk to everyone about almost any
subject. Why is it so hard to talk to
God, who is the One who could really
help us out.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
Scripture Reading— Mark 13 : 35

' 'THE UNEXPECTED ! ' '
"I know not what may come today,
Some needy soul may cross my way;
Lord, give me words of cheer, I pray,
To meet the unexpected.

' 'No matter what the call may be ,
Or changes that may come to me ;
His hand of love in all I see
From sources unexpected."

—Selected

PR AYER THOUGHT
Fortunately we are not able to
foretell what each day will bring. One
thing we do know, with God by our
side we can face any eventuality.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
16:13

BAD READING —
BUT GOOD THEOLOGY
A speaker recalled a story of
Spurgeon's concerning a class of boys
who were having a Scripture lesson on
Daniel. One of the boys was asked to
read some verses aloud, and
presently he came to Verse 3 in
Chapter 6, which reads, "... because
an excellent spirit was in him , " but by
mistake the boy rendered it, ". . .
because an excellent spine was in
him." It was undoubtedly bad
reading, but it was excellent theology,
for Daniel was a man of real back-
bone—strong, courageous.— Moody
Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is essential that we use our back-
bones and stand up straight and tall
for Christ and our Christian beliefs.
All around people are standing strong
for a multitude of beliefs and we,
Christians, must arise and be ac-
countable.

(Devotions used by permission,
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Free IDill Baptist Children's Borne

IIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557

"A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

The Sponsorship Program is a
program whereby a church, auxiliary, or
indivudal can provide direct support for a
child. Sponsors mean a great deal to our
children, not just for monetary reasons,
but because they know that someone is
interested in them as an individual.
Sponsoring a child provides an op-
portunity to become a real, intimate part
of a child's life. It gives you the op-
portunity to share your home, your love,
and your influence to help mold a
precious child's life.

We have 10 children who are not
sponsored. If you are interested in our
Sponsorship Program, contact the
assistant superintendent at the
Children's Home by mail to P. 0. Drawer
E. Middlesex, North Carolina 27557, or
call 235-4079.

Below is a list of the children, along

with their ages, who are

in need of a

sponsor:

Debbie Sasser

14

Rosa Lee Summerlin

8

Donald Sasser

11

Jimmy Dement

13

Allen Johnson

11

Jeffrey Johnson

9

Jimmy Speight

13

Jackie Speight

10

Roger Worley

11

Todd Crawford

10

Full sponsorship of a child costs $55

per month and partial

sponsorship

amounts to $25 per month.

BIRTHDAY LIST

Below is a list of the children at the
Children's Home in Middlesex and their
birthdays. It would be nice if you could
remember these children on thel
birthdays.

January

Ronnie Gay
Donnie Dement
Brenda Jones
Terry Faircloth
Sally Alford

February

*Randy Faircloth
Andy Anderson
Audrey Worley
Roger Worley
Rosa Lee Summerlin
Vickie Lee

March

Jeffrey Johnson
Angie Nichols
Donald Sasser
Johnny Gay
Sherry Summerlin
Roy Speight

April

Betty Jo McLawhorn
Bobby Bottoms
Dorothy Johnson
Margaret Dement

May

James Joyner
Todd Crawford
Delma Gay
Tim Pittman
Betty Worley
Debbie Sasser
*Claudius Elmore

June

Jesse Joyner
Lucinda Rhodes
Johnny W. Hopkins

July

Jo Ann Anderson
Jeffrey Lamm
Janice Jones
Randy Rhodes
Mary Ann Lamm

6,1960
14, 1965
14, 1969
20, 1958
22, 1960

3, 1957
7, 1970
7, 1965
21, 1964
23, 1967
26, 1962

1, 1966
6, 1965
11, 1964
18, 1962
23, 1969
26, 1964

15, 1958
15, 1960
20, 1970
23, 1966

5, 1969
8, 1965
11, 1963
15, 1960
30, 1968
30, 1961
31, 1955

5, 1970
15, 1967
27, 1969

8, 1962
8, 1967
9, 1960
15, 1966
21, 1966

*Judy Warren
Kenneth Jones

August

Judy Carol Jones
Kay Hill

Jackie Speight
* Julia Woodard
Bud Hill
Cliff Garris

September

Ann Worley
Dorothy Rhodes
Mollie Garris
Jimmy Speight
Donna Lee
Kim Mills
Tim Mills

October

Travis Crawford
Brenda Garris
Allen Johnson
Mitch Joyner
Linda Mills
Julie King
Tony Hill

November

Louise Whitehurst
Sandra Anderson
*Ricky Faircloth
Johnny Nichols

December

Johnny Faircloth
Jimmy Dement
Sammy Mansour
Ray Gay
Debra Marlow
Donna Wilkerson
Romona Hopkins
Steve Nichols

"College Students

29, 199
31, 1961

3, 196
5, 195
5, 196'
14, 195
24, 195
29, 195

HOME MISSION RALLY

The Macedonia Free Will Baptist
Church of Vanceboro, will be holding a
Home Mission Rally on January 28,
1976, at 7:30 p. m. The program will
include the Macedonia church choir, the
Young World Singers, and others. The
speakers will be the pastor, the Rev.
Walter Sutton, and the Rev. Noah
Brown, Home Mission Board chairman.
All the churches in the area are urged to
attend and bring an offering for home
missions.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

IK

JESUS INVOLVED IN CONFLICT

isson Text: Matthew 12: 1-14
emory Verse: Matthew 1 1 :6

INTRODUCTION

In our lesson for today we have an
xount of the opposition which Jesus
et from the sect known as the
IS harisees, a religious sect in Israel
rhich put a great deal of stress upon
fie observation of the letter of the law
nd the following of the various traditions
hich had been established by the elders
||i Israel.

These Pharisees were very zealous
bout the observation of the Sabbath and
13#ere very quick to condemn any person
Upho did not observe it in the same
lanner as they did. We will see that the
deas of Jesus concerning the Sabbath
ISf; were very different from that held by the
(Pharisees, and thus there was a con-
tinual conflict between them on this
subject.

Today's lesson text gives us an
opportunity to consider two of the
conflicts which arose between Jesus and
|ijthe Pharisees on this subject of the
(Observance of the Sabbath: The first
ideals with the condemnation of the
{Pharisees of the disciples of Jesus for
iplucking and eating ears of corn on the
;Sabbath; the second, with actions of
i Jesus himself, concerning whether or
; not it was lawful to do good works on the
Sabbath— The Senior Quarterly
(F.W.B.)

I HINTS THAT HELP

A. The chapter which we study
today is one of controversy. We can learn
much from the way Jesus reacted. Some
would have us believe that He was a
pacifist and would do anything to avoid
conflict. Look closely at this chapter, and
you will see that when this conflict over
the Sabbath came up Jesus met it with
complete defiance of the Jews.

B. Jesus was teaching us in this
chapter that men are more important
than traditions and ritual. Through the

years traditions develop and, whether
they coincide with the Bible or not, some
men say that they have to be kept. Jesus
wants us to know that truth is more
important than tradition and principles
than prestige.

C. We should always keep in mind
that Jesus did not disagree with Moses
through whom God gave the Law, but
with the traditions that the Jews had built
up around the Law. There is a difference
in the truth and what men think of the
truth.

D. Sometimes each one of us comes
face to face with the question as did
Jesus: Will I do the popular thing or will I
do what I think is right? It is easier to do
the popular thing, but it brings blessings
to ourselves and others for us to do the
right thing.

E. The man with the withered hand
was glad that Jesus followed principle
rather than seek prestige through doing
what the Pharisees wanted.

—The Bible Teacher (F.W.B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. How can we know what to do
when conflict threatens? Here are some
things that will help.

1. Know God's Word. Be familiar
with what Jesus and the inspired writers
did and said. Notice what they were
willing to give up; notice the cir-
cumstances that led them to avoid
conflict; notice when they chose to meet
opposition head on. This knowledge is
the background for our choosing.

2. Try to see the situation clearly. All
of us are partly blinded by our own
wishes, our own emotions, our own
pride. Learn to recognize these, and
learn to push them aside so you can see
clearly as you choose what you will do.

3. Pray. God will help you un-
derstand His Word and He will help you
clear your vision if you ask Him and
depend on Him and are willing to put His
will above your own.

4. Use your head. God gave it to you
for that purpose, and all the other help

you can get from Him is no substitute for
your own thinking. Think about the
situation you face. Think about the
different things you can do in that
situation. Think about the result of each.
Be sure you're right, then go ahead.

If we want a simple statement of what
to do in every situation, here it is: Do
right. Sometimes it is right to meet
conflict head on. Sometimes it is right to
avoid it. Sometimes it is right to yield.
You have to decide with your own mind,
guided by the Word of God.

Jesus said, "Strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto
life" (Matthew 7:14). If you choose that
way, the devil is going to throw up a
fence across it. You can be sure of that.
You can climb over the fence, or crawl
under it, or go through it; or you can
knock the fence down. But if you leave
the narrow way of doing right, hoping to
go around the end of the fence, you find
it has no end. You only go farther and
farther from the right way, and this is the
wide road that leads to destruc-
tion—Standard Lesson Commentary

B. The Sabbath day commanded by
God was intended by Him to be a "day of
rest and gladness, a day of joy and
light." But the Jews in Jesus' time had
by their own foolishness turned it into a
day of bondage, restrictions, and
superstitions. No Jew was allowed to
light a fire on that day, not even a candle.
A man was not allowed to drive flies away
from his person, or use a fan to create a
bit of breeze. It was considered a terrible
sin to give poultry more corn that they
could eat on the Sabbath, because some
might sprout and therefore the person
throwing it to the chickens would
become guilty of sowing grain on the
Sabbath. It was for such narrow notions
as these that Jesus showed His
displeasure.

Jesus swept away the cobwebs; He
did not tear down the house. He only
removed the rubbish with which the
Pharisees had encumbered the Sabbath,
and He left it a day of freedom, of joy, of
peace. He tore down the scaffolding, that
the house itself might be more con-
venient and beautiful to live in. — C. F.
Bowen

IMPORTANT NOTICE
All minutes to be included in the
denomination Yearbook must be in
the hands of the editor by January
30, 1976. Thank you!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

STORIES

for our youth

A HERO'S TALL SHADOW

by Malinda Brasser
EFF was just a little boy. Not
O little in a childish way, but
he was terribly little for his age.
Everyone from Grandma to Aunt Lydia
said that he'd surprise everyone and
"shoot right up" someday. But that was
no help right now. All the fellows picked
on him, and girls giggled and called him
cute.

He sat on the curb picking little stones
out of the freshly blacktopped street.
They were little because they were
supposed to be, he thought angrily, but
any fellow eleven and going on twelve is
twice my size. He flung the stones down
hard, one by one. Someday I'll show
them. Someday they won't call me
"Mutt" or "Runt" or some of the other
names. I try to take it and not say
anything, but —

The newspaper truck shifted gears
and came around the corner. Jeff sighed
and stood up. Today was collection day.
He almost had enough for the muscle-
building gym set he had chosen in a
catalog. Then watch out! Unconsciously,
he was standing on the curb clenching
his fists.

"Hi, Jeff, why the long face?" teased
elderly Mr. Dunbar, who delivered part-
time, as he swung down the bundle of
papers.

"No reason." Jeff didn't feel like
talking.

' 'That look doesn't quite go along with
everything you've been telling me about
being a Christian."

Jeff looked up quickly. Wouldn't you
know it? Just the day he had the blues
over how the bigger kids picked on him
at school; that would be the day Mr.
Dunbar would catch him!

When Jeff didn't answer, Mr. Dunbar
challenged, "You told me that Christ can
help with any problem. You told me that

He walks with you, helps you to stand
tall for what you believe, and makes you
happy even when things aren't going so
well. You say that all a person has to do
when he belongs to Him is to talk to Him
and ask Him. What about it?"

It didn't take Jeff's gears very long to
start grinding. "That's it!" He suddenly
smiled and swung his empty Centertown
Star bag over his shoulder. "Mr.
Dunbar, thanks for your help. That's just
what I needed."

"But— I didn't— I'm not—" the
elderly man stuttered. He had always
scoffed everytime Jeff had tried to invite
him to church or to give him one of the
tracts he carried with him on his paper
route. Now it was obvious that he had
tried to trick Jeff into admitting that
Christ can't help all the time.

"I know, Mr. Dunbar," Jeff grinned.
"I know you're not giving in to God yet,
but it makes me happy to see you've
remembered everything I've told you."

Mr. Dunbar grunted. "Better get
started on your papers, young fellow."
And he quickly climbed into his truck
and was gone.

Jeff grinned to himself, folding his
papers quickly like an expert. That was
pretty funny the way he had caught Mr.
Dunbar. He didn't think that the old
gentleman had ever listened to a thing
he'd said or read any of those tracts he'd
given him. But Jeff also knew that he
himself had needed to be reminded to tell
God about his troubles instead of sitting
around acting angry. He whispered,
"Forgive me, Lord. I'm sorry. But please
help me. You can help me grow taller.
Please, help me to add just a few
inches."

Hours later, he had almost finished his
route. It took a long time to knock at each
door on collection day, and it looked as if
it might rain. He didn't like to get wet
because someone always cracked the

joke, "Look out, you might shrink!" H<
knocked a second time at Mrs. Bailey^
cottage where she lived alone. There wa.
no answer. He knocked again and again
loudly. Strange. She was always reat^
for him on collection day. He peekei :
through the glass pane in the door. Whaljl
he saw scared him.

In the early evening light he saw he|
lying motionless on the floor. Excitedly!|
he banged on the door and rattled thij
doorknob, hoping to arouse her. But shijj
never moved.

He raced next door, calling the neigh
bor. "Something awful's happened,'
Jeff said, panting. "We'd better call arl
ambulance."

Jeff and the neighbor went back to seel
whether they could get in and dc
something for Mrs. Bailey while the}!
waited for the ambulance. But it was nci
use. The doors and windows were all
shut tightly.

"I can't break a window with these
screens she has," the neighbor saidi
anxiously. "I don't know what to do."

It started to rain. "Maybe there's a
cellar window we can get open," an-
swered Jeff.

They circled the house testing each
window and found one loose. "But it's(
such a little opening," the neighbor
groaned.

"I can squeeze through it," Jeff?
answered. "I'm little enough."

The neighbor looked at him. "I guessl
you are, Jeff. I never noticed. All I lookl
for is the newspaper, and you're alwaysj'
on schedule, good weather or bad. "

It was a tight squeeze even for Jeff,]
but he made it. He raced upstairs and
unlocked the doors just as the am-
bulance pulled up. They lost no time]
taking care of Mrs. Bailey. Jeff watched]
anxiously to see whether she was going;
to be all right.

One of the attendants slapped Jeff on
the back. "You saved this woman's life!
She's in a coma. If you'd have turned
your back on her, or if you couldn't have
squeezed in and we'd have had to spend
extra time finding a way into the house,
she never would have made it! ' '

Jeff simply stared. "It was only the
right thing to do," he stammered.

"Lots of people walk away from
people in trouble. They don't want to get
involved," the attendant continued. "I
see it on my job almost everyday. Keep
up the good work, Jeff."

He could hardly wait to tell his folks.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ey listened proudly.
"And I guess that's the way wit-
ping for Jesus goes, too," his dad
ded. "Christians don't want to get
• < volved. They walk away, leaving
jople in the real trouble of going to hell
hen they could tell them about Jesus. ' '
Jeff nodded. He wished he were as tall
; his dad.

The phone rang, and his mother
iswered it. "What?" she almost
Touted . "That's marvelous. Thank
)u," she said after listening for a long
lie.

"Jeff, the Centertown Star office just
ailed and told me that they have chosen
ou to receive the Newspaper Valor
ward. We are to go down this evening
)r pictures for tomorrow's paper!"
Jeff could hardly believe his ears.
I— I didn't do much."
But everyone else thought differently,
"he newspaper the next day showed
pictures of Jeff and told in glowing terms
low he had saved Mrs. Bailey's life. One
Dicture showed Jeff receiving the award
^nd his father standing beside him,
imiling proudly. The fellows at school
couldn't wait to ask him how it all
Mt5 happened . They came to his house to see
the award. They treated him like one of
■their best friends, and Jeff knew that
inow he would be able to invite them to
church without their laughing and calling
him the "Sunday school kid." He had
itried to keep working for God in spite of
Ithe teasing, but now it would be much
Hfijeasier. He felt as though he had grown a
Toot taller!

Jell "Hi, Jeff. Let me shake hands with a
M Jhero," Mr. Dunbar called,
am- 1| "You helped, too, Mr. Dunbar." And
i« Jeff told the man how badly he'd been
wheeling because of the teasing he got.
"But you said something that made me
remember to practice what I preach,"
s i laughed Jeff. "So God helped me to help
Mrs. Bailey, and that made the kids treat
me like one of them. I'm still building my
own gym, but I couldn't have asked for
any better help than God gave me. "

Mr. Dunbar looked serious. "You've
helped more than Mrs. Bailey, Jeff. This
business about God must have
something to it. He must be real, just as
you say. You might not be very tall in
inches yet, but you throw a mighty long
shadow. You reach a lot of people. Thank
you for standing tall, Jeff. See you in
church Sunday."
Folding his papers automatically, Jeff

watched Mr. Dunbar drive off. "Thank
you, Lord, for helping me until I get
those other inches."

He had another handful of tracts in his
pocket. There were other people to be
reached, and there was no need to waste
any time. — Selected

The Unmitigated

TRUTH

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Now when they
heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest
of the apostles, Men and brethren, what
shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).

IT IS THE
TRUTH THAT PRODUCES
A PRICK

The truth of the gospel, by the power
of the Holy Spirit, often produces an
indelible wound in the minds of those
who are skeptical and opposed. There
must be two things evident: (1) The
gospel must be declared; and, (2) there
must be attentive ears capable of
hearing. The ears must be brought to the
point of discerning a message. The ears
must make contact with the brain which
makes the message loud and clear to the
mind and the heart. This may take some
hard doings. Sometimes God has to bring
a person into very difficult situations.
God sometimes is obliged to let the devil
take over in a person's life as he did in
the life of Job. Of course, Job was strong
in the faith and came through with flying
colors. But God does "sic" the devil on
the harden sinners to bring them to their
knees or to destroy them . The devil could
not destroy Job because God would not
let him. When God lays His hand upon a
person, there will be a response— God
will either save him or He will destroy
him. God did not spare His own Son the
agonies of Calvary and He will exact from
everyone else His just dues. So it is the
truth of the gospel, accompanied by the
power of the Holy Spirit, that produces a
prick in the heart— an encounter with
pins and needles.

Then, again, a sense of one special
startling sin has frequently aroused the
conscience. David, in 2 Samuel 12:7,
had to be shocked into a realization of the

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

grossness of his sin by the confrontation
of God's man with the truth. David's
sinful ambition and adultry, connected
with murder, was God's limit with him.
"Thou art the man," from the lips of
Nathan, shocked David into an admission
of guilt and the truth prevailed. This
accusation brought pricks and David
succumbed. David never quite overcame
this ordeal because of its serious impact
upon his soul. God saved David, but
David had regrets and grief and deep
concern for the welfare of his soul all the
remaining days of his life.

The exactness, severity, and terror of
the judgment often triggers pricks in the
heart. Men of God who engage in
evangelistic endeavors use the preaching
of the gospel in terror of the approaching
judgment of God to jolt sinners into a
realization that the judgment of God is
sure and certain. The sinner may come to
realize that if he does face God in
judgment he will be punished in the
fullest extent of God's Law. This is what
happened to the keeper of the prison
when Paul and Silas were miracu'ously
delivered from bonds. The jailer was
shocked into a realization that God's
power was being made manifest. He
could not ignore his part in the role of
dealing with the prisoners.

There are two more segments of truth I
must mention here. (1) The great
goodness of God has led many sinners to
see the cruel wantonness of sin against
Him. Many times the very goodness,
long-suffering, and forbearance of God
has pricked the heart and brought
penance. (2) The death of Christ as a
substitute has often been a means of
revealing the greatness of sin. The need
for an atonement is evident and God is
the only one who can effect an
atonement.

Finally, a genuinely born-again
Christian who had to be shocked into a
confrontation with the truth, regardless
of what it cost, will never quit thanking
God for whatever it took to bring him into
a saving knowledge of God. Like the
person who was stricken with leprosy
and had his body, being eaten away and
emaciated in grueling pain and
disfigurement beyond recognition, never
stopped thanking God for letting him
have the disease, because the disease is
what brought him to God and salvation!

15

LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, N. C.

COM

277C3

EAST ROCKINGHAM
HONORS PASTOR OF
40 YEARS

The East Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, recently honored
its pastor, the Rev. Walter Carter, who
has pastored the church for 40 years.
This special celebration was hosted by
the members of Mr. Carter's
congregation.

Mr. Carter began his ministry at the
age of 20. At that time he became a
member of the East Rockingham church
which had a membership of 18. At this
time the church was located on Ninth
Avenue, the former Entwistle Mill
Village, now known as Aleo. In 1963 the
church moved to its present location on
Airport Road and has a membership of
240.

On the occasion of the celebration the
church sanctuary was beautifully
decorated with candles and flowers.
During the service Mr. Carter's favorite
hymns were sung and a poem, "A
Tribute to Preacher Carter," by Mrs.
Dorothy Welch, was read.

Following the morning worship
service, a picnic lunch was served on the
church grounds.

Other ministers in the area joined Mr.
Carter for the event. After the evening
service, the pastor and his friends were
served coffee and cake in the fellowship
hall.

A TRIBUTE TO
PREACHER CARTER

In 1935, while still a very young man,
Mr. Carter was called as a servant of
God;

To minister unto his people-
Not an easy path to trod.

He and his dear wife
Worked and sacrificed, it was said,
On eight dollars a month-
No luxuries were to be had.

He studied and God gave him wisdom
To preach the whole gospel true;
Always telling of the wrath of God,
And His love for me and you.

His two sons grew up and married,
And had families of their own;
Then in 1970, God looked down and
said,

"Esther (Mrs. Carter), it's time to come
home."

It must be terrible to be left alone,
Sad and brokenhearted too;
But Brother Carter looked at the harvest
And saw much work for him to do.

The church has grown and prospered
As only the Book of Life will reveal.
Many souls have been won to Christ,
Because Preacher Carter, his life d|
yield.

I know in the crown someday he'll wear
There will be many a star;
For he says, "If you witness to til
people,

You must go where the people are. ' '

You can see Brother Carter out visiting,
Or at the shopping center anytime.
If you ask him how he is feeling,
He will answer, "Fine, I'm just fine."

Yes, God has blessed our preacher
With peace and contentment within;
May he ever have joy unspeakable,
As in heaven he dwells among men.

The above article was submitted b
the Rev. Harry A. Jones, secretary of th'
General Conference, of which Mr. Carte
was president for a number of years.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

free Dill baptist

,m,./c uwn/ERSi

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1976 DU?

_ F£8 * l^

The need is never greater than its fulfillment if God is
sought in earnest.

Editorial...

Cover Photo by Camerique

"EVERY HOUR I NEED THEE'

To be in need of anything is perplexing. The world and its people are gorged
with needs that seek alleviation, fulfillment, and removal— and all at the same time.

As for alleviation, individuals need to be free of suffering— whether it be pain,
sorrow, discontent, or physical hunger. The need of not having to suffer is seen daily
and viewed somewhat cautiously by those who fear that they might be subjected to
such suffering.

As for fulfillment, individuals abound in emptiness— emptiness of heart, soul,
and spirit. Many seek fulfillment in the wrong places and use the wrong methods: a
bar where drink is consumed until oblivion is attained, and a friendly "house of ill
repute" where physical cravings are satisfied for a short time at the expense of
negating the purported reason for being there— physical gratification. Physical
gratification is short-lived, and especially demeaning, when associated with sinful
practices. The heart, soul, and spirit can never profit from the physical attempt to
feed these longings.

As for removal, individuals need to remove the burdens that weight them down
and as a consequence cause them to weight others down with their cries of "Why
does it always have to happen to me?" Too, these persons might find some con-
solation in seeking out those with greater problems. There is always somebody in
worse shape— and greater need, tired out by some seeming unconquerable foe, and
stooped lower by a daily addition of woe. Removal is not as easily done as advised,
but for the Christian there is Christ and for the non-Christian there is the opportunity
to know Him. He alone can completely remove the burdens of life from the shoulder,
the heart, or the mind.

If mankind is rational in thought he most likely will be rational in action and will
subsequently find the "answer" to his needs in the right place and at the right time.
As for the place, it can almost be anywhere— but not everywhere, for the place must
be conducive to the proper ordering of thought and conduct— a place where the still,
small voice can be heard and can speak to the heart longing and begging for the
Word.

As for the time, anytime is the right time— and now is the best time— right now
as you are reading or possibly meditating upon some need.

Every day, every hour, every minute the soul needs the strengthening power of
the good Father. When He is near, temptations, though great, are easier to
resist— and He is only as near to us as we are near to Him. He leaves us only when
we push Him away and out of our minds, hearts, and lives.

He bears pain and suffering for us— if we allow Him. He relieves and receives
but never does He force His will upon us. The choice is ours. He wants us to be happy
and fulfilled. The tragedy is that we look everywhere and to everyone until in
desperation we come to Him. How unnecessary to suffer some of the agonies we
suffer! How unnecessary to bear some of the burdens we bear! How unnecessary to
thirst for the water of life! It's there in abundance.

Of a truth, we need Him, every hour. Of a truth, He's available, and His
goodness is plenteous and free.

"Every hour I need thee." The need is never greater than its fulfillment if God is
sought in earnest.

*

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JANUARY 28, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wil
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina

All materials to be placed in any issue mus
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yearr
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoun1
given when local churches send the "Baptist" ti
the home of every member; names and ad;
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche;
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily ref led
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thl
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacK
article is given the person whose name appear^
under the title or to the person submitting sai*
article.

Items for publication should be addressed U
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m. — I
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. m.j
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a. m
— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarl"
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTISH

FREE WILL BAPTISTS OF MY DAY

DOWN THE ROAD WITH
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IN THE 1960 S

(Part Twenty-Five)
by Loy Everette Ballard

years of National Association, proved well their
loyalty to the program of the association.
From the very first their support of the
various causes reflected real sacrifices,
apparently with the design to make up
for losses to the national program from
the withdrawal of the State Convention.

They at once organized themselves
into a new state body, which was called
the North Carolina State Association, and
at their first regular meeting they set up
missions, orphanage, and superan-
nuation boards and began working to
establish state programs in these areas.
They began publication of a new church
paper known as "The Free Will Baptist
Witness" to give publicity to their work.
A little later, boards on youth relations
and care for the aged were set up.
Minutes of the organization meeting do
not show the names or number of
churches withdrawing to form the new
state body, but I have in my possession
information indicating that it was be-
tween thirty and forty church that
either requested dismissal letters, or
withdrew without letters, to enter the
new organization. Within the first two
years following the denominational split,
several groups withdrawing from
churches that voted to remain with the
State Convention conferences were
organized into new churches throughout
the state. The new state body pursued an
active home mission program, organizing
a number of new churches over the
state, a number of them being in places
where there had been no Free Will
Baptist church before.

During the 1960s, the National
Association made commendable
progress in all phases of its worldwide
program. Its educational program
resulted in an enlargement of the
facilities of the Free Will Baptist Bible
College at Nashville, Tennessee, and
cooperative relations with at least two
other Free Will Baptist colleges— the
principle one being the Oklahoma Bible
College.

In the field of missions, both home and
foreign, the association made substantial
progress during the decade of the

AlJRING the troubled

•p the late 1950s and the early

960s, I was busy endeavoring to hold

Lr North Carolina Sunday school
fogram together under the difficult
ipnditions that existed, and at the same
fine pastoring churches. From 1954

jntil 1956, I was half-time pastor of the
1 rimsley church, working out of Ayden.

his church has been generally con-
tfeded to be one of the three oldest

lasting Free Will Baptist churches in the

nited States: the other two being Gum
:|wamp and Little Creek. During my
j astorate at Grimsley, I did extensive
research trying to solve the question of
Ihich of the three is the oldest. I did not

ucceed in getting the answer, but did
find proof that they were all three
Organized within a period of less than
mo years. I accumulated quite a lot of
Historical information, which is now in
jiy extensive collection of notes and
llocuments considered of historical

falue.

I From Ayden we moved to Bladenboro,
iyhere for two years I pastored the White
bak church; after which, we moved to
j>elma, and I became half-time pastor of
peasant Plain church. I had just moved
irom Selma to Scotland Neck to pastor
Dawson Grove church when the
denominational split came. With all these
responsibilities, I had but little time to be
involved in general denominational
affairs, but I did preserve a lot of records,
reports, and clippings covering the
years of separation and adjustments;
from these and my personal memories, I
jam now going to attempt to take my
readers down the two roads the major
groups of Free Will Baptists of my day
chose to follow. I shall endeavor to do so
without bias or partiality. In this article
we will travel with the National
Association, and in my next article with
•the North Carolina Convention and the
groups associated with it.

In all fairness, it must be said that the
North Carolina churches which chose to
withdraw from the various conferences
belonging to the North Carolina State
Convention, to remain a part of the

1960s. Missionaries were sent into a
number of countries where evangelical
preaching was practically unknown. The
number of foreign missionary families
being supported by the association
increased from twenty-four in 1961 to
thirty-three in 1969. Through the home
mission department, the first Free Will
Baptist churches in history were
established in Canada, the programs in
Alaska and Mexico were expanded, and
new churches were organized in areas in
the United States where formerly Free
Will Baptists were practically unknown.

Some comparisons of offerings
received over the years of the 1960s will
reflect the growing concern for the
ongoing of the programs of the National
Association. I have been able to obtain
figures on offerings for three years
during this period: the years 1961,
1966, and 1968. In the comparisons
below, I am giving them to the nearest
dollar in each case:

Bible College: 1961, $78,317; 1966,
$248,149; 1968, $407,491 —$329,1 74
more than 1961 .

Foreign Missions: 1961, $172,401;
1966, $446,144; 1968, $522,217—
$349,816 more than 1961 .

Home Missions: 1961, $69,728;
1966, $152,757; 1968, $1 47,31 1 —
$77,583 more than 1961.

Other Programs: 1961, $31,004;
1966, $121,514; 1968, $121,531 —
$90,527 more than 1961.

I have not been able to verify positively
all these figures, but they are very close,
and certainly reflect a continuing rise in
concern for the National Association
projects.

As of the time of the 1969 session of
the National Association in Saint Louis,
Missouri, this organization represented
2,162 churches with 184,869 members
of the Free Will Baptists of my day.

I want to say something here, which I
shall repeat in my next article with
respect to the other major group of Free
Will Baptists: Statistics regarding
constituency and financial worth of any
Christian organization can never be as
important as the spiritual blessings that
result from united consecrated efforts to
bring salvation to the lost, and to develop
■the moral and spiritual possibilities of
human beings. Only God can evaluate
these things.

(Next: The North Carolina Convention
and Association in the 1960s)

\ THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Scripture Reading— Psalm 39 :6

ALL EQUAL BEFORE FISH
Herbert Hoover said, "To go fishing
is the chance to wash one's soul with
pure air, with the rush of the brook, or
with the shimmer of the sun on blue
water. It brings meekness and in-
spiration from the decency of nature,
charity toward tackle makers,
patience with fish, a mockery of
profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a
rejoicing that you do not have to
decide a thing until next week. And it
is discipline in the equality of
men— for all men are equal before
fish."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Communing with nature brings us
in close harmony with God and His
creations. It is impossible to view the
panorama of earth and sky and not
believe in a super Being.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4 : 32

COMPASSION FOR FLOWERS
The English poet, William Words-
worth, was a devoted lover of nature.
He would sit for hours looking at the
daisies or daffodils. " 'Tis my faith,"
he said, "that every flower enjoys the
air it breathes."

It is said that Wordsworth never
plucked a bud or even pressed the
stem of a flower with his fingers. He
was the founder of the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Flowers.

The Bible tells us about the
miracles of God. The seed catalogue
shows some of them.

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is good to instill the love of nature
in everyone. Think of the vast
monetary savings if all of us con-
served the beauty and energy
potentials of nature.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Scripture Reading— Romans 9:2, 3

TRY TEARS

A discouraged Salvationist said to
William Booth, founder of the
Salvation Army, "My work is at a
standstill. Souls are not being saved. I
have tried everything I know to try.
Nothing seems to work."

Booth said, ' 'Try tears ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
We must first become com-
passionate, then we must seek a
solution. Tears and thoughts must be
accompanied by wisdom and works.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 5:8

DEADLY UNCONCERN
In Jakarta, Indonesia, as a ten-
year-old boy lay asleep in a rice field,
he was swallowed alive by a thirty-
foot snake. The reptile was unable to
move because the boy's legs
protruded from its mouth. After the
snake was killed, the boy was pulled
out— too late ! He was dead!

Many today are sleeping the sleep
of deadly neglect and unconcern while
the enemy of souls, Satan, works
disastrously.

PRAYER THOUGHT
To be alert is a vital part of our
lives. To rest is important but only to
enable us to be more alert to our
surroundings and our duties,
refreshed by reasonable rest.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 10:12

SUICIDE ON THE
INSTALLMENT PLAN

It is a physiological fact that hating
people can cause ulcers, heart at-
tacks, headaches, skin rashes, asth-
ma, and even death!

Our hating anyone is like burning
down our house to get rid of rats.

Said Booker T. Washington, "No
man is able to force me so low as to
make me hate him."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Indeed, our hatred of another
causes more distress to our well-being
than to the one we hate. The Lord told
us that vengeance was His.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Scripture Reading— Romans 3:24

MAKE ME A CAPTIVE,
LORD
Make me captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free ; 1
Force me to render up my sword, /
And I shall conqueror be !
I sink in life's alarms,
When by myself I stand ;
Imprison me within thine arms,
And strong shall be my hand.

—George Mathesor

PRAYER THOUGHT
Captivated by a loving, kincH
Conqueror is to be much desired. Goc,
is so great, why do we resist! Let Goc,\
rule and we shall be enslaved by iovt'i
and kindness.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Scripture Reading— Psalm 46 : 10

I SECURELY GO
Not for one single day
Can I discern my way,
But this I surely know:
Who gives the day
Will show the way
Sol securely go.

—John Oxenhan

PRAYER THOUGHT
Common sense tells us that the Om,
who creates knows the ingredient
and the proper dispensation.

(Devotions used by permission c
Knight's Up-To-The Minute I
lustrations, Moody Press. )

Coming Events . . .

March 13— North Carolina State Leagu
Convention, Community Free Wi
Baptist Church, Weldon, Nort
Carolina

"Life is like a mirror— we get the best
results when we smile at it."— Selected

We thank Him for sun, do we thank Hir
for rain?

We thank Him for joy, do we thank Hir
for pain?

We thank Him for gains, do we than

Him for losses?
We thank Him for blessings, do we than

Him for crosses?

—Author Unknow

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route I, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Please explain, "But of that
ly and that hour knoweth no man, no,
)t the angels which are in heaven,
either the Son, but the Father" (Mark
3:32). Does the fact that He admits His
lowledge is limited indicate that at the
ne Jesus spoke He was less than
ity?

Answer: No, the fact that Jesus had
[Lth the divine nature and the human
jature is one we cannot explain. We
lust, as we do with other mysterious
kcts about His person, accept this by
aith since it is set forth in Scripture and
'Wait the revelation of Christ in His
liecond coming to understand and ex-
plain it. Our knowledge concerning
Wist is not perfect now. It is not
omplete: "But when that which is
lerfect is come, then that which is in
j»art shall be done away. ... For now we
fee through a glass, darkly; but then
ace to face: now I know in part; but then
;hall I know even as also I am known"
1 Corinthians 13:10, 12); also,
'Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall
pe: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
isee him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
| We are admonished in the Scriptures
to await day by day and moment by
•moment for Christ's appearance in His
jsecond coming, and are told that those
who know Him will be awaiting this
blessed event. We are made to un-
derstand that in this kind of waiting
iwe are purified: "And every man that
hath this hope in him purifieth himself,
:even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).

We are exhorted often in Scriptures to
be patient and wait upon the Lord: "Be
patient therefore, brethren, unto the
coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious
fruit of the earth, and hath long patience
for it, until he receive the early and latter

rain" (James 5:7); and, "But they that
wait upon the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings
as eagles; they shall run, and not be
weary; and they shall walk, and not
faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Then again, James tells us, writing
under inspiration, "If any of you lack
wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).
He also tells us in the following verses,
". . . let him ask in faith, nothing
wavering. For he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea driven with the wind and
tossed. For let not that man think that he
shall receive any thing of the Lord"
(James 1:6, 7).

It is one thing to have arise in our
minds a question from a sincere devout
study of the Scriptures as we come
across such as we find here in Mark
13:32; it is quite a different one when an
insincere person seeks out something to
make little of God's Word. The atheist,
agnostic, or gainsayer of any kind can
come up with ridiculous inquiries
concerning many passages found in the
Bible, but if we should be able to answer
them to their liking, it would benefit no
one; but when one in sincerity comes
with such a question, we should be
patient and give as clear-cut biblical
answer as we are able.

The Bible tells us that Jesus put
Himself in our place that we might
through Him be brought back into a right
relationship with God. This involved His
death on the Cross in our place and
stead: "Who being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with
God: But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he
humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross"

(Philippians 2:6-8); also, "For this is
good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Saviour; Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth. For there is one God, and
one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due
time" (1 Timothy 2:3-6); "Who his own
self bare our sins in his own body on the
tree, that we, being dead to sins, should
live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes ye were healed" (1 Peter 2:24);
"For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin; that we might be made
the righteousness of God in him" (2
Corinthians 5:21). (Read 2 Corinthians
5:17-20.)

The Bible is clear in giving us to
understand that Christ in His incarnation
became one with us, identifying Himself
with the human race and not with angels
nor any other beings. "For verily he took
not on him the nature of angels; but he
took on him the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to
be made like unto his brethren, that he
might be a merciful and faithful high
priest in things pertaining to God, to
make reconciliation for the sins of the
people. For in that he himself hath
suffered being tempted, he is abte to
succour them that are tempted"
(Hebrews 2:16-18). ,

So in all things He became one among
us even appearing as a descendant of
Abraham. He limited Himself so as to be
tempted and yet He was God, who when
He laid down His life for our sakes, was
able to take it up again together with
every saint. Just as certain as He arose
from the dead, will He be able to
resurrect all who sleep in Jesus before
He comes to the air to receive His saints.
At the same time He will change all that
remain alive in the natural body into the
glorious likeness of His resurrected and
glorified body.

George H. Sandison gives the
following answer to a similar question on
Page 291 in his book 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered:

"No, the inference (to be drawn from
Mark 1 3:32) does not appear logical. We
do not understand the union of the two
natures in our Lord's person, and
therefore cannot explain many of the
difficulties which are presented. If,
however, we take the conception that is
given in the first chapter of John's
(Continued on Page 9)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Free IDill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
A Christian Home for Boys and Girls' '

r

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
DECEMBER, 1975
Albemarle Conference

Belhaven

$

40.00

Corinth

10.00

Gum Neck

50.00

Hickory Chapel

402.06

Malachi's Chapel

50.00

Mt. Tabor

84.65

Fifth Sunday Singing

78.00

Sunday School Convention

47.96

Plymouth

176.00

Shiloh

37.33

Sidney

70.17

Sound Side

65.00

St. Paul

232.35

Total

$

1,343.52

Blue Ridge Association

Cedar Hill

$

29.06

Cape Fear Conference

Casey's Chapel

$

203.00

Goldsboro, First

5.00

Lee's Chapel

1,290.35

Palmer Memorial

107.25

Robert's Grove

25.00

St. Mary's Grove

10.00

Shady Grove

20.00

Smyrna

115.00

Total

$1,775.60

Central Conference

Aspen Grove

$

176.00

Ayden

140.00

Bethany

93.00

Black Jack

139.00

Community

2.54

Dilda's Grove

343.64

Edgewood

447.23

Elm Grove

1,604.75

Free Union

245.00

Friendship

252.92

Greenville, First

60.00

Harrell's Chapel

50.00

Hugo

110.00

Hull Road

300.00

LaGrange

222.47

Marlboro

85.38

Second Union

14.17

Fourth Union

60.23

Ormondsville

58.00

Owen's Chapel

250.00

Peace

156.50

Reedy Branch

507.12

Roanoke Rapids

5.00

Rose Hill

254.19

Sweet Gum Grove

343.00

Tarboro

332.00

Watery Branch

74.00

Williamston

50.00

Total

$ 6,376.14

Eastern Conference

Antioch

$ 100.00

Arapahoe

187.00

Bethel

260.00

Bethlehem

172.65

Beulaville

300.00

Christian Chapel

100.00

Core Creek

175.97

Core Point

73.00

Crab Point

41.17

Daly's Chapel

107.00

Davis

32.50

Deep Run

552.00

Dublin Grove

167.30

Edwards Chapel

174.75

Ephesus

283.88

Faith

5.00

Folkstone

20.00

Friendship

133.00

Gethsemane

181.15

Grant's Chapel

50.00

Gray Branch

25.00

Holly Springs

1,878.80

Juniper Chapel

350.00

Kinston, First

10.00

Lanier's Chapel

20.00

Long Ridge

500.00

May's Chapel

200.00

Mt. Zion (Pamlico)

50.00

Miscellaneous

5.00

New Bethlehem

19.03

Northeast

64.95

Oak Grove

5.00

Oriental

88.74

Pearsall's Chapel
Pilgrim's Home
Pilgrim's Rest
Rock of Zion
Rooty Branch
Saint's Delight
Sandy Plain
Sneads Ferry
Snow Hill
St. Mary's
Trent

Vanceboro
Warsaw
Welcome Home
White Oak Grove
Wintergreen
Woodington
Total

406.4
325.0
105.0,
50.0
10. |
63. Oi
269.61
100.01
450.01;
330. 0l|
69.2 .
200.01),
10.01
175.01
537.5d
11 .1
15. 0(.

$ 9,010.51

Pee Dee Association

Beaverdam $
Cypress Creek
Union Meeting

Oak Grove _
Total

500.0C-
40. 21
50.0(1
75. 0(

$ 665. It,

Piedmont Conference

Christ

East Rockingham
Friendly Chapel
Highland Pines
House of Prayer
Mill Street
West Point
Total

$

20.0C
45.0C
80. OC
15.0C
60. Of
6.5t!
25.00

$ 251 m

Rockfish Conference

Sandy Grove $ 100.0C

Roaring Creek
Total

26.56'

$ 126.56

Western Conference

Barnes Hill
Black Jack Grove
Branch Chapel
Everett's Chapel
Friendship
Holly Springs
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Milbournie
First Union
New Sandy Hill
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Plain
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Road
Rosebud

$ 1

,320. OC
100.0C

90.24

91.12
275.00

15.00
5.00

59.62
368.80
,319.78

88.60
221.65
185.00
543.15

43.00
100.00

60.46

60.00
5.00

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

!

. :ierron Acres

hoc nr\

1,1 ill • ■ 1 /~\ 1 _|

<;Jancil s Chapel

of .1 a

h. Mary's

1 OU.UU

jony Hill

1 UU.UU

1hion Chapel

on c n

32.50

; hion Grove

65.78

jilson, First

81.00

; Total

$ 5,542.89

[her States

$ 223.17

btal Contributions

$25,092.74

! MEMORIAL GIFTS
& DECEMBER, 1975

Memorial gifts to the Children's Home
tr December, 1975, totaled $808.50
OH;. Jnd were given as follows:
45 1 Mr. Grover Lamm by Virginia Lamm
55 Jf ayes.

75I Mrs. Winona Gaskins by Mr. and Mrs.
jj] abed Pate.

"i Mr. Charlie Shines by the Woman's
Xuxiliary of Arapahoe Free Will Baptist
?0fl hhurch and Mr. and Mrs. Roland
)5[ Humphrey.

jjjj Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Tyndall by P. A.
I5I [yndall.

jjl'j Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wilson by Mr.
6j and Mrs. M. D. West,
ij'lj Mr. and Mrs. Kirby West by Mr. and
"iMrs. M. D. West.

lj Mrs. Ethel Casey by Mrs. James C.
Guin Jr.

151 1 Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jones by Mrs.
ijj'ji .Bryant Hall.

ij| Mrs. Ora L. Speight, Doris and Birdie
jSpeight by Mrs. Bruce S. Shinn.

51

05 HONORARY GIFTS

M DECEMBER, 1975

M\

51 Honorary gifts to the Children s Home
jljfor December, 1975, totaled $535.
jj. (Persons wishing to make honorary gifts
jjMto the Home may do so by sending them
II | to the Free Will Baptist Children's Home,
lj P. O. Box 249, Middlesex, North Carolina
5( j 27557. The gifts were as follows:

■m Mr. Archie Ballance by the
1 Challengers' Class of Shady Grove Free
* Will Baptist Church.

01

lj Bessie H. Lamm by Virginia Lamm
1 Hayes.

I Mrs. Dorothy Stephenson by Sally S.
I Ballard.

SI j THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Now when they
heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest
of the apostles, Men and brethren, what
shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE
FOR THESE
PAINFUL PRICKS?

Would you believe me if I said that God
is responsible for these painful pricks?
Well, He is. I will try to explain. God is
responsible in that He wrote the piercing
truths of the Holy Bible. It is through God
(Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— three
persons but one God) that all creation
emerged or was created. All of creation is
the work of God. God is responsible for
all good and bad things or happenings.
All of creation is the accomplishment of
God. He made all things. He is the God of
war and the God of peace. He is the God
of love and the God of hate. The reason
for this apparent paradox is ob-
vious—God made the universe for His
glory— but if there were no condition,
event, or thing to challenge God's glory,
where would the contest of rivalry and
contention appear?

God made man with a mind of his own.
He has the power to do both good and
bad (evil). God announces a certain
program to us and He tells us that we
may go His way and prosper and be
blessed of every good thing, but if we
refuse and choose a program opposed to
God's way, we shall be condemned and
brought into judgment. So all evil things
are of the devil, but the devil is of
God— God made him. God uses the devil
to punish mankind for rejecting the good
things of God.

In dealing with Israel God makes an
example of them. He knew how sinful
and ungodly Israel would be so He was
prepared to deal with them. He sent His
prophets unto them with a "Thus saith
the Lord God." God made it clear to
Ezekiel, and other prophets, that the
people (Israel in general) would not listen
nor would they obey the Word of the
Lord. Ezekiel 2:7 states: "... thou shalt
speak my words unto them, whether
they will hear, or whether they will
forbear: . . ."The key to God's dealings
with man, both good and bad, is this:
". . . ye shall know that I am the
LORD" (Ezekiel 6:7).

And so, the same God who wrote the
piercing truth will also apply the same
truth. God will spare no one. Salvation is
offered and all who do not come under
God's terms of salvation will be
lost— lost forever.

In closing, it may help our reasoning if
we will just remember that the Holy
Ghost is well acquainted with all hearts.
He is God and knows all about man and
all that may be in the heart of man. He is
able to reach them, and reach them He
will. There is no way a man can escape
God's judgment. If a soul goes to hell it
will be because of God's doings. If a
person goes to heaven it still will be
because of God's doings. God always
honors our choice, right or wrong, and
deals with us accordingly. If we do not
choose heaven then our choice has to be
hell because there is no where else
provided.

Some people entertain an idea that
there is nothing after death. I have news
for them— there most assuredly is a
heaven for all redeemed and a hell for all
who refuse God's offer of salvation. Man
is an eternal being. He must exist forever
either in heaven or hell. Man cannot be
annihilated!

"EXPRESS IMAGE!"

A Chinese Bible woman was preaching
Christ to the scholar of a market town, in
the marketplace. He heard her cour-
teously, and after a little said: "Madam,
you speak well, but why do you dwell on
Jesus Christ? Let Him alone, and tell us
about God." Whereat she replied,
"What sir, should we know about God, if
it were not for Jesus Christ?"

7

FOREIGN AAl^^l^VlVl^ HOME
MISSIONS ||\|^^|^ ^| |0 MISS'0NS

Joseph Ingram I Taylor Hill

Director-Treasurer Director-Treasurer

P.O. Box 979 1 207 Arsenal Ave

Goldsboro, N C 27530 * Fayetteville. N. C. 28305

WEST HILLSBOROUGH
MISSION HOMECOMING

Recently the West Hillsborough Free
Will Baptist Mission of Hillsborough
celebrated its homecoming. Pictured
above are the misson's members as they
gathered around the picnic lunch served
on the church grounds.

"The West Hillsborough mission is
moving ahead," states the pastor, the
Rev. Grayson Spencer. He reports that
they are already working toward
relocating in a more suitable location. He
and the members request your prayers
and financial support.

FREEDOM MISSION
MOVES AHEAD

The Freedom Mission of Lumberton is
moving ahead in every way. We are
pleased to announce that a settlement for
a building site has been reached. The
director and mission members met with
their lawyer at Lumberton on Saturday,
January 17, for the completion of their
land purchase.

About three and one-half acres is
being purchased just inside the city

limits on Highway 211 east. The pastor,
the Rev. Lewis Sprouse, reports that
everything is "going real well." They
are full-time, new people are coming in,
souls are being saved, and the spirits of
the members are lifted high.

In talking with Mr. Sprouse and the
members, I see a great determination to
build a solid church of which our Lord
will be proud. I was very impressed to
see just a handful of young brave men
sign their names to the mortgage papers,
trusting in the faith that they have been
taught.

Beloved, to me this is progress; and it
should make all Christians happy and
want to be a part. I am indeed thankful
for our ten new Home Mission points and
am persuaded that this is just the
beginning of something great. Our
greatest problem continues to stem from
the lack of funds. Our expenses for the
next week are $1 ,275, and as of today,
January 19, 1976, we have eleven
dollars on hand.

CAPE COLONY
MISSION REPORTS

The Rev. Johnnie Sexton, pastor of the
Cape Colony Free Will Baptist Mission
near Edenton, reports that the mission is
doing fine. They have a full-time
program, including league training and
visitation. In talking with Mr. Sexton, we
found him to be very enthused with the
progress being made. The mission is in
the process of looking around for a
building site. They too desire your
prayers and financial support.

SPECIAL
MISSION RALLY

A special mission rally cosponsored by
the North Carolina State Convention
Home Missions Board and the Missions
Board of the Eastern Conference will be
held at the Macedonia Free Will Baptist
Church at Ernul, Wednesday, evening,
January 28, beginning at 7:30. All

churches of the area are invited to attq '
and take part in this rally.

The Rev. Walter Sutton Jr., pastor' i
the church, states that there will b^
special place on the program for you
present you* offering for missions. All
on the program will be special singim
testimony time, and challengir
messages.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when neede(
for any church that is seeking a pastor and fcj
any minister who is seeking a church to senjj
and would like to give such notice. Please senfl
the necessary information to the editor of "Th
Free WiJI Baptist." Each notice will run for twl
issues only.)

MMI^JM^IMIEIMIMIMIMIMB j

The Rev. Richard C. Overman arj
nounces that he is available for full-tim'
pastoral services. He is a member of th
Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptis
Church of Raleigh and a member of th|
Cape Fear Conference in good standing]
He may be contacted by writing 1725-
Fransican Terrace, Winston-Salem
North Carolina 27107; or telephoning
788-8644.

Mr. Charles Petit, a licensed preachef
from Everett Chapel Free Will Baptis'
Church of Clayton, is interested in supph
work, part-time services, or evangelistic
work. Any church or minister interestec
in his services may contact him by
writing P. 0. Box 675, Clayton, North
Carolina 27520; or telephoning (919;
553-5741.

THE OLD, OLD STORY

William Gladstone, a former prime
minister of England, once said, "If I
were asked what is the remedy for
the deeper sorrows of the human heart, I
would point to the old, old story, told in
an old, old Book, and taught with an old,
old teaching— the gospel. This is the
greatest and best gift ever given to
mankind!"

"HETHATIS DOWN!"

He that is down need fear no fall.

He that is low no pride;
He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

—John Bunyan.

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

r

Youth Sunday at
pring Branch Church

When Jesus, at the age of twelve,
nswered His parents' inquiry about His
hereabouts, He exemplified the need to
begin the works of His Father (God) at an
early age in life.

This was also exemplified on
December 14, 1975, at Spring Branch
Free Will Baptist Church near
Walstonburg, when the church observed
Youth Sunday.

Approximately 35 young people of the
church took an active part in all the
church activities of the day. Doug
Strickland, acted as master of
ceremonies with Miss Becky Martin
leading the congregation, as well as the
youths, in hymns of praise. The morning
and evening messages were delivered by
Jimmy Galloway. Readings on "Youth
Sunday" by Miss Betty Sue Horton, and
Christimas" by Miss Melody Johnson,
were an inspiration to the entire
congregation. Miss Beth Strickland
prayed the benediction at the close of the
morning worship. Miss Roberta Bynum
served as pianist throughout the
combined morning and evening services.
Many other youths served in various
capacities throughout both worship
services.

The pastor, the Rev. Royce Reynolds,
states: "We feel sure God has especially
blessed us here at Spring Branch with
such an inspiration as shown in the
services of these young people. As we
look around and see these young lives
being lived for the Lord, we feel that God
is certainly cultivating an abundant
harvest to come from this work.

"We congratulate these young people
and pray for their continued enthusiasm
in the work of the church as they serve
God."

The Singing Ormonds in Concert
AtCroatan F. W. B. Church

The Singing Ormonds will give a

concert at the Croatan Free Will Baptist
Church near New Bern, Sunday evening,
February 1, beginning at seven o'clock.
The pastor, the Rev. Clifton Styron, and
the congregation invite the public to
attend.

The Singing Ormonds first started in
1974. Since that time they have been
through a lot of laughter, tears, prayers,
and a lot of practice sessions. God is
using them to win new souls for His
kingdom. Not only have the people
received a blessing from their singing,
they have received wonderful ex-
periences from the Lord.

The Ormonds have performed before
many thousands of people in high school
auditoriums, churches, and other
events. They have sung throughout
North Carolina, and now are expanding
into Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina,
and Georgia. They have sung with such
groups as The Goffs, Hemphills,
Cathedrals, Happy Goodmans, and many
others.

Since their short time of singing, the
Ormonds have won two talent contests.
The first was on December 31 , 1974, at
Salem Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke,
Virginia. This gave them the opportunity
to go to Nashville, Tennessee, for the
International Gospel Festival. The second
contest was at Indian River High School
at Virginia Beach, Virginia, Annual
Singing Convention. This time they won
all preliminaries for both days.

They also have two albums to their
credit. Their latest, "The Singing
Ormonds in Nashville," is a combination
of versatility and spirituality. The young
and old alike love the message they
proclaim— the truth of God's Word.

It can truthfully be said that if you add
God-given talent, hard work, and the
love of Jesus Christ, you have gospel
music, done only by The Singing
Ormonds.

Beaverdam YFA Holds First
Meeting of the New Year

The YFA of Beaverdam Free Will
Baptist Church, Clarendon, held its first
meeting of the year, 1976, January 12,
at 7 p. m. The meeting was held in the
church fellowship hall with Dalma Garrell
and Phyllis Godwin serving as
hostesses.

The meeting was called to order by the
president, Priscilla Cartrette. Prayer was
prayed by Mrs. Shelby Edwards. The
opening song was "Faith of Our
Fathers."

The title of the lesson was "Faith of
our Fathers." The topics studied were
(1) The Ancient Period, (2) The Pen-
tecostal or Apostolic Church, and (3)
Persecutions from A. D. 33 to A. D. 313.
The subtopics under topic three were (a)
The Sanhedrin, (b) The Pharisees, (c)
The Sadducees, and (d) The Romans.

Under new business the group elected
a new officer, Jeff Mercer, as
parliamentarian. After discussing other
business matters, the group adjourned
with the praying of the Lord's Prayer in
unison. After a blessing was prayed by
Mr. Roger McPherson, refreshments
were served by the hostesses.

Questions & Answers

(Continued from Page 5 )
Gospel, of an incarnation, we can
perceive how there may have been
restriction in the exercise of divine power
operating by a human brain. The in-
strument would be necessarily
inadequate. The assumption of an
unrestricted divine nature would imply
perfect knowledge in boyhood, yet we
know that as a boy Christ did not know
all things; for Luke says explicitly (2:52)
that he increased in wisdom, which he
could not have done had he been om-
niscient from birth. In taking our nature
he voluntarily submitted to the im-
perfections of our condition, otherwise
he would not have been made 'like unto
his brethren.' "

Even though we do not know all that
was involved in Jesus taking upon
Himself a body of flesh like unto ours, we
do know that at all times while here in
that body He did all that He did in
complete obedience to His and our
heavenly Father and taught that we, that
are Christ's, are to live that kind of a life
of obedience to God.

( j THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

C R A,G MONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

CRAGMONT IS DEBT FREE!

On January 5, 1976, the Board of
Stockholders for Cragmont Assembly,
Inc. voted to pay off the remaining
$4,000 indebtedness on the Kitchen-
Dining Hall Project. This makes
Cragmont debt free. Thanks are ex-
tended to all who have given toward this
project.

Previously the Cragmont board
promised to place the names of those
who gave $50 or more toward this project
on a plaque to be placed in the dining
hall. The following is a list of those
persons or groups. Please check the list
for errors in the spelling of names and
see if any church, organization, or in-
dividual has been overlooked. If there are
any errors, please notify Mrs. A. B.
Chandler, Treasurer, P. 0. Box 298,
Oriental, North Carolina 28571. Please
send your name and the date and amount
of your canceled check or checks.

Albemarle Union Meeting
Arapahoe Church
Aspen Grove Church
Ayden Church

The Rev. and Mrs. L. E. Ballard

Barnes Hill Church

The Rev. and Mrs. N. B. Barrow

Mr. H. L. Bass

Elizabeth Bass

Bethany Church (Central Conference)
Bethel Woman's Auxiliary
Blackjack Church

Board of Education, Cape Fear Conference
Bridgeton Church (in honor of Mrs. Grover Pate)
Mrs. Hattie Bright (in honor of Roy Stanford)
Hattie Bright Sunday School Class (White Oak

Church)
Hattie and Thomas Bright
Calvary Church (Western Conference)
Cape Fear Youth Fellowship
Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Caroon, Teresa, Randy, Dwight,

Tracy, and Angel
Carteret County Youth Rally
Casey's Chapel Church

Challengers' Sunday School Class (Shady Grove)

Christian Cadets Conference

Christian Chapel Church

Christian Chapel Woman's Auxiliary

Core Creek Sunday School

Crab Point YFA

Cragmont Sunday School

Cragmont Woman's Conference (1972)

Mr. Bennie R. Dail

Daniels Chapel Church

Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Davenport

Betty Dawson Sunday School Class (Shady Grove)

Jerry and Gail Denning

Mrs. DolaH. Dudley

Eastern Conference Woman's Auxiliary Convention
Eastern Conference Youth Convention
Eastern Conference Third District Youth Fellowship
Eastwood Church

Marvin Edwards (Edwards' Electric Company)

Elm Grove Church

Faith Church (Morehead City)

Faith Church YFA (Morehead City)

First Church, Goldsboro

First Church, Greenville

First Church, Kinston

First Church, Rocky Mount

First Church, Smithfield

First Church, Tarboro

First Church, Wilson

Free Union Church (Albemarle Conference)

Free Union Church (Central Conference)
Fremont Sunday School
Friendship Church (Western Conference)
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Gaskins
Gethsemane Church

Mr. and Mrs. B. Leon Godwin (in honor of Mrs. Lila

Harrison)
Dorothy M. Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Griffin
Herman Grubbs Family
Gum Swamp Church
Hickory Chapel Church
Hickory Grove Sunday School (Robersonville)
Holly Springs AFC (Eastern Conference)
Holly Springs Cherubs (Eastern Conference)
Holly Springs Church (Eastern Conference)
Holly Springs YFA (Eastern Conference)
Holly Springs Junior YFA (Eastern Conference)
Hugo church
Hull Road Church
Mr. James B. Hunt
Jackson Heights Church
Mr. Larry Johnson
Mr. Larry E. Johnson
Juniper Chapel Woman's Auxiliary
Kenly Church
LaGrange Church

Layman's League (Central Conference)

Lee's Chapel Church

Little Creek Sunday School

Little Rock Church

Little Rock Sunday School

Little Rock Woman's Auxiliary

Little Rock Woman's Auxiliary, Circle No. 3

Little Rock YFA

Mr. William G. Lovick

Marlboro Church

Marsh Swamp Church

Marsh Swamp Sunday School
May's Chapel Youth
Micro Church

Milbournie Church i
Clara Mitchel Class (First Church, Goldsboro)
Moseley's Creek Church
Mosley's Creek Woman's Auxiliary
Mount Tabor Church

Mount Zion Church -(Western Conference)

North Carolina Free Will Baptist League Convention

North Carolina Free Will Baptist Woman's Auxiliary

Convention
Lela Nobles Woman's Auxiliary
Otter's Creek Church
Otway YFA
Mrs. Daisy Owens

Pee Dee Woman's Auxiliary Convention

Mrs. Sadie Peedin

Piedmont Conference

Pine Level Church

Pine Level Woman's Auxiliary

Piney Grove Church (Central Conference)

Pleasant Grove Church (Cape Fear Conference)

Pleasant Grove Church (Western Conference)

Pleasant Hill Church

Pleasant Hill Church (Western Conference)

Pleasant Plain Church

Rains Cross Roads Church

Reedy Branch Church

Reedy Branch Couples Class

Reedy Branch League

Reedy Branch Sunday School

Riverside Church

Rooty Branch Church

Saint's Delight Church

Saint Mary's Church (Western Conference)

Saint Mary's Church (Eastern Conference— in honor
of Mrs. J. W. Reese)

Saint Mary's Woman's Auxiliary (Eastern Con-
ference—in honor of Mrs. J. C. Griffin)

Saint Mary's Woman's Auxiliary, Circle No. 1
(Eastern Conference— in honor of Mrs. C. M.
Harrison)

Saint Mary's Woman's Auxiliary, Circle No. 3

(Eastern Conference)
Saint Mary's Woman's Auxiliary, Circle No. 7

(Eastern Conference— in honor of the Rev. and

Mrs. Clyde Cox)
Sandy Plain Church
Sarecta Church
Mrs. Ada B. Sasser
The Rev. and Mrs. R. T. Sasser
Selma Church
Shady Grove Church
Sherron Acres Church
Sidney Church

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Skinner

Smith's New Home Church

Snow Hill Church

Sound View Church

Mrs. H. L. Spivey

Spring Hill Church

Stancil's Chapel YFA

Mrs. Alma Pittman Stanford

Mr. and Mrs. Huber Stanley

Mr. and Mrs. R. Y. Stephenson

Stoney Creek Church

Stony Hill Church

Mrs. Etta S. Suggs

Mr. and Mrs. Fountain Taylor Sr.

Tee's Chapel Church

Tee's Chapel Prayer Group

Tee's Chapel Woman's Auxiliary

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

k's Chapel YFA
,]nion Grove Church
nity Church
tie Rev. Lloyd Vernon
garden's Grove Church-
es. Ruth Warrick
1r. and Mrs. Franklin Watson
Mrs. EftieWebb
ft. Sam Weeks
Welcome Home Church
Velcome Home YFA
Vestern Conterence, First Union
Western Conference, Second Union
Western Conference Woman's Auxiliary Convention
jA/estern Conference Youth Convention
White Oak Grove Church
White Oak League
White Oak Woman's Auxiliary
. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Williams
[The Rev. and Mrs. Willis Wilson
Wintergreen Woman's Auxiliary
Winterville League
iWinterville Sunday School
| The Rev. Hermon Wooten
■lYelverton's Grove Church
lYelverton 's Grove YFA

FIND YOUR WAY
AROUND

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End.

The answer to last week's puzzle,
"Find Your Way Around," is shown
above. By starting with the "L" in the
right upper corner and following the
arrows, you will end up in the lower right
corner and will have the complete Psalm
131. The psalm is as follows: "LORD,
my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes
lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great
matters, or in things too high for me.
Surely I have behaved and quieted
myself, as a child that is weaned of his
mother: my soul is even as a weaned
child. Let Israel hope in the LORD from
henceforth and forever."

LET US FILL YOUR
NEEDS

FOR

BIBLE S - BOOKS - GIFTS
GREETING CARDS

Church and Sunday School Supplies

at the

NEW BERN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

315 Middle Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
Telephone 638-6193

9:00 a. m.

Store Hours:
5:00 p. m., Monday— Saturday

SMITHFIELD BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

122 South Third Street
Smithfield, North Carolina 27577
Telephone 934-71 49

Store Hours:
9:00 a. m.— 5:00 p. m., Monday— Saturday

WILSON BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

1 101 Downing Street
Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Telephone 243-4982

Store Hours:
9:30 a. m.— 5:00 p. m., Monday— Saturday

AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

Highway 1 1 North
Ayden, North Carolina 28513
Telephone 746-6128

Store Hours':
8:30 a. m.— 5:00 p. m., Monday— Friday
9:00 a. m.— 5:00 p. m., Saturday

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

II

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^}

THE SUNDAY
SCHOOL LESSON^

For February 8 ' ^

Sf) \ \

THE CHALLENGE
OF THE KINGDOM

Lesson Text: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Memory Verse: Matthew 13:16

I. INTRODUCTION

In the thirteenth chapter of his Gospel,
Matthew records seven parables by our
Lord on the kingdom of heaven. They are
as follows:

The parable of the sower.

The parable of the tares among the
wheat.

The parable of the grain of mustard
seed.

The parable of the leaven.
The parable of the hidden treasure.
The parable of the pearl of great price.
The parable of the dragnet.

These parables do not refer to the
Kingdom Age when Christ will set up His
earthly kingdom after the Great
Tribulation. They refer to the church age
following His ascension into heaven. The
kingdom of heaven is "the earthly
sphere of the kingdom of God" and is
made up of both possessing and
professing Christians, the truly born
again, and those who only profess to be.
The kingdom of God is the invisible
kingdom within the hearts of believers
and includes the heavenly host as well.
Only born-again believers are in the
kingdom of God.

With this brief background explanation
we will be better able to understand the
five parables in our lesson Scripture
today— The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Someone has said that a parable
is an earthly story with a heavenly
meaning. In the chapter which we study
today, Jesus used parables to reveal
some things about the kingdom of
heaven to His disciples. When He had
finished, He asked them if they un-
derstood what He had taught.

B. These parables show that in the
kingdom of heaven the good and the bad
will grow together. If we try to separate
them, we will injure the plants that are
good. It is our job to sow seed, not to
separate the good from the bad.

C. These parables also show that
while the good and the bad grow together
in this world, there is an evil influence at
work seeking to destroy as many of the
good as possible. This is the influence of
Satan.

D. We believe that the kingdom of
heaven is the professing kingdom of
today, and in this kingdom are both good
and bad. However, there will come a day
when the Lord will separate them.

E. It is not man's job to try to
separate men. Judgment belongs to God,
not to men.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Next, we may ask just what the
kingdom is that belongs to heaven and to
God. There is some confusion about this
because the word "kingdom" can have
different meanings.

First, "kingdom" may mean the
territory or area ruled by a king. In our
study of the Old Testament we learn that
Israel was divided for a long time, and
we speak often of the northern kingdom
or the southern kingdom. On a map we
may find their areas labeled "Kingdom of
Israel" and "Kingdom of Judah." The
name "kingdom of heaven" usually
does not mean a territory. This is not to
say that heaven is not a place; but many
Bible passages speak of heaven's
kingdom here on earth, and on the world
map we see no area marked off as
heaven's possession. Jesus said to
Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this
world" (John 18:36).

Second, "kingdom" may mean the
people ruled by a king. Jesus said,
"Suffer little children, and forbid them
not, to come unto me: for of such is the
kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).

This can readily be taken to mean, "fj|
such is the group of people ruled b)\
heaven or by God."

Thinking of the kingdom as composecj
of God's people, we see that it is th(j
same as the church— meaning, oj
course, the true church, the people whd
really belong to God. Perhaps church
rolls carry the names of some people whc
do not belong to that group because they
do not allow God to rule them.

Third, the word "kingdom" ma^j
mean kingship, the authority or right tc<
rule as a king. Is this what we mearj
when we pray, "Thine is the kingdom!
and the power, and the glory"? Seconcj
Timothy 4:1 tells us Jesus will "judge;
the quick and the dead at his appearing
and his kingdom." Here "kingdom"!
seems to mean His authority, His right td
rule, which will be recognized by a\'
when He appears again.

Fourth, "kingdom" may mean rule oi>
government. We are not thinking now o)|
the authority or right to rule, but o'j
control actually working in people whq
obey. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: fori
theirs is the kingdom of heaven'j
(Matthew 5:3). Does this not mean they;
accept divine control, they allow heaver
to rule them?

Fifth, and last in this list, the wore
"kingdom" sometimes refers to thc|
heavenly realm that we shall enter wherJ
our life on earth is over. Acts 14:21, 22
records that Paul and Barnabas tol(J
Christian people "that we must through
much tribulation enter into the kingdom
of God." The people had already act
cepted God's rule. They were in His(
kingdom on earth, but had yet to enter!
His kingdom above. Paul was. confident,
that the Lord would preserve him ton
that heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy
4:18) —Standard Lesson Commentary

B. As this lesson has shown us,
Jesus used many parables in His
teaching. On one occasion it was said
that "without a parable spake He not."
How important are parables, especially
those told by Jesus? Someone has
expressed an opinion on these parables
as having been put in "so simple form
that a child may understand them, yet so
deep in meaning that Christian thought
for nearly two thousand years has
pondered over them without exhaust-
ing their treasures."

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

:;«

j Jesus' parables must be understood
the framework of thought of His day.
hen Jesus spoke of the mustard seed,
r instance, as being the smallest of all
>eds, He merely used an expression
at was widespread in that day, for
ere are many seeds which are smaller,
uch smaller.

Mustard was grown usually in gar-
ns. Black mustard, the kind most
mmon in Palestine, often grows from
ht to twelve feet. Small birds, such as
Idfinches and linnets, light in great
mbers upon the branches to pick out
e seed which is a favorite food with
em.

Don't you suppose that Jesus had
Ben this many times? So had His
Ijisciples. He wasn't trying to be
profound in this parable of the mustard
|eed; He was simply using a background
lat was so very usual and familiar in
M part of the world. Such a well-known
|ackground made it easier for them to
fnderstand the meaning of the parable
lan we who may know so little about the
lustard seed background.— The
intermediate Quarterly (F. W. B.)

NOTE OF THANKS

am writing this "Note of Thanks" for
the Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Morris of
/alstonburg. They would like to take
|his method to thank all ministers,
lurches, auxiliaries, youth groups, and
Individuals for each card, gift, visit, or
act of kindness on their behalf during the
[holiday season. They would like to in-
clude a special thanks to the Rev. and
Mrs. Ralph Lightsey of Georgia. Mr.
'Lightsey is vice-president of Georgia
^Southern College and they are members
of the Marietta church.

They ask that everyone please
continue to pray for them. Mr. Morris is
growing weaker and Mrs. Morris' health
: is not very good, but they will both lift the
spirit of anyone who visits them. She
prays for strength to continue to care for
Mr. Morris.

It is impossible for them to write
individual notes for all the acts of kind-
ness shown them. They are truly
grateful to everyone and thank God for
friends such as these.

In Christ's service,
Geraldine Brown

RETIREMENT HOMES NOTICE

Two times this past year notices were published in THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
announcing the Retirement Homes Founders' Club. Many persons and churches have
responded, but we need many more members in order to get these apartments ready
for use.

Listed below are the three categories of founders:

1. Those who contribute over one half of the total construction cost of an
apartment or a duplex unit, that apartment or duplex will be named in their honor.

2. Those who contribute $1,000 or over, their names will be engraved in a
permanent-type marker placed in a suitable location on the grounds.

3. Those who contribute at least $100 and below $1 ,000, their names will be
placed on a wall plaque located in the appropriate apartment.

Your opportunity to become a member of the Founders' Club will end this
coming June 30. Your help and participation will certainly be a blessing to you and
others for years to come.

Each of the three categories of donors will receive a Founders' Club Mem-
bership Certificate in September of 1 976.

Interested persons should clip out the following form and after completion mail it
to the Executive Director of the Free Will Baptist Retirement Homes, P. 0. Box 250,
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557.

FREE WILL BAPTIST RETIREMENT HOMES

Date.

Name.

Address

Telephone No.

Please place an X in one of the following blanks:

I want to become a member of the Founders' Club and my
gift in the amount of $ is enclosed.

I am interested in becoming a member of the Founders'

Club but I would like for you to mail me additional in-
formation.

I am interested in becoming a member of the Founders'

Club and I would like a representative to visit me.

Mail this blank to:

.Retirement Homes, Inc.
P. 0. Box 250

Middlesex, North Carolina 27557

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

STORIES

for our youth

A GOOD KIND
OF HAPPINESS

SueS. Allen

N Friday morning, school be-
^ gan with a pleasant surprise—
a substitute teacher.

"Oh, boy, a substitute!" Andy
whispered to Ralph, and they exchanged
grins. A substitute meant an easy day.
Some of the braver boys would pull a few
mischievous tricks, the girls would ask
to get a drink of water to cure imaginary
hiccups, and everyone would pretend not
to know the assignments.

Today's substitute smiled right at
Andy and said, "I'm Mrs. Simmons.
What's your name, please?" Then she
walked around the room, smiling at each
child and asking his name.

"I hope you boys and girls won't mind
if we don't keep right on schedule
today," she said apologetically. "A new
teacher needs to get acquainted with the
students before they can accomplish
very much together."

"Oh, no, we don't mind," Ralph
spoke up without raising his hand, and
several others chimed in, "We don't
mind. We don't mind at all!"

However, Mrs. Simmons knew about
opening exercises, so they stood and
repeated the pledge to the flag and sang
"America the Beautiful." Ronnie Sinker
purposely sang off key, the way he did
sometimes in music class, but Mrs.
Simmons didn't seem to notice.

"Now, just so that I can get to know
you better," Mrs. Simmons said as she
fingered a piece of yellow chalk, "let's
do something a little different. I'd like for
you boys and girls to help me complete a
'Happiness Chart." I want you to tell me
the kinds of things that make you
happy."

Mrs. Simmons wrote at the top of the
board, "Happiness is—," and down the
left side she numbered one to ten.

"Who will tell me how to finish the
sentence?" she asked.

Ronnie Sinker called out, "Happiness
is when you have a substitute teacher! ' '

With a pleased smile, Mrs. Simmons
wrote "a substitute teacher" beside
number one.

More answers came fast. "Happiness
is when you win a ball game!" called
Andy.

"Or when you make an 'A' on atest!"
added Jim.

"How about staying overnight with a
friend?" suggested Carolyn.

Someone else said, "Getting a letter in
the mail or having a birthday!"

Almost everyone had an idea about
happiness, so Mrs. Simmons said,
"Let's leave one or two lines empty in
case we think of a very special happiness
idea later on today."

The morning went quickly. Mrs.
Simmons had them tell about their
hobbies, let them look up science
subjects in the reference books, and
even let them draw a scene from their
favorite story in the reader.

After lunch, Mrs. Simmons was just
as pleasant but more businesslike.
"Since this is Friday, I imagine you have
a spelling test. Is that right?"

Reluctantly the class agreed.

"Then I will, too," Mrs. Simmons
announced.

The test covered fifty review words
many of them tricky and some of them
spelled quite differently from the way
they sounded. Andy wished he had spent
more time yesterday on review.

Suddenly Andy was aware of an
unusual stillness around him. Ronnie
Sinker's head was bent low over his lap,
where his spelling book was open at the

test words. Then he realized that several
other boys and girls had open books onl
their laps.

With a substitute teacher, anyone!
could cheat and get away with it. Andy
knew he couldn't get an "A" unless he
cheated, too. It didn't seem right for
others to look at their books while he
tried to remember the words without
help.

But neither did it seem right to cheat,
even if the teacher didn't know about it.
He remembered his Sunday school
lesson about being honest.

"Put your names on your papers, !
please," Mrs. Simmons directed, "and ?
pass them to the front."

Then, without a word, she went to the"
board and filled in the last line of the
"Happiness Chart." On it she wrote , "a
clear conscience."

Everyone knew exactly what she'1
meant. I

For the guilty fifth-graders, it was the !l
kindest punishment any teacher had ever fl
given them.

For the rest, it was a good kind of i
happiness.— Guide for Juniors

HOW DO
YOU PRAY?

The minister was calling at Jimmy's
home one day. During the call, he turned ;
to Jimmy and asked, "Do you pray,
every night, my boy?"

"No," Jimmy answered. "Some j
nights I don't want anything."

There are many boys and girls like \
Jimmy. They pray only when they want
something for themselves. Their prayers
are selfish prayers. Jesus does not want
us to be selfish in our prayer any more
than in other things.

Jesus would like the prayer that
Charlie Adams made the other night.
Paul had played a mean trick on Charlie.
That night, Charlie prayed, "Forgive
Paul, dear Lord, because he was mean to
me today."

Jesus asks that we pray for our
enemies. We have the Lord's prayer
(Matthew 6:9-13) which Jesus taught as
a pattern for our own prayers. Most of its
petitions are concerned with God's wilt
being done and His name glorified. The
rest relate to others and to ourselves.
That is the way Jesus wants us to
pray— first to honor God, then for others,
and last for ourselves.— Junior Trails

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Specif foments

io!

I would like to share with you two "Special Moments." The first is the birth of
||is column and its dedication to the Lord. May it fulfill the purpose He directs. May it
ing us insight into ourselves and others. May the column add sunshine to our lives
len we read about the things God has done for others in daily life. May the column
Special Moments" be used wholly for the glory and edification of our Lord.
My second moment is less serious but very meaningful.
The day had been beautiful in every way. I was completely self-satisfied. Not
ice had I stopped to thank God for my blessings. Then I stooped to the chore no one
Hants to do— I carried out the garbage. Suddenly I found myself standing in the
irk, one foot short of the backyard fence and the garbage can, holding a bottomless
iper bag with an array of garbage lying on and around my feet. Naturally, I blamed
"stupid bag."

As I knelt in the darkness with a flashlight stuffing the stinking mess into
lother bag, I began laughing. God had just reminded me I'm human. I deserved
garbage on my feet! I hadn't remembered to thank Him for that beautiful day.
lumbly, I asked Him to always remind me I'm human and help me laugh at myself.

"Special Moments" happen to all of us. Perhaps you have a moment of special
ppe, a moment of reward, or a moment of spiritual revelation that you wish to ex-
cess. Will you share a part of yourself with our readers? God does so many mar-
velous things in the lives of people. Sometimes a blessing comes from tragedy. This
Jolumn is an opportunity to give God credit. Do it now! Address your letter to
I' Special Moments" at the Press. Be sure to sign your name and give us permission
|o print your letter. If you prefer, your name can be withheld upon request.
God wants us to share. Write soon.

Maggie

GRANT US, OUR FATHER

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

Grant us, our Father:
The patience of Job
that we may not give up
in time of crisis.

The compassion of Jesus
that when we see the unfortunate
we will not walk by
on the other side.

The love of Hosea
so we will forgive
and keep on loving.

The wisdom of Solomon
so we will not become discouraged
because we cannot do everything.

The faith of Abraham
to keep walking by faith
and not by sight.

But in the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
let us do something!

THE QUESTION

"If a man die, shall be live again? ..."
(Job 14:14).

When I have done with life's brief,

doubtful journey,
And my ship anchors in death's silent

sea,

Shall my eyes look upon another morning
When I shall know and say that this is
me?

Or shall life's ending bring unbroken
silence,

And my eyes close upon eternal sleep,
From out of which there shall be no

awaking—
No bright and happy rendezous to keep?

Is there no answer to this restless
longing,

This sleepless, never ceasing sense of
need?

If there be only darkness closing round
me,

That will be death and bitter death in-
deed.

But, oh! I know that my Redeemer
liveth,

And I shall see Him in that latter day,
When my eyes open on the life enternal,
And these dark mists and clouds shall
pass away.

0 joyful thought! I know I shall be like
Him,

For I shall see Him in His beauty there-
Shall walk with Him beside life's flowing
river

That springs within that city bright and
fair.

And I shall listen to the breathless music,
Which binds in harmony the myriad
spheres

Of earth and heaven's countless con-
stellations,

As time goes swinging down the path of
years.

And there shall be no night, but endless
morning;

Nor any measure to the perfect bliss
That I shall know in that bright, shining

city-
Such as my heart has hungered for in

this.

—John W. Beaman

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

•» ,v/ *V 1 t)^«~

LIBRARY COM

DUKE UNIVERSITY

DURHAM, N . C. 27703

The two books, "Matthew Henry's
Commentary for Today's Readers"
and "The Dragon Net," may be
purchased at the Ayden Bible and
Bookstore, 811 North Lee Street,
Ayden, North Carolina, at the
advertized prices.

|2QC

A massive evangelistic thrust, the likes
of which the world has never seen...
such is God's plan for China as re-
vealed by Silas Hong in THE DRAGON
NET, a startling, fact-filled report of
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Here's proof that centuries of Chris-
tian missionary efforts in China have
not been in vain! $4.95

IF MATTHEW HENRY LIVED TODAY,

THIS IS THE BOOK
HE WOULD WRITE

Now, contemporary language and
modern, easy-to-read type bring
new clarity and impact to Mat-
thew Henry's great New Testa-
ment commentary. Here, for
laymen and Bible students alike,
is an up-to-date version which re-
tains all the features that have
made Matthew Henry's Commen-
tary an exposition without equal
for 200 years:

• Verse-by-verse commentary
on the entire New Testament
Devotional insights

• Guidance in preparing talks
and sermons

• Applications to daily life

A timeless classic, expertly edited
for our time! $13.95

THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIBRARY

"The Christian Family Library," a volume of eight all-time inspirational
favorites with gold stamping and deluxe binding may be purchased at the
Ayden Bible and Bookstore for the low price of $16.95, a retail value of
over $30 (including a beautiful rack). This family library includes the
following:

' 'The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life' ' by Hannah Whitall Smith
' 'The Best-Loved Religious Poems' ' by James Gilchrist Lawson
' 'The Woman at the Well " by Dale Evans Rogers
"The Cross and the Switchblade' ' by David Wilkerson
"Mr. Jones, Meet the Master," by Peter Marshall
"God's Psychiatry" by Charles L. Allen
"The Burden Is Light" by Eugenia Price
' ' In His Steps' ' by Charles M . Sheldon

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

he free Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1976

ERSiTY LIBRARY

FEB a

Bit

Beware the word, "Christian." What is its real
meaning?

Editorial...

WHAT IS THE MODERN MEANING OF "CHRISTIAN"?

Guest Editorial by Veteran Minister L. E. Ballard
Greenville, North Carolina

Recently I listened to an on-the-spot news report on the war in Lebanon, coming
over one of the TV networks, illustrated with pictures. As it came on with an early use
of the word "Christian," I decided that I would count the number of times this name
was used in the broadcast.

The word "Christian" was used twenty-three times during the brief news
report. Eight of these times it was used in direct connection with atrocities committed
by "Christian" soldiers; such as, shooting down innocent men, women, and
children in the streets. In one case a man and woman were brutishly slain while the
man attempted to shield the woman with his own body. There was a picture of the two
lying dead in the street, the man's arms about the woman and his body stretched
across her.

As I listened to this report, and looked at the pictures, my mind went back to the
time when I was a small boy and got my first understanding of the meaning of
"Christian." In the community where I was raised, no person was called a Christian
until that person had made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church
leaders and ministers of that day believed in the old-time way of receiving Christ:
repenting of sin, going to the altar to seek God's forgiveness, and confessing Christ
only when they believed that they had this forgiveness. Even after this, if one went
astray and committed sin, the church leaders and members would say with sadness
and disappointment showing on their faces: "You know John is no longer a
Christian, he has gone back into the world." In those days the name "Christ," even
when used as a part of an extended word, was considered a word to be spoken only
in reverence.

Then there came the time when I began to hear about "Christian communities,"
"Christian cities," "Christian America," and "the Christian world." My own
community was a better community than some other communities nearby, but
somehow I could never concede that it was worthy to be called "a Christian com-
munity." I also had the same doubts about "Christian America" and "the Christian
world."

The Bible tells us that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. This
followed a great revival, lasting a whole year, held by Paul and Barnabas in the city of
Antioch, during which time many were converted to both faith in, and with the
likeness of, Jesus Christ. The account is told in Acts 11:26, and the depth of the
salvation received by the converts is indicated that, when they heard of the poverty of
the brethren in Judea "... every man according to his ability, determined to send
relief ..." (Verse 29). Next to Pentecost, this was probably the greatest revival of
the Early Church. The spiritual impact was so great that it was out of this church that
the first Christian missionaries were sent forth. There is certainly plenty of evidence
for the conclusion that the disciples wepe called "Christians" because of the change
in their lives to conform to the character of the One preached to them. They became
Christlike, and the whole city became conscious of this and said one to another,
"These men are imitating Christ— they have become Christlike."

How can the word that means "Christlike" be properly applied to people who
commit all kinds of sin and atrocities? Can one imagine Jesus Christ ruthlessly
slaying innocent men, women, and children; or, for that matter, even fighting a "holy
war"?

We need to call a "spade a spade," and get away from calling sinners
Christians and nations filled with wickedness, "Christian nations." As I understand
it, there will never be a "Christian nation" until the Lord returns to "bind Satan"
and usher in a time of righteousness throughout the world. To prepare for this,
we should all strive to make as many people as we possibly can believers, worthy
to be called "Christians." If our friends are indeed "Christlike" in desire and
sincere endeavor, let us call them Christians; but, let us be careful not to defame
the lovely name of Christ by associating it with that which is evil.

Cover Photo by Ed Carlin

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

FEBRUARY 4, 1976
Volume 91 Number5

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must:
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thej
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount-
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-.,
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches?
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists"
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes'
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect:
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The'
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each1
article is given the person whose name appearsl
under the title or to the person submitting said |
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— 5
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.,
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a. m.
— 5 p. rn., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

LET'S BE PROUD
OF THE GOSPEL!

by Leighton Ford

\(P EVERAL months ago we read
P of the death of U Thant, who
Vas secretary-general of the United
Jations. When U Thant retired from the
pN, a dinner was given in his honor,
ttended by the President and many top
eaders from across the United States.
<\e was toasted and praised.
I When it came time for him to respond,

he said (in effect): "If any of the things
said about me are true, I would like to
ive the honor to my lord . . . Buddha! I
was raised in a Buddhist home. Everyday

I read the sayings of Buddha. I believe
Buddha was the greatest religious
jeacher and everyday I examine my life to
see if I've been worthy to be called a

fiisciple of Buddha."

i I suppose that nine tenths of those at
jjhat dinner were Christians. How many
Jpf them, I wonder, if they had been in U
jSrhant's place, would have said, "I give
Jjall the honor to my Lord Jesus Christ! I
■ believe He is not only a great teacher but
the Saviour of the world! Everyday I
Jjexamine my life to see if I've been worthy
Iljto be called a disciple of Jesus Christ"?

Why is it that many who are called
Christians seem to be embarrassed to
speak out for Christ? When was the last
time you saw a Christian saying table
grace publicly, or reading a Bible
openly? Now I don't think as Christians
we are to be exhibitionists. Jesus hasn't
called us to do our religious deeds "to be
seen of men"; quite the opposite. But
our reluctance to identify with
Christ— our hesitation to speak of Jesus
9K to our friends and co-workers and fellow
students— all this raises the question,
"Are we in some sense ashamed of the
gospel?" Have we lost the sense of thrill
and wonder which once gripped men
because the Lord had commissioned
them, unworthy as they were, to carry
His message to all the world?

Think of the contrast of Paul as he
faced the prospect of a mission to Rome.
He writes "I am eager to preach the
gospel also to you who are at Rome. I am
not ashamed of the gospel." (Or to
translate it positively, " I am proud of the
bart j gospel . . .") because "it is the power
|a" j of God for the salvation of everyone who
°T believes; first for the Jew, then for the

■

istr

ISSi

Gentile" (Romans 1:16). To Paul, the
gospel was a cause not for shame, but
for glory! It was true! It worked! It was
for all men!

Perhaps the root of our timidity is right
here: We don't have the same con-
fidence. If we want to become excited
about sharing our faith, then we need to
get rid of our misconception that people
aren't interested in Christ and won't
respond.

First of all, let's realize that what
we're trying to communicate to people is
not good advice, but good news! That's
literally the meaning of the word
"gospel." Paul exults, "I am proud of
the good news!" Jesus said that He had
come to "preach good news to the
poor," and told His followers to preach
"the good news of the kingdom" to the
ends of the earth!

Paul states the content of this good
news very simply in Romans 1: It is
"The gospel of God— the gospel He
promised before hand through His
prophets in the Holy Scriptures
regarding His Son, who as to His human
nature was a descendant of David and
through the Spirit of holiness was
declared, with power to be the Son of
God by His resurrection from the dead:
Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1 :2-4).
This gospel is not a command, but an
announcement! Not an imperative "do,"
but an indicative "done"! God has done
for us in Jesus something we could never
do for ourselves. Jesus Christ is the
strong right hand of Almighty God,
intervening in the human predicament,
reaching down to rescue us and lift us!
And this is not a message that changes
from age to age. It's something that
happened once in history and it's good
news for all time! The gospel is not mere
words, theories, or ideas. "I am proud of
the gospel," says Paul, "because it is
God's power!" This good news is not a
theology about power; it is power
"dunamis"— the events— God's dyna-
mite for our 1976. It is the power to
God for salvation.

"Salvation" — Does that sound old-
fashioned to you? It's really a power-
packed concept that may well be ex-
pressed by our modern word
"liberation." It means that God sets us
free, gets us off the hook of our self-
centered ness , and liberates us to serve
God and others! And the power by which
God saves us is, paradoxically, the
weakness of the Cross. The good news is
that God identified Himself with us in our

lostness, humbling Himself to a
criminal's death on the Cross, dying for
our alienation that He might live in us by
resurrection power! "The message of
the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being saved
it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians
1:18). If we're embarrassed about
Jesus, maybe it's because we aren't
really convinced about this "power of
God." That may be because we need an
up-dated experience with Christ.

"The kingdom of God is like unto
. . ." electricity. For power to flow
efficiently through a wire there must be
maximum contact. Are you living in
open, daily contact with God? Do you
speak with Him? worship Him? read His
Word? Then if a wire is to be an efficient
conductor of power there must be
minimum resistance. And if you and I are
resisting God, fighting Him, refusing the
way of the Cross, insisting on running
our own lives, holding out on our
obedience, living in wrong relationships
with others, then God's power will be
choked off. And finally, power not only
must come into and through a wire but
out of the wire and into something else.
God's power is always power to witness
and power to serve.

Finally, we lose our sense of em-
barrassment about Jesus when we
realize the gospel is not for a favored
few, but for all who respond! As Paul
says, It's God's power to save everyone
who believes; first, the Jew, then the
Gentile. All have sinned and all who call
upon the name of the Lord may be
saved. "We preach not ourselves, but
Christ Jesus as Lord," said Paul. If we
are calling men to ourselves, our life
style, and our culture, we may
sometimes need to be embarrassed.
But if we are joyfully inviting our friends
and neighbors at home and around the
world to trust and follow the Jesus who is
Lord of all cultures and captive of none,
then we can witness with the same
strong conviction that Paul had: "I am
proud of the gospel!"

Let's be proud of this gospel! It is
good news. It works powerfully. It is
offered to all people. If you have not
believed it, believe now. If you have,
then pass it on.

Leighton Ford is an associate evangelist
with the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association. This is a condensation of a
recent text for the "Hour of Decision"
radio program.

1ST

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

fifiLET ME NOT FALL INTO THE
HAND OF MAN"

(2 Samuel 24:14)

by Dr. WadeT. Jernigan
President of California Christian College

AVID had had Joab to
number the troops (2 Samuel
24:1 , 2). This, of course, was contrary to
God's command (Deuteronomy 1:11). In
time, God sent Gad the prophet to the
psalmist with this message: "... I
offer thee three things; choose thee one
of them, that I say do it unto thee . . . .
Shall seven years of famine come unto
thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three
months before thine enemies, while they
pursue thee? or that there be three days'
pestilence in thy land? . . ." (2 Samuel
24:12, 13). David answered Gad and
said, "... I am in a great strait: let me
now fall into the hand of the LORD; for
his mercies are great: and let me not fall
into the hand of man" (2 Samuel 24:14).

Why did David not want to fall into the
hand of man? The answer to the question
may not be found in this life, for who
knew the mind of David but God? I
cannot speak with certainty, since any
venture on my part in regard to the
"why" would be pure speculation.

Could it have been that he feared the
same swift judgment for which he was
known when it involved others? A case in
point: The judgment he passed upon the
man in the parable Nathan gave when
God sent the prophet to rebuke David for
adultery and murder (2 Samuel 12:1-6).
It is true that Nathan was a trusted
preacher, but David passed judgment
upon the man that had taken the ewe
lamb on one man's word without any
investigation whatsoever. Would
judgment upon him be just as swift if he
fell into man's hand, could have very
well been his thought when he said,
"Let me not fall into the hand of man."

It may have been that he was calling to
mind the various men who had served
with him. The top-notch man was Joab.
But, had Joab not taken the life of two
men better than himself (Abner and
Amasa), as well as the life of Absalom?
The thought of falling into his hands was
most unpleasant. Which man among all
of those who followed David would be
absolutely trustworthy in the hour of a
man's judgment? Pondering this
thought may have caused the "man after
God's own heart" to cry, "Let me not
fall into the hand of man."

Since I cannot say for sure why David
feared the hands of man, maybe I should
deal with why I would fear man's hands.

I. Man May Forget that He Is the
Offspring of God (Acts 17:28)

God will never forget that He is God.
Man, when given the opportunity to
judge, might forget all about his kinship
to God, but God will never forget His
kinship to man. God's attributes are
absolute; therefore, man can always
count on God acting as God and never
like man. When man takes proper note of
his kinship with God, He will do unto
others as he would have others to do
unto him. My fear stems from the fact
that my kinship sometimes has been
practically ignored when meting out
judgment unto some men.

II. Man May Not Remember His Own
Frailty as I Have at Times Failed to
Remember Mine

That we are frail can be seen in the cry 1
of David, "... remembereth that we are
dust" (Psalm 103:14). There is a
sense in which this can be used in self-
justification, but it also can be used to
bring ourselves into proper focus. When
I am not willing to recall my own frailty, it
just might be I will not see and try to.
understand the frailty in another. Also, if
those in whose hands I fall forget the;
frailty on the part of us both, then like!
Cain I must cry, ". . .My punishment is|
greater than I can bear" (Genesis 4:13).

III. Man May Fail to Understand Me as
I Have Failed to Understand Others

Misunderstanding breeds all kinds of
wrongs and woes. Possibly, there is:
more misjudgment in misunderstanding!
than any other one thing. To understand;
is not necessarily to sanction, but at least:
condemnation and even judgment can
come better out of a clear knowledge:
resting squarely upon understanding;
(Psalm 139:2).

IV. Man May Treat Me as I Have
Treated Others

Oh! The thought of it haunts me! Some
may never know the tempering that is
mine out of experience, but maybe the
thought of ". . .For with what judgment
you judge, ye shall be judged: . . ."
(Matthew 7:1) will help me from here on
in. Surely, I will never forget to treat men
right from now on; but how, just how will
they treat me? To be treated in every

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

i

tespect as I have in times past treated
jorne would call for a definite "... way
)f escape, ..." (1 Corinthians 10:13).

/. Man May Judge Me as I Have
Judged Others

Sometimes that judgment has been
meted out as though I were God;
knowing full well at the time that the
Scripture pointed out, "With what
jdgment I judge, I would be judged." In
he midst of the years, hot tears have
flowed down my cheeks because my
udgment had been passed without any
nercy. God most definitely had had
nercy for me, but my mercy was a
scarce item (Romans 12:1).

1. Man Seems to Justify Self While
Allowing no Excuse on the Part of
Others

The clear teaching of the Scripture is,
"Confess your faults one to another,
..." (James 5:16), not confess one
janother's faults. We make great use of
the Scripture, "... happy is he that
comdemneth not himself in that thing
iwhich he alloweth" (Romans 14:22).
jOur emphasis on this statement comes
'when we are interpreting Scripture for
;self-justif ication , certainly not when we
think of others. How tragic!

VII. Man Quite Often Brings Judgment
and Passes Sentence Before He Has
All the Facts

! Few men in such circumstances have
jail of the facts as did Nathan when he
isaid, ". . . Thou art the man . . . ." (2
jSamuel 12:7). He had divine revelation
ion the whole event, but such is not the
case with men in this day. When the
finger of guilt was pointed, it was not
merely man pointing at man, but rather
\ God through man pointing on the basis of
known facts. With the best research
team striving with all honestly, without
j self-interest, man is never quite able
J to accumulate every fact; but he should
| have always sufficient unimpeachable
] evidence before passing sentence.

VIII. The Sentence Passed by Man Is
Sometimes Greater Than the Wrong
Committed

Carbolic acid is a known cure for a
sore, but who wants the scar after the
application? Remedies prescribed
have often been worse than the disease
contacted. Man, if repentant, can always
count on God's mercy being mingled
with His judgment here in life, but this is
not usually the case with man. Clamoring
for the letter of the law when meting out
judgment for the other fellow is regular
procedure (John 8:11). With God, even
when man is impenitent, judgment
matches the wrong— never exceeds it.

IX. Man's Judgment Is Sometimes
(Mostly) Meted Without Mercy

Holy writ instructs man, "... if a man
be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit
of meekness; considering thyself, lest
thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).
Again it admonishes man, ". . . if any of
you do err from the truth, and one
convert him; Let him know, that he
which converteth the sinner from the
error of his way shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of
sins" (James 5:19, 20). When all beams
are removed from one's eye that he may
see clearly how to remove the mote from
his brother's eye (Matthew 7:3), the
operation should be performed mer-
cifully, for the one affecting the surgery
never knows when he too shall need an
operation. How sad that some enjoy
inflicting pain!

X. Man Generally Does Not Recognize a
Change of Heart

Our Lord gave us a parable we would
do well to study. He told of a man who
had two sons (Matthew 21:28-30). To
the first son he said, "Go work today in
my vineyard." The son answered him,
"I will not," but then went (he
repented— had a change of heart). The
second son was told to go work in the
vineyard and he answered, "I go sir,"
but went not. Christ asked the audience
which one did the will of his father. Of
course, the answer is the first. Had -the
"stoners" been standing by when the
first son said that he would not go, they
would have had him stoned before he
had his change of heart. God always
invites the change of heart and
recognizes it when it comes, but man

rather follows through with his law that
has become bigger than himself.

XI. Man's Record Is Incomplete

Man's diary written ever so minutely
will never contain all the facts. Job spoke
of his record being in heaven and his
witness being on high (Job 16:19).
Though used too often by many, in order
that they may evade the facts, there is a
scriptural statement that speaks to the
truth of that which is under con-
sideration: "... man looketh on the
outward appearance, but the LORD
looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).
How many cases have been thrown out
because the judge determined the
evidence to be insufficient or in-
conclusive? On the other hand, How
many men have been judged and
sentenced on circumstantial evidence?
God only knows. And that's the point
— God alone knows. Man should always
practice caution whenever there is a
reasonable doubt about the testimony.

XII. Man Takes no Note of the
Sparrow's Fall— God Does! (Mat-
thew 10:29)

David on one occasion spoke of
himself as a pelican (a big bird), as an
owl (a wise bird), but then as a sparrow
(a despised bird) (Psalm 102:6, 7). It is
interesting to note the downward
graduation in the psalmist's thinking.
Had David been so inspired by the Lord
that he knew in time one of his seed
would say, "Are not five sparrows sold
for two farthings, and not one of them is
forgotten before God" (Luke 12:6). He
would have known also that the Father
even takes note of the sparrow's fall.
Yet, with such thoughts crowding his
mind, David cried out, ". . . no man
cared for my soul" (Psalm 142:4).
Overwhelmed by the waters (people),
he sang, "... lead me to the rock that is
higher than I" (Psalm 61:2). We all joy
in David's statement, "He restoreth my
soul: ..." (Psalm 23:3).

David fell into the hand of God and
received his just recompense; but, How
would the story have read had he fallen
into man's hand, rather than God's?

Stone-throwers should always make
sure that they have on the breastplate of
full innocency when they start hurling.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

FREE WILL BAPTIST
OF MY DAY

THE NORTH CAROLINA CONVENTION
AND ASSOCIATES IN THE 1960 S

(Part Twenty-Six)
by Loy Everette Ballard

^7 He resolution passed in a
special session of the North Carolina
State Convention held in Wilson, on
March 29, 1962, providing for the with-
drawal of the convention from the
National Association, provided for two
things in connection with the future of
the convention: (1) The various boards
were instructed to set up programs
independent of the National Association
for carrying on the denominational
projects being participated in by the
convention. (2) The election of a special
committee to seek cooperation with other
bodies of Free Will Baptists througout the
United States who hold similar views as
to faith and interests.

The convention's mission board took
the initative in setting up a new program.
They first proposed to take over some of
the missionary projects the convention
had been supporting through the
National Association, but the national
body rejected this. During the months
between the special session in March
and the regular 1962 session in Sep-
tember, all funds received, earmarked
for the National Association, were sent to
the proper treasurers of that
organization. When settlement was made
with the National Association, the board
had on hand $4,988.99 with which to
start the new program. The goal set for
the following year was $75,000.

In 1963, the mission board assumed
responsibility to sponsor two Mexican
missionary projects already in operation
as independent ventures. One was the
Arizona-Mexican Mission in charge of
the Rev. John B. Ellison, and the other
was the work in Eastern Mexico in
charge of the Rev. J. E. Timmons,
working out of Eagles Pass, Texas. At
the time this mission had three points of
operation in Mexico, and was operating a
medical clinic. The Arizona-Mexican

Mission was operating the Nogales
Academy, which was heavily in debt.
The North Carolina Convention invested
$3,000 for bonds to help clear up the
debt.

The relationship with the Rev. J. E.
Timmons has proved to be a very
agreeable one through the years, but the
relationship with the Arizona-Mexican
Mission was disappointing. The Rev.
John E. Ellison did not live up to his
agreement with the board and difficulties
soon arose. The relationship with this
group was terminated in 1965, after the
board had invested over $32,000 in the
projects. A part of this was later
recovered.

In 1966, the Rev. Joe Ingram suc-
ceeded the Rev. A. B. Bryan as director-
treasurer for the missions board. He was
employed for full time, and has
energetically pushed the program since
that time. In 1968, the Rev. and Mrs.
Joe Barrow went as missionaries to
Rhodesia and opened a new work there.
In 1969, the Rev. and Mrs. Harold Jones
were sent to the Philippines as
missionaries by the board. The growth in
concern for missions upon the part of
North Carolina Original Free Will Baptists
during the 1960s is indicated by the fact
that mission offerings for 1969 were
$79,105.80 as compared with
$18,781.02 in 1962. In home mission
work the board organized and assisted in
organizing several new churches during
the 1960s.

All the North Carolina institutions
made real progress during the 1960s.
The progress made by Mount Olive
College during these years may well be
termed phenomenal. This decade saw
the college gain the respect and ad-
miration of educational leaders generally
throughout the south as one of the best
among junior colleges. Its progress in
financial attainments has been surprising

to all. By 1965, the value of the proper™
had passed the $1,000,000 figure, anc
by the end of the 1960s, the value hac
about doubled-. During these years manJ
of the most active and successful
ministers and other church workers ol
today received much of their training in;
the institution. The Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation made great progress!
during this period. The early years of the
decade saw the erection of one of the
most modern publishing buildings in the;
state, into which the business was1
moved in 1968. The publications showed:!
a steady improvement in quality during n
these years. (By 1970, three bookstores
in other cities had been established.) The I
Free Will Baptist Children's Home and '
Cragmont Assembly, Inc., both in-
creased their campus facilities and i
enlarged their program of services to the ;
denomination during the 1960s.

The situation of Cragmont Assembly, j|
Inc. at the time of the denominational |!
split in 1 962 resulted in a drastic change
in my personal ministry. This institution, I
more than any other, was left in a;
somewhat precarious situation. Both the ;
chairman of the board of directors and
the manager had chosen to take a stand !
with the group opposing the State;
Convention, and many feared that they ^
would try to carry the assembly with
them into the new organization in the t
state. Support for Cragmont dropped to a
very low state because of the un-
certainty. When the chairman and
manager both resigned late in 1961,
there was no money in the treasury. The
board of directors called upon Mrs.
Ballard and myself to take over
management of the assembly in the
emergency. After much prayer, we
agreed to take up residence at Cragmont
for the summer and endeavored to get
things going again. Money was borrowed
to open up and make the necessary
improvements. Mrs. Ballard began
writing letters to people she knew over
the state asking for help to purchase
some much needed equipment, while I
worked out of Cragmont, visiting
churches in the joint interest of Sunday
school work and soliciting young people
for the summer conferences. People
responded wonderfully. We served as
comanagers for seven years. During this
time the old caretaker's cottage was
remodeled as a cottage for boys, and
another cottage was purchased, pipe
was laid to connect with the Asheville

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

j/ater supply, and several improvements
j/ere made over the campus. Much
redit for getting the assembly out of the
lump belongs to the Rev. James A.
vans and Mr. Fountain Taylor, who
erved as chairmen during the period;
Iso, to the Rev. C. J. Harris who loaned
big part of the money needed for
provements.

The 1960s were great years of
rogress and ministry among the Free
ill Baptist churches and institutions in
orth Carolina. Of course the spiritual
nd moral blessings that came from
onsecrated evangelistic and other
inistries were more important than the
aterial progress. These things only God
an evaluate.
And now a few words about progress
ade with respect to cooperation with
ree Will Baptists in other states. In the
arly years of the 1960s, fellowship
eetings were held in various states,
ttended by representatives from some
our or five states. In 1965, rep-
esentatives from groups in North
arolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West
irginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and
hio met in Rockingham, North Carolina,
nd reorganized the General Conference
f Original Free Will Baptists of the
nited States— one of the organizations
niting in 1935 to form the National
ssociation. Meetings have since been
held annually. However, the organization
has done little toward developing a
program of activities, seemingly
preferring to go along with the North
Carolina program. While the General
Conference does not represent a very
large segment of the overall Free Will
Baptist denomination, the fellowship has
been good, and the leaders are hopeful
that the future will bring about a larger
and more united program.

(Next: Into the 1970s)

NOTE OF THANKS

Please allow me space in "The Free
Will Baptist" to thank each church,
Sunday school class, and auxiliary for
the lovely cards, gifts, and money I
received during the holiday season. A
special "thank you" goes to my special
friends for the many acts of kindness
shown me. I will never forget you and
will always keep you dear to my heart.

Mrs. G. C. Joyner
c/o Mrs. Norma Eubanks
Route 4, Box 210
Pittsboro, N. C. 27312

PRECIOUS GIFT

by Ruth Langley Newsome
Years ago I was working in a factory in
Richmond, Virginia. My baby was sick,
and I had been up and down with her for
several nights, still going to work in the
daytime. The woman who took care of
her for me was capable, but I still
worried about her while I was gone.

One morning I went to work feeling
especially tired and a little blue. "I sure
will be glad when this day is over," I told
a friend.

The next day I got the telegram. While
I had been wishing the day away, feeling
sorry for myself, my mother had been
doing the family wash. She still washed
the old-time way— washboard and tubs,
boiling the clothes in a big black pot. You
just couldn't keep Mama from working.
She was seventy-one and very deter-
mined.

Somehow her dress caught fire, and
all her clothes burned completely off her.
She was taken to the hospital where she
died just before midnight. She didn't cry
or complain— just lay silent, fully
conscious until the end.

As I read the telegram, it hit me: "You
wished the day away; it's gone, never to
return." I've never wished time away
again. Only given thanks for it— God's
precious gift.

LEAGUE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE MEETS

The Executive Committee of the North
Carolina Free Will Baptist League
Convention met at the Winterville Free
Will Baptist Church, Saturday, January
24. The principle item of business for
discussion was the Sword Drills to be
held at the State League Convention on
Saturday, March 13, at the Community
Free Will Baptist Church in Weldon.

The committee wishes to stress that
each church can have only one
representative for each drill (one for the
junior drill and one for the intermediate
drill). It is suggested that each church
conduct a drill within the church and
send its best junior and intermediate to
compete in the state drill on Saturday,
March 13.

I hope to see each church with a
league program represented at the
convention with a contestant for each
Sword Drill.

Yours in Christ,
Jack Mayo, President

WESTERN CONFERENCE
ORDAINING COUNCIL
MEETS

The Ordaining Council of the Western
Conference will meet Friday, February
20, at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist
Church in Wayne County. The entire
council will meet at 7:30 p. m. Those
who need to take the examination should
be at the church at 2 p. m. on the above
date. This includes both those who are
ready to be ordained and those who have
come to us from other denominations or
Free Will Baptist groups not affiliated
with the North Carolina State Convention.

Anyone having business with the
council, either at 2 or 7:30 p. m., should
be on time.

Respectfully submitted,
C. F. Bowen, Chairman

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free WiJI Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Richard C. Overman an-
nounces that he is available for full-time
pastoral services. He is a member of the
Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptist
Church of Raleigh and a member of the
Cape Fear Conference in good standing.
He may be contacted by writing 1725-1
Fransican Terrace, Winston-Salem,
North Carolina 27107; or telephoning
788-8644.

Mr. Charles Petit, a licensed preacher
from Everett Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church of Clayton, is interested in supply
work, part-time services, or evangelistic
work. Any church or minister interested
in his services may contact him by
writing P. 0. Box 675, Clayton, North
Carolina 27520; or telephoning (919)
553-5741.

Coming Events . . .

March 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Question: Please discuss the works of
the flesh as the Bible calls it in the
following Scripture: "Now the works of
the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and
such like: of the which I tell you before,
as I have also told you in time past, that
they which do such things shall not
inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians
5:19-21). I am especially interested in
the meaning of the words "heresies" in
Verse 20, and "they which do such
things shall not inherit the kingdom of
God" in Verse 21 .

Answer: Heresies are wrong views or
opinions. As used in the New Testament,
the term applies to the wrong beliefs and
opinions held and propagated by those
who will not accept the correct views and
truths set forth in the inspired truth; but
they substitute false or wrong views and
opinions and express them, contending
for the wrong views as if they were
correct views, and the true views or facts
and opinions as if they were false.

The following both propagated and
lived heresies: "Wherefore God also
gave them up to uncleanness through the
lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour
their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie,
and worshipped and served the creature
more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen" (Romans 1:24, 25). They
did not only refuse the truth but taught
and practiced falsehood as though it
were truth and forsook the truth and
Christ— the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
This gave them momentum in the way of
unrighteousness so that their views and
their beliefs were false; therefore, their
way of life became false.

Sodom and Gomorrah are examples
given in the Bible to illustrate the wrong

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

views and the propagating of them as
though they were correct views. The
people of those wicked cities brought
God's judgment upon them. Then there
are the Amorites of Abraham's day, to
which God said: ". . . in the fourth
generation they shall come hither again:
for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet
full" (Genesis 15:16).

Then in Saul's day He said concerning
people in the same general locality:
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I
remember that which Amalek did to
Israel, how he laid wait for him in the
way, when he came up from Egypt. Now
go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy
all that they have, and spare them not;
but slay both man and woman, infant
and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and
ass" (1 Samuel 15:2, 3). Then He again
says when Saul claimed to obey, but had
only partially obeyed: "And Samuel said,
Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying
the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is
better than sacrifice, and to hearken than
the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin
of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as
iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast
rejected the word of the LORD, he hath
also rejected thee from being king . . . .
And Samuel came no more to see Saul
until the day of his death: nevertheless
Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD
repented that he had made Saul king
over Israel" (1 Samuel 15:22, 23, 35).

Even though these Canaanite people's
cup of iniquity was not completely full in
Joshua's day it evidently was full when
God gave orders for their complete
annihilation in Samuel's and Saul's day.
Certain nations or tribes were to be
completely destroyed in Joshua's day,
but this particular tribe was not.
Evidently they were ripe for total
destruction in Samuel's day.

There were many individuals whom
God dealt severely with in the Early

Church because of their disobedient
and deceit. However He allowec
Christendom to survive, but He ha
appointed a time, even a day, when H>
will deal severely with the falsi
modernistic church. Like the tares am
the wheat which a farmer allows to grovl
together, when he cannot distinguish;
between them, but at harvesttime each \>:
known by its fruit. The wheat is han
vested and put into its rightful storag<
facility; whereas, tares are heapec
together and burned.

The heresies with high sounding title;
and making a glamorous display o'
human talent, institutions, anc!
propaganda are able to propagate theft
false beliefs in such times as this ouij
own. But each individual is responsible
for all he thinks, says, and does and is
going to give an account to God for all
wrong beliefs and falsehoods he has'
appropriated by believing a lie and1
teaching others the same. "Wherefore
let him that thinketh he standeth take
heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12);
". . . as he thinketh in his heart, so is.
he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but{
his heart is not with thee" (Proverbs
23:7); also, "... though we walk in the
flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (Fon
the weapons of our warfare are not
carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) Casting:
down imaginations, and every high thing:
that exalteth itself against the knowledge'
of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ; And:
having in a readiness to revenge all|
disobedience, when your obedience is:
fulfilled" (2 Corinthians 10:3-6); "So
then every one of us shall give account of
himself to God" (Romans 14:12).

Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That
every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day
of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt
be justified, and by the words thou shalt
be condemned" (Matthew 12:36, 37).
(See Verses 41, 42.) "Behold, I send
you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves: be ye therefore wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves"
(Matthew 10:16).

George H. Sandison gives the
following in answering a similar question
on Page 288 in his book, 1000 Difficult
Bible Questions Answered:

"The Greek word translated
'heresies' in Galatians 5:20 means
wither an opinion or a party. As used in

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

he New Testament it stands for an
Opinion 'varying from the true exposition
of the Christian faith' (as in 2 Peter
2:11), or a body of men following
(mistaken or blameworthy ideas, or as a
(combination of these two meanings,
('dissensions.' This latter definition
••dissensions' is the rendering given by
Thayer of this passage. The American
jrevision translates the word 'parties,'
iieaving, however, the expression
I heresies' as the marginal reading. The
three last words of the verse, 'strife,'
i 'seditions,' and 'heresies,' are, in
the American revision, 'factions,' 'div-
isions,'and 'parties.' "

A PRAYER PSALM

an

J

Cape Fear Youth
Rally, February 7

The officers of the Cape Fear Youth
Rally announces that the next rally will be
held on Saturday, February 7, at the
Riverside Free Will Baptist Church
located between Goldsboro and Prince-
ton. The rally will begin at 7:30 p. m.,
and all youth of the district are urged to
be present. Visitors are also welcome.

St. Mary's Observe
Christian Heritage Sunday

As a prelude to bicentennial activities,
Saint Mary's Free Will Baptist Church,
314 Fleet Street, New Bern, observed
Sunday, January 25, as Christian
Heritage Sunday. The day was set aside
as a reminder of the Christian principles
upon which our nation was founded. Our
founding fathers were men of courage,
strength, and deep religious convictions
who sought to weave Christian principles
into the fabric from which our nation was
made.

"The Mount Olive Singers" of Mount
Olive College presented a program of
patriotic music in keeping with the
bicentennial theme. Dr. W. Burkette
Raper, president of the college, brought
the morning message. Special guests
included Mayor and Mrs. Charles
Kimbrell, members of the Board of
Aldermen, and their families.

The ladies of the church served lunch
to the Mount Olive guests and the high
school students.

Rearranged by
Mrs. C. D. Clark

T H Y 0 J U D

I A N P N L

H N T T N

0 R L T

1 IV

0 N H

F. I A A 0 A D 7 N

TIE

D T

L H

D M D

V L

HHCFSKSAC

H N A H R R

NVENERHMI

V C 0 A S

NONONUYE

U 0

H G

R 0

This psalm contains 52 different words and should be numbered as they first
appear in the psalm. The number of the psalm is hidden near the center of the block
of letter and reads down. Sometimes a word is found within another word and
sometimes the ending letter on one word is the beginning of another word. After all
words have been located, the entire psalm may be quoted by using each word as
often as is needed. The words may be found in the usual manner of spelling: forward,
backward, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The job is yours— go to work!

The words are as follows:

1.

God

19.

known

2.

be

20.

earth

3.

merciful

21.

saving

4.

unto

22.

health

5.

us

23.

among

6.

and

24.

all

7.

bless

25.

nations

8.

cause

26.

let

9.

his

27.

the

10.

face

11.

to

28.

people

12.

shine

29.

praise

13.

upon

30.

thee

14.

Selah

31.

0

15.

that

32.

glad

16.

thy

33.

sing

17.

way

34.

for

18.

may

35.

joy

36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

thou
shalt
judge

righteously

govern

then

shall

yield

her

increase

even

our

own

ends

of

fear
him

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Scripture Reading— Job 5:21

A SINCERE WISH
I would like to go back o'er life's path-
way,

And retrace every footstep I've trod,
And remove the rough spots where I
stumbled,
Erase every footprint and clod.

I would like to go back o'er life's
journey,

And call back each harsh word I've
said,

Recall every wrong deed or action,
Causing sorrow, or tears to be shed.

I would add many words left un-
spoken,

And retract many words idly said,
And heal every heart, bruised or
broken,

By replacing kind words in their
stead.

Then, when at the end of life's jour-
ney,

I am asked my past story to tell,
There 'd be no rough spots on my

pathway,
No trace where I stumbled and fell.

—Elizabeth Kieke

PRAYER THOUGHT

Since it is impossible to erase our
spoken words or remove our actions,
let us pray that we would speak and
act in ways pleasing to both God and
man.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
7:1

COBWEBS
Professor Robert A. Bjork, a
University of Michigan psychologist,
said, "Efficient remembering is
clearly related to efficient forgetting.
The mind must set aside information
it no longer needs to prevent it from
interfering with new information."

10

The minds and hearts of many of
God's children are cluttered with the
cobwebs of envy, strife, divisions,
pride, greed, and unforgiveness. How
Spirit-grieving and growth- stunting
are these sins! A spiritual head and
heart cleansing is desperately needed
among God's children.

PRAYER THOUGHT
God needs bright, clear-thinking
followers. When we dull our minds
with angry, brooding thoughts, we
leave no room for God or His love.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Scripture Reading— Galatians 6:10

LATER MAY BE TOO LATE
The ancients conceived of op-
portunity as a fleet-footed runner,
with a forelock on his head. The back
of his head was bald. The runner
could be seized by the forelock when
he was passing by. Having passed, he
was gone forever.

How freighted with eternal con-
sequences is the moment when we
feel the wooing of the Holy Spirit,
saying, "Give me thine heart." Later
may be too late to respond to His plea.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Some of us spend our entire lives
being too late. It is disheartening to
miss out on the opportunities of life,
but to miss out on the opportunity of
life after death would be a disasterous
dilemma.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
13:1

IF SOMEBODY CARED . . .
A forlorn, discouraged exconvict
walked up to a total stranger on a
busy street and asked, "Would you
mind thinking about me for an hour
or two? If I knew there was someone,
somewhere who cared enough to think
about me, it would enable me to find
myself again and face life anew ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
We, as Christians, know there is
Someone thinking of us because we
have the assurance that God is always
in our presence and we are always in
His watch care.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Scripture Reading— 1 John 2:7; 3:11

LOOK, HOW THEY LOVE !
The Christian theologian Tertullian
wrote in the first century after Christ,

"It is our care for the helpless, our'
practicing of lovingkindness, that
brands us in the eyes of our op-
ponents. 'Look,' they say, 'how they
love one another. Look how they are
prepared to die for one another ! ' "

Tradition tells us that the aged
apostle John, in bidding farewell to
his congregation, admonished them to
love one another.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Loving one another is not as dif-
ficult as we may think. No matter how
unlovable a person may seem — it is
possible to find something about him
to praise and love.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Scripture Reading— Romans 14:7
I SOUGHT MY BROTHER
No one could tell me where my soul
might be,

I sought for God; He seemed to elude
me,

I sought my brother out and found all
three.

—Author Unknown

PRAYER THOUGHT
In loving others we find our own
souls and succeed in making our lives
worthwhile.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 13:1

OUR BE ST TODAY

Often the best way to make things
go is to take the "I" out of live and put
in an "O."

There's so much to believe in and
love in life that it's impossible ever to
run out. All you have to do is look up
and around.

First and foremost, there's belief in
and love for your Creator— God. God
is love and all love starts with Him
and in Him. The love of God opens the
way to other loves: love for your
helpmate, your children, and your
children's children . . . love for your
neighbor as yourself . . . love for your
community and for America . . . love
for freedom and fair play, and love for
all people everywhere regardless of
color or creed or status.

Love is all of God's master plan to
create His heaven in your heart!
—Austin American-Statesman

PRAYER THOUGHT
This Valentine Day is a day to bring
forth our love. It is a day to allow our
innermost feelings to come forward.
Don't hide love— it is a precious
commodity.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

STORIES

for our youth

TOMMY LEARNS
A LESSON

by Christine Frolick

URRY and eat your breakfast. It's
almost time to leave for school."
"OK, Mom," sighed Tommy, who had
been picking at his food instead of eating
it.

"Why are you so slow this morning?"
his mother asked. "You're usually the
first one out of the house on Wednesday
mornings. Have you forgotten that your
social studies teacher invites some
interesting person to talk to the class
every Wednesday?"

"No, but there won't be anyone
interesting today— just a blind man."
Tommy's face fell as he spoke.

"What makes you think that a blind
man can't have something interesting to
tell you?"

Tommy wrinkled his nose and said,
"Well, he can't see, and I'm sure he
doesn't do very much. What can he say
that will interest me? I don't want to hear
somebody talk about being blind."

"Why don't you wait until you hear
what he has to say before you make up
your mind? Remember, Tommy, we can
find something interesting about most
people as we get to know them better. ' '

"I guess you're right," Tommy
answered without enthusiasm.

Tommy was just sliding into his seat in
the classroom when the bell rang. The
rest of the class was already there. Mrs.
Adams, Tommy's teacher, was seated at
her desk. In a chair beside her sat a
whitehaired man wearing dark glasses.
Tommy thought the man looked rather
helpless. While they were pledging
allegiance to the flag, Tommy noticed
with interest that the man had a large,
bushy-tailed dog with him.

He has a nice dog, but he's still going

to be a bore, thought Tommy as he
glanced at the clock to see how much
time the speaker would have.

Soon, Mrs. Adams introduced the
man to the class.

"First Mr. West will tell you a little
about himself and the problems of the
blind. Then you may ask him some
questions."

"May we ask questions right away?"
blurted a voice from the back of the
room.

"Certainly," Mr. West answered with
a smile, before Mrs. Adams could reply.
"I would prefer to answer your questions
rather than make a speech. I'm not as
good at talking to an audience as your
teacher is!"

"Does your dog go everywhere with
you?" asked Mike, the boy who had first
spoken out.

"Yes, because he has been specially
trained to help me. I can't do without
him. When I say, 'Forward,' he leads me
right down the middle of the sidewalk,
unless he has to go around something or
someone. He will lead me across the
street only when the way is clear. He
even recognizes the bus that takes me to
work each morning, and he barks to let
me know when it is approaching."

"How does he know that?" asked the
girl sitting in front of Tommy.

Mr. West turned toward the side of the
room from which the question had come.

"Seeing eye dogs are special dogs.
They are very carefully trained . ' '

In spite of himself, Tommy was
becoming more and more interested in
what Mr. West was saying. Suddenly he
had many questions he wanted to ask.

"Did you train your dog yourself, Mr.
West?" he asked.

"No. He was trained at a guide-dog
center by a man who specializes in such
work. Later, when he became my dog, I
had to have some training, too. For

instance, I had to learn to walk beside
him in this position."

At the command "Stand," the dog
stood up beside Mr. West. The man
placed himself almost even with his
dog's hindquarters.

"If I walk too far forward, I may be in
the way when he needs to make a
sudden turn. If I walk too far behind, I
may tread on his hind legs," Mr. West
explained as he demonstrated.

"Which one of you would you say is
the master?" It was Mrs. Adams who
asked the question.

"Neither. We are friends. That is why
I call him Amigo, which is Spanish for
the word 'friend.' There is real affection
between us." Mr. West stroked his dog
gently and continued, "Once he even
risked his own life to save mine. It was
late at night, and Amigo was just about to
lead me across the railroad tracks.
Suddenly he stopped, jumped right in
front of me, and started to bark. Then I
heard the sound of the train ap-
proaching. Because of him I had time to
step back and pull Amigo out of the way
before the train raced past. I might have
been killed if it hadn't been for Amigo."
Mr. West's face lit up as he smiled and
patted Amigo on the head.

Was that ever a good class! Tommy
thought on the way home at lunchtime.
Mr. West had answered questions for
more than an hour. Now Tommy was
eager to get home and tell his mother all
about it.

"I know something you don't!" he
said to his mother as he entered the
kitchen. "See whether you can guess
what it is."

"Very well."

"How did the seeing eye dog get its
name?"

"Well, ah—," his mother hesitated.

"See, I told you that you wouldn't
know. It comes from a verse in the Bible,
Proverbs 20:12: 'The hearing ear, and
the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even
both of them.' "

"You must have enjoyed your guest
speaker after all," Tommy's mother
said.

"Yes, I did, very much. And you were
right, Mom. Everyone has something
interesting to say if we listen for
it." — Selected

God's children cannot live wrong and
pray right; nor can they live wrong when
they pray right.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS£"}
THE SUNDAY f€

SCHOOL LESSOIStg*

For February 15

v

WHEN FAITH TAKES HOLD

Lesson Text: Matthew 14:25-33; 15:21-
28

Memory Verse: Matthew 21:22

I. INTRODUCTION

It is impossible to exaggerate the
importance of faith to the Christian life
and experience. It is faith that brings us
into a saving knowledge of our Lord, and
it is a continuing faith that helps us grow
in His grace and knowledge and to lay
hold of and utilize the more abundant life
which can be found in Him.

Faith has one archenemy, and this
enemy is so powerful that where it makes
its appearance it becomes impossible for
faith to perform its work in a satisfactory
manner. This archenemy of faith is
doubt. These two, faith and doubt, differ
from each other as black and white, and
even as heaven and hell, or success and
failure.

Our lesson for today deals with the
response of faith by two individuals to
two difficult situations. The one failed
while the other succeeded, and the
reason for this failure is not difficult to
find: Doubt was allowed to show its
face — The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Jesus sent the disciples across
the lake; yet, He knew that they would
run into contrary winds. He did this to test
them. Today He allows us to run into
contrary winds to test us.

B. Jesus came to the disciples at
night, strengthened their faith, and took
away their fears. He comes in our
darkest time to bring help.

C. Jesus had offered the kingdom to
the Jews, but they had rejected Him. The
fact that He went to Tyre and Sidon
indicates that He was offering the
kingdom to the Gentiles now. This is the
only trip He made outside of Palestine
during His whole earthly ministry.

D. This woman who came to Jesus
seeking help for her daughter had great
faith. This incident shows that Jesus was

offering Himself to the Gentiles, and that
Gentiles can have real faith in God.

E. Jesus paid this Syrophenician
woman the greatest compliment that
could be paid to anyone. He told her that
she had "great faith." Would you like to
hear the Master say that you have great
faith?

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTH

A. A congregation was in sad need
of a new place to worship. Fire had
destroyed much of the old building. It
was a poor congregation but the pastor
challenged the people to ask God for a
building. They were challenged also to
believe that God would give it to them. In
the next few weeks the people gave all
they could to the building fund, drew up
plans, and ordered building materials. A
well-to-do Christian man, seeing their
faith, secretly underwrote all the ex-
penses. Do you believe God directed him
in this?— C. F. Bowen

B. Very large are the promises that
Jesus attached to faith. He said, "Have
faith in God. For verily I say unto you,
That whosoever shall say unto this
mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou
cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in
his heart, but shall believe that those
things which he saith shall come to pass;
he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things
soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe
that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them" (Mark 11:22-24).

How does it happen, then, that we do
not always get what we pray for?
Sometimes it seems that we are cooped
up in our little world and our prayers
can't get through the sky to God.
Perhaps sometimes we can't tell what
keeps the answer from us, but we can
see a number of things that are possible.

1. Sometimes our asking is purely
selfish. Jesus tells us to ask for daily
bread, but we demand cake and ice
cream. James says, "Ye ask, and
receive not, because ye ask amiss, that
ye may spend it in your pleasures"

(James 4:3, American Standard Vert,
sion).

2. Sometimes we forget abou
Jesus. He said, "If ye shall ask an^j
thing in my name, I will do it" (Johr;
14:14). But we make requests for owl
own advantage, and then try to sanctity
our selfishness by saying piously, "Ir
Jesus' name" or "For Jesus' sake.'1!
God knows for whose sake we are,
asking.

3. Sometimes "we know not whal
we should pray for as we ought"!
(Romans 8:26). What we want would do;
more harm than good, and the Holy Spiril!
intercedes with God to save us from,
harm.

4. Sometimes God gives better than'
we ask. When a loved one is at the point
of death, for example, perhaps we pray
fervently that God will restore him to us;
but God takes him to heaven instead.

5. Sometimes we really don't expect
God to give us what we ask: in fact, !
sometimes we pray because we think we|
should, not because we are deeply
concerned. "Let not that man think that,
he shall receive anything of the Lord; ail
doubleminded man, unstable in all his?
ways" (James 1:7, 8, Americanr
Standard Version).

Hebrews 11 lists famous people who:
triumphed through faith. But most of ussj
have seen faith triumphant closer to5
home. We have expected daily bread and]
received it. We have been snatched:!
from the jaws of death by drowning or
traffic accident. We have recovered from]
illness and injuries. We have held jobs, :
built homes, brought up families. We|
have done our part in the work of the:
church. We have sent forth missionaries, j
In all these things we have trusted God,
and He has helped us. Still trusting}
Him, we can do still greater':
things — Standard Lesson Commentary

C. An adoring mother, her heart
filled with the tenderest love, looked into !
the soft, sweet face of her tiny baby of
only a few weeks, and remarked to her
neighbor who had dropped in to see the
baby, "If only she could remain a baby
forever!"

She couldn't have meant this, of
course. What a tragedy if her baby had
never grown! How terrible it would have
been if all its latent powers had been
kept from flowering into useful maturity
and worthwhile endeavors! How awful it
would have been for its parents to have
grown old and wrinkled while the baby

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Remained helpless for want of parental
uidance!

It is no less a tragedy for a child of
lod, a new convert, to remain a "babe in
; h rist Jesus." God wants us to grow in
[race that all our latent spiritual powers
night develop and we become a useful
servant of the Lord.

Before such a growth can occur,
lowever, the young Christian must see
[lis faith grow into vibrant action. It is
,ne thing to believe God has saved us; it
s an entirely different thing for our faith
to lead us into active Christian
service— The Intermediate Quarterly
F. W. B.)

MISSIONS
HOME MISSION RALLY AT EAST

ROCKINGHAM

I The East Rockingham Free Will Baptist Church of
'Rockingham will conduct a Home Mission's Rally on
.Wednesday night, February 11, at 7 p. m. The local
:church will offer special music and the Rev. Grayson
Spencer of the Home Missions Board will bring the
'message and answer questions relating to Home
(Missions. All the churches in the area are urged to
1 attend and bring a special offering.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO HOME MISSIONS

t (October 1 , 1975— December 31 , 1975)
Albemarle

ui ' District Auxiliary Convention
to ji Union Meeting
ll) ; Gum Neck
ij (Hickory Chapel

Malachi's Chapel

Mt. Tabor

Plymouth, First

Shiloh

St. Paul

Trinity
Total

$ 18.20
7.00
50.00
119.58
171.40
50.00
25.00
101.50
20.00
150J30
$ 712768

Cape Fear

Bethel

Cape Fear Conference
Ministerial Association
Casey's Chapel
Catalpa
Eastwood
Hopewell
Johnston Union
Lee's Chapel
Mount Olive Church
Palmer Memorial
Pleasant Grove
Powhatan
Riverside
Robert's Grove
Saint Mary's Grove
Shady Grove
Smithfield, First
Tee's Chapel
Victory Mission
West Clinton
Wooten's Chapel

10.00
72.80
25.00
10.00
50.00

150.00

348.00
10.00
90.18
25.00
40.50

150.00
10.00

410.00
10.00

100.00
63.75
5.00
55.00
1.25
44.37
19.60

(ClVcllUII 3 UlUvC

1 m nn
I I u , uu

Total

$ 1,810.45

Central

Aspen Grove

$ 20.00

Ayden

75.00

Bethany

52.78

Black Jack

447.16

Central Conference Missions

975.00

Community

13.00

Daniels Chapel

729.30

Dawson's Grove

10.00

Edgewood

30.00

Elm Grove

225.50

Free Union

111.00

Friendship

36.48

Greenville, First

160.00

Grimsley

178.13

Harrell's Chapel

150.00

Hickory Grove (Pitt Co.)

125.00

Howell Swamp

14.00

Hugo

22.50

Hull Road

85.00

King's Cross Roads

10.00

LaGrange

14.00

Little Creek

10.00

Marlboro

10.00

Ormondsville

10.00

Otter's Creek

259.45

Owen's Chapel

335.00

Peace

19.00

Reedy Branch

65.05

Rocky Mount, First

50.00

Rose Hill

25.00

Saratoga

10.00

Spring Branch

93.06

Second Union

Sunday School Convention

100.00

Tarboro, First

150.00

Watery Branch

15.00

Winterville

137.35

Total

$ 4,762.76

Eastern

Bridgeton

$ 29.00

Cabin

19.10

Crab Point

89.12

Core Creek

40.00

Davis

9.75

Dublin Grove

10.00

Ephesus

35.41

Faith

200.00

Fifth Union

20.00

Grant's Chapel

25.00

Holly Springs

729.46

Jackson Heights

68.80

Juniper Chapel

75.00

Lanier's Chapel

25.00

Moseley's Creek

23.30

Mount Zion

62.50

Oriental

12.40

Otway

50.00

Pearsall's Chapel

15.00

Pilgrim's Rest

44.67

Sandy Plain

184.80

St. Mary's

125.00

Smith's New Home

25.00

Sneads Ferry

50.00

Sound View

139.38

Warden's Grove

19.42

White Oak Grove

10.00

Wintergreen

160.00

Total

$ 2,297.11

Pee Dee

Oak Grove

District Auxiliary Convention
Total

Piemont

Bethany
Westwood Hills
Total

Western

Calvary

Christian Chapel
Everett's Chapel
First Union Meeting
Flood's Chapel
Free Spirit
Free Union (Nash)
Friendship
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Micro
Milbournie
Mt. Zion (Nash)
Mt. Zion (Wilson)
Oak Grove
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Plain
Rains Cross Roads
Rosebud
Selma

Sherron Acres
St. Mary's
Stancil's Chapel
Stoney Creek
Stony Hill
Union Grove

District Auxiliary Convention
Wilson, First
Total

Individuals

Mrs. R. R. Case

Rev. and Mrs. C. M. Coats

S. P. Easley

John M. Furlough Sr.

Rev. and Mrs. Foy C. Futrelle

Rev. Francis Garner

John David Hill

James B. Hunt

Eula Jones

Mrs. R. L. Norville

Rev. Billy Nowell

Rev. and Mrs. R. T. Sasser

Rev. Floyd Smith

W. E. Thigpen

Rev. Cooper Thompson

Mrs. Margaret Wallace

Ruth Warrick

Evelyn M. Williams

North Carolina Woman's

Auxiliary Convention

Total

Total Contributions

138.71
65.00
203.71

30.50
_225.00
255.50

75.00
10.00
45.00

200.00
6.00
30.00
93.60
60.96
16.44

157.00

231.00
37.84
4.41

120.50
17.50
10.50

182.45
60.00

110.00
10.00
99.00
17.00
25.00

100.00

213.00

157.50
1.50
75.00
2.00
3.50
16.21

187.50
2,375.41

10.00
25.00
14.00
20.00
50.00
15.00
20.00

5.00
15.00

1.00
20.00
25.00
20.00
25.00
25.00
50 00
10.00
25.00

83.57
523.57

ST

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

Free IDill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
*%***^*<&* "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls *********

MARRIAGE RITES SOLEMNIZED IN MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Memorial Chapel of the Free Will
Baptist Children's Home in Middlesex
was the setting Sunday, December 14,
1975 for the marriage of Miss Brenda
Eve Weeks and Mr. Richard Wayne
Faircloth. Miss Weeks is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weeks, directors of

the Children's Home. Mr. Faircloth is a
former resident of the Home.

The Rev. C. L. Patrick, pastor of Free
Union Free Will Baptist Church,
Walstonburg; and the Rev. Davie
Brinson, pastor of Memorial Chapel,
officiated at the double ring ceremony.

Traditional wedding music was/
presented by Mr. Ron Taylor, organist
and choral director of Southern Nash
High school; and Miss Donna Glisson, I
soloist; music director for Memorial
Chapel.

The vows were spoken before the altar %
banked with arrangements of white ii
gladioli, white mums, and red carnations
with burning cathedral tapers in- u
terspersed with Christmas greenery.

The bride was escorted to the altar by
her father and given in marriage by her
parents. Her gown was of white silk j
organdy with a V-shaped neckline, fitted |
bodice with lace and pleated trim, <
traditional long sleeves with lace and
pleated at the tip. The A-line skirt with
flowing train was pleated to match the
midriff of the gown. Her illusion Juliet
cap and veil was incrested with pearls.
She carried a bouquet of white mums
and red roses.

Miss Judy Lynn Warren of Atlantic
Christian College was maid of honor. She
wore a floor length gown of red satin
peau with empire waistline and white
accessories. She carried a bouquet of
white pompoms and Christmas holly with
red satin streamers.

Bridemaids were Miss Jenny Gurney,
Miss Cindy Lane, Miss Cindy Slaughter
of Newport, Miss Melody Berg of
Greenville, Miss Tammy Reams of Nash-
ville, and Miss Betty Jean Weeks, sister
of the bride of Middlesex. They wore
dresses similar to the maid of honor with
bouquets of white pompoms and holly
and white flowers and red ribbons in!
their hair.

Attending the groom as best man was
Mr. John Heath of Walstonburg. Ushers
were Randy, Terry, and Johnny Fair-
cloth, brothers of the groom; Cliff Garris
and Ray Gay, all from the Children's
Home; and Billy Weeks, brother of the
bride, of Newport. Junior ushers were
Steve Nichols and Benny Weeks, brother
of the bride.

Flower girl was Judy Jones and ring
bearer was John Wayne Hopkins. Mrs.
R. H. Jackson of Clinton directed the
wedding.

For her daughter's wedding, Mrs.
Weeks chose a green satin peau gown
with a corsage of white carnations. Mrs.
Margaret Holland, housemother for the
groom, was wearing a gown of blue
polyester and a corsage of white car-
nations. Mrs. John Heath from Free
Union Free Will Baptist Church

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

/presented the groom. This church has
I en the sponsoring church for the
com. Mrs. Heath wore a pink gown
th a corsage of white carnations.
Immediately following the ceremony,
e parents of the bride entertained at a
ception in the church fellowship hall,
le room was decorated in the red and
hite Christmas motif. The refreshment
ble was decorated with a red cloth with
white overlay of lace, centered with an
rangement of white mums, red roses,
id candles. Serving wedding cake and
jnch were Mrs. Eunice Smith and Mrs.
sie Harton, aunt of the bride. They
ere assisted by the girls in Central
)ttage and Mrs. Thelma Rulli, their
)usemother.

Following the rehearsal Saturday
ght, members of the wedding party and
jt-of-town guests were served dinner in
ie dining hall at the Children's Home.
Mr. and Mrs. Faircloth are both
Itudents at Atlantic Christian College in
|!/ilson and are making their home at the
"(ally- H o Mobile Village in Wilson.

li

REYNOLDS APPOINTED
ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT

The appointment of W. Nathan
eynolds as "Assistant to the
resident" at Mount Olive College was
nnounced today by President W.
urkette Raper.

Reynolds, who retired in December as
ity Executive of First Union National
lank in Goldsboro, began his work at
/lount Olive College February 1. His
uties are assisting President Raper in
he general administration of the College
ind in developing a program of life -
ncome contracts and estate planning.

President Raper reported that Harold
Herring will continue in his present
apacity as Director of Development and
ublic Relations with an emphasis on the
annual giving program. Herring's work
focus on support from the Free Will
Baptist Church, alumni, the Mount Olive
College Area Foundation, business firms,
and foundations.

James B. Hunt Sr., chairman of the
Mount Olive College Board of Trustees,
explained that the appointment of
Reynolds was designed to provide
released time for President Raper to
develop a long-range program of major
support. He also said that the coming of
Reynolds would bring to the College staff

a highly qualified person to administer
life-income contracts and trust funds.

President Raper reported that during
the past two months the College had
received nearly $100,000 for investment
in life-income contracts and from major
gifts.

"Our objective is to provide our
friends with broad options in the method
of support that is best suited to their
resources, tax brackets, and personal
needs," President Raper explained. He
also reported that the College had
retained the law firm of Conrad Teitell of
New York to handle the legal and tax
aspects of its deferred giving program.

Mount Olive College was chartered
in 1951 and is now in its twenty-fifth
anniversary year. Gifts to the College last
year totaled $521 ,000.

From 1934-42 Reynolds was a
high school teacher and coach; and,
from 1942-45 he served in the U. S.
Navy, including duties as an Education-
al Services Officer.

Reynolds came to Goldsboro in 1967
as executive for all local operations of
First Union National Bank. Prior to this
appointment he was area coordinator for
the Installment Loan Operations of First

Union in Eastern North Carolina. From
1960-65 he was manager of the
Installment Loan Department of the
Scottish Bank in Fayetteville which
merged with First Union in 1963. He also
had fourteen years of experience with
Commercial Credit Corporation in various
North Carolina cities.

His education includes the B. S.
degree from Guilford College and a
Masters degree from University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has also
completed programs of study with the
American Institute of Banking, the LSU
School of Banking of the South, the
International Accountants Society, and
the U. S. Armed Forced Institute.

In community service, Reynolds is a
past president of the Goldsboro Area
Chamber of Commerce, and Advisory
Board of the Salvation Army. Current
activities and memberships include
Board of Directors of Tuscarora Council,
treasurer of the Wayne County Unit of the
American Cancer Society, Board of
Commissioners of the Goldsboro Housing
Authority, Board of Directors of Walnut
Creek Estates and Walnut Creek Country
Club, and the Goldsboro Rotary Club.

His church membership is with the
Goldsboro Society of Friends.

SpectaC foments

Our first response comes from a lady who has written:
Dear Maggie,

"God has never and will never fail us when we call upon Him. Once when my little
daughter had hives and the doctor had told me there was nothing he could do— it
would just take time— I was absolutely distressed. It was so terrible looking and she
was such a sensitive little girl. I went to the telephone and called some friends in
whom I have the utmost confidence. When we finished praying I knew in my heart
that the work was done. When I went to bed that night I knew that she was going to
be healed and, thank the Lord, she was. The doctor found it hard to believe that the
hives had disappeared so quickly."
ERH

Greenville, North Carolina

Share a "Special Moment" by simply writing a letter to the column at the Free
Will Baptist Press Foundation. Take advantage of the opportunity to share with others
something that God has done for you. God wants your response!

Maggie

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

LIBRARY

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16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Editorial. ••

THE CONTENTION STILL STANDS - OR FALLS FLAT!

The theory was first introduced in 1966 by Dr. Thomas J. J. Altizer, who
was at the time professor of Bible and religion at Emory University, Atlanta,
Georgia. In stating his belief and insisting "irrefutable proof," he launched one
of the hottest religious debates since the Protestant Movement.

At 48, Professor Altizer is now teaching English and theology at New
York's State University at Stonybrook and further espouses his theory, stating
uncategorically that he holds to his previous opinion, if not more so; and
maintains that the events of the 1970s prove (at least to his mind) that he is
right. "Hopelessness," says he, "is the evidence. . . ."

What Professor Altizer said ten years ago rocked Christian America, and
at a nearby North Carolina College (church-supported), a dramatic
musical was written and produced, further claiming the possibility, if not the
"truth," of Professor Altizer's theory. This production received nationwide TV
coverage and, in addition, protestation from church groups and
denominational leaders from nearly every state in the Union. The theory, in
case you have forgotten or were not informed at the time of its birth, is namely
this: "God Is Dead."

I remember feeling appalled by the suggestion, to say nothing of the af-
firmation, that "God is dead," and I sought to write a rebuttal in the form of a
dramatic counteraction which was printed in a 1966 issue of the "Baptist" and
which met with some success. Also, a youth group under my direction at the
time acted out, with a good measure of conviction and professionalism, in area
churches and the General Youth Conference at Cragmont Assembly, my
counterdrama-musical, "God Is NOT Dead."

Few will argue the point that God is dead in the lives of men and women
who have chosen to apostatize or renounce their faith. Few will argue, also,
that God is dead in the lives of many who unlawfully claim the name Christian ;
but, God himself —His Spirit— His Holy Person is not dead and lives as mightily
as He did in the beginning of created time; and He lives as surely as He is the
"Great I Am," from everlasting to everlasting. So, Dr. Altizer, we choose to
differ with you. God is not dead, despite your reported "irrefutable proof" and
the fact that "hopelessness" (as you put it) is evidence of that proof.

So far as the world is concerned, hopelessness has always existed, but hope
has always been available in and through Christ for those who would (and will)
claim it. We base our rebuttal on the Word (which, of course, must be accepted
by faith). Observe, please: "And now, LORD, what wait I for? my hope is in
thee" (Psalm 39:7). Also, "... we should be made heirs according to the hope
of eternal life" (Titus 3:7). Also, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).
Observe too: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye
that hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24). These Scriptures (and there are
numerous others that support the same premise ) shoot holes in the esteemed
professor's argument— at least to our satisfaction. "Hopelessness," you say,
Dr. Altizer? What about all that hope I've mentioned? Possibly you haven't
read your Scriptures well. . . .

It seems, with all due respect, that Dr. Altizer's theory is replete with
speculations, ambiguities, and abstractions. Our counterargument (if one
wishes to call our contention an argument— though I personally prefer the
word counterpoint in lieu of "argument" ) is based on the Holy Word, which we
accept as the bona fide teaching of our Lord. If God is dead, it's news to us! He
lives as surely as we breathe. He lives as surely as the seasons change and the
tides roll back into the sea. He lives as surely as there are night and day. He
lives as surely as a child utters his first cry and gurgles his first laugh.

A further attempt of Satan this seems: to promote anew this "God Is
Dead" theory. He (Satan) tries every means at his disposal to defame the Lord
God and to discredit His Word. So-called intellectuals or learned men are of-
tentimes his most viable weapon toward the detriment of Christianity. But be
not deceived! God shall prevail! Satan may buffet believers and shadow their
minds with doubts and questionings that defy human solution, but Satan in all
his superego is no match for God. Nonetheless, we as Christians must remain
steadfast, unmovable, abounding in faith; and by necessity we must
adhere to the truth as delivered unto the saints!

(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

FEBRUARY 11 ,1976
Volume 91 Numbe!

Edited and published weekly by the Free V:
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secort
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, j

All materials to be placed in any issue H
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to t>"
publication date ot that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: o
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yea,
$12.00; plus sales tax when j* applies.

Every Family Plan: A rcent discoil

given when local churches senu the "Baptist"!
the home of every member; names and il
dresses to be provided by churches. Churchy
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist;
are sent to one individual who in turn distribul
these. A 50 percent discount is offered untl
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily retlr
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Tj
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eaj
article is given the person whose name appe;
under the title or to the person submitting st
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box1!
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-
p. m., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. r
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a.
— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist.
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbc
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secreta
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rot
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

HANSLEY OFFERS TEACHER-TRAINING
PROGRAM CALLED VEA

I F we as Free Will Baptists are to
ft fulfill the purpose of the Sunday
shool , we cannot conduct it in a
jpshod fashion. We must organize and
Ilize our facilities and talents to do the
1st job possible. Even the smallest
shools can organize and train with a
Igree of definite responsibility.

|VEA offers everything you as a
Inister, teacher, or worker of a Sunday
Ihool wanted in teacher-training, but
|p not have a chance. Your Sunday
i!hool now has an opportunity of one of
|e most needed programs through VEA.

J WHAT IS VEA?

j VEA means Visual Education Aid.
iisual Education Aid is offered to
sachers and workers as an answer to
le widespread demand among many
ree Will Baptists for a practical teacher-
aining course suited to the now and
jture teachers of all age groups. It is
uilt on the basis that thorough training
5 of great importance.

by The Rev. David Charles Hansley

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF
USING VEA?

The instructor covers a wide range of
kills in the training program to help the
eacher and worker to become effective.

A. VEA helps the teacher and worker
jecome aware of preparing, training,
jnd applying.

B. VEA helps to develop an
iwareness of the many methods and
jses of visuals.

C. To all who complete VEA, a
)eautiful certificate, 8 by 11 inches in
ize, is rewarded by the educational
jepartment of the local church and the
Sunday school. These certificates are
provided free of charge.

D. For these teachers who would
ike to become certified with the State
Sunday School Convention, the program
will be explained by the VEA instructor.

II. WHAT ARE OTHER MINISTERS,
TEACHERS, AND WORKERS SAYING
ABOUT VEA?

"Should have it more often in the
church."

"Well planned; wished it has lasted
longer."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

"Should be done periodically."
"It stayed with me."
"The course was like a Sunday school
revival."

"This was a wonderful presentation
by which I have been blessed through
the enthusiasm shown by you in this
work. I feel that we could use programs
of this type more often during the year. ' '

"Thank you for coming to our Sunday
school. We want you to come again so we
can pick ourselves up to do God's work
through such a program."

IV. WHEN TO CALL FOR THE VEA
TEACHER-TRAINING PROGRAM

Call when the minister, teachers, and
workers of any Sunday school are in a
rut; or, when your Sunday school is
ready to be trained to become effective
and successful. The cost of such a
program is very economical and can be
arranged to fit any size school. Just one
telephone call or one letter will bring to
your Sunday school the VEA Teacher-
Training program.

V. WHERE CAN THE TEACHERS AND
WORKERS OF YOUR SUNDAY
SCHOOL OBTAIN THE VEA TRAINING?

The amazing part of this program is
that it can be held in your very own
church or educational building. Several

Sunday schools in an area, district, or
county might desire to have such a
session jointly. VEA will work very close
with those who desire to promote a
training session. More than nine
churches have recently had the VEA
Teacher-Training program.

VI. WHO IS THE INSTRUCTOR OF THE
VEA?

You can be sure that the instructor is
thoroughly qualified because of his skills
to teach the course. The instructor is the
Rev. David C. Hansley. So when VEA
comes to your Sunday school, for three
nights, two hours each night, you can be
sure the performance shall meet your full
satisfaction. Nothing is left by chance. A
questionnaire to rate the performance of
VEA is taken at the end of the training.
That is how anxious VEA is to do its best.

VII. HOW YOU CAN HAVE THE VEA
TEACHER-TRAINING IN YOUR LOCAL
SUNDAY SCHOOL

The minister or superintendent may
call or write the Rev. David C. Hansley,
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365;
telephone, 658-5605, requesting the
VEA Teacher-Training course to be
taught. In writing or calling be sure to
give your full name, full address, and
telephone number. Be sure to leave the
date until contact is made by the in-
structor.

VIII. WHY ARE SO MANY SUNDAY
SCHOOLS USING VEA?

Certainly one of the greatest short-
comings of the Free Will Baptist Sunday
school teacher and worker is their failure
to utilize visuals in their lesson
presentations. In the case of many
teachers this failure is the result of a
lack of understanding of the value of the
visual presentation. That is where the
VEA Teacher-Training program takes its
place. It will convince and acquaint
you, as it is a practical course filled
with suggestions, instructions for
making and purchasing visuals, storing
them, promoting their use, and,
above all, using them. VEA is ready to
help your Sunday school become effective
in winning the lost to the cause of Christ.

Jam going to begin this next to the
last article in this series with an ac-
count of my personal ministry for the
period covered. Then we will take brief
notice of the recent developments among
the various groups of the Free Will
Baptists of my day.

In 1968, I resigned as pastor of
Edgewood church near Crisp, North
Carolina, and announced that I was
retiring from regular pastoral work, in the
hopes of devoting the remaining years of
my life to writing and other services less
taxing to my physical strength. However,
because of a shortage of pastors at the
time, I was persuaded to keep myself
open for supply appointments for
churches while they sought for pastors.

The week of my final appointment at
Edgewood, a committee came from the

have had over the years, and it was a
delightful experience for both Mrs.
Ballard and myself. They provided us a
nice apartment in their fine parsonage,
where we stayed more than half of our
time, and I worked out from there over
the state in the interest of Sunday
school promotion.

At the 1975 session of the North
Carolina Sunday School Convention, I
offered my resignation as Field
Secretary, an office I had held for
twenty-two years. Instead of simply
accepting the resignation, the convention
voted to allow me the privilege of retiring
on July 1, 1975, or at such time
thereafter that arrangements could be
made for carrying on the promotional
work, with a reasonable pension for life.
On May 3, the convention, in cooperation
with Mount Olive College, sponsored a

suddenly announced that Jerry had "c
short" his tour by two days and ha
flown in from Europe for the occasior
and was just-about to enter the hall. M
joy was so great that I could well forgiv
the bits of deception I later learned ha1
been practiced by my wife, son, an
some of my good friends. In the course c!l
the program several people spoke aboi
our relationship over the years, all c
which gladdened my heart, of course.

As the final prayer was being offered!
it occurred to me that this would be
fine time to bring to a close my officii
career of service to the Free Will Baptist;
of my day. But I had already learne
that the Lord had yet another opportunit
for me to render service to on
of the institutions of my denomina
tion; an account of this awaits my fin?
article. As the delightful evening cam

s

**///,

\

*%

FREE WILL BAPTISTS
OF MY DAY

INTO THE1970'S

(Part Twenty-Seven)
by Loy Everette Ballard

first church I pastored back in 1919, and
made me a proposition to serve their
church for three months as interim
pastor while the minister they had called
worked out a 90 day notice with the
church he was leaving. This was a very
good arrangement for me, because I was
staying at Cragmont Assembly at the
time, and could easily go and come since
it was only a few miles. I found a few of
the same people who were at Cedar Hill
church back in 1919 still living there and
it was good to renew old acquaintances.
Regarding other interim work during the
early 1970s, let me just say that during
these years I returned to four churches I
had formerly pastored for periods, and
supplied a number of churches I had not
served in the past. The one I served the
longest was St. Mary's church in New
Bern, to which I returned for a period of
three months in 1972, and again for nine
months in 1974-75. Among the people
there were many of the best friends we

testimonal dinner in my honor, which
was attended by many of the people with
whom I had worked over the years.
Present to represent especially the Sun-
day School Convention was the Rev.
Raymond Sasser, first president of the
convention. For Cragmont Assembly was
the Rev. Willis Wilson, chairman of the
board. To be the spokesman for the
Children's Home, other institutions,
and the churches I had pastored was the
Rev. James A. Evans, a colaborer for a
longer time than any of the others. The
program was presided over by the Rev.
Adrian Grubbs, president of the Sunday
School Convention. It was in the form of
a "This Is Your Life, Pa Ballard," hosted
by my oldest son, Beverly. One thing that
saddened me was the fact that a few
days before I had received word that my
other son, Jerry P. Ballard, was tied up
in a lecture schedule in Switzerland
which overlapped the time of the dinner.
But in the midst of the festivities, it was

to an end with me standing with
wife between our two sons, I si
ply said, "Thank you, Lord, for givin
me another chance!"

During these years of the early 1 9704
progress was made in general by Fre
Will Baptists. Both the Nation?
Association and the North Carolinj
Convention expanded their missionary
programs. The National Association ser
out a number of new missionaries irl
foreign fields and into new areas in th
United States. The North Carolina grou
enlarged the scope of its work i
Mexico, the Philippines, made som
advances in Japan, and most recently i
India and South Africa. At a missionar
conference in December of 1975, it wa
announced that thirteen foreig
missionaries are receiving support i
whole or in part from the North Carolin
Foreign Mission Board. Under the abl
leadership of the Rev. Taylor Hil
director the North Carolina Home Missio

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

) ioard has made great strides in home
J > Missions and church extension over the
asj[; "tate during the past three years. The
ii I card is sponsoring eight missions, most
r f which are about ready to be organized
d', nto regular churches, and aiding at least
wo mission churches. A staff of fine
rJ bung ministers are working under the
3j. jupervision of Mr. Hill in these missions.
3l (he budget for home mission work 1975-
e |6 runs close to $100,000. Incidentally,
f, jifts for foreign missions of the North
Jiarolina board exceeded $100,000 in the
|J 974-75 convention year.

j Institutions throughout the Free Will
aptist denomination have all made real

progress during the period we are now
considering. The Bible College in Nash-
ville, operated by the National
Association, has expanded its facilities
and its student body. Other institutions
and agencies of the association have
shown an increase in activities and in
financial support. At Mount Olive College
a beautiful chapel has been built, and the
college has expanded its services
through the operation of Eagles Nest
Conference Center, on property donated
to the college by the W. P. Kemp
Foundation. At Cragmont Assembly two
new dormitories have been erected and a
modern kitchen-dining hall has been
built. In connection with the Children's

Home, an area has been set apart for the
erection of cottages for retired people,
and the building of cottages has begun.
The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
has continued to expand its services in
the publication of better literature and
books. In 1974 a History of Free Will
Baptists, written by Dr. Floyd B. Cherry,
was published. In general these early
years of the 1 970s— the final years to be
covered by these memories— have been
great years. In the final installment,
there will be some interesting
comparison between the conditions today
and the conditions presented in my
first articles of the series.
(Next: Observations and Conclusions)

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Now when they
leard this, they were pricked in their
leart, and said unto Peter and to the rest
if the apostles, Men and brethren, what
j^shall we do?" (Acts 2:37).

LIFE'S WOUNDS CAN
BE HEALED

all

An encounter with pins and needles is
in act of God. He designed and im-
plemented this divine encounter, making
t indispensable for all men. Salvation
mpressions cannot come without it. This
ncounter is a bone of contention with
Satan. His reasoning is simple. If he can
<eep mankind busy doing his own thing
nd finding some consolation in doing it,
he will have no need to turn from him.
All true religion must be of the heart.
Satan is determined to occupy the heart
and he diverts serious things into
facsimiles. In doing this he fills the mind
and heart with artificial responses.

As I stated before, God made man with
the built-in prickability. If this is never

used the victim cannot be saved, but if it
is used most likely he will live forever in
heaven. This prick is designed to wound
the heart but God is prepared to heal the
wounds. That makes the wound
necessary for there would be no point in
healing if there were no wounds. Jesus
came to heal the sick and to minister
unto them.

Before an injured person can be
healed the doctor or nurse or attendant
must determine the kind of injury and
then determine the medication best
qualified to bring healing. The heart
wounds (pricks) can be healed with one
kind of medication; namely, the precious
blood of the heart of Christ. His blood is
absolutely necessary. "... it is the
blood (of Christ) that maketh an
atonement for the soul" (Leviticus
17:11). It makes sense to use the
suggested remedy for our healing if we
wish to be healed. Substitutes cannot
heal. God has provided no other remedy,
means, or devises for our healing.

The devil often prescribes remedies
and many people are lured into using
them. Some make the use of money a
substitute to buy whatever they think it
will take. Some people go for fame, and
because they become famous, they think
they have no need for healing. Still
others use idols and idol worship as a
substitute. God allows Satan the
privilege of doing his thing so that man
will be obliged to choose between Satan
and God! Remember these words: ". . .
many are called, but few are chosen"
(Matthew 22:14). God chooses only
those who choose Him. We choose God
and He heals us and becomes Lord of ail!

The only hands that can apply healing
are the ones that were pierced (the

hands of Christ). Sin crucified our Lord.
It was responsible for His pierced hands,
His pierced side, and His pierced brow. But
sin did more damage to His heart, and it
is the life blood of the heart of Christ that
removes the sins of all people from their
hearts. Without the substitute of His
blood in the place of ours we cannot be
saved. Our blood is poluted and con-
taminated beyond saving and we must
have a complete blood transfusion with
Christ being the donor.

Now then, read this: "Whether
therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever
ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1
Corinthians 10:31). (Read also
Colossians 3:17.) This means that
whatever we do, we must do all to the
glory of God. What about so-called
Christians who curse, lie, steal, use
dope, and commit adultery? If my
cursing would glorify God I would go up
and down the street "cursing a blue
streak"! God have mercy upon us!

"I WANT SOMEONE
WITH A FACE"

One night when Mommy put her to
bed, little Jane said, "I want a light."

Mommy said, "You are getting
bigger, Jane, and you don't need a
light. You are quite safe. God's angels
will take care of you."

Little Jane said, "But, Mommy, I
don't want angels. I want someone with
a face!"

For many years, the people on earth
wanted a God whom they could see.
Then "when the fulness of the time was
come, God sent forth his Son." When
Jesus came, the people saw God "with a
face." Jesus was God "manifest in the
flesh" (see 1 Timothy 3:16).

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

WHY SHOULD I GIVE?

A young man says: "I am just getting
started in life. I have a wife and
children and it takes all that I can make
to support us. We've also got some
unpaid bills. Why should I give rather
than pay my creditors?"

A middle-aged person says: "I've got
to look at the future. Up to now it has
taken all I could make to rear and
educate my children, and it won't be
long before I'll have to retire. If I don't
lay something aside now, I never will.
Besides, now that the children are on
their own, I don't have the deductions I
used to, and the income taxes are eating
me up. Why should I give?"

An older person says' "I don't know
what it is going to take. Prices and taxes
keep going up, and if I had to go to a rest
home there's no telling how much it
would take. Why should I give when
what I have may not be enough for my
lifetime?"

These are honest questions I have
heard people ask when confronted with
the subject of charitable giving and they
are quite convincing, if:

If we deserve all the credit for what we
earn and have; and,

If we are the source of our security for
the future.

But if we make God, and not our-
selves, the center of life, the perspective
is drastically changed. An understanding
of stewardship begins not with our
money but with God from whom all our
resources come.

Why should I give?

I. Gratitude to God

The first reason for giving is to thank
God. "I work for what I get," a man
says. Yes, and it is good that he can
work, that he has a job, and that he lives
in a country where he can be rewarded
for his labor.

But did the worker himself bring about
all these conditions? Who gave him the
life, health, and strength to work? What
about this great land we call
America— whence came it? What do we
really have that did not come from God?

Moreover, as Christians, we have far
more than physical, temporal, and

W. Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College

material blessings for which to give
thanks. The redemption of our lives
through Jesus Chist, an inspiring
purpose for which to live, and the
assurance of eternal life— we know that
these blessings come from God. We
know how good and how generous God
is: ". . . Eye hath not seen, nor ear
heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God has
prepared for them that love him" (1
Corinthians 2:9).

We Christians know that all we have,
all we are, and all we hope for come from
God.

Stewardship expressed through giving
is our response to His goodness and
generosity.

II. To Help Others

A second reason for giving is to help
others. The very meaning of
"philanthropy" is love for our fellowman.

I well remember the time when I tried
to thank Mrs. Sarah C. Rodgers for her
leading gift of $60,000 toward the
building of a chapel at Mount Olive
College. I hope never to forget the
sincere expression on her face and the
warmth in her voice as she said, "I hope
it will help somebody." She sought
nothing for herself— only to benefit
others.

To be asked to give is to be com-
plimented. It has fallen my lot to raise
several million dollars for the operation
and development of Mount Olive College,
and the major portions of these gifts have
come from individuals whom I have
personally asked. There are two basic
things I want to know about a
prospective donor before I visit him:

A. What is his potential for giving?

B. Is there enough goodness within
him that he would like to help make life
better for others?

There are some selfish people in this
rich nation, but they have no idea how
impoverished their souls are, and I feel
sorry for them. On the other hand, there
is a simple goodness in the hearts of
most people— a goodness that moves
them to give. When I ask a person for a
gift to Christian education, in effect I

am saying to him: "I believe there i
enough goodness in your heart that yo
want to do something good for others."

The selfish life, regardless of ho\
much a person spends or hordes fol
himself, is a wasted life. The happies
people are the most generous people.

"This thing of giving I do not unf
derstand, any more than you do, bij
there is something about it that blessej
us ... . Those who give most, have most
left .... I believe that everyone wh
dries a tear will be spared the sheddini
of a thousand tears .... I believe tha
every sacrifice we make will so enrich u;
in the future that our regret will be thai
we did not enrich the sacrifice th
more ....

"Give— and somewhere, from out (
the clouds, or from the sacred depths (j
human hearts, a melody divine will reac
your ears, and gladden all your dayi
upon the earth" — George F. Burba

III. For Spiritual Enrichment

A third reason for giving is that it i
essential for spiritual growth. People wh
have not learned the meaning (
stewardship have not learned mucj
about God.

To attend church and to be active in it
affairs but not to give generously is bu
ceremonial righteousness. To pray i
public, to keep a Bible on display in oi
home, or to fill our conversations wit
religious language are but deceptiv
symbols if we do not return to God
meaningful portion of His materi;
blessings.

Our spiritual character is at stake i
our practice of stewardship. It is hard t
trust a man who is not honest with God.

Giving for Christians is not a duty; it i
a joyful expression of love by gratefi
children to a generous heavenly Fathei
A self-centered and ungrateful perso
cannot grow spiritually.

We should give because throug
giving we are sharing God's blessings
and when we share, we are creating th
capacity to receive even greate
blessings. Christian giving is nc
divesting ourselves of our resources bi
rather investing them in God's work, an

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

so doing we become rich toward God.
We give not because God needs our
([ts— everything is already His— we
d/e because we need to give. We give
ijcause through giving we grow
iritually.

Jesus once said, ". . . It is more
ssed to give than to receive" (Acts
:35); and until we experience this
jth, our lives are spiritually im-
iverished regardless of how much we
our own. Christian giving is a
liritual experience that brings un-
leakable jpy to those who understand
at life is a stewardship from God.

A PRAYER PSALM

by Mrs. C. D. Clark

Churches and Ministers
Available

Mte: This column is provided, when needed
Many church that is seeking a pastor and for
e1' minister who is seeking a church to serve
at would like to give such notice. Please send
tl necessary information to the editor of "The
Be WiJI Baptist." Each notice will run for two
jues only.)

On November 16, 1975, the First Free
ill Baptist Church of Williamston voted
grant a license to Gerald R. Perry to
reach the gospel of Christ. Mr. Perry,
is wife Madeline, and their sons Keith
nd Brian are dearly loved by the entire
hurch.

Mr. Perry is highly recommended by
m he Williamston church to any church
lat needs someone to supply for their
lastor. He has been approved by the
''Maining Council of the Central Con-
ference.

♦j He may be reached by writing Route 3,
Williamston, North Carolina 27892; or
telephoning 792-5430.

iloming Events . . .

;^arch 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

April 10— North Carolina State Sunday
j School Convention, Ayden
Elementary School, Ayden, North
j Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist

Press Foundation as Host
jMay 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

The puzzle above has proven to be quite difficult. However, if you were able to locate all 52 words in the
psalm and used them the number of times required, you should have Psalm 67 that reads as follows: "God be
merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon
earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee. 0 let the nations be glad and sing for joy:
for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let thy people praise
thee, 0 God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God,
shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him."

Special foments

This week our response is from a man
who has written:

Dear Maggie,

' 'The single most special moment of my life came during my fortieth year on this
earth. After being a very religious person (secretary, teacher, and superintendent of
Sunday school, deacon, and an elder in the local church) God saw fit, in His own
time, to call me by His grace to be a child of His. Being born again from above, my life
took on new meaning and my destiny from that special moment throughout all of
eternity was completely redirected. Now, through faith in Christ, I know that my
eternal home will be in heaven with Him— all because of that very special moment."
FJ

Greenville, N. C.

God wants to be remembered in all things. His hand moves in all things— large
and small. No matter how insignificant you may feel your "special moment" may be,
there will be someone who can relate to your experience. God wants your response.

Maggie

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 4:9

WHAT APPEALS MOST?
Dr. George W. Truett asked a
widow who was left with the care of
several small children, "As you think
of heaven, what about it appeals most
to you?"

The toilworn woman put aside her
sewing and said, "O, sir, that I will
rest when I get over there. I am so
tired. These children must have my
care at all hours of the night. Their
father is gone, and I have to be the
breadwinner. When I am out of work,
I have to go from place to place,
seeking work. I get so tired in body,
mind, and spirit. The most appealing
thing to me is that I will rest in
heaven! "

PRAYER THOUGHT

The thought of rest after a tiring
tension-filled day spawns dreams of
pleasurable relaxation. Many of us
would be happy to have a leisurely
rest in heaven but we are too busy
making a living here to prepare for
the hereafter.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Scripture Reading — Psalm 107:30

THE DESIRED HAVEN
Astronaut John Glenn compared
divine guidance to the compass in an
aircraft. He said, "All who fly stake
their lives on the compass. They read
it in full faith that it will guide them
where they want to go. Likewise the
Christian places his life in the hands
of God, assured of arriving at the
desired destination by his personal
faith in the guiding influence of
Christ."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Mortals with the intelligence to
fully realize their inadequacies know
there is a God in charge of our world
and place their faith in Him.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Scripture Reading— Psalm 119:89

THE NEW IMMORALITY?

A panel of psychiatrists and
psychologists was discussing the
socalled new morality which permits
premarital and extramarital sexual
relations. A rural minister in the
audience asked one sitting near him,
"Are they talking about fornication
and adultery?"

The ancient command, "Thou shalt
not commit adultery," is as binding
today as it was when first thundered
from the rocky crags of Mount Sinai.
Those who go counter to God's
adamant, immutable law break not
the law but themselves.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Sugar-coated words do not change
the name of the game. Understand
life's standards as they are — we may
not have time to become converted
after we have presumably en-
joyed ourselves.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Scripture Reading — Psalm 16:11

MAJORS AND MINORS
An article in Look said, "Our
economic commitment to fun is
staggering. The fun market stands
close to $150 billion, and it is con-
fidently forecast that it will reach $250
billion by 1975. To note this is to agree
with Billy Graham that there's a
'single mad pursuit of fun,' but it is
not to agree (with him) that 'moral
decadence' is here. After all,
Americans see fun as divine."

How unwise we are when we major
on fleeting, illusory pleasures and
minor on abiding, satisfying
pleasures!

PRAYER THOUGHT
God does not expect Christians to be
so narrow that they cannot enjoy life,
but He does expect them to adhere to
pleasure becoming to a child of God.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Scripture Reading — Matthew 11 :25

HOLLOWNESS WITHIN
Herbert Butterfield wrote, "It is a
phenomenon by no means rare to
meet with comparatively unlettered
people who seem to have struck
profound spiritual depths, while there
are many highly educated people who
are seemingly performing clever
antics with their minds to cover the
gaping hollowness that lies within."

PR AYE R THOUGHT / ,
When we become overwhelmed If
our own grandeur, we are t(|
engrossed with ourselves to bothd
with the seemingly insignifican
teachings of God.

FRIDAY, FEBRAURY 20 I
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthian!
4:4 I

BLIND STAGGERS
A unique experiment occurrel
recently at the University of Albert? 1
Twenty chickens were exposed to Tj
24 hours a day for two and a ha
months, after which they got blin
staggers and wandered about in
daze. Mrs. Jean Luber, a professor c
zoology at the university, found tha
the chickens, when exposed to cori
tinued televiewing, developed
glaucoma, a hardening of the eyebalj
which often results in blindness
Many people suffer from spiritua
blindness.

PRAYER THOUGHT
We have been told to usl
moderation in everything. Som\
people have even managed to becom
radical with religion.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 59 : 1

FIFTY YARDS SHORT
A headline in The Cleveland Presi
said, "Charleston Air Crash Believed'
Fatal to 30!"

In dense fog, the ill-fated plane
landed fifty yards short of the rum
way, crashed, and burst into flames !

The word "short" is descriptive oi
humankind's failure to measure up td
God's standard: "For all have sinnec
and come short of the glory of God' !
(Romans 3:23).

PRAYER THOUGHT
A miss is as good as a mile. Some Oj
us spend a lifetime apparently shor\
of all our goals, make sure our souli
are not in the same distressed con
dition.

(Devotions used by permission ol
Knight's Up-To-The Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

A good man on horseback is a better
index to progress than a brutal man in a
supersonic jet plane.

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Was David a Christian when
e died since he left orders for his son
Solomon to murder two of his enemies?

wi Answer: If it is correct to call any Old
festament saint a Christian it would be
|orrect, I think, to refer to David as such,
lowever, I think it might be better to
per to Old Testament saints as saints
ather than as Christians since it was not
jntil a few months after Christ ascended
hto heaven that New Testament saints
were called Christians. ". . . the
jisciples were called Christians first in
|ntioch" (Acts 11:26).

Perhaps to read carefully the charge
)avid gave Solomon in 1 Kings 2:1-9
vould help one to understand the reason
jvhy David, in a repentant mood before
Sod, gave these orders. Reading also
pore of the history that concerns the life
if David and his compromised attitude
p Howard them during the last several years
jjjie lived will show why to allow such
;onnivers to live might have a tendency
piai|jO influence Solomon to yield, and
rJ hereby become involved to the end he
lesfoo, like David, might be handicapped as
vet dng of Israel.

Up J J

mM It is the opinion of several renowned
M commentators that had Joab lived he
vould have sought an occasion by which
o make him feel indebted to him in a
similar way as did David, which would
wfiave handicapped him in fulfilling the
Agreement he had contracted with
s01ll1ehovah. This is the way it appears to
c1ne, also.

jj In answering a smimilar question
'"J George H. Sandison makes some
enlightening comments which might help
us on Page 58 in his book, "1000
" Difficult Bible Questions Answered ' :

"Dean Stanley, strange to say, avers
that in the order given to Solomon (1
Kings 2:5-9) King David 'bequeathed a

dark legacy of long cherished
vengeance.' Dr. Terry's view seems
more probable, that 'this dying charge
was not the offspring of personal
revenge, but a measure of administrative
wisdom.' 'David,' says Wordsworth,
'does not mention among Joab's sins
that which caused him personally the
most poignant grief— the murder of
Absalom.' He dwells on the fact that
Joab had treacherously slain Abner and
had also assassinated Amasa, shedding
the blood of war in peace. Shimei had
blasphemously insulted the royal majesty
of Israel. David, it is true, had sworn to
spare Shimei, but this oath was not
binding on Solomon. David seems to feel
that he had been too lax in punishing
crime. His own guilt, though repented of,
may have made him feel that the son of
Zeruiah, in particular, was too strong for
him. Hence this charge to Solomon as
keeper of God's law and guardian of the
kingdom's safety. In one sense, the
execution of these men may be looked
upon as an act of retributive justice (they
being the enemies of the king); yet, in
the view of some commentators, the
personal vindictiveness that David
cherished in the matter, and the absence
of a disinterested purpose to secure
justice and the welfare and security of
Israel, his kingdom, call for con-
demnation of David in his instructions to
his son."

One should remember that even
though others that preceded David were
generals, they were directed by God to
exterminate the several Canaanite
nations, whose land the Israelites had
been ordered by Jehovah to occupy for
their own. No one had fully done this
before David. David took the land for
Israel as God commanded and suf-
ficiently destroyed the cruel people that
occupied the land contrary to God's will.
God referred to David as a man after His

own heart. So, in spite of a few failures
in giving God full recognition, David was
still God's choice among all the kings of
Israel. In my opinion this very thing is
what your question is concerned with
instead of militating against David.

IN MEMORIAL
OF MY DADDY

Mr. Alfred Walter Massengill

It has been a little over one year ago
that my daddy, Alfred Walter Massengill,
left us. He departed this life January 30,
1975.

Daddy was born in Johnston County
on May 21, 1902. He was the son of
George Rufus and Nancy Ellen
Massengill. He had three brothers and
five sisters.

On January 1, 1922, he married the
former Eva Blackmon. To this union were
born four children: one boy, Elmon
Massengill of Four Oaks; and three girls,
Mrs. Myrtle Warren (deceased) of
Newton Grove, Mrs. Ethel Britt of
Murfreesboro, and Mrs. Joyce Johnson
of Goldsboro. At the time of his death, he
had ten grandchildren and four great-
grandchildren.

Daddy was an active and faithful
member of Bethel Free Will Baptist
Church until he was confined to his bed
for twenty-eight months prior to his
death. He served as treasurer of his
church for twenty-three years. Until the
day he passed away, he liked to con-
verse with others about the love of the
Lord.

Daddy had great love for children: his
own, as well as others. He knew they
would soon grow up, and he wanted
them to remember some special
moments of childhood or some simple joy
that they would cherish in later years.

Precious memories, indeed, areours in
the life of one who has been missed so
much. Memories can never be dimmed
for they lie deep in the hearts of those
who loved him so dearly.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Joyce M. Johnson
His Daughter

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

THE

VALENTINE SHOES

by Joyce Nelms

/? AROL MARTIN stopped at Green's
v-' drugstore to buy some note-
book paper; and when she spied
the valentine display, she stepped closer
to investigate.

"Picking out valentines for the
class?" A voice from behind made Carol
whirl about. There stood red-haired Jim
Young, one of her fifth-grade
classmates.

"No." Carol shook her long, blond
hair. "Sometimes I wish there were
some other way to celebrate Valentine's
Day."

"Don't be silly," laughed Jim. "What
other way is there?"

"I don't know," Carol shrugged.
"But I can't get excited about valentines
this year."

Each year, she remembered, someone
started bragging about receiving the
most valentines. And last February 14,
she had forgotten to give one to her
friend, Mary Lou Carson. Carol had
apologized, but Mary Lou had been
angry for a whole month. Exchanging
valentines just wasn't fun any more!

"I've got to start those hard math
problems before supper," she said.
"See you in class tomorrow, Jim."

Carol walked slowly toward home. She
felt a twinge of sadness as she passed a
lot where a dozen shabby house trailers
huddled together. In California, there
were always some fruits or vegetables to
be harvested, and here in a makeshift
town some called "Poor Man's Row,"
lived the migrant farm workers and
their families.

Suddenly Carol's thoughts were
interrupted, for a gusty wind caught a
loose paper from her notebook and sent it

sailing into the air like a kite. It finally
came to rest near one of the trailers.

By the time Carol reached the spot, a
small, thin girl was standing there,
clutching the paper in her hand. "I was
afraid the wind would blow the paper
farther away before you could reach it,"
the girl said.

"Thank you," Carol smiled warm-
ly. "Do you live here?"

"Yes," the girl replied shyly. "My
name is Maria Garcia. What is your
name?"

"My name is Carol Martin."

Maria had long, black braids, and her
eyes were dark brown and sad. Her dark
skin and soft Spanish accent made Carol
realize the Garcia family had probably
crossed the border from Mexico.

"How old are you, Maria?" asked
Carol as she stuffed the paper back into
her notebook.

"I am ten years old," Maria replied.

"You should be in my class at school.
I am ten, too!" Carol explained.

"I cannot go to school," Maria
blushed.

Carol was puzzled. "Are you sick?"
she inquired.

Tears suddenly filled Maria's eyes,
and she answered softly, "I have no
shoes to wear."

Carol looked down at Maria's bare
feet. Then she looked at her own shiny
brown shoes.

"My baby brother was very sick,"
Maria went on. "Papa had to buy
medicine, and there was nothing left over
for shoes. But I don't mind." She forced
a smile. "My brother is well now, and
that is better than a hundred pairs of
shoes."

Instantly Carol admired Maria's
bravery and wished there were
something she could do to help. "I pass
this way every afternoon. May I come
back to see you?" Carol asked.

"Oh, yes," Maria replied, and her/
eyes lit up. I would like that very much.",

That night Carol thought about Maria,
and when she- fell asleep, her dreams
were filled with valentines and shoes. '
When morning came, she had an idea.

As soon as Carol put her books on her j
desk at school, she spoke to her teacher, ;
Miss Adams. "Good," she said. "Won't
you please explain it to the class?"

Carol's knees grew weak as she faced
the class. She swallowed a lump in her I
throat and told them about Maria. "In a |
few days, it will be Valentine's Day."
she went on. "It is a day when we think !
about hearts. Having a pair of shoes
so that she could come to school would
make Maria have a very happy heart. ' '

To Carol's surprise, Mary Lou spoke
up. "I'm in favor of Carol's idea," she
said. Then every hand in the room shot
up in agreement.

"Let's share our valentine party with
all of the children in the trailer camp.
Each of us can bring some candy and
cookies," said Debbie Webber.

Jim suggested they collect used
clothing for the migrant families, and
Miss Adams suggested that the class
bring discarded games and books.

On Valentine's Day the trailer camp 1
could well have been called "Happiness
Row." There were many smiles as the
fifth graders and migrant children en-
joyed the refreshments, and the children
examined the clothing, games, and
books.

But the brightest smile of all was when
Maria opened a box and saw the shiny
new shoes.

"Oh, muchas gracias! Thank you all
very much. They are the most beautiful
shoes in the world."

Carol was nearly bursting with
happiness, too. She would never forget
the day the fifth-grade class had truly put
their hearts into Valentine's Day. — Guide
for Juniors

A REMINDER

Several members of the Free Will
Baptist Historical Society have forgotten
to send in their dues for the year. Please
get these in as soon as possible. The
annual dues are $5, and life members,
$50. We would also like to have some
new members.

Miss Louise Edgerton
Route 2, Box 54
Pikeville, N. C. 27863

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^}
THE SUNDAY

SCHOOL LESSOR

For February 22 ^2!^ "

j WHY THE CHURCH?

Lsson Text: Matthew 16:13-24
iemory Verse: Matthew 16:24

I INTRODUCTION

The church is the most important
stitution in the community. Some

iky the home is the most important and
[e quickly acknowledge the worth of the
pme. But good churches make good

; omes. When the gospel of Christ
eaches into the home drunkenness goes

jut, cursing goes out, and every other
prm of evil disappears. That is the credit
ide of the church. There is also a debit
iide.

i Too many churches are closing their
lyes to the lost multitudes around them,
ijhey are unwilling to minister to
delinquents and criminals in back alleys
jmd slums and night spots, unwilling to
I bo to people in swanky offices and
fashionable homes, unwilling to become
Equipped to witness to cynics and
sophisticated intellectuals, and unwilling
q go out to the lonely places to search for
neglected and forgotten persons hard-
ened by unbelief and neglect.— The
Bible Student (F.W.B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

I A. Who men think Jesus is may be
important, but it is infinitely more im-
jportant who you think He is. When Jesus

! lasked what the public thought about
Him, He was laying the groundwork for

■ jthe personal question.

B. Peter's great confession is the
jfoundation upon which the church is
built. In this confession, he confesses
Christ as the Son of God. This is the
ifoundation upon which the church is
I built.

C. Peter was not a Pope, and never
| claimed any more for himself than to be
jan apostle and an elder of the church.
; Don't be misled by Roman Catholic

propaganda.

-The Bible Teacher (F.W.B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTH

A. Jesus announced that He was
going to build His church, and He is
building it now. It is based on truth: the
great truth that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of the living God. People who stand
solidly on that truth are the living stones
of which the church is built.

Jesus once remarked that a man
intending to build a tower sits down first
to estimate the cost (Luke 14:28). When
He announced that He intended to build
His church, He went on to talk about the
cost. It was going to cost Him His life. To
build His church He needed living
stones, and all the people in the world
were dead in trespasses and sins. He
had to sacrifice His own life to give them
life.

"Jesus paid it all," we sing, and this
is true. He gave His life to save us. But
that does not mean there is nothing left
for us to do or to pay. Jesus did what we
cannot do, but that does not excuse us
from doing what we can do. Jesus said,
"If you want to go where I'm going, then
pick up your cross and come along."
Can we hope for salvation without
sacrifice?

What sacrifices can we make for the
sake of Christ, and the church, and our
own eternal life?

How much of our time do we give up?
How long does it take to prepare a
Sunday-school lesson? How much of our
income do we sacrifice? Is a tenth
enough?

There are many sacrifices we can
make. Are they worth it? Remember we
are talking about the church; but we are
also talking about our own lives, both on
earth and in heaven. How much would
you do, or give, or sacrifice, to save your
life?— Standard Lesson Commentary

B. Someone has offered the
following as the church's social creed:

We believe in a church which serves
the community.

We believe in a church which is the
brightest, most attractive spot in the

community.

We believe in a church which carefully
conserves the spiritual welfare of its boys
and girls.

We believe in a church which makes
adequate provision for the social and
recreational life of its folks— old and
young.

We believe in a church which does not
expect support from the community
unless it is doing something really
worthwhile for the uplift of the com-
munity.

We believe in a church which is not
afraid to advertise its activities. The
church is conducting the biggest
business on the globe.

But there is one more we wish to add:
We believe in a church whose main
purpose is to proclaim the gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ and is committed to
the task to win all men within its sphere
of influence to a saving knowledge of
Christ.

Any church which does less than the
above may be suspect and should
examine its commitment before God. As
for attendance at church, the most
beautiful sight from the pulpit is a whole
family seated together is a pew. The
church service is not a convention, that a
family should merely send a
delegate— The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W.B.)

C. Jesus told His disciples that
following Him would require self-denial
and constant crossbearing. Christian
teenagers who are completely dedicated
to Jesus Christ will experience
crossbearing in most American public
schools these days. They must un-
derstand, however, that crossbearing is
not having people dislike you because of,
for instance, an obnoxious personality.

You adults will want to explore the
significance of the message of the Cross
and its relationship to Christ's kingdom.
There are a number of very interesting
questions in this lesson which teachers
can raise.

Why does Jesus refer to Himself as the
"Son of man" (Matthew 16:13)?

How was the statement by Peter in
Matthew 16:16 revealed to him by the
heavenly Father (v. 17)?

What did Jesus mean by His statement
about building the church on "this
rock" in Matthew 16:18?

What does it mean to say that the
gates of hell will not overcome the church
(Matthew 16:18)? — Selected

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Robert May to Conduct
Living Waters Revival

The Rev. Robert May of Ahoskie will
conduct revival services at the Living
Waters Free Will Baptist Church, Route
2, Pikeville, beginning Monday night,
February 16, and continuing through
Friday night, February 20. The services
will begin each evening at 7:30 with the
pastor, the Rev. Jeff Scarborough,
assisting Mr. May. There will be special
music each service and a nursery will be
provided. The public is invited to attend.

Pleasant Plain Sunday School
Awards Perfect Attendance Pins

On Sunday, January 11, the Sunday
School of Pleasant Plain Free Will Baptist
Church near Selma, presented 21 perfect
attendance pins for perfect attendance
during 1975.

Superintendent Derward Jones
presented the pins to the following:
Eddie Brown, 26 years: Treat Brown and
Faye Parker, 20 years; Laylon Boykin,
19 years; Lois Jones, 17 years; Charles
Brown, Shelly Jones, and David Jones,

14 years; Artie Mae Brown, Pearl
Newsome, Wendy Parker, and Tammy
Jones, 13 years; Derward Jones, 11
years; D. G. Jones Jr., Fonda Jones, and
Kim Burgess, 10 years; Kevin Boykin,
Patty Best, and Jamie Jones, 8 years;
Dale Parker, 7 years; and Lettie Best, 5
years.

The pastor of Pleasant Plain church is
the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser.

Second Central SS Convention
And Union Meeting

The King's Cross Roads Free Will
Baptist Church near Farmville, in Pitt
County, will host the Second Sunday
School Convention and Union Meeting on
Sunday, February 29, at 3 p. m.

Mrs. Sam C. Hobgood, church
reporter, states: "Since our meetings
have been so poorly attended, our
pastor, the Rev. Frank Flowers, asked
that we publish a notice in "The Free
Will Baptist" about three weeks prior to
the meeting of the Sunday School
Convention and Union Meeting so that
our people will know the time and place
they will meet.

"We at King's Cross Roads church
cordially welcome you to meet with us in
the meetings."

STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
EXECUTIVE BOARDS
MEETS

The Executive Board of the North
Carolina State Sunday School Convention
met on Tuesday, January 6. The board is
working hard planning the 1976
convention. It is our hope that these
plans will stimulate great interest among
our Free Will Baptist Sunday schools. We
hope to show you ways that your church
can better its teaching program.

The convention is scheduled for
Saturday, April 10, at the Ayden

Elementary School, with the Free VI
Baptist Press Foundation as host
Pastors, we urge you to encourage you
school superintendent and teachers j
attend, along with yourself.

In His service,
John Williams
Director of Publici
— ,|

STATE LEAGUE PROJEC"

A bicentennial theme, "177{
1976— His Banner Over Us Was Love
has been set for the North Carolina Stl
Convention of Free Will Baptist League
to be held at Community Free Will Bapl
Church, Weldon, North Carolina, o|
Saturday, March 13, at 10 a. m. Fc
thirty of those two hundred years Hij
banner of love has been over us II
Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Blac
Mountain.

At the convention last year, league:
contributed approximately $421 toward
$500 project for the building fund. Sinci
the convention, enough money has beei
received to complete that goal. Again thi<
year the leagues are challenged to givt
another $500 to the building fund 1
Cragmont. The leagues of each church
are requested to set $50 as a goal to give*
to this project by convention time. If I
church cannot give this much, any'
amount will be appreciated.

The contributions may be sent to the
treasurer, Miss Leah McGlohon, P. 0.:
Box 2, Winterville, North Carolina 28590,
or sent in along with report blanks to the
corresponding secretary.

CORRECTION PLEASE! |

In the January 28 issue of THE FREE
WILL BAPTIST, in a "Note of Thanks"!
from Geraldine Brown, regarding the
Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Morris, it stated that
the Rev. and Mrs. Ralph Lightsey were
members of the Marietta Free Will Baptist:
Church in Georgia. Mr. Lightsey informs
us, however, that they are not members
of the Marietta church, but are members
of the Ayden, North Carolina, Free Will
Baptist Church. We are sorry for this
error. Thank you. — Ralph A. Bowen,
Assistant Editor

Failures are divided into two classes:
those who thought and never did, and
those who did and never thought.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Free IDill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
*%>^"<fc*^ "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

THE GOLDEN EAGLES

Standing, from left to right: Johnny
Faircloth, Cliff Garris, Terry Fair-
lift :loth, and Samuel Lane. Kneeling:
(jl bobby Bottoms, Bud Hill, and Tim
|i °ittman. Not shown are Charles
jp Warren and Randy Faircloth.

The above picture depicts a proud
)i earn as they returned home after their
1 irst win. Your Free Will Baptist
59 Children's Home proudly announces the
)f ormation of its basketball team

nicknamed "The Golden Eagles." The
- Eagles winged their way to victory on the
'thirty-first of January over an excellent
I Friendship Free Will Baptist Church team

with a 66-51 score.
If Charles Waren led all players with an
ks impressive 28 points, while Sam Lane
Hi took second with 16. Terry Faircloth shot
lh 1100 percent from the field with 6 points
wj'jand 9 assists. Cliff Garris, center for the
lis (Eagles , crashed the boards for a total of
J h6 rebounds.

in j Game time provided excitement,
w jteamwork, and the cheerleaders initiated

I (deafening applause. More than all of

II jthis, however, was the feeling of
in (Christian fellowship, warmth, and

{belonging which is so important.

NOTICE

i: j During the month of January letters
1 jwere mailed out to all persons and
ichurches who had contributed in excess

of $500 to our Children's Home Building
Fund over the years of 1974 and 1975. It
is possible that we may have made a
mistake and missed someone; so, if you
or your church did contribute at least
$500 to the State or Albemarle Cottage
Building Fund and did not receive a letter
from the Children's Home, then please
contact Mr. Sam Weeks at 235-4079
before the first of March, 1976. After
that date the order for the recognition
plaques will be turned in and it will be too
late to add a donor on it.

LETTER TO ALL FREE WILL BAPTIST
LAYMAN'S LEAGUES
AND BROTHERHOODS

We at the Children's Home would like
for all the layman's leagues and
brotherhoods of our Free Will Baptist
churches to accept a particular project
for us.

Not later than early 1978 the
Children's Home is going to be con-
fronted with a large, expensive job which
will either be replacement of our water
supply and sewage systems or hooking
up to the Middlesex water and sewage
system. Needless to say, whichever way
we go it will be quite expensive.

In order to be ready for this large cash
outlay we are now opening a Water and
Sewer Fund. As this money becomes
available, it will be placed in the fund.
This is how you can help us: Please
accept this as a project for 1976 and
1977 for your group. We're asking each
of you to contribute $100 per year for
those two years to this fund. If each
league and brotherhood will do this, then
by 1978 we will be ready to update our
water and sewage system. In the
meantime, let's hope that we'll be able to
keep them patched up enough to get by.

If you would like more information
about our detailed plans, we'll be happy
to furnish it. I sincerely hope the men of
our denomination will rally to this
necessary project.

Sam Weeks, Superintendent

TO LIVE IS
TO BE HURT

by Hazel Casey

To live, we also must be hurt. We
laugh, cry, and learn to love; but when
hatred and unpleasant things dawn upon
us, we want to escape from reality for the
pain and hurt is too much for us to bear.
We feel that the whole world is being
unfair to us.

Losing someone that has become a
part of us— whether good or bad the
influence was on us— it hurts. The value
of your sharing their company in giving
and taking must have been worthwhile,
or you wouldn't have been in their
company.

Obtaining the best out of life is
everyone's goal. Any man or woman who
says that this is not so has not learned
that in life you love, share, give, and
take. We might say these are the good
things; or, we might say that life is not
worth living. We look around us and we
see that we are hated by some people,
while others are jealous of us. Today we
have crime, sex acts, and fighting among
men and women. Some people seem to
enjoy hurting one another. But in Christ
all things are possible and He is a friend
that will never leave us, but will be there
in the darkest of night to help us.

To read is to learn; to learn is to
understand; and, understanding is
called knowledge. Life then, as I un-
derstand it, is knowledge gained and
accepted and put to the test in our daily
lives.

We should measure and examine
ourselves closely. Then when problems
come upon us, we as individuals can
deal with them. Inpulses cause a lot of
things to be said and done. But, if we
only stop and give that second thought,
things might not be as they seem to be.
Then we can face up to the reality in each
area of our lives.

In Jesus we find the only way to have
a complete and full life— a life that
satisfies. It is the privilege of each of us
to take advantage of the companionship
that He offers to make our life more
exciting and worthwhile. Yes, we still
will be hurt, but He will help us to
overcome this obstacle and have victory
in our lives.

1 THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

MRS. DUDLEY
LISTED IN "WHO'S WHO"

Congratulations are in order for Mrs.
Dola Dudley of Garner, who was recently
selected to be included in the
publication, "Who's Who of Prominent
Citizens of North Carolina."

Mrs. Dudley is very deserving of this
honor, for since early in life she has been
a servant of Christ and the Free Will
Baptist Denomination, beginning at
Shady Grove church in Sampson County
in Free Will Baptist League work.

She has served three tenures as
president of the Cape Fear District
Auxiliary Convention, has been study
course chairman, and is currently the
field worker. This body honored her with
a Life Membership Award in 1968.

She has also been clerk of the Cape
Fear Conference, assistant clerk of the
Cape Fear Union Meeting, and has been
a member of the Cape Fear Conference
Board of Education for over twenty years.
A champion of education, she has also
served on the Mount Olive College Board
of Trustees.

14

Mrs. Dudley has been instrumental in
the organization of seven auxiliaries in
her work in the district and state. Offices
she has held in the North Carolina State
Auxiliary Convention are as follows:
president, field secretary, director and
codirector of Cragmont Woman's
Conference, and is presently missions
chairman. Since she has been mission
chairman her interest in missions has led
her to visit the fields in Mexico and the
border work in Texas.

She is chairman of the Literature
Committee of the State Auxiliary Con-
vention and edited the yearbook
"Devotion" in 1973. She is an advisor to
the Anna Phillips Loan Fund Committee
of the convention.

Mrs. Dudley has worked with the
General Conference Woman's Auxiliary
Convention since its organization and
holds the office of treasurer.

The accomplishments of this faithful
woman cannot be penned down in one
short article because the work that is
done in the local church may go
unrecognized, but probably is the most
rewarding of all. In the Palmer Memorial
Free Will Baptist Church in Raleigh, Mrs.
Dudley teaches the Adult Bible Class in
Sunday School and is also church
secretary. She recently retired from the
office of president of the woman's
auxiliary of her local church.

Although church work is first with
Mrs. Dudley, she finds time to collect for
the United Fund and other worthy
charitable organizations.

She has been employed in the office of
Raleigh Tractor and Truck Company for
thirteen years.

We are grateful for Mrs. Dudley and
pray that God will continue to bless her
as she stays busy for Him.

ATTENTION
WESTERN DISTRICT
AUXILIARY MEMBERS!

The Western District Woman's
Auxiliary study course on "Evangelism"

will be taught on Tuesday nigrifl
February 24, at the Selma Free W
Baptist Church located on U. S. Highwc
301.

The course which will begin at 7:3
p.m., will be taught by Mrs. Jean Ackissi
Mount Olive College. The book Mrs
Ackiss will be teaching from is "Say
with Love." I hope many of you hav'J
read the book; if not, I highly recommeni
that you do so before the study course!
The book is a great challenge to us al
Christian women.

If your auxiliary needs another studj
course and enough of your memben
attend, you may count this course foi
your auxiliary. If you don't need it fo|
your study course requirement, com'
anyway for I'm sure you will be inspire*'
to do greater things by having heart1
Mrs. Ackiss.

It will be my pleasure seeing you at thi
Selma church on February 24, at 7:3(1
p. m.

In His service,
Miss Frances Boyette
Western District
Study Course Chairman

PLEASANT PLAIN
WA OFFICERS INSTALLED

The Woman's Auxiliary of Pleasant
Plain Free Will Baptist Church, Selma,
installed its new officers for 1976 during
the morning worship service on Sunday,
January 18. Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser,
State Woman's Auxiliary treasurer and
wife of the pastor, served as installing
officer and gave a challenge to each
officer. She based her remarks and
challenges upon the passage of Scripture
from Luke 9:23 in which Jesus said to
His disciples, "... If any man will come
after me, let him deny himself, and take

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

lea

his cross daily, and follow me." Each
fficer was given a cross, significantly
beled, and challenged to carry her
oss proudly and joyfully as she fulfills
Je duties and responsibilities of her
-■flee.

jjj Miss Lettie Best sang "Wherever He
,» pads I'll Go" and was accompanied by
Jer sister, Patty Best. The officers joined
Jer in singing the last chorus as their
Us ledge and acceptance of their
lallenge.

Mrs. Sasser and all of the officers then
nelt at the altar of the church while the
nJastor, the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser,
rayed a prayer of dedication and
onsecration.

The following were installed: Mrs.
pjJiancy Foster, president; Mrs. Lola
rown, vice-president; Mrs. Peggy
ones, secretary; Mrs. Alzie Phillips,
ssistant secretary; Mrs. Gladys Hartley,
easurerand church hostess; Mrs. Mae
eanette, assistant treasurer; Mrs. Letha
urgess, program-prayer chairman;
/Irs. Beulah Helms, assistant program-
rayer chairman; Mrs. Dean Hatcher,
tudy course and card chairman; Mrs.
stelle Phillips, mission chairman; Mrs.
^nnie Taylor and Mrs. Lois Jones, youth
eaders; Mrs. Irene Gordon, benevolence
hairman, with her committee members,
/Irs. Thelma Lassiter, Mrs. Bessie Wall,
nd Mrs. Pauline Pulley; and Mrs. Hazel
atcher, flower chairman.
Following the installation service the
astor brought a most inspiring message
n this special occasion.

Mrs. Peggy Jones
Church Reporter

MY PRAYER

by Linda Craft
Lord, help me to be like the creatures
round me.

Let me be faithful like a dog, and have
he interest in your Word like a cat.

Help me to be steadfast as the donkey
ind reach out for new heights like the
agles.

Let me touch others like the gentle
Dutterfly and help me leave sweetness
with all of your flowers like the bees.

Let me be a worker like the humble ant
ind shine even in the darkest night like
he lightning bug.

Help me to take nature's wisdom and
brow in grace with the creatures around
me.

Amen.

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

MISSIOMS

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P. 0. Box 979
Goldsboro, N. C. 27530

I

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville, N. C. 28305

CATALPHA MISSION REPORTS

The Catalpa Free Will Baptist Mission
of Fayetteville has been in operation a
little less than two years. The pastor, the
Rev. Alton Howard, reports that during
this period they have had 35 decisions
for Christ, with an average attendance
for the services of approximately 50.

The mission has purchased the house
and lot that they have been renting and
expects to be in a building program
before the year is over.

The mission is located at 5217 Catalpa
Drive, Fayetteville. The pastor is also
manager of the River Terminal and can
be reached at P. 0. Box 64125; or by
telephoning 483-3475.

Above you see members of the mission
enjoying a barbecue fellowship on
Saturday, January 31 , 1975.

Pictured above are the men of the
mission standing beside large piles of
lumber that they obtained by tearing
down a two-story house. They estimate
the lumber to be worth approximately
$6,000.

WHERE
HIS HOME

WAS

A poor widow, taken ill with an in-
curable disease, was received into an
infirmary. Kind friends took her little boy
to live with them, and he was treated in
every way as if he were their own child.
One day, however, he was asked by an
acquaintance where his home was. "I
live at so-and-so," he replied, "but
my home is where Mother is."

"It is next to impossible to sling mud
with clean hands."

Editorial. •• (Continued from Page 2)

Okay, Dr. Altizer, so you say, "God is dead"? Sure, your contention still
stands— I suppose. I say (and so do all real Christians), "God is NOT dead!"
And our contention still stands— WITHOUT SUPPOSITION, for we base our
opinion on the Bible !

I personally feel sorry for you, Esteemed Professor. When that illustrious
day of reckoning comes and you stand before Him who is both alive and well,
what will be your position then? On your knees, I'll venture; but sad, sad, that
bitter wail: "Too late." Lookup, Dr. Altizer; look around. GOD IS NOT DEAD,
nor shall He ever die! You will, though; and then, however sad, your eyes will
be opened to your own foolishness. Somehow, Dr. Altizer, I still find it in-
credibly inconceivable that anyone— especially a learned person like yourself—
could possibly believe that God is dead. . . .

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

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DURHAM, N. C.

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16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Eft

the free Dill baptist *

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1976

Take a look— a long hard look at what your church is
because of what you are. Do you feel a compulsion to
reprimand yourself?

Editorial...

Take a Long Look at Your Church— and Yourself

The foundation of every church should be Christ— but is He? Examine your
church. Is it the kind of church that God favors? Is it the kind of church that draws
the crowds and compels them to come in, or is it the kind of church that repels the
crowds and scatters the seekers? Really examine your church, now. Is Christ
supreme? Does He control every function, every exercise, and every action? Does He
lead in the worship service, or is He forced outside because Satan has the upper hand
and is the directing force?

Then, examine your church members. Are they practicing Christians, or do
they merely claim His name? Is the spirit of neighborliness— more especially the
spirit of love— prevalent? Are your members "kindly affectioned" one to the other?
Does brotherly love prevail, and does it continue? When one errs, do the other
members exhort him in meekness, or are they so pharasaical that they are ready to
condemn on the spot? Are the criticisms which are heard (and issued) the con-
structive kind that help and improve the situation, or are they the destructive kind
which hinder the work and destroy the spirit of worship? Do your members greet one
another and fellowship in Christian harmony, or do they pass up the opportunity of
knowing one another better and of becoming more tolerant of common faults? Is
Christ in their hearts or just on theirtongues?

Then, examine yourself. This is perhaps the hardest of tasks. Are you the
type of Christian that Christ expects and wants you to be? Are you content to be in His
will and own His cause? Are you willing to accept others' shortcomings and
inadequacies, knowing that you have a myriad of faults and failings of your own? Are
you willing to encourage the weak and to admonish (however meekly) the evildoer?
Can you support just causes, and do you possess the courage to stand for the right?
Are you willing to be a follower if another is leading? Can you forgive wrongs done
unto you, and can you love your neighbor as yourself? (This is expecially difficult.)
Are you bitter and unhappy? Is there peace within your heart, or is there persisting
turmoil? Are you one who "hears" the Word, or are you one who "lives" the Word?

Within the church, within the church membership, and within the in-
dividual, God must dwell— and He should dwell in majesty. Unless this condition
comes to pass (or is the case), there will be everlasting unrest and disunity. The
church will never prosper; the membership will never flourish; and, the in-
dividual—however actively he tries to rectify the situation— will never grow in grace
until God dwells in majesty.

Consider the simple words of the anonymous contribution regarding the

church.

' ' It is composed of people just like me.

It will be friendly if I am.

It will do a great work if I work.

It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous.
It will bring others into our fellowship if I bring them in.
Its seats will be filled if I fill them.
It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith

and service, if I, who make it what it is, am filled
with these.

Therefore, with God's help, I dedicate myself to the

task of being all these things I want my church to be."

Take a look— a long hard look at what your church is because of what you
are. You may indeed want to reprimand yourself.

Cover Photo by Camerique

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

February 18, 1976
Volume 91 Numbf]

Edited and published weekly by the Free
Baptist Press Foundation. Inc., 811 North LI
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconj
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue muj
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tl|
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: ori
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four year}
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoid
given when local churches send the "Baptist"'
the home of every member; names and ail
dresses to be provided by churches. Churchff
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "BaptisK
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und«
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refle<|
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box15£
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m —
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30 a. m
—5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. vV. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

We ,

THE SPIRIT
WITH US

by

Carol A. Thompson
Winston, Oregon

EATH is a very

is a very lonely thing.
The dying person must face it
(rone; those living miss the person gone.
Ifath seems so unfair; the time is never
Iht. My father was only in his 50s. But
■ath came quickly and painlessly. You
lay think he did not know death was
iproaching, but I know he knew; and I
Hi sure he made peace with God and
tas ready.

The summer before he died he took me
iid my two brothers on the tour to
kiltalina. "It's your birthday present. I'll
H all three of you at once and get it
|er, in case I'm not here for your next,"
| told us. We didn't pay much attention
that last remark. People like to think
eir loved ones will be with them
rever. But he left us before another one
us had another birthday.
He was always a contented person,
en when he went through an unhappy
vorce, was seized by diabetes, and the
surance company cancelled his in-
rance because he became a bad risk.
3 still had the sun and the wind and an
ipreciation of each new day. His soul
as full of love for everything and
^erybody. He was a Christian man even
ough he did not attend church
gularly. All my life I never knew of
lyone who disliked him.
Easygoing and patient, he raised us
ds with love and understanding. As a
lild I was amazed that he always knew
hat I was thinking. He never asked
uestions of me, but would calmly and
uietly answer my unspoken questions. I
ways listened with awe and admiration.
Though a very loving person, he
wasn't one who took to hugging and
issing or even expressing verbally what
e felt. But I knew. We children could
sel the love and closeness with our
hinds and hearts.

We often sat on the patio, neither
puching nor speaking. We would watch
he fire in the fireplace while watching
Ind listening to the rain all around us. He
ad a love for the simple things— the
flings most people don't pay much
ttention to or stop their personal rat race

long enough to see. He passed his
contentment and appreciation of God's
wonders on to me as we sat there feeling
a special kind of closeness.

We often went for long drives to visit
friends. Mother never liked those long
drives for she always got bored and fell
asleep before we got there. He never
asked me if I wanted to go and I never
asked him if I could. I saw him heading
for the car and knowing he was going for
one of those drives that ended up
somewhere interesting. I would follow
him and get in the car. We never spoke
unless there was something to say. We
enjoyed the silence and quietness of one
another.

This quiet kind of closeness continued
into adulthood as I watched my son play
with his grandfather. My son loved him
as I did. They would play and we would
smile and laugh inside. I often wished
he would stay at our house longer or
even overnight and have breakfast with
us. But our place was small and he
knew it was hard to cook for his diet.
So he would stay awhile, and still
smiling— leave.

"Next time stay a little longer and
have dinner with us," I called to him as
he stood in the driveway next to his car.
An awful feeling knifed through me. He
stood there smiling back at me, hand
raised in a "good-bye." In my heart I
ran to him and threw my arms around
him and kissed him good-bye and cried.
It seemed an eternity that we stood there
looking and smiling at one another. Why
didn't I run and hug him as I wanted?
Why did we never touch? Why couldn't I
run and hold him when I knew I'd never
see him again?

"Okay, I'll stay longer next time," he
answered. He knew too he'd not be back
to my small place, and our minds
caressed. With a contented smile still on
his face, he got into his car and drove
home to the next town where he lived
with his sister.

Next morning his sister called on the
phone. "Is Bub there?" she asked me.
Her voice sounded strained and worried.
"He didn't come hnme last night. I
thought maybe he stayed all night at your
place." He hadn't stayed at my place; he
hadn't stayed at my brothers'; he had
visited the night before with his other
sister and her husband after leaving my
place, but declined their invitation to stay
for the night. I knew what had hap-
pened, but I called everyone I could think

of, searching for him, hoping to be
wrong.

"Oh, God, please let him be all right,"
I pleaded. But deep inside me I felt a
negative answer. I didn't tell anyone
what I felt. How could I tell them that he
was dead? How could I handle their
reactions to such a statement that they
would refuse to believe? I remained
silent. While my husband and brother
went to the next town to look for Dad, I
went to my sister-in-law's house. I
didn't want to be alone when the news
came that they had found him— I didn't
want to be alone.

The night before, my aunt in Colorado
woke up with a horrible feeling, and in
the morning called California. A few days
before that my dad's fiancee got a letter
from him telling her good-bye, and that it
would have been wonderful. And, I sat,
waiting— a lonely kind of waiting— for
everyone else to find out.

There were rows of chairs filled with
relatives to the right side of the one row
of chairs where I sat. My husband sat on
my left and fiddled with a handkerchief
with both his hands. My mother was on
the right side of me and I held her hand.
My parents had been divorced for three
years, but I asked her to come in with
me, for there were never any bitter
feelings between us and I knew she was
hurt too. Our chairs were pushed against
the wall. We were in a small curtained
room listening to the preacher read
different epitaphs that I and others who
loved him had written. Tears, fear, and
sorrow started welling up inside me and I
thought I'd scream, wanting to resist
and deny that he was gone Then I felt a
hand rest upon my right shoulder,
sending peace through my body. Since
our chairs were touching the wall, there
was no room for a person to stand behind
me. I don't know if it was the Spirit of
Jesus or the touch of an angel, but just
the touch of the hand calmed me and
gave me peace so I could make it quietly
through the rest of the day.

The next morning my husband went to
work and my son played and napped as
usual. The sun was bright, the day was
beautiful, and the birds were chirping.
While standing in the warm sun, hanging
the clothes, I remembered the hard rain
of just a few days before when my father
had died. The day seemed strange, for I
was so very conscience of the endless
presence of pain and sorrow inside. I
(Continued on Page 15)

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

FREE WILL BAPTISTS
OF MY DAY

FINAL NOTES— OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

M

(Part Twenty-Eight)
by Loy Everette Ballard

(\ k /ITH a final note regarding
vl/ my personal ministry, some ob-
servations and comparisons, and
perhaps a prediction or two, these notes
on the Free Will Baptists of my day will
come to a conclusion with this article.

Around the first of January, 1975, Mr.
and Mrs. Bill Davenport, who had ably
managed Cragmont Assembly for some
time, found it necessary to resign
because of conditions over which they
had no control. The Board of Directors
had but little time to look for new
managers. Because of the experience
Mrs. Ballard and I had received in former
years of managing the institution, the
board asked us to consider going back
for the 1975 summer, giving them a
chance to seek new permanent
managers. After praying over the matter,
we decided to abondon some plans we
had made for somewhat taking it easy for
the summer, and agreed to accept the
appointment as managers for this one
season only.

We experienced a very satisfying
summer at the institution we have both
loved from its beginning. The Lord
helped us find a wonderful staff of two
adults and ten young people to work with
us. He also blessed us with good health
throughout the summer. We had some of
the finest groups ever attending
Cragmont. Among them were many of
our old friends, along with hundreds of
our finest Free Will Baptist young people.
As the final group of the season— a
group from Little Rock church at
Lucama, where the convention I served
for twenty-two years was organized in
1940— brought their weekend retreat to
a close with prayer, I stood again, as I
had on the occasion of the "This is your
Life, Pa Ballard" testimonial dinner at
Mount Olive College, with mixed
emotions. Maybe the fine experience my
wife and I had enjoyed for six months
kept me from wishing for this to be our

benediction. I guess I really wanted to
say, "Lord, if you have another op-
portunity for us, just let it come! ' '

I started out to write a twenty-part
series of articles, and have extended
them to twenty-eight. Still, as I have read
back over some of the things put on
paper, I have found myself asking,
"Why didn't you say something about
. . .?" Manythingshavehappened among
Free Will Baptists since that day in 1913
when I was stunned by the motion in the
little church on "Ox Creek," in Bun-
combe County, North Carolina, which
gave me my first official assignment for
service to the Free Will Baptist
denomination; and I am sobered by the
knowledge that, according to a careful
survey I recently made, I am one of not
more than four living Free Will Baptist
ministers who could give an "eye
witness" testimony to many of the things
that happened during the earlier years of
this period of our history. This is one of
the reasons I have believed it to be my
duty to put these things on record. If I
should publish these memories in book
form later— as several have urged me to
do— I will probably include some other
things that belatedly came to mind, or
were uncovered by reasearch.

I cannot with good conscience close
these notes without mentioning one
group among us who has had but scant
mention in the articles— our good women
of the Woman's Auxiliary. Under one
name or another, our women have
maintained organizations since before
the beginning of the period covered by
my notes. They have had conventions on
all levels— district, state, and national.
While their principle field of operations
has been in the local church, they have
supported with prayer, giving, and
effort, all the great causes of our church.
They have sought little recognition and
praise for the work they have done, but
they deserve a lot. The names of Alice

Lupton, Fannie Polston, Bertha G riff i
Agnes Frazier, Ethel Moye, and man
many other noble women, must never
forgotten by those who would honor tt]
people who have helped to make the Fn
Will Baptist denomination great in tn
sight of God and the Christian world.

And now for a few comparison
between facts and figures given in rrj
first articles regarding conditions amor
Free Will Baptists after the gre
deflection of 1911 and present-dd
conditions.

In 1912, we had only two small 1
stitutions— the Ayden Seminary and tr'
Free Will Baptist Printing Cons
pany— with combined property worth n,r
more than $30,000. Today a coil
servative estimate of property owned t
Free Will Baptist institutions in tto
United States is that it is worth more tha
$5,000,000.

In my first article, I referred to a list
some 90 churches showing the value (
the wealthiest one at $25,000. Sine
writing that article I have been able t
obtain information regarding the value <j
over 1 50 churches in 1 91 4. From this list
selected eight churches, and obtaine
estimates of their present value. I am nc
listing here the names of these churches
because they are only used as example,
of hundreds of Free Will Baptist churche'
making equal progress in the increase c
church property. The first figure give
shows the value of property in 1914, th
second the present value: Church No. 1
$8,000— $265,000; No. 2, $5,000-
$215,000; No. 3, $150— $46,000
No. 4, $4,000— $240,000; No. 5
$800— $125,000; No. 6, $1,500-
$126,000; No. 7, $5,000— $1 25,000
No. 8, $1 ,500— $155, 000. To these I hav
added eight churches organized sine
1920, and giving present value of thei
property: Church No. 1, $168,000; No
2, $161,000; No. 3, $228,000; No. 4
$140,000; No. 5, $135,000; No. 6

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

40,000; No. 7, $205,000; No. 8,
20,000. These lists include churches
(fboth the two major groups of Free Will
totists and two from groups not af-
jjated with either of the major groups. I
not have enough information to
lture an overall estimate of the value of
al church property, but figures for 241
Ijrches in 1974 comes to
3,128,283.

wish that I had some way to estimate
moral and spiritual good ac-
Inplished throughout the world by the
ie Will Baptists of my day, but I do not
i/e access to the records kept in
aven, and there alone, could we find
s information. I am sure that we have
d t done all we could have; but I am
lain that the world is a better place
cause a kind and loving Lord saved
denomination from extinction in

1911— one of the darkest years of our
history. I am thankful for these sixty-five
years of wonderful fellowship in service I
have been permitted to share with some
of the finest Christians who have lived in
my day.

Recently I have been asked several
times the question, "Do you think Free
Will Baptists will one day be united into a
greater fellowship?" This question I
cannot answer, but I believe there is
hope. Time has a way of healing real
wounds, and bringing about the
forgetting of imagined hurts. God is
raising up a new energetic and
seemingly dedicated leadership within all
groups of Free Will Baptists. These new
leaders will not forget the services and
sacrifices of those of us who have
labored before them; but in time, their
reasoning may cause them to magnify

the importance of the things we ac-
complished in unity and minimize the
things we did in separation. They may
decide to get together in a more glorious
fellowship of Christians than we have
known heretofore. But this one thing I
believe with all my heart; Free Will
Baptists have a God-given mission; and,
either in a great worldwide fellowship
marching in unity, or in dedicated groups
marching separately in the same
direction, Free Will Baptists will be
laboring to fulfill that mission until the
Lord Jesus Christ comes to unite all His
people in one great and eternal "Church
of the Living God."

And now I must close my book of
precious memories for the time being. I
do so with this prayer on my heart; God
bless the denomination I have always
loved— the wonderful Free Will Baptists
of my day.

Ca

SpeciaC foments

Bar Maggie,

"I'd like to share with the readers several moments in my spiritual life. First, I
ould speak of my conversion which took place in September, 1932. I had been
sli! rider conviction for a good while but not fully decided until I was truly converted
hile riding along the road. It was so good to be led of the spirit. Then I quickly
" jnited with my church.

"Second, during a revival, while I was teaching a Sunday school class of
^enagers, eleven of the class members made their profession and were baptized.
' jne of the eleven was my daughter. I'll never be able to express the joy that filled my
•J eart, except I was overflowing.

"Finally, I cannot fail to mention my illness last spring with pneumonia and my
y jeart. God was so good! In my mind He erased the time, and it seemed very short
f Ithough it was two months."
AT

; ireenville, N. C.

You may share your "Special Moment' ' by simply writing a letter to the column,
. 0. Box 158, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Your letter will be printed as soon as
ossible. Also, you can help by mentioning the column to a friend, a relative, or your
ellow church members whom you feel might like to share an experience with us. The
olumn needs your response.

Maggie

SEARCH FOR OLDEST
FREE WILL BAPTIST
SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday school movement did not
come to Eastern North Carolina until
around the turn of the century. Which
church started a Sunday school first?
Remember, the oldest Sunday school
may not be associated with the older
churches. Superintendents, please
check (or have someone check) your
church records. If your school is over
fifty years old, please send the date
(month and year, if possible) it was
organized. We need this information as
soon as possible, so we may make a
report to the annual session of our State
Sunday School Convention which meets
this year, Saturday, April 10, at Ayden,
North Carolina, Elementary School. Send
this information to the Rev. William E.
Futch, 600 Carey Road, Kinston, North
Carolina 28501, Director of Literature
and interim editor of "The Sunday

School Reporter."

_ — — — — - — i «■ i—

NOTE OF THANKS

We wish to say, "Thank you," for the cards,
letters, gifts, phone calls, visits and most of all your
prayers in our behalf while my wife (Mrs. Rollins) was
in the hospital, and is now at home recovering from
her illness. We know it was through prayer that God
spared her. We thank God everyday for what He has
done for us. We thank Him also for friends like you.
We especially want to thank the ministers who shared
with us during this time. May God bless all of you is
our prayer.

In Christ's service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Rollins

i

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Cragmont Assembly Treasurer's Report for January, 1 976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 298, Oriental, North Carolina 28571, treasurer
for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black Mountain, reports as follows for the month of
January, 1976:

Brought Forward January 1 , 1976

Receipts

$16,245.12

Churches

$ 1,869.82

League

25.00

Sunday School Class

21.00

Sunday Schools

146.60

Auxiliaries

14.00

Union Meetings

78.82

Sunday School Convention

10.00

Individuals

215.00

Interest Accrued on Savings Accounts

106.48

State Department of Revenue (Tax

Refund)

664.00

Total Receipts

3,150.72

Total for Which to Account

19,395.84

Disbursements

Operational Expenses

$ 429.98

McRoy Insurance Agency

312.00

Church Finance Association (Debt

Retirement)

4,000.00

Church Finance Association (Interest on

Loan)

350.00

Edward E. Franck and Co. (C. P. A.)

525.00

First-Citizens Bank and Trust (Transfer

to Renovation of Main Building

Account)

450.00

First-Citizens Bank and Trust (Transfer

to General Savings Account)

10,874.47

Transfer of Interest to Savings Accounts

106.48

Total Disbursements

17,047.93

Balance on Hand February 1 , 1976

$ 2,347.91

Earmarked Funds

Renovation of Main Building (Savings)

$ 5,850.43

Chapel (Savings)

3,298.63

Swimming Pool (Savings)

306.07

General Savings Account

10,874.47

General Fund

2,347.91

Total in Treasury

$22,677.51

Dr. William Bennett Scheduled
For April Revival at Stoney Creek

Of interest to the churches in th
Goldsboro area and adjacent counties wi
be the coming of Dr. William Bennett .
Fort Smith, Arkansas, for a revival <
Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Churcr
Route 2, Goldsboro. The date is April 26
29. This notice is given to help thes
churches avoid conflict with the date.

The Rev. C. F. Bowen is pastor of th
Stoney Creek church.

Pine Level Church to Host

First Union of the Western Conference

The First Union Meeting of the Wester!
Conference will convene with the Pin
Level Free Will Baptist Church, Pin
Level, on Saturday, February 28. Th
moderator, the Rev. Bill Dale, wi
preside, assisted by the clerk, the Rev
C. F. Bowen. The program is as follows:

10:00— Devotional, Charles Petit
10:15— Welcome Address, the Rev

Floyd Cherry, Host Pastor
— Response, the Rev. Joe*

Crumpler
10:20— Business Session
11:00— News from Denominationa

Enterprises
11 :20— Report of Committees
11:30— Worship Service:

Congregational Singing anc

Special Music

Offering for the Children's Home

Sermon, the Rev. C. L. Renfrow
12:30— Adjournment and Lunch

Cape Fear Union
At Goldsboro Church

The Union Meeting of the Cape Fea
Conference will convene with the Firs
Free Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro
Saturday, February 28. The moderator!
the Rev. C. M. Coats, will preside)
Special music will be rendered by th<
host church with the church pianis
playing for the Union. There will be ni
afternoon service. The program is a
follows:

10:00— Hymn, Congregation

— Devotions, the Rev. Earl H
Glenn

—Welcome, Host Church

— Response, Mr. Atlas Hogg
10:20— Enrollment of Officers am

Ministers

— Recognition of Visitors

— Reading Minutes of Last Union
—Appointment of Committees

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

II

Roll Call of Churches
Report of Denominational
Enterprises

Miscellaneous Business
Hymn, Congregation
Special Music, Host Church
Offering and Offertory Prayer
Message, the Rev. Kemery Ard
Report of Treasurer

— Unfinished Business

— Benediction and Adjournment

— Lunch and Christian Fellowship

20

00-

he Light Bearers"
/Winterville Church

I ' 'The Light Bearers, ' ' a singing group
||m Williamston will present a program
I gospel music at the Winterville, North
Irolina, Free Will Baptist Church,
[Inday evening, February 29, beginning
■7:30. The pastor, the Rev. Jack Mayo,
Id the church congregation, extend to
|e public a cordial invitation to attend.

frnes Hill Sunday School
ssent Perfect Attendance Pins

— Ellen Bozelle, Carol Langley, Keith
Langley, and Michael Langley; eight
years— Nate Bozelle; nine years
—Carolyn Hinson and Martha Carol
Hinson; ten years— Grover Hinson and
Wanda Nelms; eleven years— Pattie
Langley, Louise Poland, Sylvester
Poland, Betsy Poland, and Brice Poland;
fourteen years— Lonnie Worrell, Teresa
Nelms, and Iva Langley; eighteen
years— Charles Morgan; nineteen
years— Cleo Worrell, Estelle Eason, and
Dorothy Morgan; twenty years— Norma
Bozelle; twenty-four years— Etta Vick;
twenty-five years— Ervin Vick.

Revival at

Sandy Plain Church

Revival services are scheduled for
Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 2, Pink Hill, for the week of March
1-6, beginning each evening at 7 p.m.
The guest evangelist will be the Rev.
Joseph Ingram, assisted by the pastor,
the Rev. Robert Rollins. Special music
will be rendered each evening. The
public is cordially invited to attend.

M. E. Cox to Conduct
Crab Point Revival

The Sunday School of Barnes Hill Free
Baptist Church, Sandy Crossroads,
locky Mount, recently presented 51
tierfect attendance pins for the year,
1 1975 . The awards were as follows:
|| Six months— Evelyn Thompson, Lisa
rihompson, Joyce Winstead, Beverly
Langley, David Winstead, Henry Eason,
tony Glover, and Barbara Glover; one
1 lear — Terry Winstead, Cindy Winstead,
jugene Poland, and Mattie Pridgen; two
-ears— Philip Bozelle and Harry Eason;
firee years— Wendy Poland, Michelle
ioyner, Sonia Joyner, Louise Eason, and
|rene Pridgen; four years— Diana Poland,
pavid Poland, Alan Poland, Marie
Poland, Nancy Eason, and Angelene
Roland; five years— Ginger Pridgen; six
■ears— Myrna Joyner; seven years

the free will baptist

The Rev. M. E. Cox will be the guest
evangelist for revival services at the Crab
Point Free Will Baptist Church near
Morehead City, March 1 through March
6. Services will begin each evening at
7:30, with special music being rendered
each night. Everyone is cordially invited
to attend.

Walnut Creek to Host
Fourth Central Union

The Fourth Union and Sunday School
Convention of the Central Conference will
convene Sunday, February 29, with
Walnut Creek Free Will Baptist Church
near Stantonsburg. The theme will be
"Living to Win," with Scripture taken
from Philippians 3:8, 9. The program is
as follows:

Morning Session

10:00— Sunday School
11:00— Hymn, "Love Divine"

—Welcome, Mrs. Marie Taylor
11:15 — President's Remarks and
Recognition Time

— Mission Report

— Greetings from the Children's
Home

— News from Mount Olive College

— Hymn, "Satisfied with Jesus"
11:30— Special Music, the Rev. Danny

Braswell

— Sermon, the Rev. Royce
Reynolds

—Appointment of Committees

— Lunch

Afternoon Session
1:15— Devotions, Mrs. Jack Howell
—Special Music, Harrell's Chapel
Girls' Quartet

— Business Period

— Program, Local Church
2:15— Adjournment

Albemarle Union SS and
League Conventions

The Albemarle Union Meeting, Sunday
School Convention, and League Con-
vention will convene Saturday, February
28, with the Union Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Plymouth. The
scheduled programs are as follows:

Union Meeting
Morning Session

10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Melvin
Moore

10:10— Welcome, The Rev. John
Melancon, Host Pastor

— Response, the Rev. Floyd
Burkey

10:15— Moderator's Address, the Rev.

Charlie Overton
10:20— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches
10:45— Offering for Denominational

Enterprises
—Announcements
1 1 :00— Business Session:

Report of Children's Home, via
Literature

(Continued on Page 10)

7

NORTH CAROLINA FREE WILL BAPTIST
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY CONVENTION
TREASURER'S REPORT, END OF THIRD QUARTER,
JANUARY 31, 1976

Balance in Bank October 31 , 1975

$3,764.91

Receipts

General Fund:

Contributions

Life Memberships

Promotional (CSF)

Interest
Denominational Enterprises

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

S 6.50
10.00
91.57
37.90
5,362.47

5,508.44
$9,273.35

Convention Expenses and Allocations
Denominational Enterprises

Total Disbursements
Balance in Bank January 31 , 1 976

Disbursements

$ 275.72
5.362.47

5,638.19
$3,635.16

Summary of Bank Account Balances

General Fund
Interest
Total

$3,117.29
517.87
$3,635.16

Branch Banking and Trust Co. (Checking)
Atlantic Savings and Loan
Total

$2,617.29
1,017.87
$3,635.16

Denominational Enterprises Report
Itemize

Missions:

Church Extension (Home Missions)
Foreign Missions:

Mexico (Native Missionary Salary)
State Project (Equally Divided
Among Mrs. Link, Mrs. King,
and Mrs. Timmons)

Central Conference Missions

135.00

794.75,

Received

$ 852.40

929.75
33.00

Disbursed

$ 852.40

929.75

33.00

Mount Olive College:
General Fund
Alice Lupton Scholarship
Chapel Carpet (State Project)
Books

Fred Baker Fund

Children's Home:
General Fund
Clothing
Allowance

Appliances (State Project)
Christmas Gift for Child

88.78
13.00
276.00
20.00
28,0Q

439.59
477.50

35.00
804,50

50.00

425.78

425.78

1,806.59

1,806.59

Superannuation:
General Fund

149.50

8

173.50

159.75

40.00
10.00
82.50
25.00

173.50

159.75

40.00

10.00

82.50
25.00

824.20
$5,362.47

824.20
$5,362.47

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Treasurer

0

HOME
MISSIONS

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville, N. C. 28305

NCfiurch to those attending the
e. The conference was well
and there was a spirit of unity
»f»e to our Lord.

fifed above are some of the pastors
■g (from left to right): Antonio
im Piedras Negras; Filemon
Sabinas; Israel Gonzalez,
and Isaias Lugo, Acuna.

Respectfully submitted,
Vance Link

MISSION WORK
SABINAS, MEXICO

tecember, 1972, in the city of
Coahuila, Mexico, we began a

gH^PTIST

Free Will Baptist Mission. We began
visiting the homes, talking with the
people, and inviting them to the services.
Because no one responded, we gave
ourselves in prayer. For a time we
stopped visiting and prayed and fasted
for the people of this area. After this we
had services with an attendance of five to
thirty people present each night. Some
said that they wanted to follow the Lord,
but no one followed through with a
decision. After working in this same area
for 20 months, we moved to another
house located in the same section, which
was more in the center of the section. We
moved there in September, 1974.

Those who have been baptized and
the candidates for baptism.

God has greatly manifested His power
in this area. There have been 25 to
accept Christ. So far we have only
baptized 4 and have 3 candidates for
baptism. We are going to baptize these
during the month of April. We have
several others who are in sympathy with
the work here.

During the time here we have worked,
and with the help of God, have located
and bought lots on which to build a
church. We hope that you will pray with
us and that through our prayers, very
soon, God will help us to be able to build
a building where we can worship our
God.

In Christ,

Filemon Aguero H.
(Translated by Vance Link)
Brother Filemon has been working in
the Sabinas area for almost four years.
He is one of the youngest workers. This
is his first area of work and he is laboring
in a very difficult area. This is a strong,
radical, Catholic stronghold. It seems
that finally the Lord is beginning to work
and they are beginning to see results.
Continue to pray for them as they work
here that God will strengthen and en-
courage them in their work.

Vance

BIBLE INSTITUTE

PROGRAM REORGANIZED

In June of 1975, we discontinued the
Bible Institute program for the remainder
of the year in order to reorganize the
program of study. In the past the
program had consisted of two to two and
one-half days of study each month here
at the Institute. As you know there is just
so much information and knowledge you
can "pump" into the mind during this
length of time. Therefore, we felt the
need of a continuous type of study
program: a program in which the student
could continue his work, stay at home,
but yet apply himself to his studies daily.
So in January we began a new program
of study, "Theological Education by
Extension." On January 26 and 27, we
had an organizational meeting here at the
Institute, to explain and enroll those
wishing to take part in the program. The
program will be a three-year plan of
study. Each student will be required to
successfully complete twelve units of
study (ten of which will be assigned
along with two electives) in order to
receive a certificate of training from the
Institute. In connection with his studies,
each pastor will also set up a program of
study in his church, using the same
materials for study. Every two months
the pastors and students will return to
the Institute for review and discussion of
the unit completed. They will then be
given an examination covering the unit of
study. We also plan to offer during these
seminar type sessions, other abbreviated
studies. We will visit the students in their
homes to aid them in their studies. The
first-year's study program will include:
(1) "Fundamental Studies of the
Christian Life," (2) "Major Bible
Doctrines," (3) Introduction and
Interpretation of the Old Testament,"
and (4) Introduction of the New
Testament.

Pictured above are some of the young
men enrolled in the study program. Pray
(Continued on Page 15)

9

NEWS AND NOTES

(Continued from Page 7)

Report of Mount Olive College,
via Literature

Report of Missions, via
Literature

Report of Press Foundation, via
Literature

Report of Cragmont, via
Literature

11 :20— Reading of Minutes of Last
Union for Information

— Report of Treasurer

— Other Business
—Announcement of Next Union

11 :30— Minutes Read and Approved
11 :35— Morning Worship:
Hymn

Special Music, Host Church
Message, the Rev. Dallas
Pinkham
12:30— Benediction

—Adjournment and Lunch
Sunday School Convention
Afternoon Session
1 :45— Devotions, the Rev. W. L.

Brickhouse
1 :55— Welcome, Mr. Wayne Britt, Host
Superintendent

— Response, the Rev. Robert May
2:00— President's Message, Mrs.

Francis Spruill
2:05— Enrollment of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches and
Delegates

— Bringing Reports and Receiving
Blanks

—Announcements
—Offering for Children's Home

— Offertory Prayer

2:10— Suggestions and Information for

the Betterment of Sunday

Schools
2:30— Business Session:

Minutes of Last Convention

Read for Information

Treasurer's Report

New Business

Reports of Literature and
Denominational Enterprises
Minutes Read and Approved
3:00— Afternoon Worship Service:

Special Music, Host Sunday
School

3:10— Benediction and Adjournment

League Convention
Evening Session

7:30— Devotions, Miss Debra Barnes
7:40— President's Message, Mr. Loyd

Jones Jr.

—Appointment of Digest Com-
mittee

—Offering

— Roll Call of Leagues

— Sword Drill

— Hymn

— Recognition of Ministers
—Announcements
—Special Music, Host League

— League Program

— Minutes of Last Convention

— Business Period

— Report of Digest Committee
—Awarding of Banners and

Picture
—Treasurer's Report
9:00— Adjournment

Pianist, Mr. Craig Oliver

Fifth Union Convenes
With Pilgrim's Home

The First Union Meeting of the Eastern
Conference convenes with the Pilgrim's
Home Free Will Baptist Church, Dover,
Saturday, February 28. The moderator,
the Rev. Walter Sutton, will preside. The
program is as follows:
10:00— Hymn, "Love Lifted Me"
10:05— Devotions, Mr. Lonnie Mann
10:15— Welcome, the Rev. Owen K.
Arthur

— Response, the Rev. Willie Stilley
10:20— Moderator's Remarks
10:30— Reading of Minutes

— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Receiving Church Reports
—Offering for Children's Home
—Appointment of Committees

10:45— Report of Denominational

Enterprises
11:1 5 — Business Session:

Old Business

New Business

Reports from Committees

Library Book
1 1 :30— Memorial Service

— Hymn, "I Surrender AH"

— Special Music, Host Church

— Sermon, the Rev. Rod Jones

— Hymn and Benediction

— Lunch and Fellowship

St. Mary's Weekend
Youth Revival

Mr. Rex Edwards, a member of
Saratoga Church, presently enrolled at
Carolina Bible Institute, Pine Level, will
be the guest speaker at a weekend youth
revival to be presented at St. Mary's

M

church, Route 3, Kenly, assisted by thr
pastor, the Rev. Leslie Hawley. Reviva
begins Friday, February 20 am
Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p. ml
Services Sunday at 11 :00 a. m. and 7:0(
p. m. The youth of St. Mary's extend <
cordial invitation to attend these ser
vices.

Coming Events . . .

February 27— Home Mission Rally, Oah
Grove Church, Elizabethtown, North]
Carolina, Speaker, the Rev. Noah|
Brown, Morehead City, with Special
Singing and Testimonies

March 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

March 20— Vacation Bible School

Workshop, Ayden, North Carolina
March 25— Eastern District Woman's

Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive

College, Mount Olive, North Carolina
March 27— Piedmont District Woman's

Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free!

Will Baptist Church, WadesboroJ

North Carolina
March 31 — Central District Woman's,

Auxiliary Convention (Place to Be,;

Announced)
April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's

Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free

Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,)

North Carolina
April 7— Western District Woman's

Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will'

Baptist Church, Micro, North

Carolina

April 10— North Carolina State Sunday'.
School Convention, Ayden
Elementary School, Ayden, North
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist]
Press Foundation as Host
April 14— Cape Fear District Woman's'
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive1
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina 1
April 15— Albemarle District Woman's1
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union .
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina
April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)
May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Scripture Reading— 1 John 2: 12

JUST PLAYING PEEKABOO
How wonderful to see the world

With baby's big bright eyes,
For everything is new to him ;

Each toy a great surprise !
The hours are filled with magic

And a million things to see,
And he expects the folks he loves
To be as thrilled as he !

— Dorothia Morton

PRAYER THOUGHT
Life is thrilling! We waste so much
our precious time in bickering and
mplaints. Let our prayer be that
2lj|j>e, much as little children, will see
d enjoy the wonders of God's
untiful mercies.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Scripture Reading— 2 Timothy 1 : 7

WASHINGTON WEPT HERE
jThey weren't even Americans— not
it. Just simple colonials !
A weary, frozen, scared, starving
md of ordinary people on their way
an extraordinary achievement:
te United States of America!
If they could last the Valley Forge
Winter, their cause, freedom, would
lot be lost.

George Washington wept for them.
The pitiful huts, the nonexistent food
ind the incredible scarcity
irrounding them would test any
lan.

They won! Over winter . . . over the
loe . . . over every obstacle that stood
S jn the way of their self-determination.

Now, maybe you think you're just
fin ordinary person, that nothing you
ban do would help Freedom's cause
coo much.

But do it anyhow. Write that letter
rou never got around to writing.

Lead. Listen. Learn. Tell. Encourage.
Jut don't ignore Freedom.

You'd be surprised how ordinary

people can produce extraordinary
results !

It's how America happened!
Freedom ! Ignore it and maybe it will
go away . —Upward

PRAYER THOUGHT
It appears that we must experience
disaster before we show our true
colors. If we would be as strong
during good times as we are in ad-
versity perhaps we would alleviate
many of our disasterous problems.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Scripture Reading— Psalm 84:11

A BIRTHDAY WISH

Health enough to make work a

pleasure ;
Wealth enough to support your needs ;
Strength enough to battle with dif-
ficulties and overcome them ;
Grace enough to confess your sins and

forsake them ;
Patience enough to toil until some

good is accomplished;
Charity enough to see some good in

your neighbor;
Love enough to move you to be useful

and helpful to others ;
Faith enough to make real the things

of God;

Hope enough to remove all anxious
fears concerning the future.

PRAYER THOUGHT
With love of God and our fellowmen
in our hearts and charity in all our
works, it is possible for us to gain all
the above mentioned wishes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Scripture Reading— 1 Thes-
salonians 1 : 3

DIFFUSE THE TRUTH

One hundred and fifty years ago
Daniel Webster said: "If religious
books are not widely circulated
among the masses in this country, I
do not know what is going to become
of us as a nation. If truth be not dif-
fused, error will be. If the evangelical
volume does not reach every com-
munity, the pages of a corrupt and
licentious literature will.

"If the power of the Gospel is not
felt throughout the length and
breadth of the land, anarchy and
misrule, degeneration and misery,
corruption and darkness, will reign
without mitigation or end ! ' '

The words of a century and a half
ago had a strangely prophetic ring.

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is sad to realize that people did
not listen to Daniel Webster as he
attempted to help mankind. It is far
more sad to know that people refuse
the Word of God which is their
ultimate salvation.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 4 : 15

FLAWLESS
W. E. Stangster said, "By
unanimous testimony, Jesus was a
good man. Yet He had no sense of
guilt. He prayed, 'Father, forgive
them' (Luke 23:34). Never did He
pray, 'Father, forgive me.' His
standing challenge to all was this:
'Which of you convinceth me of sin?'
(John 8:46). Nobody took up the
challenge."

Only of Christ can it be said: "Who
knew no sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21);
' 'Who did no sin" (1 Peter 2 : 22 ) .

PRAYER THOUGHT
How could we follow a sinful God?
Jesus came as an example plus being
a sacrifice for our sins. We com-
prehend more through example than
we do through instruction, but Jesus
gave us both.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Scripture Reading— Lamentations
5:7

BITTER STREAMS
Said John Locke, English
philosopher, "Parents wonder why
the streams are bitter when they
themselves have poisoned the
fountain ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we criticize our youth a
reflection is cast upon the parents of
these youth and the conditions that
are prevalent in our land. We cannot
hold a plant responsible for the
inadequate soil or defective seed.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Scripture Reading— Psalm 84 : 11

WHAT DISCORD!
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said,
"What discord we would bring into
the universe if our prayers were all
answered! Then we would govern the
world, and not God. And do you think
we would govern it better? ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
God gave man a mind of his own
and we see where this has led him.
Answering all of men's prayers would
be completely catastrophic.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press.

THE FREE WELL BAPTIST

11

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route I, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Please explain, "Ye are the
salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost
his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?
it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out, and to be trodden under foot
of men" (Matthew 5:13).

Answer: Salt as it was found in
Palestine and other nearby countries in
Jesus' days upon the earth was less
pure than our table salt that has been
through a better process of purification
than the salt referred to by Jesus; hence,
that salt when it became integrated with
its environment, became as useless to
preserve meat and other foods as those
ingredients that became amalgamated
with it. All who had any knowledge of
their means then of preserving foods,
such as the abundance of fish taken from
the Sea of Galilee and other animal
products preserved for transportation to
distant locations, used salt as a
preservative. Many fish caught by Peter
and John and their brothers and partners
were preserved by the use of this salt
and transported to Jerusalem and other
distant markets. But the salt by which
they were preserved must of itself be
preserved uncontaminated, otherwise
the food spoiled and was not marketable.

The Christian or for that part the
Jewish saint before the incarnation
needed to be kept separated from
contaminating forces otherwise they
could not be the means by which Jesus
accomplished His purpose to save the
world. Sin, like the unsavery en-
vironment that rendered the salt of that
day useless as a food preservative,
would, when tolerated by a Christian,
render him useless as Jesus' means to
save the lost souls of men and fit them
for the kingdom of God.

Jesus in the concurring moments as
His disciples' instructor, praying to ours
and His heavenly Father, said: "... now

come I to thee; and these things I speak
in the world, that they might have my joy
fulfilled in themselves. I have given them
thy word; and the world hath hated
them, because they are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world. I pray not
that thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that thou shouldest keep them
from the evil. They are not of the world,
even as I am not of the world. Sanctify
them through thy truth: thy word is
truth" (John 17:13-17).

They needed this special setting apart
or sanctification that they might be
preserved from the evils of the world.
They were too much like the branches of
a well-kept vine. Jesus had told them "I
am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman. Every branch in me that
beareth not fruit he taketh away: and
every branch that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more
fruit" (John 15:1, 2).

It requires this alert dedication of a
Christian that is in Christ: he lives,
moves, and has his being in Him to keep
him fit for that fruit bearing he needs, in
order that he let his light shine so as to
be distinguished from the world that he
is to bear fruit in. Also he is to let his
light shine so as to keep him un-
contaminated. When this is true of the
Christian, men will take knowledge of
him, that he has been with Jesus, and it
will cause them to seek Jesus that their
needs may be met and their innermost
desires satisfied.

In this our day there is no other means
to achieve this (see Hebrews 1:1-4;
Philippians 4:13, 19). We Christians, in
order to escape the contamination of the
world and be fit subjects for heaven,
must ever be active. Second Corinthians
5:20 states: "Now then we are am-
bassadors for Christ, as though God did
beseech you by us: we pray you in
Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

To carry out this commission we musj
be sanctified. "If a man therefore purgi
himself from these, he shall be a vesse
unto honour, sanctified, and meet for thi
master's use, and prepared unto ever]
good work. Flee also youthful lusts: bu
follow righteousness, faith, charity
peace, with them that call on the Lord ou
of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:21 , 22).

When Jesus was praying in the garder
He knew what it took and was
suggesting the same for all who were
His. Paul had learned from experience
and recommended the same to Timothy
The Bible teaches, regarding the same,
when it says: "Neither as being lords
over God's heritage, but being en
samples to the flock. And when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a'
crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1
Peter 5:3, 4). (Also read Verses 5-1 0.)1
"Be not carried about with divers and
strange doctrines. For it is a good thing
that the heart be established with grace;
not with meats, which have not profited
them that have been occupied therein"
(Hebrews 13:9).

Dr. George H. Sandison gives the
following answer to a similar question in
his book, 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered, on Page 273:

"The passage in Matthew 5:13, 'If
the salt has lost its savour, wherewith!
shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good5
for nothing but to be cast out, and'
trodden under foot of men,' is based!
upon actual facts of Eastern life. It is well*
known that salt under certain conditions
loses its saltness. Dr. Thomson, in The
Land and the Book, tells this story to
substantiate this contention: 'A mer-'
chant of Sidon having a large supply of)
salt filled sixty-five houses in a
mountainous district with it. These
houses had merely earthen floors and the
salt next to the ground was in a few years
entirely spoiled. This salt, becoming
insipid and useless effloresced and
turned to dust, not to fruitful soil,
however. It was not only good for
nothing itself, but it actually destroyed all
fertility wherever it was thrown, and this
is the reason why it is thrown into the
street. So troublesome is this corrupted
salt that it is carefully swept up, carried
forth and thrown into the street. There is
no place about the house, yard or garden
where it is tolerated. No man will allow it
to be thrown onto his field, and the only
place for it is the street; and there it is
cast to be trodden under foot of men.' "

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

DEMANDS OF FORGIVENESS

sson Text: Matthew 18:21-35
loAmory Verse: Matthew 6:14

i

INTRODUCTION

There is nothing more dangerous to
b spiritual life and well-being of man
ei'/i (an the keeping and nurturing of hatred
the heart. It was for this cause that
sus put so much stress upon the
cessity of all men, and Christians in
rticular, to be willing, and even
rtxious, to forgive the trespasses of their
oiiifjlowmen.
I There are two basic reasons that
jiould move us to show this willingness
I forgive: One, our failure to do so
unts our own Christian growth and
takes it impossible for us to justify any
III that we might extend asking others
| forgive; second, if we are Christians,
ije will seek to pattern our lives after the
|ample of our Lord, and to do this
i >ithout a willingness to forgive others as
usi.fje have been forgiven by Him is an
;tt;i ^possibility .

tifji In our lesson text for today's study the
It.prd, after stressing the fact that
'jipristians should continue to forgive all
fflf jho seek their forgiveness, gave in
it arable form an apt illustration of why all
, [ho have thus profited from the
r|rgiveness of others should show a
I;. Willingness to forgive any who should
E; ijespass against them.— The Senior
r juarterly (F. W. B.)

it j . HINTS THAT HELP

j A. Before we condemn Peter for
j: jsking this question about forgiveness,
f jok carefully at the context and you will
r fie that he was justified in this question.
S )owever, we do not believe that Peter
: jxpected the answer that he received.
> ; B. One of the best spiritual exercises
I lat one can do is to sit down and think
bout the blessings that come to him
om God. This experience makes one
umble, and makes one realize that he is
debtor to God. There is no possible way

that we could think of paying God for all
that He has done and does each day for
us. But God is willing to forgive us the
debt. However, His forgiveness is based
upon our willingness to forgive others the
wrongs that they have done to us.

C. Someone has said that
forgiveness is the odor that flowers give
off when we crush them under our feet.
Forgiveness and mercy are two things
that cannot be earned or deserved. If we
earned them they would no longer be
forgiveness and mercy but wages. It is
well to remember this when we come to
forgive others. By the very nature of
forgiveness, we cannot demand that they
deserve it.

D. Do we forgive others for their
sake or for our own sake? Both. We
forgive others because of our own need
to receive the blessings that can come to
us through forgiveness, because those
who have wronged us need it, and
because we love them.

E. Why do we find it difficult to
forgive? It may be that we have the
wrong concept of forgiveness altogether,
or it may be that we do not love the
person we should forgive as we ought.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to
forgive those that we love?

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTH

A. Farmer A's cows broke a fence
and got into Farmer's B's cornfield.
Farmer B. had the cows impounded and
sent his neighbor this note: "Your cows
broke into my cornfield, and I have had
them put into the public pound. If they
break in again, I will have them im-
pounded again."

Shortly afterwards Farmer B's cows
broke into Farmer A's cornfield. Farmer
A drove them back where they belonged,
carefully fixed the fence, and sent
Farmer B this message: "Your
cows broke into my cornfield and I
have put them back in your field and
repaired the fence. If they break into my

field again— I will put them back and
repair the fence again."

What was the difference between
these two men? Which had the true spirit
of forgiveness? Which would you like to
be your neighbor? An old Spanish
proverb says, "To return evil for good is
devilish; to return good for good is
human; but to return good for evil is
Godlike." That's what this lesson today
is all about — The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

B. A popular song assures that no
matter how much we grieve Him, God
will always say, "I forgive." But to be
realistic, we have to make a sharp reply:
"Not always!" Jesus says God will not
forgive us unless we forgive others.

Then if we truly forgive others, can we
be sure that God will always say to us, "I
forgive"? No, forgiving is important, but
it is not all. What else does the Bible tell
us to do for our own forgiveness?

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John
1 :9). Trying to hide our wrongdoing from
God is futile and foolish. Possibly we
have some sins that we really do not
know about, so that we need to pray with
David, "Cleanse thou me from secret
faults" (Psalm 19:12). But let us
examine our acts and our minds and
hearts till every secret sin is known to us
and confessed to God.

"Repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). This was
what the Holy Spirit gave Simon Peter to
say to people who were "pricked in their
heart" because they realized they had
sinned in crucifying Jesus. No better
advice can be given to any sinner who
admits his sin but has not yet turned to
Jesus as his Saviour. — Standard Lesson
Commentary

C. By cherishing an unforgiving
spirit we shut out the possibility of God's
forgiveness. Someone has said, "He
who cannot forgive others breaks the
bridge over which he himself must
pass." An unforgiving Christian is a
contradiction in terms. Unwillingness on
our part to forgive is evidence that we
have not been forgiven by God, ac-
cording to the plain words of Jesus: "If
ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses." The mercy we show to
others is to be the measure of the mercy
we ask of God. — C. F. Bowen

I CHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

STORIES

for our youth

SALLY'S
CONSEQUENCES

by

Elsie Miller Gesner

<^ALLY JEAN had memorized
•— ' Philippians 4:13 with her Sun-
day school class: "I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth
me."

"Remember, boys and girls," the
teacher said, "it says all things. Now
that you are Juniors, you have found that
more is expected of you by way of
thoughtfulness and responsibility. Your
personalities and characters are being
molded now. So, remember this verse,
and ask the Lord to help you when you
face new tasks."

Sally Jean did try to remember the
verse during the next few days. She felt
especially grown-up when her mother
asked her to care for her baby brother as
she hurried to help a sick neighbor.

The next week Sally was teaching her
friend, Wanda, to play badminton. When
Wanda finally treed the shuttlecock, they
raced across the lawn to the baby's play
yard, unlocking the gate and hurrying
over to the apple tree. Stevie, Sally
Jean's little brother, looked up
curiously as Sally climbed the tree
and shook down the badminton bird.
Later, when they were both hot and
tired, Sally noticed the open gate.

"Oh, Wanda, we forgot to close the
gate," she exclaimed. Then she looked
around desperately for her little brother.
Just then Stevie came running from
across the street, carrying flowers from
Mrs. Randall's garden. Sally's heart was
pounding as she watched him, but he
reached the law safely. What if Stevie
had been hit by a car because of her
thoughtlessness? She rushed to meet
him as Mother came out.

Mother did not say much when she
heard the story and the apology, but her
eyes told Sally Jean how disappointed
she was. That night, Sally told her
mother about the memory verse. "I
never really thought I needed it before,
but I do now. I'll have to ask the Lord to
make me more thoughtful," she said.

Her mother nodded. "There have
been so many times lately when it
seemed you weren't using your head and
were thoughtless."

Sally did remember to pray for help the
next two days; then for a week she
forgot. One night after school, she visited
her grandmother. Granny had a pretty
green parakeet named Mr. Lively, who
liked to sit on Granny's finger as he
talked to her.

"Pretty bird; I love you. How are
you?" he would chatter.

"He's a real comfort to me, Sally,"
Granny had once said. "I'd be terribly
lonely if I didn't have him to talk to."

But Sally still thought it rather silly
that a woman should talk to a bird
constantly. She sat watching Mr. Lively
as Granny took her cane and hobbled out
to the kitchen to find some cookies.

I wonder why Granny doesn't have
Mr. Lively out of his cage today? Sally
thought. And I wonder why he never will
sit on my finger. I ought to teach him.

Without thinking, she opened the cage
door. "Come, Mr. Lively. Sit on my
finger," she coaxed. He flapped his
wings, then flew straight for the screen
door. "Come back, Mr. Lively," Sally
called. Before she could catch the bird, a
man, whom Sally had seen removing
Granny's storm windows, came to the
door.

"May I come in and get a drink of
water?" he asked as he opened the door
a crack. Then he ducked quickly.
"What's that?" he asked bewildered.

"The parakeet," Sally screamed.

I

"Oh, catch him, please! Granny's bird
flew out the door."

"He looked more like a dive bomber,'!
the man laughed. "Don't you worry, I'j
catch him."

For the next few minutes, Sally ant.
the man chased the bird from one bust
to another. "Ask your grandmother t(
come out and call him," he suggested
"The bird is afraid of us."

Sally swallowed hard. It was not easj
to tell Granny what had happened. But i
was the only way they could hope t(
catch the bird now.

Granny hurried to the door as fast as
her lame leg would carry her. There wert
tears in her eyes. "I kept him in todaj
because the workmen were in and oir
the doors so often. Bring the cage
Sally," she said. "Perhaps he will come
back to his cage. ' '

Granny chirped, called, and coaxed
but Mr. Lively was enjoying his new
freedom. Eventually he flew high up intc
a tall elm tree. His handsome, greer
plumage blended in with the greer
leaves, and they could no longer see
him.

Sally Jean felt sick when Granny
sorrowfully left the cage on the ground
hopefully thinking Mr. Lively migh
return to it. They went into the house
Granny sat down heavily. She was trying
to keep the tears from her eyes. Whj
does Granny have to feel so bad about
little old bird? Sally wondered. Then shf
remembered Granny's explanation abou:
her loneliness. Finally she thought of ij
way out of her dilemma.

"Never mind, Granny," she con
soled. "I saw a bird down at the pe:
store that looks almost exactly like Mr!
Lively. If he doesn't come back in a fevi
days, I'll buy you a new one. I havn
enough money."

"Maybe Mr. Lively will come back,')
Granny murmured. "But I don't reall]
need another bird. In fact, I wouldn't
want another. You see, I've had Mr"
Lively for a long time. Another bird jusj
wouldn't be the same, Sally."

For three nights after school, Sail]
stood beneath the tall elm, watching am
praying for the return of Mr. Lively. Bu
she prayed also that she might becom
more thoughtful. She was about to leav
on the third night when a voice hailei
her.

"Pretty bird. How are you?" Then
was no one in sight, but she caught th<
(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

MISSIONS

(Continued on Page 9 )

f| them as they study. Pray for us as we
leavor to help them with their
parations as they seek to win their
>ple for Christ.

Respectfully submitted,
Vance Link

HOME MISSIONS
RALLY AT G0LDSB0R0
CHURCH

illy on Thursday, February 26, at 7:30
m. All the churches in the surrounding
ea are urged to attend. Pictures of the
me missions work will be shown. The
leaker will be Dr. W. Burkette Raper,
id special music will be rendered by
isey's Chapel church. This will be a
M>d opportunity for our churches in that
ea to become more familiar with the
>me missions work. An offering for home
issions will be taken.

Respectfully submitted.
Taylor Hill

THE SPIRIT WITH US

( Continued from Page 3 j
ushed myself through each day
Mowing my well-established rountine of
ousework. I continued with life as
sual, sometimes wondering if the hurt
rauld ever go away. I knew Daddy would
rant me to go on living each day to the
iiHest, enjoying what I have. I'll always
herish that special kind of closeness we
lad— the kind others couldn't see and
lay not understand.

fHE FRJEE WILL BAPTIST

Stories for our Youth

( Continued from Page 14 )
flash of green in the cage which Granny
had moved to the porch.

"Mr. Lively," she exclaimed, rushing
to the cage and closing the door. "I'm
just fine now." To herself she added,
And I know I really can do all things
through Christ! — Selected

Churches and Ministers
Available

On November 16. 1 975, the First Free
Will Baptist Church of Williamston voted
to grant a license to Gerald R. Perry to
preach the gospel of Christ. Mr. Perry,
his wife Madeline, and their sons Keith
and Brian are dearly loved by the entire
church.

Mr. Perry is highly recommended by
the Williamston church to any church
that needs someone to supply for their
pastor. He has been approved by the
Ordaining Council of the Central Con-
ference.

He may be reached by writing Route 3,
Williamston. North Carolina 27892; or
telephoning 792-5430.

The Rev. Ray Harrison Jr. announces
that he is available for full-time or part-
time pastoral work. He is also available
for supply and evangelistic services. He
may be contacted by writing Route 2,
Box 340, Grifton. North Carolina 28530:
or telephoning 524-5186.

The Rev. L. Beverly Ballard would like
for it to be known that he is available for
church work and will be glad to preach
trial sermons upon request. He may be
contacted by writing 1225 S.
Washington Street, Greenville, North
Carolina 27834: or telephoning (919)
752-2950.

The Rev. Larry Higgins. recently
ordained minister, announces that he is
available for supply and part-time
pastoral services. He may be contacted
by writing Box 91, North Carolina
Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North
Carolina 27801; or telephoning the
college, 446-2469 or his home in New
Bern. 638-4038.

The Gum Neck Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Columbia, is in need of
a full-time pastor. Any interested or-
dained Free Will Baptist minister may
contact Mr. Joe T. Liverman Sr., Route
1 , Columbia, North Carolina 27925: or by
calling 796-5771.

CHILDREN^ HOME FUNDS

There are several funds at the Children's Home
available to contributors. It's very difficult for one to
set a priority on a certain fund because all are vitally
important to the continued existence of the Home and
to the present and future care of our children. The
four primary funds are as follows: (1) General
Operating Fund. (2j College Education Aid Fund. (3j
Capital Fund, and (4) Endowment Fund.

The General Operating Fund is naturally an im-
portant one, for these monies are used to pay for our
operating costs on a daily, weekly, and monthly
basis. The College Education Aid Fund is certainly one
that is needed to help our children during their time in
college. The Capital Fund is highly important if we're
going to continue to improve our existing buildings,
build new buildings, or purchase new equipment. The
last fund to be discussed is not to be considered the
least of those funds, and that is our Endowment Fund.
It is these funds that help to guarantee our continued
existence through hard times and times of troubles. In
times past it has been the adequately endowed in-
stitutions, agencies, and organizations who have
continued to exist, develop, and grow throughout
difficult times.

Our Children 's Home has been providing a home for
homeless children for fifty-six years and that certainly
attests to our denomination's devotion to the Home.
However, if one looks back into our historical records,
one could see there have been periods of time when
things were difficult. These difficult times could have
been somewhat better had we had adequate
Endowment Funds. At the close of our fifty-third year,
there were only two endowment funds held by the
Home. At the time of this writing there are a total of
ten funds, and all are on deposit with our Church
Finance Association. Below is a listing of Endowment
Funds and they are listed in sequence beginning with
the first one established:

i'i '; -. : E'::.'.~e'*

Boyd-Jackson Memorial Endowment
General Endowment
Trustee Endowment

Aspen Grove Free Will Baptist Church Endowment
Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist Church Endowment
Memorial Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Memorial
Endowment

Core Creek Free Will Baptist Church Memorial
Endowment

Atlas Webb Family Endowment

Calvary Free Will Baptist Church Memorial
Endowment

Lee's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Memorial
Endowment

as members of the Children's Home Lighhouse
Ministry. The interest earned from these endowments
are deposited into our general operating fund at the
close of each year.

Any person, group, or church interested in ob-
taining additional information about the Home's
Endowment Funds or any of the other three funds,
should write to the Superintendent. Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, P. 0. Drawer E. Middlesex, North
Carolina 27557.

15

library com

duke university

durham, n . c. 27703

FROM: The DESK of TOMMY MANNING, Editor
TO: Our Current Subscribers
SUBJECT: A Special S P E C I A L for You

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THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

the free Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1976

Today : the beginning or the end
Of what could be a new life

Or a sure death.

TODAY-WHAT IS IT?

Today: yesterday's tomorrow;
A blue day,
A happy day;

Just the way you look at it or the way it happens to be;

A time of mourning or rejoicing;

Realizing impossible dreams or discovering

Diabolical schemes;

Spoiled hopes,

Or desperate attempts at finding contentment.

Today: the present time
When all is well

Or a bit of hell seems your lot, which comes

Seemingly undeserved

Until you examine your selfishness

Or possible unconcern for others

Or your lack of appreciation for real values.

Today: at hand;
The "now" that is lived
By necessity and plan
Or by chance-
Since life is uncertain and sometimes mean and scourging.

Today: lived well or poorly,
Fully or halfheartedly;
Entered gladly or unenthusiastically
Because of certain expectations
And anticipated concerns.

Today: the beginning or the end
Of what could be a new life
Or a sure death;
Where tears fall,
Smiles fade,
Fears enlarge

And add despair to indecision.

Today: good or bad,
Happy or sad,
Depending upon trust-
In what:

Where and why?

God's or Satan's—

Yours to decide;

Consequences to pay,

Rewards to claim,

Seeds sown and harvest reaped.

Today: tomorrow's yesterday-
Only if there is a tomorrow.

Today: possibly the end of everything; perhaps a rude awakening— and then again, it
could be the best of all beginnings!

Today!

Cover Photo by Walter Reynolds

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

FEBRUARY 25, 1976
Volume 91 Number I

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconc
class postage paid at Ayden. North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mus
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thi;
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Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MR. AND MRS. LETCHWORTH

HONORED AT
FREE UNION CHURCH

and Mrs. Duff Letchworth
Route 2, Walstonburg, were
Ignored at Free Union Free Will Baptist
Jhurch on Sunday, January 25, at the
ieven o'clock worship service. Mr.
[fetchworth has served as treasurer of
jlree Union Sunday School for more than
Kty-five years.

\ Brother Duff was born July 22,

iB94, and was married to Miss Martha
Iftnes on December 20, 1916; and if the
Jfard wills, they will celebrate their
frjxtieth wedding anniversary this year.
i!|ie Lord blessed them with six children;
iwo of them who are still very active
f fembers at Free Union, for they were

Irought up in the nurture and admonition

We Lord.

Mr. Letchworth became treasurer of
:|e Sunday school (to the best of his
inowledge) either in 1929 or early 1930,
\ position he held faithfully until he
bsigned at the end of 1975. He can well
pmember the depression days when the
junday school offering was sometimes
js low as 15 cents.

j For whatever success Brother Duff has
Enjoyed , he has always been quick to
iive credit to "Mrs. Martha," the one
jvho has stood by his side for nearly 60
rears. Many times he has said, "She

has been a good wife and a good mother
to our children."

Mr. Letchworth has very little formal
education, but he learned from others
and their experiences. He kept excellent
financial records for our Sunday school.
His name appears often in the minutes of
Free Union church as he participated in
the business affairs of his church. He
served on a number of committees: to
secure a pastor and an evangelist, to
solicit funds for Mount Olive College, a
pew captain to urge people to attend
revivals, and was a living epistle of
Christ.

In 1962, he was ordained to serve his
church as a deacon, a position he has
faithfully held, since the Bible says,
"... they that have used the office
of a deacon well purchase to themselves
a good degree, and great boldness
in the faith which is in Christ Jesus"
(1 Timothy 3:13).

His pastor, the Rev. C. L. Patrick, telis
of a visit to see him recently when he was
sick for a few days. Before the pastor
left, he prayed for Mr. and Mrs. Let-
chworth. Immediately after he said
"Amen," Brother Duff began to pray for
his pastor. Mr. Patrick said that he went
to visit Brother Duff, hoping to be a

blessing to him, but he came away
receiving a greater blessing from Brother

Duff.

Several members in the congregation
joined in paying tribute to Mr. and Mrs.
Letchworth on this momentous occasion,
saying that they were wonderful neigh-
bors. A great number of years Brother
Duff clerks in a country store and was
referred to as "Mr. Fix-It." Anything
that needed fixing— from a tractor to a
mixer— was always carried to the store
for him to fix it. He has since retired from
the store, but he still carries on his work
for the Lord. He still shows his love and
concern for others by visiting the sick,
bereaved, and lonely in his community,
always helping those in financial need.

One member of the church could not
be present for the occasion, so he wrote
a letter to be read at the service. This
letter expressed love and appreciation of
having friends like Mr. and Mrs. Let-
chworth.

The Free Union church and community
has been made a better place to live in by
having Brother Duff and Mrs. Martha as
a part of it. We pray that the Lord will
continue to bless and keep them in His
care.

Mrs. Lena Walston
Walstonburg, N. C.

FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

HOW MUCH SHOULD

I GIVE?

W. Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College

IVING is our response to
a good and generous God. Giv-
ing is also a main artery for our spiritual
growth.

I. The Reference Point

Once we decide to give— and most
people want to give— the next question
is, "How much?"

The reference point is not, "How
much does my church or my favorite
charities need?" "What is my fair
share?" "How much are others
giving?" The reference point is God.
How good has God been to me? What is
my response to His goodness? How
much do I trust Him for the future?

Often we approach Christian giving as
if God is a beggar. Our attitude appears
to be that we are taking a part of what is
ours and giving it to God. The church,
which is the Bride of Christ on earth, has
no business begging. Money that is
extracted from people— by whatever the
means— is not promoting Christian
stewardship. "... God loveth a cheerful
giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7), and a gift
that is made grudgingly may be a gift to
man but not to God.

We give not because God needs our
resources but because we need to
give— because giving is a main artery to
our spiritual lives. If we gave everything
we had to God, He would be none the
richer, but we would be enriched.

We need only to consider who God
is— the unlimited One who created and
endowed this abundant planet called
"Earth" and who has entrusted it to His
children. This earth has resources not
only adequate to sustain us but to
support and advance God's work. In the
light of these resoruces, there is no
justifiable reason for God's work to
suffer, for if His work is limited by lack of
funds, it is because we have kept for
ourselves too much of what belongs to
God.

In America, where six percent of the
world's people use fifty percent of the
world's goods, it is a tragedy that so
many of us literally spend our lives in a
struggle for financial security! When we
look at nur money in terms of ourselves,
there is usually not enough for our
"needs" much less to give; but when
we look at it in terms of God, an entirely
different set of values comes into force.

The beginning of Christian steward-
ship is a God-centered view of life:
". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness," said Jesus, "and
all these things shall be added unto
you" (Matthew 6:33). And a man is not
a fool to believe that Jesus knew
what He was talking about.

II. The Tithe

Since stewardship is our response to
God, it should represent our best. ". . .
he that giveth, let him do it with sim-
plicity; ..." wrote one who worked hard
for all he had (Romans 12:8). So long as
we approach giving on the basis of how
little we can socially or conscientiously
get by with, we will never know the joy
and enrichment of Christian giving.

What does God expect from us?

In the Old Testament the principle of
the tithe was established. In his flight
from his brother, Esau, the Patriarch
Jacob had an encounter with God. He
was traveling across a country that was
new and strange, and when night
descended upon this lonely man, his only
resting place was under the canapy of
God's heaven with a stone for a pillow. In
his dreams, God came to Jacob through
the vision of a ladder connecting earth
with heaven, and he was awed with the
awareness that wherever he went, God
was there.

Jacob's response was a vow to God:
". . . If God will be with me, and will
keep me in this way that I go, and will

give me bread to eat, and raiment to p
on, So that I come again to my father
house in peace; then shall the LORD I
my God; ... and of all that thou sh:
give me I will surely give the tenth um
thee" (Genesis 28:20-22).

Thus, before the nation of Israel w;i
born, the tithe was ordained as a guidir
principle for man's response to tf
blessings of God; and throughout the 0|
Testament and into the New, the titf|
remained an established part of worship
We carried a foreign student, who wa
visiting in our home, to a rural chum
one Sunday, and as we were leaving H
saw a poster over the door: "The Tithe j
the Lord's." "What is the Tithe?" r
asked, and I explained that it was tn
one tenth of income that Christians gi\i;
to God's work. "Do all Christians cj
that?"

Tithing should be the beginning— II
minimum— and the excuses we give fti
not tithing just don't make sense, and,
my experience, I found that they wet
not acceptable to God.

Many of us have stated our excuses
"I give every time the offering plat
passes and to every worthy cause th.'
comes around, but in my circumstances
just don't know how to figure the tithe.
Are we really being honest or evasive?

Suppose we tried this approach wit
our income tax returns: "I really do n<
know what my income for the year was
but I am sure I have paid my share <
taxes. Every time I buy food or clothes,
pay taxes; every time I stop at the servic
station, I pay gasoline taxes; I hav
already sent my social security taxes
and they keep going up; then there wer
the license plates for both of my cars;
had to pay more in property taxes th i
year than ever before; and the deat
taxes on my father's estate just about al
it up. I feel sure that with the taxes I hav
already paid and with the medical e>

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

prises I had this year, I don't owe
iything." How do you think the Internal
venue Service would respond to a
jter like this?

|The answer is obvious: If we keep
ij:ords for income taxes, we can keep
em for giving. It is not enough to be
finest with Caesar; we must also be
(nest with God. I know a man who
fought he had been generous during the
Jar, but in December he reviewed his
jbome and gifts and discovered that God
I been more generous than he was
vare. He went to the bank and
'tof Trowed $500 so he could complete
*lying his tithes for the year. "I don't
10 ilieve in that kind of legalism," you
si y. That is not legalism— that is
m iristian stewardship.
1 Another often heard excuse for not
4,hing is: "I do not think it is right for
e to give away money when I owe
mebody." In today's economy most
jople have debts and Christian honesty
quires that we pay what we owe, but a
isiuman debt is no justification for robbing
o wiod (see Malachi 3:8). If we do not have

enough money to tithe, we should
painfully examine our expenditures to
see if we are not using for ourselves what
belongs to God. One of the great benefits
of tithing is that it disciplines us to be
more prudent in the use of the money we
keep for ourselves.

III. How to Begin

Tithing is more than a financial
exercise— it is a spiritual experience. As
long as we look at our finances, we
probably never will begin tithing because
most of us are unwilling to distinguish
between what we need and what we
want. We have become a people who
demand instantly what it took previous
generations a lifetime to obtain, and we
use our credit to acquire what we have
not yet earned. The truth is that many
church members pay more in interest on
personal loans than they give for
Christian causes.

The only way to begin tithing is to
confront God as did Jacob and say to
Him: "God, I recognize that all I have or
ever hope for came from you. I love you,

SpeciaJ ^Moments

lear Maggie,

"There have been many beautiful moments and incidents in my life in the last
rear and a half since Jesus became my Lord. One of the most beautiful happened one
norning when I was reading God's Word. I felt a song inside me and I just started
lumming. I didn't know the tune nor had I ever heard it before. It was so beautiful I
ried. That was the first time I made a joyful song to the Lord.

"Since I met Jesus, I've learned that the most important word in'the world is
ove. When I realized for the first time that God loves me, He became my Lord. He has
es taught me that first you must love and like yourself, then you can love others. In
oving yourself you are really loving God because God created you.
'The most beautiful gift of all is love (see John 3:16)."

X!

jGoldsboro, N. C.

its

If all Sunday school teachers and ministers who read the column will bring it to
the attention of their class members and various church leaders, God's column will
grow. It needs your response now!

Maggie

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

God, and I appreciate all you do for me,
and I am not going to keep everything
you give me for myself. I am going to put
at least one tenth of it back into your
work. I cannot go back and catch up the
past, but I am going to begin now with
what I have and with all that comes to me
in the future, and with your help I will
live on what is left after I give a tithe to
you.

"I make this vow, God, not because I
expect you to reward me for tithing by
making me prosperous but simply
because I thank you and love you. God, it
is not that you need what you have
already given to me, but I need to have a
part in your work on earth. Measure my
tithe not by its amount, for that is only
one tenth of what you have given me, but
measure it by my love for you. "

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Dear Laymen,

Please announce in your church that
the- Layman's League Fellowship of the
Central Conference will be meeting
Tuesday, March 2, 1976, at Peace Free
Will Baptist Church near Pinetops.

If you have a layman's league in your
church, won't you please try and get the
men of your church to attend this very
important meeting. This is a very special
meeting as we are having the
superintendent of the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, at Middlesex, Mr. Sam
Weeks, to be with us that night. Mr.
Weeks will be bringing us news from the
Children's Home. He will be explaining
the problems that they are having with
their water supply, and other things of
interest to us. After all, these are our
children that God has entrusted to our
care. We certainly do want to help in
their needs through the layman's league,
I ask you to please come to this meeting
in great numbers. Let's get involved in
these things. Our layman's league needs
you.

If you do not have a layman's league in
your church, won't you come and see
what we are doing? We would like for
you to become a part of our league. We
will be looking forward to seeing you
there.

Respectfully submitted,
Henry P. Beaman
Secretary-Treasurer

Question: Why can't we fellowship
with the Mormons in the same way we
can with those of one of the conventional
Protestant groups such as the Methodist
or another Baptist group other than our
own?

Answer: Because of the doctrines they
believe. In my opinion they are not
Christian in the sense that a born-again
Baptist or Methodist or Presbyterian is.
They believe in, teach, practice, and
propagate teachings contrary to that
taught in the Bible.

I recall quite distinctly an incident that
occurred in the first revival meeting that I
helped in during my student years at the
Free Will Baptist Seminary in Ayden.
That experience has helped to give me
correct guidance in my attitude toward
Mormons and their teachings ever since.
A young man attended this meeting quite
regularly. I was told that he was a
Mormon and that he might believe and
join the church we were conducting the
meeting in if someone would help him in
the right way. Since I was responsible
for most of the visiting and personal work
during the two weeks of the meeting, I
talked with him several times, prayed for
him, and did all I was able to do to in-
fluence him to give his life to Christ.

He appeared to be interested and
made me think at times he might respond
to the gospel, as several other young
men in the neighborhood had done, until
toward the end of the meeting at which
time he boldly took the initiative, sought
me out, and presented me with a card
about two by three and one-half inches in
size which had a summarized statement
of the Mormon belief. If my memory
serves me correctly this summary
consisted in 12 points. The first said: We
believe in the Bible so far as it is correctly
translated; and the second stated: We
believe the book of Joseph Smith to be
the divine word of God, etc.

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

I was young in the work and not too far
advanced in my studies, including that of
the Bible; but I knew enough to realize
that this was contrary to the teaching of
God's Word for the Word distinctly says:
". . . I testify unto every man that
heareth the words of the prophecy of this
book, If any man shall add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the
plagues that are written in this book: And
if any man shall take away from the
words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part out of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the
things which are written in this book"
(Revelation 22:18, 19).

I have had quite close contact with
those of this persuasion since the
meeting with this young man for I
worked with Mormons and had as a
working partner a young man that was
brought up by strict Mormon parents for
several years. My experience with these
young people convinces me that one
brought up in that belief is apt to be so
much a part of this false doctrine or belief
that Satan maintains a spiritual grip upon
his life so strong and so well fixed in
subtle control that only the power of God
can break it.

When Jesus was on the Mount of
Transfiguration a man took his son that
was demon possessed to Jesus'
disciples that they might relieve him, but
they could not. When Jesus descended
to the foot of the mountain He cast out
the demon and healed the boy. The
disciples asked why they could not do
this and He said: ". . . Jesus rebuked
the devil; and he departed out of him:
and the child was cured from that very
hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus
apart, and said, Why could not we cast
him out? And Jesus said unto them,
Because of your unbelief: for verily I say
unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of
mustard seed, ye shall say unto this
mountain, Remove hence to yonder

place; and it shall remove; and noth/fi
shall be impossible unto you. Howb{
this kind goeth not out but by prayer ar
fasting" (Matthew 17:18-21).

I earnestly believe that for a borj
again Christian worker to be able to de
successfully with a Mormon i
Jehovah's Witness or a faithful believi
in any false cult, he must not only kno
his Bible, but that he must remain s
close to God that God through Chris1!
must reflect Himself through th
Christian worker in a way that keep^
him in thought and deed separated froi
the world, the flesh, and the devil sij
distinctly that he continues to think witj
and in Christ. He needs to be that whict
Paul claimed in "I am crucified wit
Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, by
Christ liveth in me: and the life which
now live in the flesh I live by the faith c
the Son of God, who loved me, and gav
himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). H
needs to walk as John advises Christian
to walk, "... if we walk in the light, a
he is in the light, we have fellowship onii
with another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin'i
(1 John 1:7).

The Israelites, though taught against
such a compromise, tried at times to bf
the children of God and at the same timj
the children of the devil by practicing th*
heathen religious rites. This did not worll
for them, but served as a means to caustf
God to relax His protection of them anf
see them go into captivity under those
more wicked and more disobedient thar?
their captives. He is going to relax Hi;
protective hand on Christendom wherJ
the true Christians amalgamate witrl
such religionists as Mormons, Catholics!
liberal Protestants, Christian Scientists!
and whatever else false religionists rna^i
name themselves. The Bible furthejj
says: "Now the Spirit speaketh ex-l
pressly, that in the latter times some]
shall depart from the faith, giving heed tcj
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having theirl
conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to
abstain from meats, which God hath
created to be received with thanksgiving
of them which believe and know the
truth" (1 Timothy 4:1-3); "For the time
will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears; And they shall turn
(Continued on Page 9)

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scripture basis: ". . . ye are God's
Iding" (1 Corinthians 3:9).

THE CHURCH
IS A BUILDING

We usually think of a building as an
ifice for any use: dwelling, barn,
siness, school, church, to name a
w. This is true even if it consists only of
leshlls and a roof. The physical building
iplies to an edifice, from a most humble
d limited use to that of a king's palace,
lose influence reaches to the ends of
e earth. Then all the buildings on this
irth, whose design and purpose are to
>use God's creatures for any purpose
ay be included— from the peasant's
jiud shack to the king's mansion, from
|e cricket's lair to the lion's den, or
fen the coves in the water where marine
e establishes a home.
A building then, in a broad way, may
scorne an arrangement whose design
id purpose may be used to provide
'otection, safe living, and the sovereign
ght to pursue peace and happiness. We
3uld spend much time and space in
escribing buildings and their use. But
le church is a building whose design
nd purpose are the only motives for this
xplication.

The church is not just a building— it is
spiritual arrangement. It is not of this
forld; it is for souls. This spiritual
uilding may be compared to a physical
welling in many ways. For example,
is building has many compartments
/hose design and purpose serve a
ariety of needs. Briefly, these uses may
le divided as follows: Every household
sually includes a kitchen, a dining
joom, living room, bathrooms,
iedrooms, a study, a family room, a
fecreational or social room, an utility

room, etc. Some have what they call a
mudroom, a barroom, a music room— to
name a few more. The spiritual building
may include descriptive compartments
comparable to these. The use of such
suggests that the soul has to have food.
The food has to be prepared and served,
hence the kitchen and dining room. The
living room is used to catch up with the
news, visit with guests, or attend to the
necessary affairs of life. The Christian
building is used in a big way for this
manner of living. The Christian also has
to have a time and a place for cleansing
and elimination, hence the bathroom.
The bedroom suggests rest, relaxation,
as well as other divinely approved uses.
We do not need to stretch our
imagination to make application as to the
use of the other rooms. There are rooms
in many homes that may be called rooms
of shame since they are used for sinful
and ungodly purposes. These uses may
include the wrong use of sex, the wrong
use of appetites, and the wrong use of
entertainment. There are many shameful
uses of rooms but I have named enough
to satisfy our thinking on this matter.

This spiritual building (the church) is
also a spacious building of vast extent.
The people who reside there should have
no need for cramped quarters. All the
compartments of spiritual use and
fulfillment are adequate. God himself has
provided room enough. Not only is there
room enough, but its furnishing are
fantastic. If you can imagine the most
beautiful dwelling with all the modern
conveniences; such as, furniture,
appliances, music, gadgets, and
recreational and spiritual implements or
devises. The use of these in their design
and purpose can only be a hint of the
spiritual building with all its implements
and their uses.

This spiritual building is the only
building that reaches to heaven. No
wonder our churches have
steeples— they are reminders that from
here our destiny is heaven. The corridors
of this building offer uncongested and
free passage into glory! The spiritual
building is also a living building. Jesus
Christ is the head of the church and as
long as He is the head, the building can
never die. This makes the building a holy
building, gifted with the power of
illumination, the power to grow, and
the power to become a blessing to all her
people everywhere. Praise God!

Coming Events . . .

February 27— Home Mission Rally, Oak
Grove Church, Elizabethtown, North
Carolina, Speaker, the Rev. Noah
Brown, Morehead City, with Special
Singing and Testimonies

March 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

March 20— Vacation Bible School
Workshop, Ayden, North Carolina

March 25— Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

March 27— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free
Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro,
North Carolina

March 31 — Central District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Walstonburg, North Carolina

April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina

April 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

April 10— North Carolina State Sunday
School Convention, Ayden
Elementary School, Ayden, North
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

MOYE LIBRARY GIFTS

Gifts to Moye Library during the months of
December, 1975, and January, 1976, were made by
the following persons:

in Memory Of

Mrs. Crettie Strickland Allen by the Sunday School
of Friendship Free Will Baptist Church, Middlesex.

Mrs. Pacha Aycock by Pleasant Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Woman's Auxiliary of Pleasant Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Sunday School of Pleasant
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, and Mr. and Mrs.
Irwin Rowe, Pikeville.

Mrs. R. B. Aycock by the Frank Aycock Family,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Melba Bailey by Mr. and Mrs. Manley
Jenkins, New Bern.

Miss Gertrude Barwick by Mr. and Mrs. Randall
Albertson, Mount Olive.

The Rev. Paul Barwick by Gary Fenton Barefoot,
and Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Lala Temple Bell by Sunday School of
Friendship Free Will Baptist Church, Middlesex.

Mr. Marvin L. Bethume by Mr. and Mrs. Willard
Barefoot, Dunn.

Mrs. Lula H. Blizzard by Mr. and Mrs. D. F.
Chambers, Kenansville; and Dr. and Mrs. W.
Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. Sam Broadhurst by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Martin, Mount Olive.

Miss Janice Brock by Gary Fenton Barefoot, and
Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Ms. Margaret Gold Borden by Mr. and Mrs. James
B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mr. J. W. Boyette by Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Rhodes,
Princeton.

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Harvey Boykin by the Rev. and
Mrs. Sheldon Howard, Mount Olive.

Mr. D. Graham Boykin by Mr. and Mrs. Abner H.
Miller, Wilson; Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Coleman,
Kenly; College and Career Students Class of Marsh
Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, Sims; Mr. and Mrs.
Lester Fulghum, Wilson; Mr. and Mrs. Will R.
Sullivan and Rhonda, Goldsboro; and Mrs. W. R.
Williams, Pine Level.

Mr. Robert Bryan by Mrs. Sophia H. Potts, Mount
Olive.

Mrs. Queenie S. Clark by Mr. and Mrs. Bobby W
Ackiss, Goldsboro.

Mr. Edwin Corbett by Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Case,
Tarboro.

Mr. Walter McKinley Corbett by Mr. and Mrs. D.
E. Case, Tarboro.
Dr. W. H. Crumpler by Gary Fenton Barefoot,

Mount Olive.

Mr. Oscar Daniels by Mr. and Mrs. Willard
Barefoot, Dunn.

Mr. Durwood Daniels by Mr. and Mrs. Carroll E.
Banks, Merritt.

Mr. R. K. Daughtry by Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy
Rhodes.

Mr. Everette T. Davis by his Brothers and Sisters;
Ms. Anna Roberson, Wilson; Mr. and Mrs. Carl
Davis, Wilson; and Mr. and Mrs. Abner H. Miller,
Wilson.

Mrs. Betty M. Dawson by Mr. and Mrs. Ray
Warwick, Newton Grove.

Mr. Luby Edwards by Ann, Allen, and Kay Radford,
Kenly; Rains Cross Roads church, Pikeville; Mr. and
Mrs. Jimmy Rhodes, Princeton; and Mrs. Hettie E.
Sasser and Family, Kenly.

Mr. H. L. Fornes Jr. by Mount Olive College Alumni
Association, Mount Olive.

Mr. Weldon E. Fulcher by Mrs. E. T. Warren,
Morehead.

Mr. Tom Faulkner by Mrs. B. F. Faulkner, Win-
terville.

Mr. B. F. Faulkner by Mrs. B. F. Faulkner,
Winterville.

Mr. Floyd Gaskill by Mr. Eugene L. Gaskill,
Fayetteville.

Mrs. Winona Gaskins by Mr. and Mrs. Manley
Jenkins, and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Baldree, New Bern.

Mrs. Lorena Godwin by Ladies Auxiliary of
Beaverdam Free Will Baptist Church, Chadbourn.

Mr. Robert Lee Summerlin Sr. by Mrs. Olive S.
Goodson, Greenville.

Mrs. Rosalie Harrell by Junior Boys and Girls
Sunday School Class of Edgewood Free Will Baptist
Church, and the Woman's Auxiliary of Edgewood Free
Will Baptist Church, Pinetops; Mrs. Irene Trevathan,
Macclesfield; and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walston,
Pinetops.

Mrs. Lou Pearl Harrell by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Martin, Mount Olive College Alumni Association, and
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Williams, Mount Olive.

Mr. and Mrs. Clauss Harvey by Mr. Eugene
Gaskill, Fayetteville.

Mrs. Gertrude Harrison Heath by Mr. and Mrs.
Milford Singleton and Jean, LaGrange.

Mrs. Lee Heath by Free Union Free Will Baptist
Church, Walstonburg.

Mr. Orman Merrill Henderson Sr. by Mr. and Mrs.
J. Harold Herring, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Florence Higgins by Miss Margaret Carol
Banks, Trenton.

Mrs. Kathleen Hill by Mount Olive College Alumni
Association, Mount Olive; and Miss Verdie Davenport,
Deep Run.

Mrs. Lola Temple Hinton by the Sunday School of
Friendship Free Will Baptist Church, Middlesex.

Mr. William Hood by Mr. Gary Fenton Barefoot,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Lemmie Webster Jeanes by Woman's Auxiliary

of Eastwood Free Will Baptist Church, Fayetteville. /I
Mr. Herbert Jones by Fifth Union Meeting of M

Eastern Conference, Bridgeton.
Mrs. Irene P. Jones by Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkett|t,

Raper, Mount Olive.
Mr. Alan Carroll Kemp by Mount Olive Collegia

Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Annie Kennedy by Ruth Warrick SundaJ
School Class of Johnston Union Free Will Baptis'
Church, Smithfield.

Mrs. Flora McLaurin by Mr. and Mrs. Ciydt
Williams, Mount Olive.

Mr. Nick Mallard by Mrs. Sybil Godley, Newport, j

Mr. Ronnie Meekins by Mrs. Sybil Godley'1
Newport.

Mr. Johnnie Mercer by Woman's Auxiliary of Cabir
Free Will Baptist Church, Beulaville.

Mrs. Lona S. Mercer by Woman's Auxiliary O'l
Beaverdam Free Will Baptist Church, Chadbourn.

Mr. W. J. (Red) Miller by the Rev. and Mrs. S. A.I
Smith, Beulaville; and Mr. and Mrs. Norwood T,i
Norris, Pink Hill.

Mrs. Nancy Morton by Mr. Eugene L. Gaskill,'
Fayetteville.

Mr. Bennie Murphy by the deacons of Elm Grove'
Free Will Baptist Church and the Elm Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Ayden.

Mrs. Geraldine B. Outlaw by Mr. and Mrs. Randall
Albertson, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Ruby Sewell Parker by Mr. and Mrs. Billy W.
JJilday, Miss Ella Willoughby and Mr. A. B. Willough-j
by, Ahoskie.

Mrs. Julia Peede by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Warwick 1
Newton Grove.

Mrs. Lillian Pittman by Mr. and Mrs. Edward LI
Walston, Pinetops.

Mr. Silas Lee Powell by Mrs. Audrey Stroudit
Powell, Walter Lee Powell Jr., Robert Stroud Powell,
and Laura Gay Powell, Pink Hill.

The Rev. David Powell by Fifth Union Meeting of
Eastern Conference, Bridgeton.

Mr. Jennings Price by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin
and Mr. and Mrs. Cletus Brock, Mount Olive; and'
Miss Pattie L. Davis, Oxford.

Mr. Chester R. Radford by Mr. and Mrs. Paul C.|
Martin and Children, Raleigh; and Mr. and Mrs.
Jimmy Rhodes, Princeton.

Mr. Douglas L. Richards by Mrs. Gwendolyn B.i
Clifton, Clinton.

Mr. Charlie Shine by Arapahoe Free Will Baptist;'
Church, Arapahoe.

Mrs. Estelle P. Strickland by Rains Cross Roads
church, Pikeville.

Mr. E. R. Strickland by Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Vin- i
cent, Greenville.

Mr. John Swindell by Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Baldree,
New Bern.

Mr. William A. Taylor by Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Rowe,
and Mr. and Mrs. Worth Overman Jr., Pikeville.

Mr. William C. Thompson by Mr. and Mrs. James
B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Louise Vaughan by Dawson's Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Enfield.

Mrs. Emma S. Vann by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Martin, and Mount Olive College Alumni Association,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Jessie Warrick by Rains Cross Roads Free
Will Baptist Church, Pikeville.

Mr. Nathaniel Webster by Alice, Nellie, and
Thomas Webster, Pinetown.

Mr. and Mrs. Kirby West by Mr. and Mrs. M. D.
West, Dunn.

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

liss Christy Williams by the Rev. and Mrs. Melvin
/erington, Cove City.

Irs. Mary Williamson by Woman's Auxiliary of
ferdam Free Will Baptist Church, Chadbourn.
Ir. Blackmon C. Wilson by Mr. and Mrs. R. R.
Jjwick. Newton Grove.

Jr. and Mrs. Martin B. Wilson by Mr. and Mrs. M.
.■Vest, Dunn.
Rs. Katie R. Windley by Mr. and Mrs. Charles M.
ker, and the Woman's Auxiliary of Free Union Free
Baptist Church, Pinetown.
fr. Alex Wise by Mrs. lola H. Barrow. Snow Hill.
r tr. John A. Wortham by Mr. and Mrs. Harold
ring Sr., LaGrange.

In Honor Of

Ar. Gerald Briley by the Young Adult Class of Elm
ve Free Will Baptist Church, Ayden.
The Rev. and Mrs. Gene Britt by the Ruth Warrick
ss of Johnston Union Free Will Baptist Church,
ithfield.

Miss Carolyn Crowell by Mrs. Flonnie Creech,
4 1 iceton .

The Rev. Elbert Edwards by Fifth Union Meeting of
Eastern Conference, Bridgeton.
Miss Louise Edgerton by Young Married Class of
ion Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Pikeville.
Robin Heather Edwards by Mount Olive College
imni Association, Mount Olive.
Scott Gurganus by Mount Olive College Alumni
sociation, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Cornelia Summerlin Jernigan by Mr. and Mrs.
rsey Tyndall and Webb, Kinston.
Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Morris by Mrs. Elizabeth M.
igpen, Warrenton, Virginia.
Rains Cross Roads Free Will Baptist Church Choir
Ann, Allen, and Kay Radford, Kenly.
Christy Jill Rowe by Mount Olive College Alumni
tsociation, Mount Olive.

Jeremy Lee Rowe by Mount Olive College Alumni
sociation, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Chloe Scott by Mrs. Flonnie W. Creech,
inceton.

Mrs. Susie Walker by Mrs. Flonnie Creech,
inceton.

Mrs. Ruth Warrick by the Ruth Warrick Sunday
hool Class of Johnston Union Free Will Baptist
lurch, Smithfield.

Miss Rosa Worsley by Mrs. Flonnie W. Creech,
inceton.

Gift

Mount Olive Extension Homemakers. Mount Olive.

NOTE OF THANKS

would like to thank all my friends,
lurches, church groups, and woman's
uxiliaries for all the kind expressions of
ive through cards, letters, and gifts that
received on my birthday and all the
oiidays during 1975. They really helped
le and meant the world to me. May God
less each of you is my prayer.

Mrs. Mary J. Parrish

P. 0. Box 43

Elm City, N. C. 27822

OUR

"GRAND OLD LADY"
HAS GONE HOME!

Mrs. Annie Mae Brown Ballard, af-
fectionately known by most of her neigh-
bors as "Aunt Annie," quietly drew her
last earthly breath just before noon on
January 30, 1976, and went home to be
with her Lord and a goodly number of her
kinfolk. She was 96 years, three
months, and nine days old.

Annie Mae Brown was born October
21, 1 879, the only daughter of Captain
William Clempton and Dove Ann Brown.
Her father died two years after her birth,
leaving her mother penniless and
disowned by his family. Three years
later, her mother married Andy
Sullivan, who is remembered chiefly for
his fiddling, day in and day out, and
making very little money. Dove Ann was
a very resourceful person; but, raising
her daughter was no easy task.
However, this task she did well despite
the fact that they had but little of this
world's goods.

At the age of 19, Annie Mae was
married to the late David L. Ballard of
Weaverville, North Carolina, who had
built a one-room cabin for her on his
father's farm before they were married.
In' this one-room cabin they spent the
only honeymoon they ever had.
Incidentally, they spent the whole of their
lives living within a mile of that cabin, in
three different houses, all built per-
sonally by Mr. Ballard, who gradually
added to the plot of ground his father
gave him as a wedding present until he
owned a very nice mountain farm.

Born of this union were seven
children, five boys and two girls, all of
whom survive their mother. The boys are
the Rev. Loy E. Ballard of Greenville;
Lawrence W., Frank C, and Cecil J.
Ballard of Swanton, Ohio. The girls are
Mrs. Virginia Shehan and Mrs. Zennie
Jones of Weaverville. Also surviving are
28 grandchildren, 71 great-grand-
children, and 17 great-great-grand-
children.

Mrs. Ballard, along with her husband
and most of her children, belonged to the

Union Valley Free Will Baptist Church in
the local community. As long as she was
able, she attended the services regularly
and was always ready to render any
services she could. She was not am
bitious to hold offices in the church, nor
did she often have anything to say in the
meetings; but during the years of his
ministry as a Sunday school missionary,
song leader, and lay preacher, her
husband was always sure that she was
back of him with her prayers; and this
was true of her minister sons, Loy E. and
Horace C.

The funeral for "Aunt Annie" was
conducted on Sunday, February 1,
1976, at West's Funeral Chapel in
Weaverville, by the Rev. Ernest Bartlett
and Dr. Robert Harris, both long-time
friends of the family, and both associates
of the Rev. L. E. Ballard in the early days
of their ministry. The Rev. Mr. Bartlett
has been for over thirty years, pastor of a
church organized by Mr. Ballard; and Dr.
Harris has been, for several years,
pastor of Asheville's well-known summer
"Open Air Church," and a successful
evangelist and television minister.

Last year at the fiftieth anniversary
meeting of the Ballard Family, attended
by Ballard connections from 18 states, it
was officially recognized that "Aunt
Annie" was the oldest member of the
family. Now our grand old lady is no
longer with us in person, but her spirit
will long live in the hearts of her family
and host of friends who loved her dearly.

—Written for and Approved by Her
Children and Grandchildren

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

(Continued from Page 6)
away their ears from the truth, and shall
be turned unto fables. But watch thou in
all things, endure afflictions, do the work
of an evangelist, make full proof of thy
ministry" (2 Timothy 4:3-5); "Per-
secutions, afflictions, which came unto
me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra;
what persecutions I endured; but out of
them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution. But evil men
and seducers shall wax worse and
worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which
thou hast learned and hast been assured
of, knowing of whom thou hast learned
them" (2 Timothy 3:11-14).

(Continued Next Issue)

-TIE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

of Denominational Interest

Clyde Cox Assumes Pastorate
First Church, Wilson, Feb. 23

The Rev. Clyde W. Cox of Kenly
assumed the pastorate of the First Free
Will Baptist Church in Wilson on
February 23, 1976. Mr. Cox is the
former pastor of the Piney Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1 , Kenly.

On Sunday, February 29, the church
will have a reception in the fellowship
hall from 2:30 p. m. until 4:30 p. m.,
honoring Mr. and Mrs. Cox.

The Cox family now resides in the
church parsonage located at 1731
Hillcrest Drive in Wilson. All future
correspondence should be addressed to
them at P. 0. Box 549, Wilson, North
Carolina 27893.

Friendship Church
Ordains New Deacon

In a most impressive, sacred service
on Sunday, February 1, 1976, A. G.
Glover Jr. was ordained as a deacon of
Friendship Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1 , Middlesex.

The Rev. Dwight Chapman, after
discussing 1 Timothy 3:8-16, the duties
and qualifications of a deacon, asked Mr.
and Mrs. Glover to come to the altar and
kneel with him. The remaining deacons:

Simon Allen, Melvin Phillips, Henry
Congleton, A. R. Strickland, Jodie
Strickland, Noah Capps, and Ray Wilder
joined hands around the altar with the
Glovers for a pastoral prayer of
dedication and consecration. After the
choir sang "In the Service of the King,"
as the ordination hymn, the congregation
shook hands with the new deacon and
his wife with humble love and ad-
miration, praising the Lord for these two
fine enthusiastic Christians. The
benediction prayer was prayed by Mr.
Glover.

Mr. Glover serves on the Board of
Trustees, the Pulpit Committee, and as a
member of the choir of his church. Also
he serves on the Board of Directors of the
Free Will Baptist Children's Home in
Middlesex. In the church, community,
and home, he is always faithful, loyal,
and dependable— proven to be the kind
of man one should choose as an officer
for the church of the living God, which
contains and holds high the truth of God.

Robert's Grove Revival
March 8-12

Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Dunn, will engage in
revival services the week of March 8-12.
The Rev. Bruce Dudley, pastor of
Northeast church of Mount Olive, will be
the visiting minister. During the revival
special music will be provided by the
chancel choir, chapel choir, ladies trio,
men's quartet, and the Singing Five of
the local church.

Services will begin each evening at
7:30, under the direction of the local
pastor, the Rev. A. B. Bryan. The
Robert's Grove church is located three
miles west of Spivey's Corner, just off of
Highway 13, approximately one mile
from the Country Store.

Home Missions Rally
At Kenly Church

A special Home Missions Rally,

sponsored by the North Carolina Statfr
Convention Home Missions Board, wil
be held at the Kenly, North Carolina, Frei
Will Baptist Church, Wednesda]
evening, February 25, beginning a
7:30.

The Rev. James Joyner will be iff
charge of the program, along with the
Rev. Joe Gerald, director of the Hope]
Mills mission point. The Rev. Ray Wells,!
a member of the Home Missions Boardj
will be there to answer any and a! -
questions concerning the work of home'
missions. An offer for home missions wil
also be received. Each church is asked tc
bring an offering of $50 or more.

All churches in the Western Con-
ference and surrounding conferences are
urged to attend this rally.

Fifth Eastern Sunday
School Convention

The Fifth Eastern District Sunday
School Convention of the Easteriji
Conference will convene Sundayn
February 29, at the Pilgrim's Home Freii
Will Baptist Church, Dover, with the Rev:
Willie Stilley as the host pastor. Thil)
convention theme will be "The Way o
Forgiveness." Some have asked thn
question, "How can we get people tij
Sunday school and keep them for thci
worship service?" This is your cotfi
vention, so please have your Sundaf'
school represented and see if the
program wttl not answer your question:
The program is as follows:
10:00— Opening Prayer, Charles Mason:
President

— Hymn

—Welcome, the Rev. Willie Stilley^

— Response, Delegate from Nev^
Bethlehem Church

10:10— Recognition of Pastors, Delei

gates, Officers, and Visitors j
10:15— Program, Host Sunday School !
10:30— Sunday School Lesson, Mis:'

Velma Morris
1 1 :00— Business Session:

Minutes of Last Convention

Treasurer's Report
11 :10— Program, "Methods of Visits i

tion," Young People's Class

Trent Sunday School
11:25— Program of "Visual Education

Aid," the Rev. David C

Hansley

—Benediction and Adjournment
(Continued on Page 14)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 29
icripture Reading— Proverbs 29:23

THE RIGHT PEOPLE
TO PLUCK
n addressing a student body, a
ud businessman said, "I give all
credit for my financial and
iness success to one thing
me— pluck, pluck, pluck!"
Vhat little impression he had made
s dissipated when a student
xpectedly asked, "How can we
the right people to pluck? ' '
eware of the deadly, soul-stunting
of pride !

PRAYER THOUGHT
e need to take an objective look at
selves. Pride is good, but we can
rdo even good things. Let our
de be in God and our Christian
ing, not in ourselves alone.

MONDAY, MARCH 1
scripture Reading— Revelation 2 : 10

CARRY ON!
Robert Louis Stevenson was a
tim of tuberculosis. His affliction,
wever, did not weaken his literary
ibition.

Stevenson wrote with his right
llnd. When he could no longer use his
l?ht hand, he learned to write with
Is left hand. When his left hand
(fled, he dictated his literary works,
ihen speech failed, he dictated a
l}vel in the deaf-and-dumb
l phabet— dactylology.
•Stevenson's handicaps never
lienched his inward joy. He wrote,

iiThe world is so full of a number of
I things,

Ikm sure we should all be as happy as
I kings!

How much mankind owes to its
lindicapped ones, who courageously
ad perseveringly use their in-

I ', m FREE WILL BAPTIST

firmities as steppingstones to heights
of great glory and achievements !

PRAYER THOUGHT
Often we do not appreciate the
wonderful things we have until we
lose them. Let us take care not to
misuse our good health and so inspire
us that we shall not be overcome in
our afflictions.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2
Scripture Reading— John 14:27

A MUST

In a letter to J. Hudson Taylor, a
friend said, "I am worried and
distressed, while you are always
calm. Do tell me what makes the
difference."

The great missionary replied, "The
peace you speak of is in my case more
than a delightful privilege. It is a
necessity. I could not possibly get
through the work I have to do without
the peace of God, 'which passeth all
understanding, ' and misun-
derstanding, too. It keeps my heart
and mind in blessedness."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our being anxious and excitable
changes our attitudes not our actual
conditions. May God in His mercy
grant us an inner peace which will
soothe our anxieties.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
Scripture Reading— Romans 11:33

SERENDIPITY

Serendipity is the faculty for
making desirable discoveries by
accident. To illustrate, in searching
for a direct route to Asia, Columbus
stubbed his toe on America.

What miracles of God's guidance
God's children discover as they daily
walk in the pathway of God's
choosing.

While searching for his father's
straying asses, Saul was anointed to
be the king of Israel.

While tending the sheep of his
father-in-law on the back side of the
desert, Moses received from God a
history-changing assignment.

PRAYER THOUGHT
God's miraculous ways offer us a
wealth of experiences to enrich our
lives.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 6:1

GETTING NOWHERE FAST
Rolwand Hill said to a child astride
a rocking horse. "My dear child, you
remind me of many Christians
—plenty of motion but no progress."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Let us dismount from our rocking
horse ways and with God as our
motivation press forward spreading
Christianity to all we encounter.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5
Scripture Reading— 1 Thes-
salonians 4 : 16

THE UPTAKER
Alexander Maclaren affirmed,
"The apostolic church thought more
about the second coming of Jesus
Christ than about death or about
heaven. The early Christians were
looking not for a cleft in the ground
called a grave, but for a cleavage in
the sky called Glory. They were
watching not for the undertaker, but
for the Uptaker.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus has removed the stigma of
the grave. Our death is no longer to an
eternal interment in the ground. Our
death is the doorway to life.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6
Scripture Reading— Psalm 19:1-4

WHEN GOD MAKES
When God makes a lovely thing,
The dearest and completest,
He makes it little, don't you see,
For little things are sweetest:
Little flowers, little birds,
Little diamonds, little pearls,
But the dearest thing in all the earth,
Are His little boys and girls.

—Author Unknown

PRAYER THOUGHT
God values His little children He
has entrusted to us. Pray for the
guidance to give them the love and
care which is expected of us.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The Minute
Illustrations, Moody Press.)

PARENTS MAY
As parents may in deepest love

Refuse their child's request,
Our loving Father may say no ;

He, too, knows what is best.

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS£"}
THE SUNDAY n

SCHOOL LESSON^ *

For March 7 ' *

JESUS DEMONSTRATES
TOTAL COMMITMENT

Lesson Text: Matthew 19:1, 2; 20:17-28
Memory Verse: Matthew 20:28

I. INTRODUCTION

From the early years of His earthly life
until the moment of His death on the
Cross Jesus Christ was totally committed
to the will of the Father. Even as a small
lad of twelve He was found in the temple
discussing vital truths with the learned
teachers there. It was on this same
occasion that He reminded His anxious
parents that He had to be "about the
Father's business."

As we continue these lessons in our
study of Matthew's Gospel, we find in
our passages today an account of His
total commitment. We will see how He
strove to teach His disciples the right
motivation in Christian service, and from
His teaching we, too, will learn the right
way to serve.

In order properly to serve Him we
must first have the heavenly vision that
the Apostle Paul spoke of as receiving on
the road to Damascus. Kenneth Scott
Latourette says that during the great
century of achievement between 1830-
1930, 75,000 missionaries went out
from Europe and North America to the
ends of the earth. The fact that 1 0,000 of
them died and 20,000 of them returned
broken in health indicates the risks this
peaceful army took. Most of them lost the
security of home, the income from a good
position, inherited financial resources,
even health, to be obedient to the
heavenly vision.

Before we complain of the emptiness
of the Christian experience in our lives,
let us determine to try total commitment
and mean what we say. To say the least,
we may be quite pleasantly surprised at
what God can and will do in our
lives.— The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Jesus Christ is the only man that

12

was ever born to die. We were born to
live, but death came upon man as a
result of the fall in Eden. But Jesus
Christ came into this world for the
purpose of dying that men might be
saved by believing upon Him. Even
though He knew that He would die, He
never flinched. He was steadfast until
the end. This is a great example of
steadfastness for each one of us.

B. A man was once heard to say that
he joined a certain church because it
would be better for his business. Men
followed Jesus for many reasons when
He was here on earth. Men still follow
Him for many reasons. The proper motive
for following Him is out of gratitude
because He saved our souls.

C. As a leader Jesus had many
hours of loneliness. There were some
things that He could not dicuss even with
the inner circle of His disciples.
Loneliness is just one of the prices of
leadership. The person who would lead
has many prices to pay and this is just
one of them.

D. "Every day with Jesus is sweeter
than the day before," says the little
chorus that most of us have been singing
all our lives. Living for and with Jesus
Christ is truly an adventure. The only
way that we can get the most out of the
adventure of living with Him is to be fully
committed. How committed are you?

E. It has been said that the real
measure of a man is what it takes to
discourage him. Many men, if faced with
the difficulties and opposition that Jesus
faced, would give up and quit; but Jesus
was steadfast until the end. We should
be so loyal.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. "Jesus demonstrates total
commitment." So says the title of our
lesson, and it is true. His Father gave
Him a job to do, and He put all He had
into it. If we want to be His followers, we
have to give some thought to our
commitment.

To what are we committed? 1
answer to this question fixes tl
direction of. our life. If a person
committed to worldwide communism
any cost, he becomes a monster. If he
committed to pleasure, he becomi
depraved.

To what are we committed? Tl>
answer is not given in words alone. It
seen in what we do: in what gets oi;
attention and interest, in what we do wh
our time and with our money.

Jesus came "to seek and to save th
which was lost" (Luke 19:10). To th
task He committed himself. He saved tl"
lost by the sacrifice of His own life.

To what are we committed? The be;
and wisest and most profitable con
mitment that anyone can make is
commitment to Christ.

How fully are we committed? Tot
commitment is rare, if indeed it exists
all. Most of us are aware of the conflii
that Paul describes so graphically i
Romans 7:15-25. We fail to do the goc'
we ought to do and really want to do, an'
we find ourselves doing wrong eve-
though we disapprove of it. Honesty
the best policy, we say; but when we aE
hard pushed we may turn aside just
wee bit for the sake of profit. A man hdj
to live, we say. But a man has to live wit
Christ if he is to live forever, and one wr<
lives with Christ must make sonr
sacrifices (Matthew 16:24).

Commitment to Christ does not mea
we can no longer work for pay. "Y
cannot serve God and mammon," Jesu
said (Matthew 6:24); but we can ean
mammon and make it serve us and Godj
In fact, commitment to Christ require
us to earn a living for ourselves and oin
families if we can (1 Timothy 5:8). Mor:
than that, commitment to Christ require
us to earn enough, if we can, to shar
with those who cannot earn (Ephesianj
4:28; Matthew 25:40). — Standan
Lesson Commentary

B. The flatfish resembles th'
chameleon in that it changes its color s
as to correspond with its background!
But blinded flatfish do not change thei
color. It is only those who have thei
sight that do so. The eye is the organ o
medium of the change. The flatfisl
becomes like what he sees. This is also i
law of the spiritual life. We become liki
the objects of our mental vision. To thinl
of the Christ, to see Him as He truly is, ii
to become like Him.— Albert C. Knudsor

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

f

STORIES

for our youth

1

5

MY WAY

IS GOD'S WAY

by Kelly Dean Morris
Albertson, N. C.

HE sun comes right in to
Johnny's room as it comes
each morning. Johnny always wakes
with a smile on his face, and lies there
ring out the window taking in the
luty of God's creation. Through his
ughts he hears his mother calling,
ohnny, it's time to get up, you're
ng to be late for school." At the sound
lis mother's command he jumps out of
J and into his clothes.
Mter dressing, he runs down the
irs into the kitchen to find his "mom"
tting breakfast on the table. With a
ile still on his face he greets his
ther with a "Good-morning.
Soon he is on his way to school,
inny loves being able to walk to school
jryday. It is so pretty everywhere, and
feels so good he wants to shout with

Ifii

lyi! Suddenly Johnny's smile turns to a
ghtened look when he finds he is
rrounded by a group of boys that are
ger than he, one of which happens to
Tommy Ward.

Tommy had never liked Johnny, but
couldn't understand why. He had
ver done anything to Tommy, nor
mmy to him. The question, Why? ran
rough Johnny's mind as he stood with
)( fmmy looking him right in the eye.
Hesitatingly, Johnny started a con-
rsation. "Good morning Tommy. Are
3' iu on your way to school?" With a hard
jcious look on his face, Tommy replied,
And what if I am?" Johnny then asked,
(Would you like to walk with me?"
j "I wouldn't walk with you anywhere,
ut there's one thing I'll do with you,"
jiswered Tommy. Not really wanting to

mi

know, Johnny asked, "What would that
be?" Tommy took a few steps forward
and said, "I'll fight with you." Before
Johnny could defend himself, Tommy
took a swing, hitting him in the eye. All
the other boys started laughing as they
walked off. Johnny stood up. The pain
started throbbling around his eye. With
his hand over his eye, Johnny walked on
to school.

Tommy was in Johnny's first class
and Johnny didn't really want to go in
then. Johnny knew that Tommy was
popular at school— a star on the junior
league and a swimming champ at camp.
What could he do? He knew that
everyone would make fun of him. He just
couldn't go. He turned and ran toward
home. As Johnny's house came in sight,
he suddenly stopped to think. What was
he going to tell his mother? He was
supposed to be in school and he wasn't,
and above everything, he had a black
eye. Thinking out loud Tommy said,
"The old swimming hole." Running
through some of the neighbor's yards
and down a path, Johnny came to an old
oak tree near the bank. Putting his books
down, Johnny removed his coat and
balled it up. He laid it on the ground so
that he could put his head on it. Johnny
lay looking at the sky through the old oak
limbs. In pain, confused, and worried he
tried to figure in his mind what he could
tell his "mom." Johnny thought of
something that his "mom" told him
once. He could still hear her voice. As he
thought back, he could recall her words,
"Johnny there's going to be times when
you're going to be afraid and you're
going to need help with some things.
And if you ask God for help by praying,
He will help you when no one else can.
Remember that!"

Johnny's thoughts drifted back to the
present and to his problem. He decided
that this was as good a time as any to ask

God for His help. Johnny got up on his
knees and prayed as he had never
prayed before. Afterwards Johnny felt
different somehow— as if he had been
washed with something special. He
knew it was God. He knew he wasn't
alone any more. He felt he could face
anybody or anything, even Tommy.

As Johnny picked up his books, he
turned and looked up at the old oak tree
and said, "Jesus, thank you. You are a
great guy to have for a friend . ' '

Johnny returned to school just in time
for break. Looking around the
playground he caught the eye of Tommy
and his friends. Happily he walked over.
Tommy saw him. Johnny could see that
the look Tommy had that morning was
still there. As Johnny approached,
Tommy surprisingly asked, "Where
have you been, crying on Mama's
knee?" They started laughing again,
and this time Johnny joined in their
laughter, then answered, "No, matter of
fact, I was talking with a friend."
Johnny looked up and winked then
looked back at Tommy. Tommy was a
little confused and to gain back his
control he confronted Johnny again,
"How about let's finishing what we
started this morning?" As Tommy
raised his fist to fight, Mrs. Edwards,
their teacher, came up and asked,
"What's going on here, Tommy?"
Tommy didn't reply. Johnny knew it was
time to say what he felt. "Mrs. Edwards,
it's all right. Tommy wants to fight, so
let's let him fight." Mrs. Edwards said
nothing. Looking at Johnny, Tommy
demanded, "Raise your fist." Johnny
stood there, then answered, "Tommy, if
you want to fight then go ahead, but I
am not going to." Tommy threatened
"Why, are you scared?" "No Tommy, I
am not afraid. I don't have any reason to
fight, and even if I did there is a better
way to settle a difference between men
than fighting. I think it takes a real man
to show he can settle something without
fighting. I don't know why you hit me
this morning, but when you can tell me,
maybe we can help each other. Besides,
I think God would rather we be friends, I
mean real friends." At that, Johnny
walked off. Smilingly, Mrs. Edwards
patted Tommy on the shoulder and left
him alone with his friends. They watched
Johnny as he walked off the playground.

Johnny had never felt better than he
did then. He heard someone calling his

(Continued on Page 15)

If

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

CRAiGMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

A NEW BUILDING
FOR CRAGMONT

On January 8, 1974, the Cragmont
Board of Stockholders voted
unanimously to renovate the Main
Building at Cragmont Assembly, Inc.,
Black Mountain. On January 6, 1976,
some of the members questioned the
wisdom of renovation since the building
had deteriorated so much. It was moved
that a survey letter be sent to our people
to allow them to decide whether to
renovate or build a new building.

The board members deeply appreciate
the response to the survey and your
comments which were read to them. We
are most grateful for the spirit of
cooperation as evidenced by your
willingness to support Cragmont
regardless of what the majority voted to
do. We appreciate the fact that so many
of you expressed such great confidence
in your board.

The decision was 740 for renovation
and 1,947 for a new building (32
churches for renovation and 52 for a new
building). Twenty-seven churches left
the decision to the board. In light of the
survey, a motion was passed to rescend
the motion to renovate and to build a new
building instead.

Many of us were not aware of the
condition of the building. Mr. Clyde
Hines, a member of the board, went to
Cragmont after our meeting in January
and made pictures that were very
revealing. Some of us were shocked
because we did not know it was in such a
bad condition. Without exception, the
contractors and carpenters who had
visited Cragmont strongly advised
against renovation. Many individuals
reminded us that after we 'had spent a
lot of money on renovation, we would still
have an old building and still would not
have many of the facilities we need so
badly that we could have in a new
building. Another point that was made
was that in renovation, it always takes a

greal deal more money that what was
first estimated to be needed.

In view of the fact that the Main
Building will be needed this summer and
we have no place to store the furniture
and equipment, it was decided that we
would begin the new building in a new
location or in front of the old one, and
tear down the old building later. It was
estimated that we would need ap-
proximately $200,000 for a new
building and we will need $50,000 of
that amount before we can begin laying
the foundation. We have $6,050.43 of
this amount and we need to raise the
balance just as soon as we possibly can.
We need more churches who will include
Cragmont in their budgets. We need
churches who are giving already to give
more. We need more individuals who will
see the great potential that Cragmont
has to offer to our denomination and who
will rally to this cause. The board can do
only what your provide for them to do
with!

I think that all Free Will Baptists,
regardless of the vote, feel a deep regret
at losing the Main Building. If we had
started supporting Cragmont better years
ago, we could have renovated the
building earlier— but we didn't! It seems
that this is the story of Original Free Will
Baptists. We close our eyes to obvious
needs until we are slapped in the face
with them, or until it is too late to do
anything about them. We cannot go back
and undo the past, but we can look to the
future and profit from our mistakes.
Many individuals feel that the Main
Building is Cragmont, that Cragmont
would not be the same without it; but,
deep in our hearts, we know that it is the
spirit of Christian fellowship that we
share there that makes Cragmont what it
is. This spirit will prevail no matter what
changes are made. We shall try to build
the new building along the lines of the
old one and it will have the big porch that
we enjoy so much. The board will do
everything within its power to preserve

certain items that hold sentimental valif|
such as the plaque over the fireplac I
the rocks, and other items.

Pray for your board as we mal
decisions, and together let us work hai
to give so that we may have a buildin!
that will reflect dignity and warmth, yi|
one which will be functional and wl
serve our needs for many years to come

In the Master's service,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer— Promotional Secreta!

MRS. CHANDLER
OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE
FOR CRAGMONT

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, tre.
surer— promotional secretary %
Cragmont Assembly, will be happy 1
represent Cragmont at any churclj
convention, union meeting, conference
or other program. She may be contacted
by calling 249-7691 , or by writing here
Post Office Box 298, Oriental, Nort
Carolina 28571 .

News and Notes

(Continued from Page 10)

Revival services will be held at HolK
Springs church, Route 2, Kenly
beginning Sunday night, February 29
1976, and continuing through March 5
1976. The Rev. N. Bruce Barrow of Snov
Hill will be the guest speaker. Service!
will begin each evening at 7:30. Thi
pastor, the Rev. W. Royster Martin, an(
the church membership request tha
each of you be in prayer for our reviva
and extend an invitation to each of you t<
attend.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Rev. Ray Harrison Jr. announces
at he is available for full-time or part-
ne pastoral work. He is also available
Jr supply and evangelistic services. He
ay be contacted by writing Route 2,
dx 340, Grifton, North Carolina 28530;
• telephoning 524-5186.

{The Rev. L. Beverly Ballard would like
ijr it to be known that he is available for
\urch work and will be glad to preach
lal sermons upon request. He may be
jntacted by writing 1225 S.
jashington Street, Greenville, North
krolina 27834; or telephoning (919)
^2-2950.

The Rev. Larry Higgins, recently
'dained minister, announces that he is
ilailable for supply and part-time
istoral services. He may be contacted
[i writing Box 91, North Carolina
■ esleyan College, Rocky Mount, North
arolina 27801; or telephoning the
illege, 446-2469 or his home in New
ijern , 638-4038.

|: The Gum Neck Free Will Baptist
hurch, Route 1 , Columbia, is in need of
I full-time pastor. Any interested or-
dained Free Will Baptist minister may
pntact Mr. Joe T. Liverman Sr., Route
' Columbia, North Carolina 27925; or by
illing 796-5771.

The Crab Point Free Will Baptist
hurch near Morehead City is in need of

full-time pastor. Any ordained minister
good standing with his conference
iterested in serving this church please
Dntact Mr. Robert Davis, Route 2, Box
40, Morehead City, North Carolina
8557; or telephone (91 9) 726-4390.

(TORIES FOR OUR YOUTH

(Continued from Page 13)
ame from a distance. As he turned, he
aw Tommy running toward him.
milingly he awaited Tommy's approach.
fWhat can I do for you?" Johnny asked.
I little embarrassed, Tommy looked at
im, "I am sorry I hit you this morning. I
vould like to talk later if it is all right
yith you." Johnny happily replied,
'Sure, meet me after school. We can go
o my house for a snack. ' ' "Are you sure
ou want me to?" Tommy asked. Putting
lis hand on Tommy's shoulder Johnny
eplied, "Sure, what are friends for?"
ommy looked at Johnny and they
miled.

SPRING-

A LARGE SELECTION
OF BOOKS
MARKED

SMITHFIELD BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE
122 SOUTH THIRD STREET
SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA
PHONE 934-7149

S rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, M . C.

27703

COM

NORTH CAROLINA STATE CONVENTION
OF FREE WILL BAPTIST LEAGUES

Community Free Will Baptist Church

Weldon, North Carolina
March 13, 1976

Convention Theme: "1776-1976— His Banner Over Us Was Love"

Convention Scripture: "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love"
(Solomon 2:4).

Convention Hymn: "God Bless America"

Morning Session

9:30 Registration

10:00 Chorus Singing
Devotions
Welcome
Response

Winterville League
Community League
Sidney League

10:15 President's Remarks The Rev. Jack Mayo
Appointment of Committees
Business Session

10:40 Chorus Singing

Christian Cadet Conference Report

The Rev. Rod Jones

The Service of Giving

10:50 State Sword Drill Mrs. Judy Conner, Directt
11:20 Worship The Rev. Rod Jone

12:00 Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:00 Chorus Singing
Business Session
Awarding of Certificates

1 :30 Singspiration Miss Leah McGlohon, Directc

2:30 League Song

League Benediction

Director of Music
Pianist

Mrs. Margaret Arc
Miss Maria Arc

TAKE HOME NOTES

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

free Bill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1976

(,r.,tMcnC'TY

4 i.916

n. c.

"Why, my God! Why, my God!"

"Porque, Dios Mio! Porque, Dios Mio!"

By Veteran Minister, L. E. Ballard
Greenville, North Carolina

A newspaper correspondent, reporting the recent earthquakes in Guatemala,
says that when the earth began to shake and houses began to crumble, men and
women ran into the streets crying out, "Porque, Dios mio! Porque, Dios mio!" which
translated into English means "Why, my God! Why, my God!"

This was not a strange or unusual cry. Most of us have heard it over and over.
We have heard it fall from the lips of people suddenly exposed to accident or some
great sorrow. It has broken forth, almost choked out by sobs from mothers sitting
beside the cradles of their dying babies. It has broken forth in anguish from the
strong hearts of fathers upon hearing of the death, or of the disgrace, of the son to
whom they fondly looked to carry on honorably the family name. In one form or
another— questioning, protesting, or wrathfully blaming God— that cry has at some
time fallen from the lips of most of us.

Perhaps in this life there will be no clear answer to the question for many of us:
And in the life to come, we wonder if it will be considered of enough importance even
to ask the question. "We'll understand it better by and by" is a supposition with
which we seek to console ourselves. But when that mystical "by and by" time
comes, it will have its own interests to concern us; and we may not then remember
the pains and sorrows that now beset us.

Here are some things we might well consider before we pass any hasty
judgment upon God because of the events that occur which may touch our lives, or
the lives of our friends.

First, at the time of creation God saw fit to establish certain laws in nature that
naturally govern things, unless He sees fit Himself to overrule them. Fire burns and
water quenches; and certain conditions naturally developing within the earth bring
about such things as volcanoes and earthquakes, and these affect people both good
and bad as determined by their location and conditions at the time. In these things
God is involved normally only in the sense that He set these laws in operation.

Second, going into the things God does ordain or order, there are two words that
account for God's interference with the laws of nature. They are with respect to the
wicked "punishment," and with respect to the righteous "protection." God's
patience and mercy toward sinners exceeds that of human beings toward one
another, but the Bible clearly teaches that there can come an end to His endurance of
man's wickedness. He "sends destruction"— usually by simply allowing the laws of
nature, or the evil forces man has himself created in his own life, to bring about their
normal, natural result. With more willingness, God throws His protection about those
who love and trust Him.

Third, let us take note of the fact that God is under no obligation whatsoever to
protect some people from the misfortunes of life. We once knew a man who constantly
and openly blasphemed God and scorned the Church: yet, whenever blows of
hardship or sorrow came his way he would cry out the question, "Why, God, why?"
He once said to this writer, "If God was the kind and loving God you preachers
claim He is, He would never have let this happen to me." This man lived and died
without ever professing faith in Christ, or rendering any service to God; but to the
very end he blamed God for all the misfortunes that came to him in life.

It seems to be a trait of the nature of many people to see God's hand in all the
bad things come to them in life, but not to give Him credit for the good things. We
wonder, for example, how many of the people of Guatemala who saw God's hand of
wrath in the earthquake that came their way saw God's hand of mercy in the over-
flowing response of people throughout the world in coming to their aid with food,
clothing, medicine, and doctors. If most of us really wanted to be fair toward God, our
cry, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" would be lifted higher than our cry,
"Porque, Dios mio! Porque, Dios mio!"

Cover Photo by Walter Reynolds I

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARCH 3, 1976

Volume 91 Number!

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi<
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, j

All materials to be placed in any issue mu!
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thi
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: oni
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years
$1 2.00 ; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discour5
given when local churches send the "Baptist" \\
the home of every member; names and ae;)
dresses to be provided by churches. Churchei
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptistsi:
are sent to one individual who in turn distributee
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflea
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thj
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eack
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting saie
article.

Items for publication should be addressed ti
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— !
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3(
a. m.— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

WHAT MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
MEANS TO ME

by Bass Michael Mitchell
Ministerial Student at Mount Olive College

il write this paper, not as
' a defense or advertisement
j Mount Olive College, nor are my
entions to flatter my teachers,
hough my grades no doubt could use a
w extra points; but it is out of my own
perience and my own opinion that I
ite about "What Mount Olive College
eansto Me."

Just as I could never tell you all the
lys in which Christ has influenced my
!, the same thing is true of Mount Olive
liege. I came to Mount Olive in the fall
t 1974, and as most high school
aduates, I thought I knew everything
out life. Enrolling as a ministrial
jdent, and having been a Christian
me eight years, I also thought I knew
| about the Bible and what being a
i ristian was all about. Well, to put it
Idly, within the first week I had my
be really shaken; and believe me, there
is not an apple left hanging on it. I
me to the grim realization that
erything I knew about life, the Bible,
id being a Christian was like a raindrop
the ocean, as compared to what I
dn't know. I came to realize that I had
lot of growing up and maturing to do,
)th as a Christian and as a human
king. It took me sometime to grasp the
gnificance of the "P" and the "J,"
id other sources that my Old Testament
ofessor, Sheldon Howard, introduced

;J e to. Nor was it easy remembering that
Ijpd was spelled "Y-a-h-w-e-h"; but

l ijirough it all I prevailed.
« As the semester progressed, the

r hportance and necessity of obtaining an
iHucation became very apparent to me. I

;tpow that some believe that if God has
ailed you to preach He'll give you the
iords to say. After almost two years of
:udy in homilectics, it still doesn't come
Jiat easy. Preaching is the most difficult
jiing I have ever tried to do in my life. A
pod sermon is not broadcasted from a
j>ud speaker in heaven, but it comes
irough the Holy Spirit working through
|nd in a person. That means work,

: Ixegesis, exposition, hours of prayer and

| leditation, taking pages of notes and
houghts as they come to you, digging

for the truth , and the best way to apply it
to the human situation

The Holy Spirit works through the
capabilities of man and that brings us
back to education. Education to me has
not made me believe more, but it has
made me know more about what I
believe. Learning is one of the most
exciting and rewarding experiences that
Mount Olive College has provided for me.
As new truths of His Word are revealed to
me, I see more distinctly His working in
this world. Education has helped me to
open my mind to these truths that God
would have all of His people know. As a
result of just a taste of education, I can
think! I can look at a situation, problem,
or whatever from every possible
viewpoint and angle without being
controlled by my biasness.

Dr. Raper once said, "What a man is
not up on, he's down on." That's very
true, and an education has made me
realize that I'd better be up on
something, before I put it down. An
education has also taught me that I need
to be the very best that I can be and has
helped me to develop my capabilities to
their highest level; but at the same time,
it makes me aware of my limitations.

Above making me know more about
what I believe, opening my mind to
discovering God's truths, allowing me to
think and develop my capabilities, an
education has helped me to be a better
servant. Jesus said, ". . . whosoever of
you will be the chiefest, shall be servant
of all" (Mark 10:44).

I've not quite finished two years of
college but my plans are to complete my
graduate study and go to a seminary for
three years. Seven years altogether— not
to make me better than any other
minister, nor to give me a degree to hang
on the wall— but to make me a better
servant for the Lord Jesus Christ. That is
my calling and an education has helped
me to give my very best. The opportunity
for such an education has been provided
for me at Mount Olive College. Our
denomination should be proud of its
college for its value to us is greater than
we may think.

It would be a great oversight for me to
neglect the faculty at Mount Olive
College. Without any exaggeration, they
are in my opinion, some of the finest
professors and teachers in the entire
United States. The greatest thing about
them is that they are Christians who live
what they profess. The best example I
know of is the head of the Religion
Department, Dr. Michael Pelt. By his own
achievements, he has proved himself to
be an able scholar, professor, and above
all else, a great Christian. He could, no
doubt, be in a greater position of prestige
and honor in any university in the world,
yet he chose Mount Olive College. Dr.
Pelt has taught me many things and most
recently that it is not the greatness of the
task, but the humility and gratefulness
with which you accept it; also the
knowledge and peace of mind that comes
from being in God's will. Dr. Pelt obtains
his pleasure and recognition in watching
his students mature into responsible
Christian citizens, knowing that he had a
part in it. Dr. Pelt is characteristic of the
faculty members at Mount Olive. Never
have I been to see him about a problem
or question when he was too busy to see
me. Always he would put down what he
was doing and talk with me. Every
teacher that I have had at Mount Olive
College will go out of his or her way to
help me. They will spend extra time,
personally or individually, with any
student that needs a little extra help. The
teachers' attitude and their willingness
to understand, provide for the students
an atmosphere for a productive learning
experience.

I have only one regret about Mount
Olive College— that it isn't a four-year
school. If it were I would gladly spend
two more years here. The Religion
Department at M. 0. C. has worked out a
program with Campbell College's
Religion Department in that a religion
major can spend an extra semester at M .
0. C. (five semesters all together) and
then transfer to Campbell for the
remaining three semesters. My plans are

(Continued on Page 9)

rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

SUNDAY, MARCH 7
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 9:23

"DADDY, YOU STILL
HAVE US!"

A wealthy man had spent much
money, time and effort in collecting
curios from distant lands. One night a
disastrous fire burned to the ground
his palatial home with its valuable,
irreplaceable contents.

As the man and his family
helplessly huddled nearby, he
lamented, "I have lost everything! "

His little four-year-old boy said,
"No ! No ! Daddy, you still have us ! "

Too many of us fail to receognize
the value of those who are near and
dear to us, while we flatter and give
prime attention to those who mean
little or nothing to us.— Ralph M.
Smith

PRAYER THOUGHT
So often our senses of values
become confused. Our families may
not glitter or be worth much
monetarily but they are more
precious than gold.

MONDAY, MARCH 8
Scripture Reading— Ecclesiastes
8:11

A GLARING MISCARRIAGE
OF JUSTICE

Some years ago Richard Speck
alledgedly murdered eight student
nurses in Chicago in cold-blooded
deliberateness. He was tried and
sentenced to death. Acknowledging
his guilt, the Supreme Court of the
United States later ruled that the
death sentence was illegally passed
upon him because there was no one on
the jury opposed to the death penalty!
Therefore the imposition of the death
penalty was illegal.

How can sanity be restored to the
courts if appeals continue to result in
judgments favorable to criminals

4

tried and convicted at great expense
and trouble?— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We forget that a democracy is a
government by and for the people. Let
us pray that we will perform our
duties as citizens and uphold our
country by voting our best for the
country's betterment and show as
exemplary citizenship as possible.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9
Scripture Reading— John 10:30

ONE AND GOD
A contemporary of Martin Luther
said, "The whole world is against you,
Martin."

The inrepid reformer said, "Then it
is God and Luther against the whole
world! "

Long ago, as the apostle Paul stood
almost alone against a pagan world,
he asked, "If God be for us, who can
be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

One and God constitute a majority.

PRAYER THOUGHT
God is with us! Stand up for the
right! Others may ridicule but when
we are in the right God will sustain us,

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
Scripture Reading— Psalm 86:13

IN WILDEST MIGHTMARE
Said Dr. Harry Ramer, director of
Study for Special Problems, "Heroin
is now the most readily available drug
on the streets. In my wildest night-
mares, I never dreamed of what we
are seeing! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our lives are indeed, as a world-
wide group, in horrible condition.
Drugs, alcohol, and wild living are
prevalent. We need God and His
loving understanding. Let us take our
problems to the Lord in prayer. He
does listen and help.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11
Scripture Reading— Mark 9:23

WHAT FAITH ISN'T
Faith is not taking a blind plunge
into the dark. Faith is not relying
upon some illusive emotional hope in
the heart. Faith is reliantly trusting in
God's unfailing promises. Faith
exclaims, "Hath he not spoken, and
shall he not make it good?" (Numbers
23:19).

PRAYER THOUGHT
We, as Christians, know that faith

placed in God will not disappoint us/li

FRIDAY, MARCH 12
Scripture Reading— Revelation 1:,

OUR BEST

A teacher asked her pupils to brir,
to class something which reminde
them of Jesus, the Saviour.

A little girl brought a loaf of bread.!

"How does a loaf of bread reminl
us of Jesus?" asked the teacher.

"It reminds us that Jesus is thf
Bread of life," said the girl. II

A little fellow brought a match.

' 'How does a match remind us of th
Saviour?" asked the teacher.

The boy replied, "It reminds us tlu';
Jesus is the Light of the world."

A third child brought a bantam egg!i
All wondered how a small bantam eg11
could remind them of Jesus.

The teacher said, "We all arij
curious to know how a small bantari
egg can remind us of Jesus. Can yoi,,
tell us?"

r

The boy said, "She has done wha ,
she could! "

—James M. Gray Told by Ralph M
Smith

PRAYER THOUGHT
Many of us see God in different
ways. The main thing is to have Got
foremost in our lives. Our God has ail
unending, unrelenting love for ah
mankind but we must be willing tc
accept Him.

SATURDAY. MARCH 13
Scripture Reading— Psalm 40:8

NO QUESTIONS ASKED
A Sunday school class of teenagers,
was discussing the verse, "Thy will bCj
done in earth, as it is in heaven"^
(Matthew 6: 10).

The teacher asked, "How do you
think the angels do the will of God in!
heaven?"

One replied, "They do it im-'
mediately." Another said, "They doit'
diligently, and with all their hearts."!
A third one replied, "They do it|
without asking any questions!" All of i
these answers were right.— Alice M.
Knight

PRAYER THOUGHT
How do we do the will of God? Do
we even take enough time from our
daily endeavors to let God's will find
a place in the confusion of our souls.
Take time to be holy.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

in

real

'em

Question: Why can't we fellowship
ith the Mormons in the same way we
in with those of one of the conventional
■otestant groups such as the Methodist
another Baptist group other than our
wn?

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

(Continued from Last Issue)
On Pages 6-8 in the March, 1975,
lition of Christian Victory we find the
llowing discussion under "What Is
rong with Mormonism?" My ex-
ph erience with Mormons and their
lemma causes me to give full sanction
this indeed correct evaluation of
ormonism:

"The Mormon church poses as a
iristian church. It is called The Church
Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints,

id is listed as the fastest growing
lurch in the world today. This church,
om contributions and profit from in-
3Stments and businesses, is grossing
ipproximately six million dollars profit
very day, with which they are sup-
lf orting 33,000 missionaries around the
orld to proselyte hundreds of
ousands into believing that the Bible is
II of errors and that the only way you
0j [an rise to eternal life and become a God
ke Adam and Jesus became Gods, is by
ccepting the teaching of their prophets:
he Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great
rice, and The Doctrine and Covenants,
purported to be divinely inspired,
vealed scriptures. Their main em-
)hasis is to proselyte Christians. They
pgard their church as the one true
ihurch. All other churches are antichrist.
|he Mormons have forced out many
Christian organizations in the State of
iJtah.

!

"Let us consider what Mormonism
saches about the Bible. They profess
jreat fidelity to the Bible, but at the same
ime they tell us in the plainest

language that the Bible does not contain
all the word of God. The Mormon bible
consists of a number of books. 'We
consider the Bible, Book of Mormon,
Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of
Great Price and Sayings of Joseph the
Seer, our guides in faith and doc-
trine.'—'A Compendium,' by Apostle F.
D. Richards and Elder J. A. Little,
Preface, lines 1-4. In plainest words they
downgrade the Bible: 'Thou fool, that
shall say, a Bible, we have got a bible,
and we need no more bible. . . .
Wherefore, because that ye have a bible,
ye need not suppose that it contains all
my words; neither need ye suppose that I
have not caused more to be writ-
ten.'—The Book of Mormon, Authorized
Edition, 19-8, 2 Nephi 12:53, 64

"And more than that, they tear the
Bible into shreds. They tell us that the
Bible has become so corrupted through
the centuries that 'Who knows that even
one verse of the Bible has escaped
pollution so as to convey the same sense
now that it did in the original.'

"Every false faith either adds to or
takes from the Bible and Mormonism
does both. God's Word says: 'Ye shall
not add unto the word which I command
you, neither shall ye diminish ought
from it' (Deuteronomy 4:2).

"As to the doctrine of God, Mor-
monism teaches that God is an exalted
man, once a man on earth as we are
now, ever advancing and changing, but
never absolutely perfect. But they go on
further and teach polytheism. In the
Mormon catechism you find the
question, 'Are there more gods than
one?' The answer is, 'Yes,
many,' — Catechism for Children, p. 13
The God of our world is Adam and Adam
is the only God with whom we have
anything to do. Brigham Young gives us
this bit of information:

" 'Now hear it, 0 inhabitants of the
earth, Jew and Gentile, saint and sinner.
When our Father Adam came into the
Garden of Eden, he came into it with a
celestial body and brought Eve, one of
his wives with him. He helped to make
and organize this world. He is our Father
and our God and the only God with whom
we have to do.'— Journal of Discourses,
vol. 6., p. 50

"Brigham Young declared of God that
'He created man as we create our
children: for there is no other process of
creation.'— Journal of Discourses, vol.
11, p. 122

"The. right word for this is
heathenism. Of course no hint of such
unholy absurdities can be found in
God's holy Word, but Bridham Young
had a bureau of information of his own.

"Concerning Christ, Mormonism says
that Christ was not begotten of the Holy
Spirit. They teach that the Virgin Mary
became one of the wives of Adam, our
God and Father, for this purpose, and
that Jesus Christ is their offspring by
natural generation.

" 'When the Virgin Mary conceived
the child Jesus, the Father had begotten
Him in His own likeness. He was not
begotten by the Holy Ghost. And who is
the Father? He is the first of the human
family. Jesus, our Elder Brother, was
begotten in the flesh by the same
character that was in the Garden of Eden,
and who is our Father in
heaven.'— Journal of Discourses, vol. 1 ,
p. 50, 51

"Furthermore, the Mormons say that
Jesus Christ was married, and they infer
that He was a polygamist. 'We say it was
Jesus Christ who was married (at Cana)
to the Marys and Martha.'— Orson Hyde,
Journal of Discourses, vol. II, p. 80

' 'We could go further and set forth the
Mormon positions on the doctrines of the
Holy Spirit, sin, redemption, salvation,
and eternal punishment, but space will
not permit. It is quite evident from the
quotations presented that there is plenty
that is wrong with Mormonism. It is a
blasphemous false cult. Its doctrines are
the doctrines of demons which are
foretold as a sign of the last days of the
present age (1 Timothy 4:1)."

[f IfHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Free IDill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
A Christian Home for Boys and Girls

NEW EMPLOYEES

We have two new employees here at
the Home, Mr. Steve Russell and his
wite, Cheryl. They came from Oakland
City, Indiana, where they attended
college. Mrs. Russell is originally from
Indiana and Mr. Russell is a native of
Missouri.

Mr. Russell holds a BA degree and is a
student at Southeastern Seminary in
Wake Forest. He is serving the Home as
Recreation Director. Mrs. Russell holds
an associate degree and is serving as an
associate housemother. They are both
doing a very fine job for the Home and we
all look forward to working with them in
the future.

MY

SPONSORING
AUXILIARY

by

Janice Jones

The Woman's Auxiliary of the First
Free Will Baptist Church of Kinston, is
my sponsor. I want to thank the auxiliary
members for the times I didn't have
anywhere to go and they gave me a place
in their homes and in their hearts; they
gave me a very warm welcome.

I appreciate the way they care for me,
and wish to thank them for the things
they have given to me. Whenever I go
home with them, they make me feel like I
am one of the family. I love them a lot.
They are very nice people!

NOTICE TO
CAPE FEAR
CONFERENCE CHURCHES

In November, 1973, the Cape Fear
Conference voted to raise $20,000 for
our Cottage Renovation and Building
Fund over a two-year period. That period
covered the years of 1974 and 1975.
Below is a listing of the churches who
contributed and the amount given for the
two year period.

Rpthpl

DC 1 1 IC 1

t Q7R nn

F^ctvA/nnri

LaolWUUU

Hc.\J . UU

Faith

inn nn

I uu . uu

UUIUbUUI U , ill bl

7^n nn

/ DU.UU

Hnnpvwpl 1
nupc wci i

1 7R7

Inhnctnn llninn

J Ul II 1 blUl 1 U II IUI 1

d?n nn

Hi-KJ . UU

I pp ' c Pha npl

a nss nn

H , U J J . UU

Oak Grnvp

1 ooo nn

Palmer Memorial

251.29

Pleasant Grove

100.00

Powhatan

500.00

Riverside

400.00

Robert's Grove

1,199.95

Saint Paul

400.00

Shady Grove

750.00

Smyrna

680.00

Tee's Chapel

1,038.72

Wooten's Chapel

207.25

Yelverton's Grove

400.00

Cape Fear Conference

1,000.00

Cape Fear Union

192.92

Cape Fear Youth

Fellowship

150.00

Total

$16,779.08

It's quite possible that errors might
have been made over the two-year period
and some churches who are not listed
may have contributed. Also, it's possible
that some of the churches listed may
have given more than the amount
shown. At any rate, the Children's Home
is very grateful for your interest in the
Home and your willingness to share with
us. We sincerely thank you from the
bottom of our hearts for your gifts which
have provided better living places for our
boys and girls. We pray God's richest
blessings upon you for your devotion to
His work.

Prayerfully yours,

Sam Weeks, Staff, and Chiidren

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
JANUARY, 1976

Albemarle Conference

Hickory Chapel $ 24.00

Mt. Tabor 68.79

Sidney 500.00

Total

Cedar Hill

Blue Ridge Association

Casey's Chapel

Cape Fear Conference

$ 592.79

$ 25.00

25.00

Johnston Union

20O.I

Lee s Chapel

292.

Palmer Memorial

284.

Pleasant Grove •

150.

Saint Mary's

21 5.

Qmithfinlrt Piret

omiinneiQ, rirsi

300.

Qt Paul
ol. rdUl

duU.

Victory Mission

27.

T CI VCI IUI I b UlUVC

O I 0.

Total

$2,014.

Central Conference

Carteret Union
Third Union
Miscellaneous
New Bethlehem
New Haven
Northeast
Oak Grove
Rock of Zion
Sarecta
Sound View
Spring Hope
Wintergreen
Total

Pee Dee Association

Oak Grove
White Oak
Total

Piedmont Conference

East Rockingham
Wayside
Total

Toe River Association

Cox's Creek
Roaring Creek
Total

Aspen Grove

$ 197.

Ayden

55.

Bethany

33.

Dawson's Grove

120.'

Edgewood

95. i

Free Union

239.:

Greenville, First

10.1

Hickory Grove

115.

King's Cross Roads

105.

Little Creek

110.

Ormondsville

5.1

Otter's Creek

61.1

Peace

15.

Piney Grove (Beaufort)

63.

Rocky Mount, First

130.1

Winterville

198.

Total

$1,554.

Eastern Conference

Cabin

$ 50.

Core Creek

97.

Crab Point

15.

Faith

5.

Friendship

29.

Hillsberry

10.

Kinston, First

300.

Lanier's Chapel

10.

Memorial

58.

Fifth Sunday School

Convention

35.

Fifth Union

15.

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Western Conference

ft.anch Chapel
28li erett's Chapel
'51 ee Union
215 iendship
30) fenly
'. ilbournie
27 ■ |t . Zion
31^ few Sandy Hill
Siipople's Chapel
jney Grove
Ine Level
i jasant Grove
tAsebud
ierron Acres

Mary's
:oney Creek
nion Chapel
nion Grove
'ilson, First
Total

im, West Virginia
lint, Michigan
Total

otal Religious
Contributions

128.96
162.82
20.00
5.00
5.00
83.00
600.00
75.00
15.00
125.00
100.00
102.15
5.00
180.00
171.00
325.00
32.50
55.00
,250.00

Other States

$3,440.43

$ 10.00
60.00
$ 70.00

$9,467.25

Mrs.
ryan.

MEMORIAL GIFTS
JANUARY, 1976

(Total, $230)

Emma Casey by Ellen

Casey

Henry Brown by King's Cross Roads Senior Class

\ 2.

Mrs. Manley Mallard by Mr. and Mrs. Norman
Waller, Mrs. Jan Thompson and Debbie, Miss Sally
Waller, Mr. E. M. Richey, Mrs. Nellie Richey, and
Mildred M. Jenkins.

E. R. Strickland by the Rev. and Mrs. Lester
)uncan.

S. R. Strickland by the Rev. and Mrs. Lester
(Ouncan.

Mrs. Ellen G. Carraway by the All Saints Episcopal
I (School of Charlotte.

Mrs. Rosalie Harrell by Pat A. Hill.

:1

HONORARY GIFTS
JANUARY, 1976

(Total, $15)

In honor of the Rev. Ed. Taylor by Mr. and Mrs.
Jack Penny.

CHILDREN'S HOME
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

The Sponsorship Program is a
rogram whereby a church, auxiliary, or
Individual can provide direct support for
a child. Sponsors mean a great deal to
our children, not just for monetary
reasons, but because they know that
someone is interested in them as in-
dividuals. Sponsoring a child provides an
opportunity to become a real, intimate

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

part of a child's life. It gives you the
opportunity to share your home, your
love, and your influence to help mold a
precious child's life.

We have five children who are not
sponsored. If you are interested in our
Sponsorship Program, contact the
Director of Child Care at the Children's
Home by mail (P. 0. Drawer E. Mid-
dlesex, North Carolina 27557); or call
235-4079.

Below is a list of the children, along
with their ages, who are in need of a
sponsor:

Name Age

Margaret Dement 9
Jimmy Dement 14
Allen Johnson 11
Jeffrey Johnson 9
Jimmy Speight 13
Full sponsorship for a child is $55 per
month and partial sponsorship amounts
to $25 per month.

BLACK JACK CUB
SCOUTS VISIT
HOME

On Saturday, January 31, the Black
Jack Cub Scout Pack from the Black
Jack Free Will Baptist Church near
Greenville visited the Children's Home.

The boys were accompanied by their
families. They brought gifts consisting of
commodities and cash for the Home. The
Children's Home was their "Goodwill
Project" for the year as it has also been
for years past. The Pack Master is Mr.
Billy Elks and the Den Mothers are Mrs.
Judith Hudson and Mrs. Merlene
Summerlin.

Shown in this photo is Mr. Weeks
receiving their generous gifts totaling to
$365. Looking on are the pack members
and their families. Pack members
present were as follows: Kevin Gray,
Chad Clark, Kenny Dixon, Mike Clark,
Steve Kite, Tim Brinson, Stacy McCarter,
Rilbie Smith, Kenny Boyd, Todd Hudson,
Chris Buck, Michael Elks, and Guy
Mobley.

This group received a tour of the farm
and campus while they were at the Home
which they enjoyed very much. The
Children's Home extends a cordial
welcome to all groups desiring to visit
us. We'd like to see more of our church
groups in the future and especially more
of our youth groups. This invitation is to
all— come whenever you can!

STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION
Saturday, April 10,
Ayden, N. C.

Since the regular date for the annual
meeting of the State Sunday School
Convention is the Saturday before
Easter, the Executive Committee voted to
have the convention to meet a week
earlier this year, on Saturday, April 10,
rather than April 17.

Thirty-five years ago the convention
met in Ayden at the Ayden Free Will
Baptist Church. The outstanding
achievement of that year's session was
the adoption of a plan that enabled the
convention to raise the down payment
money for Cragmont Assembly. This year
the Executive Committee thought it fitting
to accept the invitation of
"The Press" to meet again in Ayden.

For this session, "The Press" has
secured the use of the Ayden Elementary
School as a meeting place. Some
churches in the area will cooperate in
sponsoring this year's session. Truly,
this will be a historical event. For over a
hundred years, the Ayden area has had
the opportunity to be headquarters for
the printing needs of our churches, and
was the dream of our church leaders of a
few decades ago . . . that Eureka College
would have the privilege of providing
education needed by ministers and
Christian workers. That dream still
remains, as churches and individuals in
the Ayden area support Mount Olive
College.

This year four workshops will be
(Continued on Page 11 )

FRIENDSHIP WOMAN'S

AUXILIARY
OFFICERS INSTALLED

On January 25, newly elected officers
of the Woman's Auxiliary of Friendship
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
Middlesex, were installed by the pastor
of the church, the Rev. Dwight Chap-
man, to serve the auxiliary for a two-year
term.

During the morning worship Mr.
Chapman read the Woman's Auxiliary
Theme for 1976, "Living Your Faith";
the Scripture, "Watch ye, stand fast in
the faith, quit you like men, be strong"
(1 Corinthians 16:13); and the purpose,
"To show those around us that we serve
a risen, living Saviour." Special music,
"Faith Is the Victory," the auxiliary
theme song, was sung by auxiliary
members who made up the choir for the
service.

Reminding everyone to accept the
leadership and guidance bestowed upon
them in accepting their duties, the pastor
used as his text the theme, "Living Your
Faith," and offered advice as found in
Romans 12:1, 2, "I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect will,
of God." In presenting oneself a living
sacrifice, he stated that one should stand
up and be dependent on himself, by not
being self-centered, but by letting Christ
dwell within the middle of his heart, thus
making him willing to listen so he can
live within a clean vessel seven days a
week and all during our bicentennial
year. He closed his message by saying,
"Live your faith by striving to be better
servants through a personal experience
with a living Saviour."

Flowers, using the auxiliary colors,
were placed in the sanctuary in honor of
the organization by Mrs. Geneva Wilder,

a charter member.

Officers installed were as follows:
President, Judy Strickland; vice-
president, Mary Strickland; secretary,
Hope Wilder; treasurer, Maloye Williams;
program chairman, Mavis Davis;
missions, Mae Belle Strickland; youth,
Kay Tippett; study course chairman,
Geneva Wilder; benevolence, Virginia
Wilder; and corresponding secretary,
Penina Edwards.

President Judy Strickland, a faithful,
young, enthusiastic leader in the
auxiliary and church, accepting the
challenge as president by the grace of
God and with the help of all the ladies,
her family, and church, was presented a
beautiful white cross. Afterwards as
the remaining officers accepted the
charge, Miss Strickland gave each one
a white cross increasing their awareness
of their search for a more meaningful
faith through laboring together with
God and man as they embark upon
two-year experience in Christianity.

STUDY COURSE
AT FRIENDSHIP CHURCH

A study course of the "Auxiliary
Manual" will be taught by Mrs. Geneva
Wilder, Tuesday evening, March 9,
beginning at 7:30. The course will be
taught in Friendship Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Middlesex. Auxiliary
members from other area auxiliaries are
invited to attend.

YOUTH MISSION RETREAT
HELD AT ST. MARY'S

Praise the Lord for teenagers! Those
vibrant, never-tiring individuals that give
us "old folks" that extra "get up and
go" we sometimes need.

"We got the get up and the go" and a
lot more from our young people at St.
Mary's Free Will Baptist Church in New
Bern the weekend of February 14.
Deborah Pittman and Howard Scott of the
Home Mission Board were our guests for
the weekend, being in charge of

i

Saturday night service and the Sunda^1
morning worship service.

Our Mission Retreat began at fivi)
o'clock on Saturday afternoon with i
spaghetti supper; good singing, antl
plenty of laughter. Later that night wit
had the "popsicle experience" and ill
study time of the four spiritual laws and:
soul winning through the plan o|
salvation. At midnight, at the end of ouil
confidential "rap session," we all met ir*
the sanctuary of the church for prayer.

More singing, more eating, and morel
laughter carried us through the:
remainder of the night in the basement oil
the church.

Our Sunday school hour was filled1
with enthusiastic discussions about
sharing, our church, and the new role of
home missionaries that we had all'
assumed during the night.

When Howard concluded hisl
challenging and inspiring message1
Sunday morning, the altar was filled with'
teenagers redidicating their lives to
Jesus and adults pledging their support
to God and our youth.

This beautiful sight made everyone of
those thirty-one sleepless hours all*
worthwhile.

Brenda Lewis
Youth Sponsor

ATTENTION

WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES!

Now is the time for you to collect your
per capita dues, if you have not already
done so. These dues should be collected i
during the first months of the year, in
time to be sent to your district treasurer;
before, or in time for your district:
convention. The dues are 40 cents pen
member per year. Send these dues to
your district treasurer; she will keep 20
cents and send 20 cents to your state
treasurer. It is necessary that you
cooperate in this as these dues provide a
part of the funds for the operational
expenses of your convention. Singly we
can do very little; together we can ac-
complish much. Let us continue to work
together. Thank you.

Your State Treasurer

ATTENTION,
ALL YOUTH SPONSORS!

Time is drawing near for the spring
conventions of the district and state
youth work. Remember, at your district
youth meetings, have your run-off on the

S

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

rjible Bowl Quiz No. 1. A team
presenting your YFA and a team
ii nresenting your AFC should be sent to
M'yur state youth meeting. At your state
rseting, be sure to have three teams
ebh of YFAs and AFCs to represent your
i'\ jjte at the General Conference in June.
5: |lt is not too late to get your church,
r (strict, and state to be represented at
J te General Conference. You have time to
mesjjdy now, if you have not already
er fiidied. The book for the quiz is Bible
liwl Quiz No. 1 (Genesis through
l uteronomy). These may be purchased
er ,i the Ayden Bible and Bookstore or any
i its branch stores at Smithfield, New
3rn, or Wilson,
a: iThe General Conference this year will
3- if held at the First Free Will Baptist
i Inurch in Durham, Monday, June 21.
et's show the General Conference that
6 appreciate North Carolina and see
isj| iw many can be present for the
i teeting .

Charlotte Griffin
General Conference
Youth Chairman

si ATTENTION, ALL
PIEDMONT DISTRICT
YOUTH!

™; 1 Effective January 17, 1976, Mrs.
idie Greene became the youth chairman
jjr the Piedmont District Woman's
uxiliary. Mrs. Greene's address is P. 0.

*!i bx 667, Elm City, North Carolina

]i 7822. All youth sponsors are urged to

1 'ork with her.

) I The spring meeting of the youth of the
1 ledmont District will be held Saturday,
1 larch 13, at the First Free Will Baptist

hurch in Durham.
'; j Bible Bowl Quiz run-offs, declamations
■ rid Essays run-offs, as well as many

ther exciting things will be taking place
f Hat day.

Make your plans now to attend. The

Seeting will begin with lunch at 1 2 noon.

i )

Charlotte Griffin, President
Piedmont District Auxiliary

ATTENTION PLEASE!

I

In the February 11 issue of "The Free
Vill Baptist" in the Article "Hansley
Iffers Teacher-Training Program Called
'EA," please note section VII. You may
ontact Mr. Hansley by writing Box 506,
flount Olive, North Carolina 28365; or
elephoning LaGrange 566-3621.

CHRISTIAN CAMPING

Fellow Free Will Baptists:

For several years I have been
associated with Christian Camping in our
Free Will Baptist Camps, either as a
camper or counselor. I am one person
who believes in our camps. I have had
the privilege of attending and serving as
a counselor in all three of our camps:
Cragmont Assembly, Camp Vandemere,
and Eagles Nest Conference Center.
Each camp has proved to have a God-
teaching ministry which has deeply
altered the lives of many of our young
people to deeper and more meaningful
Christian service.

As a counselor I have seen results of
this, but the most reliable source I have
concerning this is by the impact of going
to camp had on my life. At camp I was
taught by dedicated counselors and staff
that the Christian life was not a passive
one but an active one. I was only fifteen
at the time, but. the camping experience
made a real change in my life and also
made the ministry at my home church
brighter because what I received at camp
went home with me. As taught at camp,
the "Christian Life" is a real Sunday-
through-Saturday life and that means a
daily communion and walk with God. It
really can't be put into words how I feel
about camping, but as a camper I grew
closer to the Lord and as a counselor I
also grew. I have thanked God for His
blessings and kindness as I have seen
shining faces and tears in the eyes of
campers looking for a better tomorrow in
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Whatever the case, every child that
goes to camp may not show such a vast
outward change, but the gospel will be
preached and a good Chistian example
will try to be set by each counselor
through concern and fellowship. Maybe
camping is for your child.
In His service,

Cathy Wallace

Snow Hill Free Will Baptist Church
Route 2, Mount Olive, N. C.

CHURCH
ENLIGHTENMENT
WORKSHOP

A community workshop for the various
Free Will Baptist churches in the
Macclesfield area will be held at Otter's

Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1 ,
Macclesfield, on Monday and Tuesday
nights, March 15 and 16, 1976. The
program will be centered around better
methods of church administration,
teaching, and community evangelism.
Two classes each night will be given by
the Rev. C. F. Bowen, who is also ad-
ministrative officer of the workshop. Any
church interested in participating in this
program should contact a member of the
Ways and Means Committee at 749-2261
or write to the sponsoring church. A
proposed program is given below.

Monday Night, March 15
Church Administration— 7.30-8:15 P. M.

1. "General Organization of
Church Officers and Standing Com-
mittee"

2. "Methods of Election of Church
Workers"

3. "How Workers Do Their Work"

Church Administration— 8:30-9:15 P. M.

1. "The Finance Committee"

2. "The Proposed Unified Budget
System"

3. "How to Meet the Budget"
Tuesday Night, March 16

Teaching Methods— 7:30-8:1 5 P. M.

1. "Adult Teachers"

2. "Young People's Teachers"

3. "General Teaching Methods"
Evangelism— 8:30-9:15 P. M.

1. "Sources of Prospects"

2. "Visitation Evangelism"

3. "Worship Service Appeals"

4. "Evangelism in Revivals"

5. "Follow-Up"

(All time periods are approximate.
Refreshments will be served between
classes.)

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 3)

to attend one more semester here and
then transfer to Campbell. I want to stay
at Mount Olive as long as I can: that's
just how much the College means to me.

I know that we have many young
people in our churches that are con-
sidering going to college, and it is my
opinion that they could not make a better
choice than Mount Olive College. I thank
God for my unique Christian experience
at Mount Olive; it means a great deal to
me!

"HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Wedding Bells for Miss Wrenn
And the Rev. Ronnie Knighton

Grimsley Church Spring
Revival March 8-13

Revival services are scheduled for
Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church located
on Highway 102, approximately three
miles west of Maury, for the week of
March 8-13. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30 with the Rev. Robert
May of Ahoskie as the visiting
evangelist. Mr. May will be assisted by
the pastor, the Rev. Tom Miller. Each
service will feature good gospel
preaching and special music by the local
church and visiting musicians. A nursery
will also be provided.

The pastor and the church mem-
bership extend to everyone a cordial
invitation to worship with them during
this series of meetings.

Oak Grove Welcomes the Tarts
Home with Covered-Dish Supper

A "Welcome Home" covered-dish
supper for Colonel and Mrs. Robert W.
Tart was held at Oak Grove Free Will
Baptist Church in Newton Grove on
Monday night, February 16.

Colonel Tart was on leave from Buenos
Aires, Argentina, where he has been
stationed for the past three years. Forty-
seven church members, relatives, and
friends welcomed the Tarts back to their

home church and expressed their love
and appreciation for them.

The bicentennial theme was used in
decorating the fellowship hall. Red,
white, and blue ribbon enhanced the
large poster which read, "Welcome
Home Robert and Dorothy."

At the conclusion of the meal, Colonel
Tart made a very informative talk on
Argentina. He explained the difference in
Argentina and the United States in
regards to the foods, transportation,
education, recreation, religion, in-
dustries, inflation, and tourist at-
tractions. He stated that the Argentines
eat beef everyday and that beef is
plentiful and inexpensive for them.

After a question and answer session
on other topics related to Argentina, the
entire group felt that they had taken a
trip to Argentina.

Jack Mayo to Condust
Pleasant Hill Revival

The Rev. Jack Mayo of Winterville will
be the guest minister for revival services
at the Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist
Church located on North Carolina High-
way 43 near Calico, the week of March
8-13. Services will begin nightly at 7:45
with the pastor, the Rev. W. H. Willis,
assisting. A featured part of each service
will be special music by the local church
and visitors. A warm welcome is ex-
tended the public to attend.

Oak Grove Church
Announces Spring Revival

The Oak Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Vanceboro announces its
spring revival for the week of March 7-
13. Services will begin each evening at
7:45 with the Rev. Henry Armstrong as
the visiting minister. The pastor, the
Rev. LaWayne C. Poston, will assist in
the services which will feature special
music nightly. Everyone is cordially
invited to attend.

Wedding bells will be ringin
Saturday, March 6, for Miss Nina Wren]
of Kingstree, South Carolina, and th"
Rev. Ronnie Knighton of Shellman
Georgia. Miss Wrenn is the daughter c
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Wrenn of Kingstree
and Mr. Knighton is the son of Mr. am
Mrs. Claud Knighton of Phenix City
Alabama. The ceremony will take place i
the First Free Will Baptist Church i
Kingstree.

Mr. Knighton accepted the call t
serve the Bethlehem Original Free Wi
Baptist Church, Shellman, Georgia, i
September, 1975, at which time th'
Bethlehem church went on a full-tim,

schedule. The couple are both formei
students of the Free Will Baptist Biblj
College in Nashville, Tennessee. /!
mobile home has been placed on thj
church grounds to serve as a parsonag^
for the young couple. Together th
couple plans to spend much time will
the youth of the church since theV
have had special training in this
field. In addition to youth work, they
shall be working in the music depart
ment of the church.

Mr. Knighton came to the Bethlehen
Community as a stranger to the youth
but to the senior citizens he wa:
graciously accepted as John Knighton'
grandson. Many of his relatives were laii
to rest in the Knighton lot of tin
Bethlehem Cementery.

Fond memories and family ties hav«

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

wn stronger since having the Rev.
nnie Knighton in the Bethlehem
mmunity. The church welcomes this
ung couple into its midst as they begin
ir ministry together in the community.

ring Revival at
a's Grove Church

The spring revival for Dilda's Grove
)e Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
untain, is scheduled for the week of
rch 8-13. Services will begin nightly
r:30, with the Rev. Boyd Shook as the
iting minister. The pastor, the Rev.
Ither Bissette, will be assisting in the
Irvice. He and the church membership
|tend to everyone a cordial invitation to
rship with them during this revival
beting .

STATES. S. CONV.

(Continued from Page 7)
Ipvided to assist officers and teachers
|| learn how they may improve their
;sons and encourage their students to
sire to be better informed Bible
holars. The workshops will begin at
30 a. m., and each one will be con-
cted twice in the morning session so
pt each person may attend two classes,
perienced teachers, ministers, and
iters will conduct the workshop
isses, covering the various age groups
our schools. There will be a short
eak between workshops. The use of
e Ayden Elementary School will provide
■ge classrooms, thus providing better
cilities than the convention has used in
ars past. The business of the con-
ntion and other events will take place
the afternoon session. Each officer and
acher of each school is urged to be
esent.

I The theme of this year's convention is
|i coincide with the Nation's Bicentennial
elebration . Two hundred schools are
ing assigned a year in the nation s
story. These schools are urged to
:iport to the convention. Their name and
,ieir date in history will be placed on a
uitable plaque. This plaque will be an
nbroken record of the 200 years of our
ation's history; that is, if each school
ilfills its opportunity to be represented
y a report and a delegation of officers
fid teachers.

Watch the pages of "The Baptist" and
le next issue of the convention's paper,
The Sunday School Reporter," for
lore information. Report blanks and
our assignment of your Sunday school

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

year will be in the mail about the middle
of March, in plenty of time to make your
plans to be represented. Remember the
date: Saturday, April 10. Registration
begins at the Ayden Elementary School at
8:30 a. m. The school is on West Third
Street Extension.

Respectfully submitted
Rev. Raymond T. Sasser
Director of Organization

God Has
Better Things
in Store for Us

in 1976

(Some Thoughts Concerning
the New Bern Bible
and Bookstore)

Information Submitted by
Ellen Dixon, Manager

"God has better things in store for us.
We have experienced a number of
difficulties during the past year, but
never have we been or ever shall we be
hopeless as we endeavor to follow His
will in all things," speaks Ellen Dixon.

On February 17, 1975, Mrs. Dixon
was hospitalized in Craven County
Memorial Hospital for a period of eight
days during which time she underwent
numerous and extensive tests. During
the time of her hospitalization, the store
(located at that time at 213 Middle
Street) burned, suffering a total loss. But
in a week's time, with the help of and
with the leading of God, the store was
relocated at 511 Tryon Palace Drive and
opened for business.

Then, on March 4, a better location
was secured for the business at 415-A
Tryon Palace Drive.

Sorrow came again on May 31, as
Mrs. Mary Emma Phipps' father died.
(Mrs. Phipps is one of the employees of
the store.) Later, personal tragedy
struck again, as on September 17, Mrs.
Maxine Maners (another employee of the
store) lost her father. Another unex-
pected occurrence: Mrs. Jean Thomas,
another employee, had to be admitted to
Duke University Hospital for treatment of
a heart condition which necessitated her
being out of work for a period of three
months.

At this point, Mrs. Dixon and her staff
wondered what else could happen, as it

seemed that the proverbial odds were
against them. States Mrs. Dixon, "Many
times I would tell people that God still has
better things in store for us. I believed
this with all my heart— as I do now,
though it has been a long, hard road."

In November, God opened doors for
the New Bern store at 31 3 Middle Street,
downtown. Surely this is where God
wanted His store headquartered so that
service could be rendered to His people
in the area on a larger and more efficient
scale. Another tragedy occurred with the
death of Mrs. Dixon's father on
November 26, but discouragement was
short-lived, as the ladies hastened about
their Father's business.

Then, on December 1, boxes were
being unpacked for business at 313
Middle Street, where the store is now
located. God has proved that He is ever
near and unfailing. The members of the
store staff wish to thank everyone for
their prayers and support during the
times when the odds seem in-
surmountable. Too, prayers are urged for
a continuation of God's blessings as they
endeavor to labor for Him and serve His
ministry through the New Bern Bible and
Bookstore. They invite all friends to visit
them in their newest location. Mrs. Dixon
still maintains, "God has better things in
store for us!"

MOUNT OLIVE NEWS

NEW CREATION SCHEDULE

The New Creations of Mount Olive
College will be presenting programs of
gospel songs and testimonies at the
following churches during the remainder
of the spring semester.

March 7, 7 P.M.— Coharie United

Methodist Missions, Clinton
March 14, 11 A.M.— Ormondsville Free

Will Baptist Church, Ormondsville
March 21 , 7 P.M.— Spring Hill Free Will

Baptist Church, Goldsboro
March 28, 11 A.M. — Rhodes Friends

Church, Route 4, Mount Olive
May 1— Christian Music Festival, Eagles

Nest Conference Center, Mount Olive

This group consists of young men and
young women who love the Lord and who
love to share Him with others through the
medium of songs and testimonies. If you
would like to have them in your church,
you may do so by contacting Frank
Harrison at the College; phone 658-
2502.

ii

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^}

<HY)

THE SUNDAY fC 7LZ

SCHOOL LESSON^

For March 14 ^^C"*

A NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE

Lesson Text: Matthew 21 :28-32, 42-46
Memory Verse: Matthew 3:3

I. INTRODUCTION

All men are traveling the road of life,
but not all are traveling in the right
direction. Some are traveling from
Jericho (the city upon which God's curse
abode) up to Jerusalem, the city of the
living God. Others are traveling in just
the opposite direction: They are traveling
the downward path that not only leads
from God's presence and alienation from
Him, but also leads to destruction.

If there is any one thing that men of
our generation need, it is the need to find
purpose and direction for their lives.
Suffice it to say that just any purpose or
direction will not do. They must discover
the purpose for which God created them,
direct their every effort in that direction,
and make full use of every God-given
talent to accomplish that purpose
in a right and acceptable manner.
—The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. There are two parables in the
lesson for today. Each of them shows the
importance of acknowledging Christ as
Saviour and Lord and following Him in
obedience. Yet the religious leaders were
rejecting Him, and now Jesus comes to
reject them. He never rejects anyone
until they have first rejected Him.

B. In the first parable, we have a
picture of repentance. The son said that
he would not serve his father; however,
he changed his mind and went and did
his father's bidding. Repentance is a
change of mind. It is a change of mind
toward our sins, ourselves, and toward
God. One never allows Christ to come in
until his sinful mind and heart are
changed.

C. The fruit of repentance is
obedience. The simple statement, "I am
sorry," is not repentance. It reminds one
of a child who has been taught to say
these words, and feels that they "fix"

any wrong he may have done.

D. The printed text for today speaks
of Jesus as the Stone. He is the Stone
that the builders rejected. This gives a
picture of Israel rejecting Christ as the
promised Messiah. But they will never be
able to build a temple of character as
individuals or as a nation until they take
Him as Christ and Lord.

E. Jesus was very popular with the
multitudes. He was the champion of the
common man. Those who were against
Him were the religious leaders. They
were the ones who ultimately caused Him
to be crucified. Some of the greatest
enemies of Christ today are religious
people who do not accept Him for what
He really is.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Most of us who are Christians
realize that we are only tenants in God's
world and custodians of His church.
What we have is not really ours. We hold
it in trust for the owner, who is also the
Creator. Even we ourselves are not
our own (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). God
owns us twice over: first because He
made us, and second because He
bought us with the blood of Christ.

The owner expects us to pay the rent.
Some of us are too much like the
husbandmen in Jesus' parable. We act
as if the world and the church belong to
us. We are resentful when the preacher
or someone else keeps reminding us of
what we owe to God. But whether we like
to hear about it or not, the fact remains.
We are in debt. Let's think about some
of the items in our rent.
1. We owe God our worship. Surely
none of us will deny this debt, but some
of us are careless about paying. Look at
the people in the Sunday meetings of the
church. How many members are
missing? How many of them are absent
without any good reason? Think of your
own home worship. How many times a
day do you pray? How much time do you
spend with God's Word? Do you really

think you are paying all that is due? Mi

2. Each one of us ought to develoj
good character, unshakable integrity
We owe it to God. Look at the characl
teristics listed in Galatians 5:22, 231
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gen!
tleness, goodness, faith, meekness]
temperance. See another list in 2 Pete
1:5-7: faith, virtue, knowledge, temj
perance, patience, godliness, brotherlj
kindness, charity or love. With thesi
checklists before you, are you satisfied
that you are keeping up the payments oij
your share of God's property?

3. We owe God obedience in ever;
act of our daily living. (Read Romam
12.) This is a part of our bill. Consider if!
carefully, item by item. Are you behiru
with the rent?

4. We owe it to ourselves to eat ou
meals, take our baths, comb our hair. Ir
like manner we owe it to God to take can i
of the church, for it is Christ's body ill
the world (1 Corinthians 12:27]
Ephesians 1 :22, 23). Are you doing youif
part?

5. God has entrusted you with the,
gospel of salvation. You owe it to Him t'j
share the good news. How long has i|
been since you told it to anyone. Maybti
you can spend some evenings this weel^
to help bring your payments up-to-date. \

6. Many sharecroppers give fifty
percent of their crops to the landowners.;
How much of your income do you think(
you owe to the owner of heaven anc;
earth? Is ten percent too much? None ol
us want God to take His vineyard away,
from us and give it to others who will be(
more willing to share the fruit with Him>
Let's pay the rent.— Standard Lesson;
Commentary

B. An old man once dreamed
unhappily about his past. He saw before;
him a long list of things in his life which;
were wrong, and for which he was sorrty
and ashamed. In his dream he was aboul,
to seize a sponge and rub these things;
out of his biography, when, to his,
amazement, he discovered that whereve^
there were deeds of gold shining through
the story of his life they had been
wrought there by regret and sorrow over
past transgressions, and that if he wiped
out those wrong acts he would at the
same time destroy whatever of nobleness
or beauty there was in his character.

Thus, it is that even our sins and
follies, repented of, can be made stones
in the walls of a godly life.— Macartney's
Illustrations

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

lit

ieh I Scriptural basis: "There is one body
." (Ephesians 4:4).

THE CHURCH
IS A BODY

The human body is a unique unit
(lose combined capabilities are
racles. God made man in His own
age. The image of man then was
signed to be like God. The church was
o made by God and He designed it to
fiction like a body (the human body). In
s way a man can follow the teachings
God by way of comparison. The
; llysical body has one head, one spirit,
ll(id one soul— so does the church. God
I the one Author of the church. Jesus
if prist is her one Head. The church has
i'e informing spirit— the Holy Ghost,
e is traveling to one country— heaven.
,e has one code to guide her— the
'^rd of God. She has one band of
iiiemies— the world, the flesh, and the
ijjvil. She has one means of
ijace— salvation through faith in Jesus
(4rist.

| The physical body is one unit but it
Insists of many members. A normal
|dy is equipped with all the necessary
Members. But the body, in part, can
/jrvive the loss of a hand, a foot, an eye,
i most any other member, but it cannot
irvive without the head. So the church
not complete without all her members
id she cannot survive without her head,
hrist.

Paul, the prisoner of the Lord,
ascribed just how he committed himself
the Lord and urged the Ephesians to
the same. He admonished them to
. . walk worthy of the vocation where-
lith ye are called, With all lowliness
pd meekness, with longsuffering,
irbearing one another in love"
tphesians 4:1 , 2).

Since the church is a body and is
designed in the likeness of Christ, Paul
would have us endeavor ". . .to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace" (Ephesians 4:3). He declares in
verse four that "There is one body, and
one Spirit, even as ye are called in one
hope of your calling." Paul is here in the
process of squeezing all the values,
motives, and purposes of this into one
glorious but very potent capsule: "One
Lord, one faith, one baptism" (v. 5). The
processes of the Christian religion tend
toward the amalgamation of all God's
children into a single unit— the mystical
body of Christ. Glory to God! What a
fantastic, heaven-designed scheme!

The Christian body is the Church of
Jesus Christ in the world. She has one
body but many members. This
arrangement affords the church a very
great variety of things to achieve for the
glory of God. It also offers a diversity of
gifts, many which are varied in services
rendered by God's gifted people.

There will be many dangerous plagues
in the world, threatening to weaken and
molest her. Because of this the church
must never become separated from

Christ. We must keep the unity of the
Spirit and the bond of peace, Our faith
must be kept intact. By doing this we will
be able to honor our obligations in the
paying of our debts of love, honor, and
truth. When we love one another, and
this love is bonded in peace, we will
honor the Lord and the brethren. The
truth of God will be made manifest and
there will be peace and glory in our
souls.

The need for a more earnest sense of
compassion and concern for those in
need is evident. There are many
Christians who are now, or will someday,
experience a need for a strong shoulder
upon which to lean as their tears come
streaming down. The Christian's
shoulder will be better than any other.
Christians need to lend a helping hand to
those whose lives are plagued with trials,
fears, distresses, perplexities and
discomforts. When this happens, the
church must rally and come to their
rescue. The activities, endeavors, and
aspirations have aims to an end— the
comfort and well-being of all. This is
sound doctrine and, like the bones in our
body, gives strength and support to our
spiritual body. Amen.

Speciaf foments

E FREE WILL BAPTIST

Dear Maggie,

"When I was thirteen years of age, I had a very bad case of malaria fever. The
doctor and my aunt were very worried about me. I had an awful chiil. My aunt
covered my body with blankets and gave me a dose of medicine. I went into a coma,
and dreaming, found myself standing at heaven's gate. The gate was open. I stood so
amazed at all its beauty, glory, and wonder— taking all in. I looked down the streets
of gold and Jesus Christ was coming to the gate. He raised His hand and waved at
me. I regained consciousness and my first thought was I had not even given my heart
and soul to my Master. I lost no time confessing my sins and coming to my Saviour,
Jesus Christ."
SB

Kershaw, South Carolina

Don't hesitate to share your special moment because you feel inadequate to
express it. When you write from your heart, God will take care of the editing.

The column needs your support. Share something special God has done for you
with our readers. God will bless you for it, and it will touch otheMives. Just mail your
letter to Special Moments, Free Will Baptist Press, P. 0. Box 158, Ayden, North
Carolina 28513.

Maggie

13

I,

STORIES

for our youth

THE
STOLEN
PERFUME

by

Aria Jo Derr

(j/J/j OTHER sent Sharon off to
''I school with a good-by kiss;
but in less than ten minutes, Sharon
came running back home, screaming.

"What in the world is the matter?"
Mother asked, as she tried to quiet the
timid little girl.

"The boys chased Frisky after me,"
answered Sharon between sobs. "They
always tease me and call me 'scaredy
cat,' but I'm so afraid of that big, black
dog!"

Sharon was small for her age. When
the other girls would run and jump, her
short, slender legs just couldn't keep up
with them. Mother loved her frail child
and always seemed to understand. She
made Sharon a cup of hot chocolate and
wrote a note to the teacher, then walked
Sharon to the school gate.

As Sharon and her mother walked, her
mother said, "Sharon, when you get
scared like that, just stand still and pray
in your heart. The Lord will take your fear
away. The dog didn't bite the other
children, and he won't bite you, either.
He wants to be your friend. The next
time, just pet him on the head. He will
like you and wag his tail to show you that
he does."

When Sharon arrived, the other
children were all in their places. She was
afraid that the teacher would scold her
for being late. At the door she stopped to
pray a minute and then put on her
sweetest smile.

Miss Jones, the teacher, smiled back
at Sharon. After reading the note, she
said, "That's all right this time, Sharon.

14

The next time don't be afraid. Dogs are
nice friends. They won't hurt you."

Soon it was time for recess. Sharon
wondered whether Frisky would be
there. On the playground the girls started
to tease her again. Susan, one of the
bigger girls, said, "Today you are going
to prove that you are not a 'scaredy
cat.' "

Sharon just laughed and took hold of
Susan's arm. Sharon tried to show that
she wanted Susan to be her friend, but
Susan just yanked her arm away.

"Say, kid," Susan said, "there's a
fancy bottle of perfume on Miss Jones'
desk. Run in and get it while Miss Jones
is out. Then we will all know you are not
a 'scaredy cat'! We will all go to school
smelling very sweet. Miss Jones won't
know who took it, and she can't punish
all of us."

Sharon looked from one to the other to
see whether anyone was on her side, but
they all stood there, giggling.

Sharon felt her lip begin to tremble, as
she said, "But— but I can't do that. That
would be stealing."

Susan gave her a shove as she said,
"Go, hurry, before the bell rings. Then
we will all know you are not afraid!"

Sharon silently prayed and felt herself
growing brave. She looked Susan
straight in the eye, saying, "I won't
steal for anyone!"

Sharon watched Susan and one of the
other girls go off to one side and whisper
to each other. She wondered what would
happen next. When they returned,
Susan went up to Sharon and put her big
arm around the little girl. As Susan did
so, she grabbed Sharon's handkerchief
from her pocket. Waving it in the air,
Susan said, "Look, kids, it has her
name on it." Then Susan ran to the
classroom and quickly returned with the
bottle of perfume.

"I put your handkerchief on Miss

Jones' desk," Susan said to Sharon. I
has your name on it. The teacher v
think that you are the thief."

Sharon's heart almost stood still
she watched Susan try to open t
bottle. The glass stopper just wouldij
budge. Susan gave it a tap against tl
brick wall. The neck of the bottle brok
A sharp splinter of glass pierced Susan
finger, making it bleed badly. Tr
scared the whole group, and they r
away from Susan, leaving her alone.

Sharon felt sorry for Susan and we
to her. "Let me help you," she sail
She reached into her pocket for h
handkerchief, but then remembered tn
it wasn't there.

"Do you have a handkerch
Susan?" she asked.

"No, I didn't bring one. What will |
do?" whined Susan.

Sharon's mother had told her thatj
was a very bad cut when the blood r,
out so fast. "Come, hurry, let me ta!
you to the teacher!" Sharon he;
Susan's finger tightly over the pla
where the blood was streaming out
they went to Miss Jones.

Susan looked at Sharon in surprisi
"How come you're not scared?" s:
asked.

Sharon answered, "I prayed, and t
Lord took all the fear out of my heart."'

Miss Jones quickly stopped tl
bleeding by tying a tight string aroui
the finger. Then she bandaged the fing
neatly, and Susan wondered wheth
this would be the end of her troubles, b
it wasn't.

"How did all this happen? Why doyij
smell so strongly of perfume?" Mi
Jones asked.

Susan felt her face turn a fiery re
She pretended to be looking at her fing
and not at Miss Jones. Sharon didri
want to be a tattletale, so she just ke
quiet.

Miss Jones waited as she looked
them. Finally, Susan began to sob. Thi
she told the whole story. "We wanti
Sharon to steal your perfume to show si
was not a 'scaredy cat,' but si
wouldn't do it. She said that it would I
stealing. Then I ran and took it and p
Sharon's handkerchief on your desk
you would think that she took it.

"Sharon really is a brave girl. Whi
all the other girls ran away, she stayed
help me. I will never call her a 'scarei
cat' again."

Miss Jones patted Sharon on tl

THE FREE WILL BAPTIJ

lad, saying, "It takes much more
lfif *| urage to do the right thing than to do
(b wrong thing. You can always find
11 (pnty of girls who will help you do the
'tang thing, but not many who will help
lu do the right thing."
"'That evening Susan and Sharon
%ked home together. Just around the
4rner Frisky came bounding toward
lem. Sharon held on to Susan a bit
Inter. She was trembling.

"Don't be afraid! I'll pet him, and he
Hon't hurt us," Susan said. After Susan
s4d petted him, Frisky turned to Sharon
r more petting.

"Pet him!" commanded Susan.
Sharon bravely stroked Frisky's head,
wiijddenly the fear was all gone, and she
»gan to laugh.

Frisky wagged his tail, as if to say,
Thank you." He had found a new
ttalend. — Selected

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Crab Point Free Will Baptist
lurch near Morehead City is in need of
full-time pastor. Any ordained minister
good standing with his conference
Crested in serving this church please
intact Mr. Robert Davis, Route 2, Box
\0, Morehead City, North Carolina
' 3557; or telephone (919) 726-4390.
H

JJoming Events . . .

■liifarch 13— North Carolina State League
\\ Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
id Carolina

ftjarch 20— Vacation Bible School
I Workshop, Ayden, North Carolina
larch 25— Eastern District Woman's
i| Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
if i College, Mount Olive, North Carolina
ijilarch 27— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free
I Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro,
J North Carolina

inarch 31 — Central District Woman's
d Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
J Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
I Walstonburg, North Carolina
[j^pril 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina
pril 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

i i

April 10— North Carolina State Sunday
School Convention, Ayden
Elementary School, Ayden, North
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel

theWhrte House Hatchet Ma^

Again

Charles W-Colson

A CHOSEN
BOOK

When President Nixon's "dirty tricks" expert announced his decision for Jesus
Christ, most people were skeptical. Now at last the controversial Watergate figure
tells his own story. More than an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of the Nixon
White House, this is the account of a modern man's search for meaning. Seeking
fulfillment in hard work, success, and power, Chuck Colson found it, paradoxically,
in disgrace and prison. The ringing affirmation of this astonishing book is that, yes,
there is an answer to despair and disillusionment. Yes, human nature can be
changed.

"The best book on Watergate," Les Whitten, syndicated Washington
columnist.

This book sells for $8.95 and may be purchased at the AYDEN BIBLE AND
BOOKSTORE, 811 North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina, or any of its branch
stores at Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson.

TC [HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

LIBRARY

jjlIKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, M . C.

COM

277C3

"PAUL PROCLAIMS THE FAITH"
DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
MATERIAL, 1976

The Introductory Packet for your 1976 daily vacation Bible school, "Paul Proclaims
the Faith," published by The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., is now ready
and may be purchased at the Ayden Bible and Bookstore, or any of its branch stores
at Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. The packet (a $8.56 value) sells for $7.95.

The annual Vacation Bible School Workshop has been scheduled for Saturday, March
20. Watch the "Baptist" for more information concerning the workshop.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

the free Dill baptist

Self-satisfaction is dangerous, not only to ourselves,
but also to those who sometimes have to endure our
unrequited self-esteem.

/

Cover Photo by Ed Carlin

ON WITH SELF-SATISFACTION

Self-satisfaction is dangerous. The term most often represents smug
"pleasure" with oneself or one's position or achievement. And often this
feeling is gratified to the fullest degree by an inner, but unidentifiable,
yearning to meet the fulfilling condition that one stages for
himself: a self -measurement which excludes the advice or intervention of
others.

Logical-thinking people know that an individual cannot adequately
measure himself. He is just plainly too biased to evaluate himself objectively.
He will excuse in himself what appears to other people to be intolerable
characteristics. Furthermore, he will condemn in other people the slightest
imperfections, in a futile attempt to make himself look good. And, contrary to
what should be the case, this two-sided appraisal is practiced by Christians as
well as non-Christians ! Surprising or not so surprising?

One danger of self-satisfaction is that a person who is "plagued" by the
malady often fails to reach for anything higher or aspire to a more meaningful
existence, which he can attain through diligent effort. And, as odd as it seems,
sometime a mere adjustment in self-examination is all that is required to
alleviate the "pressures" which come with self-content. Now, certainly, self-
content in this connotation does not mean happiness; here the meaning con-
notes an overabundance of self-assurance. Self-assurance in and of itself is not
bad, but when coupled with or compensated by an overabundance of ego, this
self-assurance becomes distasteful, obnoxious, and unbearably painful for
one's peers, acquaintances, or other personal contacts.

No one wants to present an exterior so colored with self-esteem that ap-
proaches of "Please help me" or "Give me a listening ear" are frightened off.
But all too often, one who feels self-satisfaction so keenly and displays it
unashamedly (or unabashedly, if you will) have a lot of difficulty recongnizing
the ill-content or lack of self-confidence so prevalent in many persons. The
reason is that when all is well for any individual, he is frequently "so high in the
clouds" that he can't see the world right at his fingertips— a world needing,
crying for, and dying for mental understanding, a helping hand, or an em-
pathetic heart. Self-satisfaction clouds rational thought and deportment,
anyhow.

It is not the intention of this discussion to make one feel guilty at his arrival
at a comfortable plateau in his experience ; rather, the motive is to make one
reevaluate his ideals, his "station," and his spiritual condition to ascertain
whether or not he has reached stagnation, or, on the otherhand, perhaps risen
higher in thought than in growth.

Growth— especially Christian growth— is vitally important, a real
necessity, in fact. Self-satisfaction stunts, if not stifles, this growth process and
in actuality can lead to a regression or a reversal of the intended aim of bet-
tering oneself in all areas. As has been suggested by this editor before, if one
doesn't move forward, he is slipping backward. There is no such thing as
standing still spiritually, notwithstanding the dyed-in-the-wool pillars of the
church who champion the cause of steadfastness. Steadfastness denotes being
unmovable and firm, and is quite different from standing still, though some
people have difficulty differentiating between the two. Standing still, then, can
be compared with self-satisfaction; but, properly, steadfastness cannot be so
compared.

Advice: Ask a friend— a honest-to-goodness trusted friend— to do a review
of your person. Let him be as fair (or brutal as needs be), and with the ap-
propriate motivation too much self-satisfaction can be determined and ad-
justed to a sensible level. Self-satisfaction is dangerous, not only to ourselves,
but also to those who sometimes have to endure our unrequited self-esteem.
Have you gotten bogged down lately? Could be that you're just too self-satisfied.
And that's sad. Do something about it before you become so locked in
that there's no escape !

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARCH 10, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free V
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North I
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seco
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue m !l
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to I
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: II
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yeaj;
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoiil
given when local churches send the "Baptist'fi
the home of every member; names and .!•
dresses to be provided by churches. Church
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptis
are sent to one individual who in turn distribu
these. A 50 percent discount is offered un<
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflji
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of It
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for e;
article is given the person whose. name appe!
under the title or to the person submitting sj
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 1
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. i
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a. m.— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenba
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secreta
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rob
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist!
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

YE SHALL KNOW THEM
BY THEIR FRUITS
(Matthew 7:16)

by Mrs. Hersel L. Bowen
Winterville, North Carolina

Y) LEASE let me share with
f you an experience I will
bver forget.

I walked into this home and put my
ms around a dear old lady, and said to
r, "I am so sorry." She looked up at
e through her tear-filled eyes and
jsked, "Have you had your dinner?"
k how wonderful to be able to think of
|hers in a time of sadness like this!
lord, grant me the power to be able to
jiink of the cares of others when my
■eart is breaking as I know this dear
riend's was. To me this was a great
jidy.

j The occasion was the death of this
ear friend's husband.
! We left this little humble home and
lent to a small white church that stood
p a snow-covered yard. As the doors of
this little church opened for us to enter,
'iomeone seemed to say, "Welcome, you
Ire in God's house." The simplicity of
this place was beautiful. I knew God was
jhere for His presence could be felt. A
jpirge array of lovely flowers was at the
Itar, surrounding the casket, showing
is the beauty of God's holy works. As we
at in the pews, listening to the beautiful
nusic played softly by the pianist, my
houghts went back to the day when my
jrandfather attended this little church
ind gave so much of himself so that we
j:ould have the church today. Though the
Members be few, I'm sure God abides in
heir midst.

As the people began to file in for the
uneral you could hear a pin drop. The
)ews were filled to overflowing, with
)eople standing in the aisles as close
ogether as possible. Some were not able
o get into the church. Then the silence

was broken by six dear children (all
grown) as we heard, "Daddy we love
you so much. Oh, how we shall miss
you!" Some may say that we should not
show our emotions, but have you ever
tried to eat a "cold fish" without
showing emotions? If so, why not show
our warm emotions? It is never wrong to
say, "I love you," is it? Sure these
children told their daddy that they loved
him during his lifetime; even their ac-
tions told him that.

As the preacher spoke, I'm sure there
were no dry eyes in this little church. He
mentioned the stoning of Stephen, the
greatest of all deacons, as he compared
this deceased deacon to Stephen. Dear
God, please make me as great a lady as
this preacher said this man was as a
deacon. Surely he was a great man
because he put God first in all things.

I hope I never have to see or witness
all that I did this day; but I thank God for
letting me have the privilege of being in
this place. Truly we all felt the touch of
God's hand.

Things good and bad may come to us,
but we know God's hand is able to hold
us up whatever the occasion may be. I'm
sure if you could have sat where I sat this
day your prayer would have been the
same as mine:

"Dear God, keep your hand upon us all;
Keep us in your tender care, lest we fall.
Someday we know we'll cross over to the
last shore,

There to rest in peace with you forever
more.

Thank you for watching over us today,
And may we walk the way you say.
Amen."

A CHRISTIAN'S VISION

by Roy M. Moore

Lord, I know how busy you must be,
Watching over folks like me;
But there you are, day by day,
Watching, lest we go astray.

Guide my words, hold my hands,
Let me not wrong my fellowman;
Give me the strength to live for thee,
And courage to face adversity.

If in my prayers, I ask of thee,
Things which are not good for me;
Grant me the wisdom that I may know
The path that thou would have me go.

Thy blessings come upon us all—
The just, the unjust, great or small.
Though there are many lost in sin,
Thy goodness flows out to all men.

Be with the leaders of our land;
Let them be just, guide their hand.

For our loved ones, we ask that thou
Would give them peace of mind just now.
Grant that they may understand
The power of thou healing hand.

Let our lives reflect thy love
That thou has sent us from above.
We have seen thy healing power
Given in our darkest hour.

When death seemed so very near,
Christians prayed, "Oh, Lord, so dear,
Let this, thy servant, our sister live,
To sing thy praise; to others give
An example of thy tender care;
Thy power to heal, so great and rare."

Lord, we thank thee for thy Son
Who gave His life so everyone
May live forever in heaven above
Because of thy undying love.

Well Lord, I'll stop for now;
I've taken enough of your time, anyhow.
I wanted to tell you, in my small way,
How much I appreciate, day by day,
All that thou hast done for me, and ask,
Lord, what may I do for thee?

Amen.

The above poem was written by Mr.
Moore after his sister-in-law had a stroke
on April 18, 1975. She was only 45 years
old. Five doctors said she would never
walk again and would never gain
consciousness. However, she is now
conscious and walking with a cane.

11 rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY,

AMERICA!

(The following speech was delivered by Dennis A.
Frazier at Mount Olive College's bicentennial dinner
held recently. Mr. Frazier is a sophomore at Mount
Olive, working on his Political Science degree which
he hopes to receive from Campbell College. He is
active on campus as chairman of the Young
Republican Club, vice-president of the Photography
Club, reporter for the International Club, and a
yearbook photographer. He also serves as sports
information director and places the Trojan write-ups in
the Mount Olive Tribune. He is on the intramural
council and travels with the ball team as statistician.
Dennis lives in Nashville and is the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Allen Frazier. The family attends the Mount Zion
Free Will Baptist Church.)

0 ET'S talk for a few minutes
°^ this evening about the spirit of
America. Let's examine the American
dream; for you see, I believe that the
spirit of America is in its people.

This nation of ours was conceived and
built by people who were not afraid to put
their shoulders to the wheel and their
lives on the line for their nation.

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of
Independence pledging their allegiance,
their lives, their fortunes, and their
sacred honor. What happened to these
men who believed in freedom and the
future of America? What happened to
these men who symbolize the spirit of
America?

Five signers were captured by the
British as traitors and were tortured
before they died.

Two lost their sons in the Continental
Army.

Abraham Clark had two sons cap-
tured.

Carter Braxton of Viriginia and Lewis
Morris, a wealthy planter and trader,
saw their ships swept away from the
seas by the British Navy. Braxton sold off
his property to pay his debts and died in
poverty. Robert Morris also lost his
shipping business.

Thomas McKean, so hounded, moved
his family constantly. His possessions
were taken and he died bankrupt.

Seventeen others lost their homes,
properties, and fortunes.

4

At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas
Nelson Jr. noticed that the British
General Cornwallis had taken over his
home for a headquarters. He urged
George Washington to open fire and
watched his house go up in fire.

Francis Lewis had his home and
property destroyed. His wife was jailed,
and due to brutal treatment, she died in
jail.

John Hart was driven from his wife's
bedside as she lay dying. For more than
a year he lived in forests and caves,
returning home to find that his wife was
dead and his 13 children had vanished.

These men were ordinary men who
stood straight, tall, and unwavering:
they pledged "their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor."

And now, when the United States
finds itself in critical times, alarmists and
cynics around the world rub their hands
and say that all is lost.

All is not lost! America is still strong!
That spirit— that flame of freedom that
was kindled 200 years ago— still burns
brightly in the hearts of many Americans.

Where were these critics of America
when a handful of citizens dumped the
king's tea in the Boston Harbor?

Where were they when the cotton
bales of New Orleans felt the fire and
thunder of Andrew Jackson?

Where were they when brave men
locked arms at the Alamo?

Where were they when Lindbergh flew
the Atlantic; Edison destroyed the
darkness with a light bulb; and when
Neil Armstrong kicked up dust on the
moon?

Where were those critics then?

For far too long, many Americans have
ignored the blessings that we enjoy and
indeed take them for granted. Many of
America's critics wear their color-
coordinated clothes to air-conditioned
carpeted offices and plants, drive luxury
automobiles down superhighways to
spacious homes set on landscaped
lawns, sit down to steak dinners in front

of color televisions before retiring to
king-sized beds, and they hardly give a
thought to the system and spirit that
makes it all possible.

But yet, there are those who enjoy the
fruits of freedom and still criticize the
American spirit and the American dream.

Surely these are difficult times. We do
have problems with poverty, with crime,
with unemployment, with alcoholism,
with drugs, and with the honesty and
integrity of our people.

But the answer to these problems is
not as many suggest— that we further
debase our free enterprise system by
giving government more control over our
lives. The answer to our problems
certainly is not an experiment with
socialism or communism as some have
suggested.

I am sure you have often heard some1
of our "so-called" leaders citing the
advances of the Soviet Union.

Let me give you a few figures fori
comparison.

In order for America to enjoy the;
glories of the present Soviet system and f
bring our resources to their level, wef
would have to abandon half of our steel,
capacity, one half of our petroleum
capacity, destroy three of every five!
hydroelectric plants, and get along on a
third of our volume of natural gas.

We would have to rip up thirteen of
every fourteen miles of our paved high-i
ways and two of every three miles of ouri
railroad tracks.

We would have to destroy over twos
thousand colleges and universities and,
burn 85 percent of our museums.

We would have to cut our paychecksi
by 80 percent. We would cut our living
standard by two thirds, destroy 501
million television sets, 1 0 out of every 11|
telephones, 7 of every 10 single family
homes, and then we would have to put
about sixty-eight million people back on
the farms.

Would we trade America with her;
problems for that kind of life? No!

I believe in America. You believe in
America. In a time when flag-waving is
discouraged, I don't think we should!
apologize for an old-fashioned, hand-
over-the-heart emotional brand ol
patriotism.

America is the greatest country in the
world, with the richest past, the
brightest future, and the most exciting
present of any nation anywhere.

It is high time, my friends, for us to

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

I

et off each other's backs and out of
ach other's hair, quit fussing and
ghting, and get on with the business of
iaking a better life for ourselves and our
hildren.

Yes, it is time that we allow the
merican spirit-THE SPIRIT OF
776— guide our lives, our fortunes, and
ur sacred honor.

And one other thing, it is time that we
■art telling people that faith in God is the
sal strength of America.

We must believe in ourselves, our
jllowman, and most important of all, in
ur God.

The real strength of America lies in the
aith of its people who, by their efforts
nd their faith, have made our country
/hat it is today.

; The spirit of America is alive today.
,'ou are the spirit of America. Use that
pirit to make our nation a better place in
vhich to live.

Mote: J. Harold Herring Jr., the writer of
lis article, is Director of Development at
lie College.)

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: ". . .as many as
eceive him, to them gave he power to
oecome the sons of God, even to them
Ihat believe on his name" (John 1:12).

THE CHURCH
IS A FAMILY

The church is a building (1 Corin-
hians 3:9); the church is a body
Ephesians 4:4); and, the church is a
amily (John 1:12). We are children of
pod by the new birth and we are His sons
oy adoption. Israel is God's adopted
amily and the Christian is God's family
3y the new birth. God made Abraham the
ather of the faithful, and then adopted
lim and his children. So the only thing
ane really needs to be a part of God's

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

family is faith. This faith is the kind that
assumes the grace of God and His plan of
salvation— our one and only need.

Jesus Christ is the head of the church
body, and He is the head of the church
family. Union with Christ means that we
are dead to the law but married to
another, even unto Christ. The church
family is the household of God. Every
good thing which the Father is capable of
producing will be enjoyed by His family.
All the resources of heaven are made
available to God's family. He is rich in
mercy and in grace. He promises
abundant life to all His children.

This abundant life is not just a
promise, nor is it a passing fancy, for
God has made us heirs of His promise.
Everyone who is in Christ is an heir of
God; he inherits all things. The recipients
of God's riches are no longer strangers
or foreigners, neither are they slaves or
laborers as such; but they are members
of the King's court and rulers in the
affairs of the King. In this sense the
church becomes not just a family but a
kingdom— a kingdom family.

There are many advantages in
belonging to a royal family. This family
must possess many distinct charac-
teristics. First, the head of the family
must be gifted in the ability to love. Love
is the ingredient that unites in the bond
of peace. Second, the head of the family
must be a good provider. He knows the
needs of the family and he is familiar with
the marketplaces where the best
provisions are made available. The Lord
is the provider and He knows what we
need better than anyone. Third, the
family must be protected. The family may
not know the enemy. He does not realize
that the enemy may be lurking close by
or stalking in some unexpected and
camouflaged place. The head of the
family must have a knowledge sufficient
to recognize these potential dangers and
be able to flush them out and destroy
them. The head of our family is fully
capable of doing this.

Finally, the Lord and head of the
church family is the only one capable of
dealing with the enemy of our souls. The
devil can make himself appear as an
angel of light. He has the knack for
making things appear to be something
wonderful when they are not. Remember
how he deceived Eve in the Garden of
Eden? He is just as cunning and crafty
and as sly as he can be. Our Lord will
know what to do and all the powers on

earth and in heaven are in His hands.
Our church family is protected and loved
by one who is able to defy all harm and
danger, protecting His own.

He has provided a home where there
will never be cause to fear. There will be
no lack of anything good. There will be
no sickness, no death, or sorrow in
heaven. God's family will be full of
happiness, joy, gladness, and peace
forever.

A TRIBUTE TO A
DEPARTED SERVANT OF
GOD

"Blessed is every one that feareth the
LORD; that walketh in his ways . . . .
happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well
with thee" (Psalm 128:1, 2). Therefore,
the happy woman goes that extra mile to
put the kingdom of God and His
righteousness first in her life. That happy
woman knows that God will supply all her
needs and she acknowledges Him and
His direction for her life.

Such a happy woman was Mrs.
Rosalie Harrell, a faithful and courageous
member of Edgewood Free Will Baptist
Church near Macclesfield. But God
looked down on this kind, loving, and
wonderful woman on December 25,
1975, and took her to heaven to be with
Him throughout eternity.

"Miss Rosalie," she was so
graciously known by the younger
members of our church, but to the older
members she was known as a person
who always had their well-being in her
heart and mind. She was faithful to her
Lord and her church from the time she
became a member of it until the day of
her departure from this life. She was
always willing to carry more than her
share of duties of the church and she
always pushed just a little more and gave
a little more than most of us.

She never had any children of her
own, but in her heart and in the hearts of
the younger members of the church, she
had a lot of children; and oh, was she
proud of us when we would put forth our
very best and excel the glory of God to
the highest!

She was a person that was faithful to
her home, to her husband, to her
church— and most of all, faithful to her
Lord.

She was a devoted worker for Mount
Olive College and so eager to see it serve
(Continued on Page 15)

5

SUNDAY, MARCH 14
Scripture Reading— Luke 10:17

JOY IS ELUSIVE

On a murky Monday morning in
Chicago, the sky was leaden. The rain
descended in a dismal drizzle outside
as a minister entered the
Psychopathic Court to appear on
behalf of a mental patient.

The functionaries and political
hangers-on in the court greeted each
other gloomily.

How different it was with the
minister. His heart was filled with joy
as he spoke comfortingly to a number
of burdened, bothered people whose
loved ones were to be committed to a
mental institution, commending them
to the Mender of broken things. Jesus
came long ago to "give beauty for
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the
garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness" (Isaiah 61:3).

If we go out in quest of joy, it will
elude us. If we go out to impart joy,
we will find it.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Great joy is received when we truly
try to help others. Knowing within
ourselves that we have done our best,
we receive a gladness of heart which
surpasses human expression.

MONDAY, MARCH 15
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 16:8

WHAT YOU MAKE
OF GOLD
Dug from the mountainside, washed

from the glen,
Servant am I or the master of men.
Steal me, I curse you; earn me, I

bless you;
Grasp me and hord me, a fiend shall

possess you ;
Live for me, die for me, covet me,

take me,

Angel or devil, I am what you make
me.

—Anonymous

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we using our wealth for good or
evil? We may be like the foolish
servant in Jesus' parable. Perhaps if
we used our wealth wisely it would
increase.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16
Scripture Reading— Philippians
1:20

MADE FOR CONFLICT
In a letter to a friend, Robert Louis
Stevenson wrote, "For fourteen years
I have not had a day of real health. I
have wakened sick and gone to bed
weary. I have done my work un-
flinchingly. I have written in bed and
out of bed, when torn by coughing and
when my head swam for weariness.
The battle goes on. Ill or well is a
trifle, so long as it goes on. I was
made for conflict. The powers that be
have willed my battlefield shall be
this dingy, inglorious one of the bed
and the medicine bottle ! ' '

How blessed are those who, without
murmur, accept whatever God in His
all knowing wisdom permits.

PRAYER THOUGHT
God's will may not be as our own
will. Yet, judging from some of our
human errors — usually our lots
COULD be worse and left in our hands
undoubtedly WOULD worsen.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17
Scripture Reading— John 8: 32

THE WORST OF
FAMINES
Said Dr. Carl F. H. Henry, "Nothing
is more fundamentally important for
the world and for the church in the
twentieth century than a recovery of
truth. Truth-famine is the ultimate
and worst of all famines. Unless
modern culture recovers the truth
often— human truth and truth of
God— civilization is doomed to
oblivion and the spirit of man to
nihilism."

PRAYER THOUGHT
The old saying, "The truth hurts,"
may indeed be true. But an untruth
does not help anyone. Pray that we
shall live our lives in such manners
that the truth of them will bring about
no embarrassment nor grief.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18
Scripture Reading— Psalm 27:4

NOT A MATTER
OF YEARS
Said Cornelia Rogers, "To be young

/

is not a matter of years. Youth lives
forever in a love for the beauty that is
in the world— in the mountains, th<
sea, and sky, and in lovely faces
through which shines the kindliness o:
the inner mind. It is the tuning into th(
orchestra of living sounds— th<
soughing of the wind in the trees, th<
whisper and flow of the tide on wid<
beaches, the pounding of the surf or
the rocks, the chattering of brooks
over the stones, the pattering of rail
on leaves, the song of birds and o:
peepers in the spring marshes, anc
the joyous lilt of sweet laughter! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
God in His goodness surrounds ut
with beauty surpassing reproduction
We are able to reflect that beaut)
through out lives. May God grant w
the common sense to enjoy what is a
our fingertips.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 10:19'

WORDS

Commented Moody Monthly : "Th
creation of the world is told in till
Bible in 632 words; the Ten Com
mandments in 297 words; thf
Declaration of Independence in 30!
words. Lincoln's famous Gettysburg
Address was given in 266 words. J
recent governmental order, to reduc
the price of cabbage, was told ill
279,999 words!"

Spirituality and glibness of tongui
seldom blend in the same individual. ,

PRAYER THOUGHT
Words are inexperience and o;;
tentimes the more profuse thi
wording the cheaper the message
In the four words: truth, Jesui
Cross, and Bible we have an outlin
of the story of Christianity.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthian!
13:8

THE SURE CURE
Said Dr. Karl Menninger, worl<
famed psychiatrist, "Love cure
people, both the ones who give it an
the ones who receive it! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Love is such a powerful medicin
and yet it can be dispensed in ver
large doses. The more love receivet
the greater the cure. Jesus w
derstood when He said for us to "lov
one another."

(Devotions used by permission c
Knight's Up-To-The Minute I
lustrations, Moody Press. )

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

ran

tai

Question: In the light of, ". . . this do
>r the gospel's sake, that I might be
artaker thereof with you. Know ye not
lat they which run in a race run all, but
ne receiveth the prize? So run, that ye
lay obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:23, 24),
hould a Christian be striving all the time
l an effort to please Christ?

Answer: We need to be on the alert as
fie Bible exhorts us to do so as to keep in
jne with the Lord in a life of separation
tarn this world's system; however, that
oes not say that we should be morbid or
n anyway insensitive to our needs in
jeneral. God wants His children to be
pyful. This may come only in a well-
balanced Christian life. We do this in the
[pit of God's Word.

| Paul says of himself, while living this
if e that pleases God, "Brethren, I count
lot myself to have apprehended: but this
Sine thing I do, forgetting those things
yhich are behind and reaching forth unto
hose things which are before, I press
oward the mark for the prize of the high
palling of God in Christ Jesus"
IPhilippians 3:13, 14).

The writer of the Book of Hebrews
says, "Wherefore seeing we also are
compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith; who
;for the joy that was set before him en-
sured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the
throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1 , 2). That
!in Hebrews 12, following tnese verses,
'suggests a vigorous useful life of godly
activities for one who would call himself a
Christian.

Such a life would be in keeping with
that lived on earth by our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, as well as that
lived by His apostles; and yet, Christ
took time for rest and fellowship in the

Father with His followers. ". . . he said
unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into
a desert place, and rest a while; for there
were many coming and going, and they
had no leisure so much as to eat. And
they departed into a desert place by ship
privately" (Mark 6:31, 32). Isaiah
admonishes us to wait upon the Lord:
"... they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

George H. Sandison in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered, gives
a helpful reply to a similar question on
Page 126:

"The injunction of Paul, 1 Corinthians
9:24, has been interpreted to mean that
a Christian is bound to live, as it were,
constantly living, in a constant strain.

"There can be no doubt that a
Christian must seek the highest spiritual
attainments. But there are many
misconceptions of what those highest
attainments are. They certainly do not
mean that a Christian should be under a
'constant strain,' if by that is meant a
restless, anxious, troubled life. It is from
precisely this kind of spiritual 'strain'
that Christ came to relieve us. A great
Bible word is 'rest.' Christ came to
substitute God's strength for our
strength in spiritual efforts. 'Come unto
me, and I will give you rest.' The writer
of the Epistle to the Hebrews says
(4:10): 'He that is entered into his rest,
he also hath ceased from his own works
as God did from his.' Whittier prays:

" 'Take from our souls the strain and
stress,

And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of thy peace.'

"But as the soul enters into those
higher places of rest and peace there will
be still great activities in service. The
best saints are those who are under the

strain of a great, passionate desire to
serve and help others. But such a life is
delightfully 'normal,' and also usually
'healthy.' To be free from anxieties about
self, and lost in service for others in the
name of Jesus, that is the life not only of
highest duty but of highest delight."

The Bible makes it clear that a
Christian is to use his body in the way by
which he is to give the best possible
service as he uses all the energy God
supplies him with, but he is not to
overwork or neglect his health in any
other way and thus shorten the days God
wishes him to live and serve.

DON'T FORET THE
NORTH CAROLINA
STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION

The North Carolina State Sunday
School Convention is only a month away.
Generally, the. convention is held on the
third weekend in April, but since Easter
falls on the Sunday following that date
this year, the executive board felt it best
to change the date to April 10. The place
is Ayden, North Carolina— a historical
landmark in our denomination and the
home of the Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation.

Registration will begin at 9 a. m. in the
Ayden Elementary School. Each person
will be able to attend two different
workshops during the morning
session— the first from 9:30 to 10:30
and the second from 11 to 12. After
lunch the business session will begin at
1:30 p. m. On the agenda will be a
progress report on the field work office.
(You will recall that at the last convention
the resignation of the Rev. L. E. Ballard,
field secretary, was announced. There
has been, since then, a lot of praying,
talking, negotiating, and hoping; and at
the present time a search committee is at
work trying to fill the office. You will not
want to miss this report.)

Also, at this convention it is time to
elect officers. The offices to be filled are
as follows: President, Adrian Grubbs
(Wilson); vice-president, Stanley
Jenkins (Kinston); secretary, Steve Little
(Greenville); treasurer, Milton Wiggs
(Smithfield). A nominating committee is
working on its report, but anyone at the
convention may make additional
nominations.

I hope to see you in Ayden on April 10.

Respectfully submitted,
Adrian Grubbs, President

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE j

COMING EVENTS AT
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

Several of the forthcoming events may
be of interest to Free Will Baptists and
Mount Olive College friends. The College
invites you to attend as many as
possible.

1776— The annual Pierson lecture
scheduled for March 24 will feature the
Broadway musical production of 1776.
The play will begin at 7:30 p. m., in the
auditorium on the downtown campus of
Mount Olive College. All Free Will
Baptists are invited to enjoy the
bicentennial play as guests of the
College.

A Salute to America— On Sunday,
March 28, the College Chorus and Mount
Olive Singers will present a program of
special music in commemoration of our
nation's 200th birthday. The program
will be held in Rodger's Chapel and
begin at 3 p. m. Claude Moore, chairman
of the History Department, will offer
several readings from the bicentennial
era.

April 3, 1976— Conference on
Stewardship and the Local Church— This
conference will cover three basic areas in
regard to a church budget: (1) "Steps
and Procedures in Preparing a Church
Budget"; (2) "How to Promote Giving in
the Local Church"; (3) "Church
Contributions and Income Tax."

Registration will begin at 9 a. m., in
the Henderson Building, with the
conference starting promptly at 10 a. m.,
and will end at 2:30 p. m. This con-
ference is designed for ministers and
laymen in preparing church budgets and
financing the budget. Registration is $5
per person, which includes lunch.

May 1, 1976— Christian Music
Festival— Let's all make plans to be at
Eagles Nest on Saturday, May 1 , for a
day of praising the Lord. The annual
Christian Music Festival will begin at 9

a. m. and this year's theme is "God
Bless America."

May 14, 15, 1976— Prayer Retreat for
Ministers and Christian Workers— at

Eagles Nest. The retreat will begin at 7
p. m., on Friday evening, with the
evening meal. The retreat will in-
clude group discussion, Bible study,
periods of silence, verbal and non-
verbal expression, and times for
written expression. The conference will
end at 3 p. m., on Saturday. Cost will
be $10 per person, which in-
cludes meals and lodging.

SCHOLARSHIPS
AVAILABLE AT MOC

Mount Olive College believes that
students who have worked hard to
prepare themselves for college and the
future should be recognized for their
excellence. Based on this conviction, the
College will provide James M. Johnston
Merit Scholarships and leadership
awards to students in recognition of
years of successful academic work and
diligent development of good character
and citizenship.

These Johnston Merit Scholarships
and leadership awards are reserved for
students who have excelled in academic,
leadership, and citizenship roles and
who evidence the desire and potential for
continued scholastic success and
personal growth. These awards are
available to all qualified students— with
or without financial need.

You may be a student or know a
student who may qualify for:

Presidential Scholarships: These are
in the amount of $1,000 (payable $500
per academic year). Recipients must be
in the top 10 percent of their graduating
class or have an "A" average in high
school.

Faculty Scholarships: The amount of
these scholarships is $500 (payable

I

$250 per academic year). Recipier
must be in the top 25 percent of th
graduating class or have a "B" avera
in high school.

Leadership Awards: It is recogniz
that some students of exceptional me
may not fully qualify for either
Presidential or Faculty Scholarship, b
yet evidence exceptional qualities
leadership and citizenship. A limitt
number of awards in varying amoun
are reserved for these students and wl
be issued on the basis of a careful r
view of academic records, reference
and a personal interview.

Service Awards: Mount Olive Colleg,
is pleased to provide three types (
service awards in varying amounts for
Athletic Awards, Music Awards, and Ai
Awards. These awards are for student'
who possess distinctive talents and shoy
future promise in the areas indicated'
Recipients are chosen on the basis o'
scholastic records, potential for futur'
development, citizenship, character
campus interviews (tryouts, auditions, o
exhibits), and their agreement to rendei
appropriate services to the College.

If you are interested in additiona
information please contact the Director o
Admissions, Mount Olive College, Mouni
Olive, North Carolina 28365; telephon
(919) 658-2502.

LOCAL MISSION
CHAIRMEN

It is almost time for our spring con
ventions again. I would like to thank yot1
for what you have done for missionr
during the year, and remind you that I
your auxiliary has not sent its $30 for ou
state project to please do so immediately
This should be in before your sprinr
convention meets. Last year was the bes
in our history in gifts to missions. Let':
do even better this year. I know we cat
and I believe you will.

Thank you for your special gifts a
Christmas for Ruth Ann Timmons
Through your giving she was able t<
spend a wonderful Christmas with he
family.

As you give, please don't forget t<
pray for our mission program for truh
' 'the fields are white unto harvest. ' '

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Dola Dudley
State Mission Chairman

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Special foments

ear Maggie,

"I would like to share with the readers the most special moment of my life,
omewhere in the fall of 1 948, I was going through a very difficult time. One day as I
as listening to a gospel program on the radio, I realized my lost condition and knew
lat I could not save myself. Then I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour.

"By God's love, mercy, and grace I became a child of His. Being born again, my
idj, jfe was changed and I was made a new creature in Christ Jesus. Praise His name!
Sl,, nd now through faith in Christ, I know I will have an eternal home in heaven with
u im because of that special moment in my life. ' '

. 'IV J

wiocky Mount, North Carolina

y |ear Maggie,

^ ; "In Psalm 27:5 the psalmist tells us in the time of trouble God will hide us in His
lavilion. How true this is! God has done this many times in my life. One special
■K poment during my husband's illness, God spoke to me in a very definite way. It
^eemed to me I was at the end of my rope. Then all of a sudden, I thought of
Jpilippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me." God
te|id give me the strength I needed for four and one-half years. He also spoke to me
hrough the words of Paul in Philippians 4:19, ". . . my God shall supply all your
_ jjeed ..." Miracles did happen. My needs were met financially. When bills were so
large and it looked as if there was no way for me to meet them, God always sent the
light amount— no more and no less. God taught me many lessons. However, He did
jot see fit to heal my husband, but took him home to be with Him. God will always be
ci )y my side to shield and strengthen me in time of trouble."
;ji £KS

lie i/liddlesex, North Carolina

wi ;

Thank you for your responses! Each one is an inspiration and will be printed as
it oon as possible.

Special Moments has received its first favorable comments in writing. The
te Mowing is from a personal note to me:

.el "... I have had some very special times with God and have shared them with
t; ithers. I always get a blessing when I share them.

"I am so glad you have started Special Moments in our paper because there are
So many that our people need to share with us .... "
si ^ The column needs your response too!

Maggie

A TRIBUTE TO
OUR PASTOR
AND HIS WIFE

(The Rev. and Mrs. Clyde W. Cox)
The following is a tribute to the Rev.

fi| (THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

and Mrs. Clyde W. Cox, former pastor of
the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church
of Kenly, written by Mrs. Calvin C.
Medlin, a member of Piney Grove. Mrs.
Medlin states: "To the First Free Will
Baptist Church in Wilson, our loss is your
gain. We love them very much!"

For two and one-half years we were
blessed

With a loving couple who did their very
best.

No matter how dark and dreary the night,
To them God always gave the light.

They loved everyone— the weak and the
strong;

Even those who chose to continue to do
wrong.

They just kept praying to their God above
That one day the world would be filled
with love.

They were always near with words of

comfort and cheer,
Even in the midst of trials, tribulations,

and tears.

Our church and community will never be
the same;

But to all who loved them, sweet
memories remain.

THE
GUIDING
LIGHT

The winds of fate blow wild and strong,
And all about me lies the dark
As through the night so deep and long,
With feeble hand I steer my bark.

The waves mount up, the waves recede,
The depths resound with sullen roar,
I seek for guidance in my need-
Some mark to point me to the shore.

On left, on right, false lights gleam out,
To lure and beckon in the gloom;
The reefs encompass me about,
With searching hands they seek my
doom.

But there is hope that hath sufficed,
With friendly light it gleameth sure;
A strong and steadfast faith in Christ,
Though earth shall pass it will endure.

So through the long and fearful night,
O'er tossing wave, mid flying foam,
I trust its never failing light;
I know that it will guide me home.

—John W. Beaman

9

/l/etad and /fated

of Denominational Interest

Spritual Youth Program
At Bethany Church

March 12 and 13 marks two days of
spiritual activities for the youth of
Bethany Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Winterville. The activities will
begin Friday evening, March 12, at
7:30, in the education building. The Rev.
Howard Scott and Miss Debbie Pittman,
who works with the Home Missions
program, will be directing the services
and will be assisted by the pastor and his
wife, the Rev. and Mrs. Bobby Taylor.

The tentative schedule is as follows:
Friday Evening, 7:30-10— Time for
Sharing

Saturday Morning, 9:30-1 2— Spiritual

Study, "Who Am I?"
Saturday Afternoon, 1 2-1 — Lunch (Bring

Bag Lunch)
Saturday Afternoon, 1-5— Recreation
Saturday Afternoon, 5-7— Home for

Clean-Up

Saturday Evening, 7-8— Evening
Worship

Saturday Evening, 8:30-9:30— Camp
Fire Service
A warm invitation is extended to the
youth of the church to attend and join in
these activities. A special invitation is
also extended to the parents to join in the
worship service Saturday evening at
seven o'clock in the church sanctuary.
Your support through prayer is
requested that Christ may better use the
youth of the church for His service.

Fremont Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Fremont, North Carolina,
Free Will Baptist Church, closing with
the service on Friday night, March 12.
The Rev. Lloyd Hargis is the visiting
evangelist, and is being assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. Charles Renfrow. The
public is invited to attend the remainder
of these services which are beginning
each evening at 7:30.

Friendship Church Announces
Spring Revival

The Friendship Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Farmville, announces
its spring revival for the week of March
15-20. The visiting minister will be the
Rev. W. H. Willis of Kinston. The pastor,
the Rev. Walter Reynolds, will be
assisting Mr. Willis in the services which
will begin nightly at 7:30. Special music
will be rendered each evening. The
public is invited to attend.

Bullman to Conduct
Snow Hill Revival

The Snow Hill Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Mount Olive, will hold
its spring revival starting Monday night,
March 15, continuing through Saturday
night, March 20. Services will begin
each evening at 7:30. The guest
evangelist will be the Rev. Johnnie
Bullman of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
There will be special singing each night.
The pastor, the Rev. John Owens, invites
everyone to come and hear this man of
God.

Harrell's Chapel Revival
March 15-19

The Harrell's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church near Snow Hill will engage in
revival services the week of March 15-
19. The Rev. Foster Reynolds of the
Salter Path Methodist Church will be the
visiting minister. Special music will be
rendered nightly. Services will begin
each evening at 7:30 under the direction
of the local pastor, the Rev. Bobby
Jones. A warm welcome is extended to
everyone.

White Oak Revival
In Progress

The Rev. Johnnie Bullman of Spar-
tanburg, South Carolina, is the
evangelist for revival services now in
progress at the White Oak Free Will
Baptist Church, Bladenboro. Services

k

began Monday evening, March 8, an
will continue through Saturday evenint
March 13, with the pastor, the Re'
Ransom McAbee, assisting. Services ai
beginning nightly at 7:30 with speci
music each service with the church'
music director, Mr. Jerry Brown,
charge. The public is invited to atten
the remainder of these services.

New Pastor at
White Oak Church

The White Oak Original Free Wi|
Baptist Church of Bladenboro is happy t j
announce that the Rev. Ransom McAbee|
formerly of Spartanburg, South Carolina
is their new pastor. He and his wife
Edna, moved to Bladenboro the first o
February and the church has already
experienced some wonderful service:
through their leadership.

The church membership cordial!)
invite you, the public, to come and hea
this man of God as he proclaims tha
gospel through the leadership , of the Holj
Spirit. Along with his soul-stirring
messages, he also sings beautiful song:
of praise. The church is proud to havi
Mr. and Mrs. McAbee with them.

Spring Revival at
Calvary Church, Wilson

Spring revival services are scheduled
for the Calvary Free Will Baptist Church
Wilson, beginning Sunday, March 21
and continuing through Friday night
March 26. The visiting speaker will bi
the Rev. David Thick of the Free Wil
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. D. C
Boling. The public is cordially invited t(
attend the services which will begin eacr
evening at 7:30.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

II Revival services are scheduled for
I'inity Free Will Baptist Church located
■ free miles east of Clayton, on Buckhorn
iiad for the week of March 15-19. The
I'Biting speaker will be the Rev. Fred A.
■jvenbark of Durham, assisted by the
Kstor, the Rev. Lloyd F. Hargis.
l^rvices will begin each evening at 7:30
jjith each featuring good gospel
Ireaching and singing.
'Plf Mr. Rivenbark, who is in semi-
^jtirement, has been preaching for

* |/er 40 years. He has pastored seven
Wijjiurches and held hundreds of revivals,
[sl|]itnessing hundreds of decisions. He
H as at least 26 "sons in the ministry."
41 the present he is serving as assistant

iastor of Sherron Acres Free Will

* laptist Church in Durham.

M Mr. Hargis and the church mem-
if'lership invite the public to attend and to
*j|ray that God will pour out His Spirit
" Spon this meeting.

J ngsmen in Concert
I Wilson, N. C.

^"The Kingsmen" from Asheville,
jitter known as the "Ton of Fun" will
f featured in a gospel sing Saturday

[: jght, March 13, at 7:30, at the Wilson,

,,' prth Carolina, Recreation Center. The
ngsmen are Johnny Parrack, tenor;

. m Hamill, spokesman for the group;

; quire Parsons, baritone, who has
ritten many of the songs the Kingsmen

(! ) such as "I'll Have a New Song" and

I Look for Me at Jesus' Feet"; Ray Dean
eese, bass; and Eldridge Fox, owner

„ id manager of the group. The

II usicians are Nick Bruno, piano; Gary
illard, steel; Jim McCauley, bass; and

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Chester Arms, drums.

This singing is being sponsored by the
Kim Whitley Christian Service Fund of
the First Free Will Baptist Church in
Wilson. This fund was set up as a
memorial to Kim Whitley, the lovely
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard
Whitley who died suddenly in 1969, at
the age of seven.

Also appearing on the program will be
"The Redeemers" from New Bern and
"The Steeplaires" from Wilson.

Tickets are $3 in advance, and $4 at
the door. They are available in Wilson at
Wilson Bible and Bookstore, West Nash
Open Air Market, The Creamery, and
Robbins Jewelry and Music.

All proceeds go into the Kim Whitley
Christian Service Fund and are used to
aid those going into full-time Christian
service in completing their education.

CHURCH AUXILIARIES

ATTENTION
LOCAL WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES
OF THE CAPE
FEAR DISTRICT

This is to remind you, the local
auxiliaries, to please send in your money
for the projects, along with contributions
to other phases of our work before April
1, 1976.

The Executive Committee of the Cape
Fear Woman's Auxiliary District ask that
our books be closed for the fiscal year on
this date.

Looking forward to seeing you at our
spring convention which convenes on
April 14, at Mount Olive College.

Respectfully,

Mrs. R. Y. Stephenson

Treasurer

ATTENTION
CENTRAL AUXILIARY MEMBERS

Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of
Mount Olive College, will teach a study
course on "Evangelism" at the Elm
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Route 3,
Ayden, Tuesday evening, March 16,
beginning at 7:3C. He will be teaching
the book, "Say It with Love," by
Howard G. Hendricks. Dr. Raper
suggests that you read the book before
the time for the course.

This study course is planned for all the
woman's auxiliaries of the Central
District, and Mrs. Albert Proctor, district
study course chairman, urges all
auxiliary members who possibly can to
attend.

Coming Events . . .

March 13— North Carolina State League
Convention, Community Free Will
Baptist Church, Weldon, North
Carolina

March 20— Vacation Bible School
Workshop, Ayden, North Carolina

March 25— Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

March 27— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free
Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro,
North Carolina

March 27— Central District Youth
Fellowship Convention, Hugo Free
Will Baptist Church near Grifton,
North Carolina, 10 A. M.

March 31— Central District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Walstonburg, North Carolina

April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina

April 3— Conference on "Stewardship
and the Local Church," Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

April 10— 36th Annual Session of the
North Carolina State Sunday School
Convention, Ayden Elementary
School, Ayden, North Carolina, with
the Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation as Host

(Continued on Page 15)

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLASJ^)
THE SUNDAY fC jJ<

SCHOOL LESSOIS^

For March 21

AN INDICTMENT
OF HYPOCRISY

Lesson Text: Matthew 23:27-39
Memory Verse: Matthew 23:23

I. INTRODUCTION

To most people hypocrisy is an ugly
word, yet in many ways all of us practice
some form of it in our daily relationships.
The word comes from the Greek and
means playing a part on a stage; that is,
pretending to be something you are not.
In its worse meaning it involves a false
assumption of an appearance of virtue or
religion. In short, it means a person who
claims to be something he isn't. It not
only appears in the area of religion but
also in every relationship of life, whether
business, the professions, and even in
our social intercourses.

Even animals practice a form of
hypocrisy. A friend brought up on a
western Pennsylvania farm was telling
how the best of dogs will sometimes be
taken with the fever of killing sheep. The
killing is always done at night. The guilty
dog will always endeavor to tempt other
dogs to go with him and, if possible, lay
the blame at their door. When this
madness of sheep killing is on him, the
dog will assume during the day, at the
house and around the barn, an unusually
genial and friendly air. Thus even
animals can act like human beings!

Our lesson today deals with this
ugliness and we give it to you with the
hope that all of us will learn how to avoid
it more in the future than ever
before— The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W.B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The chapter which we study
today (Matthew 23) shows how Jesus
denounced hypocrisy in that He
pronounced eight woes against those
who were hypocrites, the scribes and
Pharisees. Each one of the woes names a
particular characteristic of hypocrites.
We study in this lesson only two of the
woes.

12

B. The first of the "woes" of Jesus
which we study today shows that the
hypocrite is one who appears to be good
when actually he is evil. The figure of
speech used by Jesus to describe this is
the whitewashing of the tops of tombs in
order to make them appear beautiful
when on the inside they were full of
bones and rotten flesh.

C. While Jesus loves all men,
sinners as well as those who are
righteous, we must never get the idea
that His tenderness was weakness. He
had the courage to stand up to these
scribes and Pharisees and call them a
generation of serpents. This took great
courage.

D. The second "woe" which we
study today shows that hypocrites
always try to be on the popular side of an
issue regardless of the principle in-
volved. One cannot always be numbered
with the majority if he intends to stand by
his convictions and have some honest
principles to guide his life.

E. How marvelous is the love of our
Saviour! Even though the people of
Jerusalem had killed the prophets and
turned His messengers aside, and were
soon to kill Him, Jesus still loved them.
Mostly, we love those who love us; but
Jesus commended His love toward us
when we were altogether unlovely.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. "The damnation of hell!" That's
something to think about. None of us
wants to end up on the garbage heap of
the universe. But this lesson is titled
"The Consequences (Indictment) of
Hypocrisy," and it's plain enough that
one of those consequences is hell. Our
text calls it Gehenna, the garbage dump.
Elsewhere it is pictured as outer
darkness and as everlasting fire and a
lake of fire (Matthew 8:12; 22:13;
25:30, 41; Revelation 20:15; 21:8). If
we think darkness and fire cannot exist
together, then we need to think of the

/

deeper meaning of these. Outer darkness,
means being shut out from the light anr
joy of God and His people. Fire meanr
suffering. Both of these are unattractive 9
but they are consequences of hypocrisy 11
If we want to avoid the consequences!'
we had better begin by avoid inr. 1
hypocrisy.

Let's remember that the hypocrite^
Jesus was talking to were not ordinary
thieves and liars, not hijackers oi
bandits, not dope peddlers or hippies!
not unfaithful husbands or wives. Thejl
went to the synagogue meeting ever}-:
week. They not only went, but also sat ir,f
the front seats, stood in the pulpit, anC);
taught the classes. Perhaps every one o
us regular churchgoers ought to take i
good look at himself. For a starter, wei
can ask questions along these lines.

First, the Pharisees were covetous*!'
according to the King Karnes Version'
According to the American Standard!
Version, they were lovers of moneji
(Luke 16:14). Of course we don't havJ
as much money as we would like to have,
but we do have some. There are twc-
questions to be asked about it. (a) Is Goci
pleased with the way we get it? (b) Is He
pleased with what we do with it?

Second, the hypocrites of Jesus' time
were anxious to be honored and praisect
by their fellowmen. Some who believed
in Jesus kept still about it, because such:
belief was unpopular in their circle (John;
12:42, 43). Do we speak up for the righli
regardless of who is on the wrong side?:
Or do we sacrifice the right to keep the
good opinion of our companions?

Third, the Pharisees treasured thejl
traditions of men more than the Word o1>
God (Matthew 15:3-9). Are we content toi
believe whatever we hear from a!
preacher or college professor, or do wa
keep up our Bible study and judge every;
teaching according to the Scripture?

It is said that Robert Burns was sitting
in church when he saw a louse crawling
on the neck of a splendidly dressed lady
in front of him. His little poem, "To a
Louse," has these oft-quoted words: 0
wad some Power the giftie gie us To see
oursels as ithers see us! Even more
helpful would be the ability to see
ourselves as God sees us. Let's try to do
that. It is certain that we can't fool God,
so let's not try to fool our fellowmen or
ourselves.— Adapted from Standard
Lesson Commentary

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

enc*

# LOPPY SUSIE, the other
' children called her— and the
ne certainly fitted! Susan Lee Moore
s a pretty, blond eight-year-old, but to
at her, you wouldn't know it. When
s. Moore, her mother, sent her to
hool in the morning, Susie was clean
neat. But somehow during the
-something happened! By the time
ee-thirty came, Susie was a mess!
Her hair looked as it it had never been
mbed and her dress was dirty (she'd
il led chocolate milk on it in the school
feteria). Her shoes were "run over"
d dusty. Even her hands were grimy-
king.

"I don't know what to do with you,
san Lee," her mother sighed. "I've
led so hard to teach you to take care of
etf Wself. You just don't seem to care
w you look. Your room is a mess,
!o!"

Hi

With all her heart Susie tried. Carefully
she did her art work so it would look
neat. Her arithmetic problems were
worked slowly so she didn't have to
erase. For two days she kept her desk
cleaned out. Even her hair stayed
combed, and her shoes stayed shiny.

"Susie is going to New York, I
guess," her dad said one night after
watching his daughter pick up her
clothes without being told. However, two
days could not undo what years of habit
had done.

Susie- soon fell back into the habit of
throwing her clothes on the floor and
leaving a wet washcloth on the bathroom
floor. At school, Miss Conners again had
to remind Susie about her messy spelling
papers. Scraps of paper appeared on the
floor around Susie's desk. The end of the
school year came, and with it— report
cards. Along with all the "A's" and

STORIES

for our youth

in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are
become new."

"New, that's what I want to be,"
Susan cried. "How can I be new,
Mother?"

Step by step, Mrs. Moore showed
Susan that if she were "in Christ," the
Lord could make her a new person.

"What's in Christ, though?" the girl
asked.

"When we accept God's Son, Jesus
Christ, as our Saviour, God looks on us
as being 'in' His Son. He no longer holds
us guilty, because Jesus has paid for our
sins— and we are free."

For the first time, Susan Lee un-
derstood the meaning. Before this she
had tried in her own way to be better.
Now, "in Christ," she would let Him
work in her, making a new person out of
her.

After Susan was saved, she began to
notice that her will, or "want to," was

"SLOPPY
SUSIE'

Patricia C. Oviatt

Mr. and Mrs. Moore tried to correct
usie's sloppiness in every way they
uld, but Susie just did not care enough
want to be different. When the school
superintendent promised a prize to the
udent with the neatest papers and
leanest desk, everyone knew Susie
ould be the lowest on the list.

After awhile Susie didn't even mind
;ie names the children called

r— "Sloppy" and "Untidy Susie."

ie laughed and made a joke out of it.

Susan's mother and Miss Conners,

r teacher, worked together to find a
Ian to get Susie to change her untidy
abits. They promised her that if she
fould get at least a "B" in neatness on
er report card, she could go to New
ork City to visit her grandparents,
'acation time was coming, so the
promise of a trip looked exciting to the
ittle girl.

"B's" Susan Lee was shocked to find a
"D" in neatness.

"I tried so hard, Mother," she
sobbed. "But it's too hard to change.
Nothing can everchange me!"

"Yes, I guess you are right, dear,"
her mother admitted. "You can't change
yourself. I was wrong to think you
could."

"Will I be like this all my life? Miss
Conners says I'll end up like the gyp-
sies," Susan said.

"Susan," her mother replied, "there
is a way you can get help. You will have
to be a stronger person than you are to
change your life." She took her worn
Bible from the bookcase. "There's a
verse in 2 Corinthians, Susan, that is the
secret. Look at chapter five and verse
seventeen. Read it aloud, dear."

Susan found the verse and began to
read. Her mother helped her with the
harder words. "Therefore if any man be

changed first of all. Before, she didn't
care— now she really cared; she really
wanted to be different. Each morning she
asked the Lord to help her change her
ways.

"What's happened to you, Sloppy
Susie— I mean, Susan?" her best friend
asked one day. "You used to look so
terrible. Now you are so neat and
clean."

"I'm a new person," was Susan's
answer, and she explained about the
change in her life.

One day during the summer Miss
Conners paid Mrs. Moore a visit and
noticed immediately that Susan was
different. She asked her how she had
managed to change her little daughter.

"I couldn't do it," Mrs. Moore ad-
mitted. "Susan couldn't do it, either,
until the Lord himself helped her. Susan
said last night, 'Sloppy Susie is gone
forever, Mother!' And I believe
it!" — Selected

IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

/

Hill Attends North American Baptist Fellowship

The Rev. Taylor Hill, secretary-
treasurer of the North Carolina Home
Missions Department, attended a
consultation recently of the North
American Baptist Fellowship at Oakland
City College, Oakland City, Indiana.
Church extension directors from ap-
proximately ten Baptist organizations

throughout the United States and Canada
were represented.

The purpose of the meeting was the
exchange of information and ideas for the
advancement of home missions and
church extension work. The meeting was
considered to be very rewarding and will
meet again in two years. The General

Baptist served as host.

The expenses for Mr. Hill's trip to th
fellowship were paid by nine of the hom
mission points in North Carolina. Th
Rev. Joe Gerald accompanied Mr. Hi
with his expenses being paid by hi
church congregation.

N. C. State League

Convention
Saturday, March 13

COMMUNITY FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Weldon, North Carolina

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

(pming Events . . .

(Continued from Page 11)
/ril 14— Cape Fear District Woman's
I Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina
Aril 15— Albemarle District Woman's
I Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
! Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
ij North Carolina

I ril 24— North Carolina State Youth

Fellowship Convention (Place to Be

Announced)
lay 6— North Carolina State Woman's
/ Auxiliary Convention, Memorial

Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
I Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,

with the Western District Serving as

Host

[ay 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
1 Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

[ay 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel

OBITUARY

(Continued from Page 5)
e young Free Will Baptists among us.
lie served as program chairman for the
jurth Union District Woman's
Ibxiliary Convention for many years and
ks serving in this position at the time of
is r death. She was very active in the
jxiliary and always put forth a special
fort to attend the conventions.
For many years she and her faithful
)mpanion opened the doors of their
Dme to the members of the choir, and
ere we would gather in their living
10m and sing praises unto the Lord. For
lany years she was our choir director
hd many, many times she would take
ime and use her talent to prepare the
pecial songs she wanted us to sing,
j Our choir, Sunday school, woman's
iuxiliary, and every other phase of our
hurch miss her faithful presence ever so
luch, but today we know she has gone
jp a land far richer and a home more
jlorious than anything that could be
ffered her here on earth,
j Yes, "Miss Rosalie," we miss you.
)ur hearts yearn for your words of
ncouragement and your loving smile,
lut we know you are indeed a "happy
\/oman" as you dwell in the portals of
leaven; and someday we, too, will join
'ou and we shall all sing praises unto the
leavenly Father forever.

Jean Wooten, a Loving Friend

IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

AFTER THE SUN RISES ON
MARCH 20

WILL YOU BE WITH US?

WE HOPE SO!

HIGH SCHOOL DAY
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1976
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

PROGRAM

10:00— Arrival

—Registration
10:15— Campus Tour
10:30— Refreshments
10:30— Conference with Faculty

—Individual Conferences
with Faculty

—Movie, "Second Effort"
—Financial Aid Seminar
12:15— Complimentary Lunch
—Mount Olive Singers
—Short Program
1 :30— Auditions for Mount Olive
Singers

(Bookstore Opens)

For further information contact the Director of Admissions, Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365; telephone, 658-2502.

15

LIBRARY C0M,

DUKS UNIVERSITY

DURHAM, N. C. 27703

"PAUL PROCLAIMS THE FAITH"
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, MARCH 20

Ayden, North Carolina

Registration: 9:30 A. M. Classes Begin: 10 A. M.

The theme for our Daily Vacation Bible School series this year is "Paul Proclaims the Faith."
The theme Scripture is taken from 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." The theme song is
"Faith Is the Victory."

The purpose of the school is to show the effectiveness and singleness of purpose with which
the Apostle Paul fulfilled the will of God, and how we, too, can be like him in our Christian en-
deavor.

The classes are listed below with their instructors and meeting places:

GENERAL DIRECTORS First Baptist Church Educational Wing

Celia Hales

MUSIC DIRECTORS First Baptist Church Sanctuary

Tommy Manning and Ralph A. Bowen

INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT Free Will Baptist Church Annex

Nina Grace Register

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT First Baptist Church Educational Wing

Earl H. Glenn

PRIMARY DEPARTMENT Upstairs, Free Will Baptist Church

Minnie H. Chandler

PRESCHOOL DEPARTMENT Free Will Baptist Church Sanctuary

Jane B. Gainey

CRAFTS AND VISUAL AIDS DEPARTMENT First Baptist Church Educational Wing

Elizabeth Hill

(The Crafts and Visual Aids classes will be staggered with the Music classes.)

CRAFTS AND VISUAL AIDS SCHEDULE

Primary Teachers 10:00-10:30 A. M.

Preschool Teachers 10:30-11:00 A. M.

Junior Teachers 11 :00-11 :30 A. M.

Intermediate Teachers 11 :30-1 2:00 Noon

MUSIC SCHEDULE

Preschool Teachers 10:00-10:30 A. M.

Primary Teachers 10:30-11:00 A. M.

Intermediate Teachers 11 :00-11 :30 A. M.

Junior Teachers 11:30-12:00 Noon

(Music Directors may meet with any or all the above Music classes.)

A BARBECUED PORK LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NOON FOR $2 PER PLATE, INCLUDING DRINK

After lunch is served, the public is invited to visit the bookstore to see the complete
assortment of VBS materials and supplies. Don't fail to attend this important workshop.

16 THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Writer Defends Use of New Versions and Translations of the Bible

Cover Photo by Luor

Guest Editorial by Karen Grace Register
Kinston, North Carolina

Editor's Note: Recently, new versions and translations of the Bible— in particular the paraphrased edition,
The Living Bible— have met with harsh criticism from persons who object to Scripture quoted directly from any
source other than the long-used and accepted King James Version. I, personally, have received complaints from
the field (both via mail and phone calls) in which adamant displeasure was expressed by churches, Sunday
schools, and individuals because of quoted passages of Scripture appearing in our literature that varied from the
King James, though these specific passages were identified correctly.

In defense of our writers, I must hasten here to assure our readers who do object to newer translations-
versions-editions, that writers have the prerogative to express their views and expound upon Scripture as they
see fit, in accord, of course, with our doctrines, which are sound, fundamental, and conservative. No two in-
dividuals interpret Scripture exactly the same because of the humanness of man's nature. The writers of our
literature use passages of Scripture from other versions, etc. , sparingly; and for the most part, their doing so is
for the sake of clarity. The Press has never endorsed any version of the Bible other than or in preference of the
King James, but a violation of personal individuality and unfair censorship of writer privilege would be evident if
the Press or its management absolutely forbade the lifting of Scripture from newer sources. Such forbidding
would be an infringement upon one's personal freedom of speech, which now (say interpreters of the con-
stitution) incorporates printing and personal deportment.

Our patrons will have noticed that all of our printed texts come directly from and are quoted directly from
the King James Version. Nonetheless, because of the obvious aversion that some of our patrons have to the
newer translations-versions-editions, I requested that our writers abstain inasmuch as possible from quoting
passages of Scripture from versions other than the traditional one, in the hope that what could prove to be a
controversial issue might be avoided. Many of our Free Will Baptists are acclimated only to the King James
Version and make their position clear as to their disapproval of any contrasting version.

Miss Karen Register has chosen to voice through the printed word her opinions regarding my letter and her
views concerning the restricted use of the King James Version of the Bible. Please read the editorial in its en-
tirety—and open-mindedly.— Tommy Manning

As a guest writer and contributor to The Free Will Baptist, I was appalled and
distressed recently to receive a letter from the editor, Tommy Manning, asking the
writers to refrain from using any translation of the Bible other than the King James
Version unless it was absolutely necessary for clarity. The letter stated that one of the
editor's reasons for asking us to do this is that certain regular customers of the Press
have flatly stated that they will buy their materials in the future from other publishers
if we writers continue to use newer translations.

Our ministers and spiritual leaders tell us continuously that the Holy Spirit is
present with us daily, guiding and sustaining us in our Christian endeavors. There
are some people, however, who obviously feel that the Holy Spirit's power is absent
and ineffective to those scholars and translators who would attempt to illumine the
Scriptures more fully for modern man!

I fully appreciate the beauty and majesty of the King James Version. I recall
being rather homesick for its familiar language or hearing certain portions of Isaiah
read from a modern translation at a Christmas Eve service several years ago. At that
time I remember thinking that perhaps I had become so used to hearing the same
words over and over again that I had forgotten to listen to their meaning. This
realization did not make me any less nostalgic for the familiar version, but it did make
me stop to think.

Many times since then I have been made aware of losing the message of the
Scripture by getting caught up in the beauty of the Elizabethan English. I read newer
translations, specifically the New English Bible, because I know just how susceptible
I am, as a writer and lover of literature, to the poetry of the King James Version. In
other words, I have to read other translations for my own good.

This is why I find it hard to understand why any Christian who truly desires to
hear and understand God's Word to the fullest would limit himself to one translation
which is nearly 400 years old! The meanings of words change so very quickly; think
about some of the slang terms used today that were seemingly innocent several years
ago, or of words like "retrorocket" and "ecology" which are everyday to us but
relatively unfamiliar a few years back. We would not be satisfied with the clothes,
transportation, medical practices, farming methods, wages, or government of 1611.
Why, then, should we be so content with a Bible written in the language of that day?

I realize that some people may be insulted and inflamed by my feelings on this
matter. Religion is probably the most personal possession we have. I surely do not

(Continued on Page 7)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARCH 17, 1976
Volume 91 Numberl

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lt
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secorj
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mu
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years|
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou
given when local churches send the "Baptist")
the home of every member; names and at
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und(
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refleil
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th;
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ead
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed!
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 151
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.—
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3

a. m.— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbart
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
Walter ReynoTds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassei
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

THANK GOD

FOR

LITTLE CHURCHES!

by the Rev. L. E. Ballard

HE

If

■e:
ina
e

no

Q am sure that I am going to
J have to do some explaining in
e use of this caption if I am to
naintain my reputation as believing in
jrogress and advancement upon the part
f churches.

Perhaps a bit of my own recent ex-
erience will explain the caption. For the
ast few months I have been serving as
iterim pastor of a church with only two
1 ervices each month and an attendance
f seldom more than four men, eight or
;n women, and some seven or eight
recious girls and boys. A woman
uperintends the Sunday school; and I
vill not say that it is because no man is
vailable for the job, for I don't think any
lan could do any better than this faithful
ister does. A young boy is secretary of
he school.

Going to this little church twice a
nonth highlights the lives of my wife and
'hyself. I have never preached to a more
Ittentive congregation. After the service
b over, the good women go back into a
lice fellowship hall in the rear of the
puilding and spread lunch which they
pring with them to share together. There
js chicken, prepared in about every good
vay chicken can be fixed; barbecue,
ixed just the right way; baked pork and
iam; brunswick stew; collards; pies;
:akes; and other good things to eat; plus
)lenty of coffee and iced tea. My, what a
vonderful hour of fellowship we enjoy!
You see, the pastor goes home with all
he congregation, not just one family.

i tHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Nobody seems to be in a hurry to get
away, and all my wife and I want is time
to drive the fifty miles back to our
home before dark.

Some thirty years ago I was regular
pastor of this church for two years,
during which time their educational
annex was built. It was not considered a
big congregation then, but our at-
tendance for both the morning and
evening services for two Sundays each
month usually ran above fifty. From fifty
down to around fifteen; and I'm finding
something in this to thank God for!
Surely, I do need to explain!

People of less courage and deter-
mination would have given up a long time
ago. It is not that these people want their
church to be a little one. What has
happened is that most of the members
who were once there have moved away,
died out, or have become too feeble to
attend the services. During the past
month, we have conducted funerals for
two aged sisters over eighty years old.
The younger people have grown up,
married, and moved away. Since the
same thing has happened throughout the
little town, there has been but little
chance for the membership to do
anything but decline.

What I am really thanking God for is
the kind of Christians who, if they cannot
have the big church they would like to
have because of conditions, they do have
the dedication and courage to maintain a
meaningful little church and rejoice in it.

During the years of my ministry, I have
pastored other declining churches,
whose members met Sunday after
Sunday with a sort of morbid resignation
to their fate to bemoan the fact that their
numbers are so few, and to try to console
one another with the recounting of the
days that used to be. But here is a little
group of people who come out Sunday
after Sunday with faces aglow to joyfully
worship God and enjoy sweet fellowship
with one another. I am thanking God for
those little churches that refuse to fold
up and quit because they cannot be big
churches with a great program of activity
that attracts wide attention. I am thankful
for the privileges I have had over the
years in serving some of our larger
churches, but I am happy now in serving
this little church with a great spirit, and I
look forward expectantly to fellowship
and worship with them twice each
month. Perhaps in time God will send
them a pastor who can work a miracle
and develop them into a big church; but
he will do a great thing indeed if he
makes them into a better church than
they are now.

Of course these faithful few joyful
Christians have no reason to be ashamed
for me to tell you that they constitute the
Belhaven Original Free Will Baptist
Church. If you need a little shot of
courage and faith, come our way some
first or third Sunday morning, and this
great little church will give it to you.

1976 YEARBOOK AVAILABLE

The 1976 YEMBOOK FOR ORIGINAL
FREE WILL jfjpTISTS OF NORTH
CAROLINA is nijiavailable at the Ayden
Bible and BodjHore and its branch
stores at Smifflsld, New Bern, and
Wilson, at $2.9alter copy, plus tax.

The book cqm| as a church directory,
minutes of thlSljjfte bodies for 1975,
minutes of confef#ces and associations
for 1975, a calendar of activities for
1976, and statistical tables for the
conferences and associations for 1975.

This yearbook replaces the individual
minutes of the North Carolina state
bodies, conferences, and associations,
as have previously been printed by
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation,
Inc. in Ayden.

SUNDAY, MARCH 21
Scripture Reading— Luke 19:41

WHERE CHRISTIANITY TOOK
ROOT

Dr. George Sweeting, president of
the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago,
said, "The apostles concentrated
their efforts in the throbbing cities of
their day. Some of the Epistles are
evidenced of the importance of the
cities after which they were named.
The City of Ephesus was notorious for
its moral looseness. Corinth seethed
with vice. Rome was riddled with
perversions, court plots, and mur-
ders. Yet those were the centers
where Christianity took root and
flowered."

Oh, that more of us were weeping
over our sin-sodden, crime-ridden
cities as did the Saviour.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Pray that we as individuals will try
to bring Christianity to all with whom
we come in contact whether it is a
large group or only one person. The
preservation of each and every soul is
important to God.

MONDAY, MARCH 22
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy
5:29

UNRESTRAINED
Some years ago, in commenting
upon the causes of diminishing church
attendance in England and the
relaxation of moral standards, The
London Times editorialized: "Among
the causes, there can be little doubt
that one of the chief has been the
disappearance of the belief in eternal
punishment. Rightly or wrongly, men
are not afraid of God as they used to
be, and have cast off restraints which
fear imposed."

PRAYER THOUGHT
When restraints are lifted men

grow lax and mankind suffers from
the pangs of degenerate living.
Humanity is such that it must have
guidelines and regulations.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 18:24

THEE ALONE I SEEK
Desiring a closer fellowship with
God, George Matheson said,
"Whether you come in sunshine or in
rain, I would take you into my heart
joyfully. You are yourself more than
sunshine. You are yourself com-
pensation for the rain. It is you and
not your gifts I crave ! :

Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;

Now thee alone I seek :
Give what is best.

—Elizabeth P. Prentiss

PRAYER THOUGHT
God is not elusive. He makes
Himself available at all times. We
have but to think on His name and He
is aware of our need.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 2:7

NOTHING ELSE IS SUFFICIENT
After hearing a sermon on the
vicarious death of Christ, an un-
believer asked the minister. "Do you
really believe that the death of Christ
some two thousand years ago can be a
substitute for the punishment of my
sin?"

The minister answered wisely, "I
hope so, because if it does not, nothing
else is sufficient."

The atoning death of the Saviour is
sufficient for all, deficient for none,
but efficient only for those who
believe.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus' sacrifice is significant to us
personally only if we believe that He
is the Son of God, and live our lives as
He would have us live. Repent and
Relive!

THURSDAY, MARCH 25
Scripture Reading— John 11 : 40

"IF THOU WOULDEST BELIEVE"
In his book Testament of Vision,
Henry Zylstra affirms, "We believe in
order that we may know, for belief is
the condition of knowledge. We know
whom we have believed, and in His
name we appropriate the whole of His

reality." , I

Believing does precede knowinj
Augustine said, "If you do not believi
you will not understand. ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our belief in Jesus is our Passpoi
to Paradise, our Ticket t
Timelessness and our Haven of Hope.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 1:8, J

SITTING ON THORNS
Said Jeremy Taylor, "He who ha
so many causes for joy and so great i
very much given over to sorrow an
peevishness, and chooses to sit dow
on his little handful of thorns."

Though Jesus was "a man c
sorrows, and acquainted with grie^
(Isaiah 53:3), the Saviour was th,
most joyous person who ever lived.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Being familiar with grief does no;
exclude us from the joy of happiness
In fact, having experienced sorro\
we can appreciate fully life's joys.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27
Scripture Reading— Psalm 92 : 13

CIRCUMVENTING THE RISKS
Dr. George W. Comstock, a John
Hopkins University medicai
researcher, said, "Men who attent
church infrequently have almos
twice the risk of a fatal heart diseasi
as those who attend once a week o:
more."

PRAYER THOUGHT
A life associated with Jesus and Hii
teachings is a life filled with tranqui^
love and understanding. May m.
study and strive toward a goal o,
undefiled love.

(Devotions used by permission ol
Knight's Up-To-The Minute
Illustrations, Moody Press.)

NOTE OF THANKS

We, the members of the First FreeWil
Baptist Church of Wilson, wish to ex
press our gratitude to each pastor whi
has taken an interest in our church am
helped in so many ways during thii
period that we have been without i
pastor.

Our appreciation also goes to the pas
and present chairmen of the Board o
Deacons for their devoted leadership.
May God bless each of you.
Respectfully submitted,
Members of First Church, Wilso

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

eai Question: How do we know God
utjnswers prayer?

for Answer: I know because I have had
im to answer my prayers. We need not
l" kk foolishly for temporal things and
^ kpect to get them for God does not
s"!romise in His Word to answer such
• squests. Here is what the Bible says of
riis: "Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and
s'| esire to have, and cannot obtain: ye
"'light and war, yet ye have not, because
'"le ask not. Ye ask, and receive not,
' lecause ye ask amiss, that ye may
onsume it upon your lusts. Ye
u dulterers and adulteresses, know ye not
jhat the friendship of the world is enmity
Ki iWh God? whosoever therefore will be a
ot fiend of the world is the enemy of God"
i jjames 4:2-4).

j "Every good gift and every perfect gift
ffl Is from above, and cometh down from the
h ^ather of lights, with whom is no
!t Variableness, neither shadow of turning,
if his own will begat he us with the word
:)f truth, that we should be a kind of
il lirstfruits of his creatures. . . .
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and
Superfluity of naughtiness, and receive
with meekness the engrafted word,
Which is able to save your souls. But be
doers of the word, and not hearers
r )nly, deceiving your own selves. For if
J (any be a hearer of the word, and not a
" doer, he is like unto a man beholding his
atural face in a glass: For he
eholdeth himself, and goeth his way,
' and straightway forgetteth what manner
pf man he was. But whoso looketh into
the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein , he being not a forgetful hearer,
but a doer of the work, this man shall be
blessed in his deed" (James 1:17, 18,
; 21-25).

"For whosoever shall keep the whole
law, and yet offend in one point, he is
guilty of all. . . . Even so faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone. ... For
as the body without the spirit is dead, so

j [THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

faith without works is dead also" (James
2:10, 17, 26); "Submit yourselves
therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and
he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your
hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double minded. . . . Therefore
to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:7,
8, 17); "Is any sick among you? let him
call for the elders of the church: and let
them pray over him, anointing him with
oil in the name of the Lord: And the
prayer of faith shall save the sick, and
the Lord shall raise him up; and if he
have committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him. Confess your faults one to
another, and pray one for another, that
ye may be healed. The effectual fervent
prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Elias was a man subject to like passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it
might not rain: and it rained not on the
earth by the space of three years and six
months. And he prayed again, and the
heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit" (James 5:14-18). "If any
of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing
wavering. For he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea driven with the wind and
tossed. For let not that man think that he
shall receive any thing of the Lord"
(James 1:5-7).

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter
into thy closet, and when thou hast shut
thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret; and thy Father which seeth in
secret shall reward thee openly. But
when ye pray, use not vain repetitions,
as the heathen do: for they think that
they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto
them: for your Father knoweth what
things ye have need of, before ye ask
him" (Matthew 6:6-8); "Ask, and it

shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto
you: For every one that asketh receiveth;
and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what
man is there of you, whom if his son ask
bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he
ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If
ye then, being evil, know how to give
good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is in
heaven give good things to them that ask
him?" (Matthew 7:7-11).

Even though the Bible tells us "God
heareth not sinners" the Bible makes it
clear to us that God does hear and will
answer the prayers of us sinners who
have been saved by grace as we study
and obey His precious Word.

John's writings in the Bible tell us,
". . . if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1
John 1:7); "If ye abide in me, and my
words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you"
(John 15:7).

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, writes, "Likewise the Spirit also
helpeth our infirmities: for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought: but
the Spirit itself maketh intercession for
us with groaning which cannot be ut-
tered. And he that searcheth the hearts
knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the
saints according to the will of God"
(Romans 8:26, 27).

So letting these verses in God's Word
guide our thoughts as we determine the
validity of prayer made to God the Father
in Jesus Christ His Son's and our
Saviour's name, we may well see that a
born-again Christian prays because he is
impelled by the Holy Spirit to do so, and
in this praying he is assured of an an-
swer.

We are told that this kind of Christian
has in himself the mind of Christ; and
that God, the Holy Spirit, guides him in
such intercession and assures him of an
answer to his prayers under these
prescribed conditions. It also indicates
that we need not go through the form of
prayer until we are on speaking terms
with God. This requires the confession
and forsaking of all known sin and a walk
with God in the light of Christ— the Light
of the World.

5

^PJF^J[?,l|[^IMflJ[^PJf^JPJf^Jf^]^r!

MOUNT OUVE COLLEGE j

lifiiiipfia^

TWENTY-FIFTH
ANNIVERSARY GOALS
FOR

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

(1976-1979)

1951 Charter 1976
1954 College Operation 1979

W. Burkette Raper, President
Report to Board of Trustees
February 17, 1976

Sometimes we think we could achieve
anything if we only had the money, but
our first need is not finance but a
purpose and objectives that will inspire
people to give. God has endowed this
earth with all the resources needed to
fulfill His work, and our first respon-
sibility at Mount Olive College is to be
sure that this College is not our work but
God's work through us.

The focus of God's work on earth is in
the lives of people, and for this reason
we interpret the purpose and objectives
of Mount Olive College in terms of the
quality of life which we desire for our
students. As a Christian College we seek
to assist each student in developing his
full potential as a child of God. We
believe that the nature of man and the
purpose of human life can best be
understood in the context of our
relationship with God; it is therefore, the
foremost desire of the College that each
student develop a living faith that is the
result of personal experience with God
through Jesus Christ.

If Mount Olive College is to be a part
of God's work on earth, it must be
imbued with excellence in everything it
does, for God never called anyone to do
inferior work for Him. In this awareness
of our high calling, an "Anniversary
Planning Session" was held earlier this
year for the purpose of recommending
goals to be attained during our Twenty-

Fifth Anniversary period of 1976-79.
Goals Listed

Below is an outline of the priorities that
were identified by the trustees, ad-
ministrators, faculty, and alumni who
attended:

1. Development and maintenance of
academic excellence.

2. Continuous enrichment of the
spiritual life of students and
personnel.

3. Building enrollment through the
recruitment of capable and high-
ly motivated students.

4. Programs for the professional and
personal development of all
College personnel: administration,
faculty, and staff

5. Development of relevant programs
of study (curricula) that will
effectively prepare students for
both life and work in a changing
world.

6. New campus development, in-
cluding:

a. College Union Building.

b. Physical Education Center.

c. Fine Arts Facility (Music, Art,
Drama).

d. Administrative Officers.

e. Continuous program of
campus beautification through
landscaping, roads, parking
areas, and water drainage.

7. Development of programs of
continuing education for the
church and community.

8. Development of Eagles Nest
Conference Center for:

a. Christian youth camp and
spiritual life retreats.

b. Conference Center for
educational, civic, business,
and other groups.

c. Educational uses by the
College.

d. Recreational use by students,

/

College personnel, church
es, youth, and communil
groups.

9. Attainment of senior college statu
for the awarding of baccalaureat
degrees.

10. Resource development adequate t
achieve the above objectives an]
to build an endowment that wi j
give stable financial strength tj
the College.

$7 Million Program

To enable Mount Olive College to attaii
these goals and to fulfill its Christian
mission the Board of Trustees oil
February 17 approved a $7 mil Not
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Program thai
will extend through December 31, 1979
A comprehensive outright and "planned)
gifts" program was adopted that wil;i
enable every friend of the College to give*
according to his interests, assets, anq
individual circumstances. Included in the
"planned gifts" are means whereby
donors can enter into life-income
contracts with the College with sub-
stantial tax savings through both theii,
income and estates.

"The Twenty-Fifth Anniversary}
Program" of Mount Olive College is
possibly the most far-reaching and,
courageous undertaking in the history oi,
any Free Will Baptist institution, and]
because we believe it is the work of God,j
we are confident we will succeed,'
James B. Hunt Sr., Chairman of the;
Board of Trustees, declared.

Quoting former Secretary General of
the United Nations, U. Thant, President^
W. Burkette Raper declared: "It is no
longer our resources which determin^
our decisions, but our decisions which
determine our resources."

The Wintergreen Free Will
Baptist Church of Cove City has
twenty-two pews for sale. Twenty
of these pews are ten feet long and
two are eight feet long. The pews
are solid oak and are in good
condition. The reason for the sale
is that the church is remodeling its
sanctuary. If interested you may
contact Mr. Samuel Adams, phone
638-5325; Mr. W. A. Wood, phone
637-9463; or the pastor, the
Rev. Donald Venable, phone 633-
3792.

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Special oMoments

ar Maggie,

I sat on my sofa in the predawn hours trying to make one of the greatest
scisions of my life. After twenty years of marriage my husband and I had been going
irough a difficult period for over a year. Having tried to better the situation, I had
ly succeeded in failing miserably. My husband had been trying, too; but we
eren't on the same wave length anymore.

We tried to keep our problems from our children, but thev felt it even though
ley didn't understand what "it" was. Their school grades took a plunge downward
id discipline became a new problem. Occasionally, the youngest daughter, showing
ave concern for one so young, would look at me speculatively and then ask,
ijMama, you don't feel good, do you?"

Our home was suffocating with tension. I had a strong feeling that one parent in
I happy home is better than the distrust, misunderstanding, and hate bred in a home
nth two unhappy parents. I checked the want ads for an apartment.

"Is this move right, Lord?" I prayed. "I've done everything I can possibly
fnagine and it gets worse. Is this what I should do?"

In an inaudible voice that came in loud and clear, He answered, "You don't
ave to do anything!"

Surely I thought He meant my husband would leave so I could keep the children
p familiar surroundings. I went back to bed. No more sleepless nights. A clamness
I ettled over me as I waited for my husband to make his announcement. I didn't weep
llecause my marriage was ending. Sometime during the months of its sickness, it had
lied quietly in its sleep. God was with me to attend to the burial service.

Before two weeks had passed, "out of the blue" my husband's attitude
ihanged. The tension lifted and it was only a few weeks before we as a family could
jaugh again.

Just as surely as Jesus stood in that graveyard two thousand years ago and
kid, "Lazarus, come forth!" in that special moment in the predawn hours, He had
esurrected a dead marriage. But He couldn't do anything until I allowed Him to work
■lis miracle on me. When He changed my attitude, it became contagious.

Carrie withheld by request.

This experience has been shared from the heart of a lady who hopes it will serve
Is an inspiration and an example of trusting in the Lord for anyone with a similar
problem.

Maggie

WRITER DEFENDS . . .

(Continued from Page 2)
want to start a Holy War over which translation is best. In fact, I do not feel that any
)ne of them is the "best." They all have good and bad points. However, I do feel very
lampered as a writer and as a person when I am told that I have to close my mind to
iny one of them for the sake of a few who may be cheating themselves out of a deeper
and more meaningful understanding of God's words to all men of all the ages. I hope
that these comments may cause some people to reexamine their own feelings on this
subject and to explore some of the newer translations before they shut themselves off
from the benefits and unique qualities of the newer versions of the Bible.

REPRESENTATIVES FOR
RETIREMENT HOMES

Recently, many Free Will Baptists
have indicated that they know very little
about the Retirement Homes program.
We at the Retirement Homes and the
Board of Directors would like very much
to present information about the homes
to any church and we'll do so upon
request. Printed literature is available as
well as board members and staff
members who are willing to talk to in-
dividuals and groups at any time.

If you are interested in talking to a
Retirement Homes representative, you
may contact the person designated in
this article for your particular county or
contact Mr. Sam Weeks, P. 0. Box 250,
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557;
telephone 235-4079. Mr. Weeks will
arrange for a representative to visit you
or your church.

We need your interest, concern, help,
and prayers so that the first duplex
apartment might be completed by June
1, 1976.

The following is a listing of the
representatives for the Retirement
Homes program and the counties they
represent:

The Rev. Billy Dilday, Route 4, Box
178-B, Ahoskie, North Carolina 27910,
representative for Hertford, Camden,
Chowan, Bertie, Pasquotank, Per-
quimans, and Currituck Counties.

Mr. Oscar Webster, Route 1,
Pinetown, North Carolina 27865,
representative for Martin, Beaufort,
Washington, Dare, Tyrrell, and Hyde
Counties.

Mr. Reginald Styron, P. 0. Box 428,
Davis, North Carolina 28524, re-
presentative for Carteret County.

The Rev. Walter Sutton, Route 2, Box
100-A, Vanceboro, North Carolina
28586, representative for Craven and
Jones Counties.

Mrs. Rebecca Davenport, Route 1,
Box 62, Winterville, North Carolina
28590, and the Rev. Walter Reynolds,
401 New Circle Drive, Ayden, North
Carolina 28513, representatives for Pitt
County.

Mr. Linwood Cobb, Route 1, Farm-
ville, North Carolina 27828, and Mr.
Daniel Barrow, Route 2, Snow Hill, North
Carolina 28580, representatives for
Greene County.

The Rev. Curtis Jones, 3707 Old

(Continued on Page 8)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

RETIREMENT

(Continued from Page 7)

Garner Road, Raleigh, North Carolina
27610, representative for Wake,
Sampson, Cumberland, and Harnett
Counties.

Mr. A. G. Glover, Route 1, Middlesex,
North Carolina 27557, and Mrs. Mildred
Penny, Route 1, Angier, North Carolina
27501 , representatives for Johnston
County.

The Rev. James Hardee, P. 0. Box 43,
Elizabethtown, North Carolina 28337,
representative for Bladen and Columbus
Counties.

Mrs. Alma Dale, Route 7, Box 351,
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530,
representative for Wayne County.

The Rev. J. B. Starnes, Route 3, Box
123, Newport, North Carolina 28570,
representative for Lenoir and Onslow
Counties.

Mr. W. A. Jones, Route 1, Kenans-
ville, North Carolina 28349,
representative for Duplin and Pender
Counties.

The Rev. Clyde Cox, P. 0. Box 549,
Wilson, North Carolina 27893,
representative for Wilson County.

Mr. David Mayo, Aurora, North
Carolina 27806, representative for
Pamlico County.

The Rev. M. E. Cox, 421 Idlewood
Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27701,
representative for Halifax and Durham
Counties.

Mr. Sam Weeks, P. 0. Drawer E.
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557,
representative for Edgecombe County.

Mrs. Gladys Weeks, P. 0. Drawer E,
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557,
representative for Nash County.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
IMPROVEMENT REPORT

The Executive Committee of the State
Sunday School Convention has received
various requests for a copy of the Sunday
School Improvement Report. The supply
of reports available has been used up.
Another printing of the report is now
under way, and the book will be available
at the State Sunday School Convention,
April 10, at Ayden Elementary School.
We hope each Sunday school delegate
will secure a supply of the reports for his
Sunday school. See you in April.

Bill Jenkins
Vice-President

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Take heed
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, ... to feed the church of God,
. . ." (Acts 20:28).

THE CHURCH ISA
FLOCK

The use of the word flock is familiar to
all Christians because it is used often in
the Bible when referring to God's people.
The word usually refers to many sheep.
The shepherd of the flock is a term used
to describe the keeper or tender of the
sheep. A good shepherd knows all his
sheep by name. They follow him into
green pastures where they feed upon the
lush and delicious grasses and herbs. He
leads them to the still waters where they
drink to their hearts' content. When the
day is over he leads them home and into
the fold. One by one, as the shepherd
calls their name, they enter for rest and
protection. If there is but one lost sheep
out of the hundred or more who are safe
in the fold, the good shepherd returns to
the range and searches for the lost
sheep. He will seek and search until the
animal is found, or until it becomes
evident that tragedy has met the lost
sheep.

God often refers to the sinner as a lost
sheep. Sometimes the word refers to the
lost sheep of Israel. Jesus said, "... I
am not sent but to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). He is
the Good Shepherd and He came seeking
for the sinner and the lost sheep of
Israel. We can be assured that if there
were but one lost sinner in the whole
world, Jesus would have left heaven to
come to this earth to seek and to save the
sinner. (See Matthew 18:12.)

We must remember that the Good
Shepherd owns the sheep— they know

Him, love Him, and obey Him. God is nc
willing that "... one of these little one ;i
should perish" (Matthew 18:14). Butwl;
must remember that God is determined t
have us for His very own possession an j
will have mercy upon us and save u
beyond all conditions. There is a poir
which the sinner may reach in hii
rebellion against God when God wij
let him go. When a man reaches thij
point he is beyond the place of retur
— he cannot be saved— he is losl
forever. So, if God cannot have us He wi|
destroy us. The devil can never own onif
of God's children. He will be in the sarmi
plight and torment as the sinner— botl
will be in the lake of fire forever.

Since God owns the sheep He wil
provide all the good things His sheep caa
possibly need. He does not lead us inti[
the desert (the world) to feed us; Hi|
leads us into pastures filled with the
most delicious grasses, herbs, and
minerals. He provides a cool stream ol
living water where His sheep may drink
their fill. He has also provided gentlr
breezes in the shade of the tree of life foi
our comfort.

The Good Shepherd also provided
healing for all His sheep and the precioui!
lambs. He heals the lame, the blind, thd
deaf, and the crippled. Not only does he
administer first aid to all the injuries, but
He applies a healing ointment capable o;
soothing away the pain and completely
restores to health and happiness all Hii
sheep.

With such a wonderful, kind, ano[
loving Shepherd, how can anyone rebei
or resist His loving care and kindness?!
Yet, the Lord becomes so angered with
His sheep because of their evil deedsf
that He has to send undershepherds tc(
drive them into perilous and destructive!
deserts and rock-filled terrains to destroy]
them. God's mercy will not always strive;
with man. "Ephraim is joined to idols: \ei:
him alone" (Hosea 4:17) have to be the;
saddest words in the whole Bible! Listen
to this: "... I will smite the shepherds,
and the sheep of the flock shall be
scattered abroad" (Matthew 26:31).
This is also very sad, but there is hope.
" . . .ye were as sheep going astray; but
are now returned unto the Shepherd and
Bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25).
And again, ". . . when the chief
Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a
crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1
Peter 5:4). God's people are His flock of
sheep!

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ATTENTION, ALL
"J PIEDMONT DISTRICT WOMAN'S
AUXILIARIES

J The annual spring meeting of the
iat Woman's Auxiliaries of the Piedmont
\t istrict will be held on Saturday, March
|7, at the Bethany Free Will Baptist
Jhurch in Wadesboro. Every church is
IK irged to work with the district and make
ir his meeting a big success. Each church
li las been asked to send a delegate and
'j n offering for Home Missions. A special
at ffering for Home Missions will be taken
r luring the session.

)„ j The missions reports will be given by
w> he missions chairman and the
eir Children's Home reports will be given by
:iur Children's Home chairman. We are
I, joping that many will be present on that
T jay. Every chairman is urged to have her
|i jeport ready.

iSl j Charlotte Griffin, President
j Piedmont District Woman 's Auxiliary

, EASTERN DISTRICT

YOUTH CONVENTION

The Eastern District Youth Convention
at; ill convene on Saturday, March 20, at
tie Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist
s jhurch, Pink Hill. This will be an im-
i brtant convention as the winners of the
«: Ijstrict essay, declamation, and Bible
s fowl contests will be chosen at this time.
;li /inning essays and declamation of the
it! fiurch's elimination contest should have
fe jready been sent to Mrs. Dorothy
: 'ennedy in order for these winners to
ti pmpete on the district level,
sit ! At the convention a project to envoke
i tore enthusiasm and participation from
: tie area youth, both for the cause of
]! hrist and for the rally, will be
it: jscussed. Also an interesting and
I lallenging program has been planned,
ai Be sure to bring your dues and
5 repare your registration form which is
hi ound in the back of your program book,
i! : you cannot attend, these should be

snt to Mrs. Kennedy at Route 4, Box 83-
H , Kinston, North Carolina 28501. If you

ave problems or questions regarding

IS HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

the convention, please contact Mrs.
Kennedy.

ATTENTION, CAPE FEAR DISTRICT
YOUTH SPONSORS AND PASTORS

We praise God for all His many
blessings and the privilege to work and
worship together. However, we have not
met our quota for our "carpet fund" for
our chapel at Mount Olive College. Would
you kindly get your contribution to Mrs.
R. Y. Stephenson, Route 1, Clayton,
North Carolina 27520, before April 1, so
that she may be able to have her report
completed in time for our convention
meeting, April 14, at Mount Olive
College.

We are very proud of the youth in our
district for undertaking projects each
year that speak well of their concern for
all the enterprises. In 1975, they
contributed $1,715 to the library at
Mount Olive College. Their project for
1976 will be superannuation. The
prayers of the concerned Christians will
be greatly appreciated for our youth and
their many endeavors. They desire to
honor and contribute to those who have
set great examples before us.

Informative letters have been sent to
inactive churches requesting par-
ticipation in our youth activities. Please
support our youth who desire to ac-
complish great things for God. Give them
an opportunity to be prepared to be our
"church of tomorrow."

The following churches will host the
youth rally the first Saturday night in
each month. (The May meeting will be
the second Saturday night due to the
Junior-Senior proms.)

Goldsboro, First, April; Palmer
Memorial, May; Eagles Nest Retreat
Center, June; Tee's Chapel, July;
Johnston Union, August; Hopewell,
September; Pleasant Grove, October;
Smyrna, November; and Palmer
Memorial, December.

Donna Lambert is now serving as our
secretary. She will be glad to provide
your church with any additional in-

formation about any phase of the Cape
Fear youth meetings or projects. Her
address is Route 1, Princeton, North
Carolina 27569.

Many thanks to all who are supporting
us actively and prayerfully. Please
continue the good work.

Lillian Stanley

Cape Fear Youth Sponsor

EASTERN DISTRICT WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene in
Rodgers Chapel, Mount Olive College,
Mount Olive, Thursday, March 25. The
convention theme will be "A More
Unified Church," with Scripture taken
from Romans 12:5: "So we, being
many, are one body in Christ, and every
one members one of another." Mrs.
Carol Prescott will serve as music
director with Miss Karen Register as
organist. The program is as follows:

Morning Session

9:30— Registration

10:00— Hymn, "Lead On, 0 King
Eternal"

—Welcome, Dr. W. Burkette Raper

— Devotions, Mount Olive Singers
10:35— President's Remarks, Mrs. John

W. Taylor, District President

— Business Session
11:10— Hymn, "God of Our Fathers"

—Offering

—State President's Remarks,
Mrs. D. W. Hancock

— Report of Mount Olive College,
Mrs. Dianne Riley

— Essay and Declamation Winners
12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:00— Hymn, "0 God Our Help in Ages
Past"

1 :05— Devotions and Prayer, Mrs. Jean

Ackiss
1:25— Reports:

Camp Vandemere

Foreign Missions

Cragmont Assembly

Children's Home

Home Missions

Superannuation

Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation

— Miscellaneous Business

— Benediction

9

of Denominational Interest

First Church, Smithfield
Announces Spring Revival

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Smithfield announces its spring revival to
begin Sunday evening, March 28, and
continue through Friday evening, April 2.
Services will begin each evening at 7:30.
The visiting evangelist will be the Rev. C.
F. Bowen, pastor of Stoney Creek Free
Will Baptist Church near Goldsboro. He
will be assisted by the pastor, the Rev.
L. B. Woodall Jr.

Mr. Woodall and the church
congregation invite their many friends to
join them for worship and fellowship
during this series of services.

Norman Ard to Conduct
Free Union Revival

The Rev. Norman Ard will be the guest
minister for revival services at the Free
Union Free Will Baptist Church near
Walstonburg the week of March 21-26,
beginning nightly at 7:30. In addition to
the gospel messages there will be special
music each evening featuring the local
choirs and invited guests. The pastor,
the Rev. C. L. Patrick, will be assisting
in the services. A very cordial invitation
is extended to the public to attend.

Revival Services Scheduled
For Spring Hill Church

The Spring Hill Free Will Baptist

Church located on U. S. Highway 70,
west of Goldsboro, announces its spring
revival for the week of March 22-26,
beginning each evening at 7:30. The
visiting minister will be the Rev. Harry
Brown, pastor of the Northern Free Will
Baptist Church of Bahama. The pastor,
the Rev. William Dale, will be assisting in
the services which will be featuring
special music each night. Mr. Dale and
the church membership invite the public
to attend and pray for the success of the
meeting.

Spring Revival at
Gum Swamp Church

Spring revival services are scheduled
for the week of March 22-26 for the Gum
Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, Route
6, Greenville, near Belvoir. Services will
begin each evening at 7:45 with the Rev.
Frank Flowers as the guest evangelist.
Mr. Flowers will be assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. J. Stewart Humphrey.
Mr. Humphrey and the congregation
invite everyone to share in these services
each evening.

Pleasant Grove Revival
In Progress this Week

Revival services are in progress th|
week at Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptii
Church, Route 2, Pikeville. Services a!
beginning each evening at 7:30 with tfi
Rev. Norman Ard of Pink Hill as fl
visiting evangelist. Mr. Ard is beirl
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Jarml
Lupton. Also each evening at 7:15 prayii
rooms are being held. Good old gosp*
preaching and special music is bein!
rendered each evening. The pastor art
the church membership extend il
everyone a cordial invitation to worshi!
with them for the remaining nights of th
meeting.

Youth Weekend Revival
At Peace Church

A youth revival will be held th!
weekend of March 19-21 at the Peaq
Free Will Baptist Church near Pinetop:!
The Rev. Keith Cobb will be the guev
speaker. Services will begin eac'
evening at 7:30, and will feature sped
music each night. The pastor, the Re-
Danny Braswell, will be assisting in th
services. He and the congregation issu
a warm invitation to the public to attendj

Piney Grove Church Honors
Outgoing Pastor and Wife

Following a singspiration service \
Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church
Route 1, Kenly, on Sunday evening
February 22, the congregation honore
the Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Cox, the
outgoing pastor and his wife, with a
appreciation service.

Mrs. Melvin Watson, president of th
woman's auxiliary, presented th
honored couple with an appreciatio
plaque and praised them for the
outstanding, faithful, and devote!
service to the church for the past two an

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

(e-half years. Mr. Raymond Game,
(airman of the board of deacons,

iss. (mmended them on behalf of the

S<: (aeons.

CK : Following the appreciation service, a
rtl sjcial was held in the education building
as i) the church. The bicentennial colors
i c; f pre predominant in the decorations.
Kje refreshment table was covered with
IN white cloth and accented with red,
f iiiite, and blue ribbons. An arrangement
:>1 red glads, camellias, and white
lor: tflrnations with white burning candles in
wt ijsilver candelabra graced the center of
t lie table.

i«( Mrs. Lonnie Bass served cake that
^s baked and decorated by Mrs. Selby

■ I per and Mrs. Jackie Pope. Mrs. Calvin
lied lin , assisted by Mrs. Perry Hales
;!d Mrs. Melvin Watson, served red fruit

I inch, and sugar-coated peanuts to the

Ft »i proximately fifty persons who attended

is!: ije occasion.

: llv. and Mrs. Thick Visit

atery Branch Church

The Watery Branch Free Will Baptist
lurch near Stantonsburg would like to
are with you the wonderful blessing
ceived on Sunday, February 22.
Mrs. Marie Taylor states: "How many
nes have you heard a mother say, 'I
joyed having my children home
e day'? Well that is the way we, the
i embers of Watery Branch church, felt
i jhen the Rev. and Mrs. David Thick,
i iiuse parents at the Children's Home at
iddlesex, drove to our church on the
>ove date with ten smiling boys and
rls from the Home. Our hearts rejoiced
ithey entered the church. They were all
essed well, and as they sang during
I e worship service, we felt the presence
God as He spoke through the Holy
pirit, saying, 'These are your children.'
"Mr. Thick brought the morning

message which was very inspiring,
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Swade
Benson. An offering was received during
the service for the Home in the amount of
$175.

"After the worship service the
children were taken to our homes for
dinner. We mothers were especially
proud of our children's manner. We
enjoyed them so much that we want you
to share the same experience in your
church."

Revival in Progress at
Sweet Gum Grove Church

The Sweet Gum Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Stokes, spring
revival is in progress this week with the
Rev. Joe Ingram as the visiting minister.
Services are beginning each evening at
7:30 with the pastor, the Rev. Frank
Brinson, assisting. Special music is
being rendered each evening and a
nursery is being provided. The pastor
and the church membership extend to
everyone a cordial invitation to worship
with them during the remainder of the
meeting.

Harry Brown Conducting
Mount Zion Revival

The Rev. Harry Brown, pastor of the
Northern Free Will Baptist Church of
Bahama, is the visiting evangelist for
revival services in progress this week at
the Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church
near Momeyer. Services which are
beginning each evening at 7:30 will
continue through Friday evening, March
19. The pastor, the Rev. Roy Clifton, is
assisting in the services which feature
special music each evening. He and the
church membership extend to everyone
an invitation to worship with them in the
remainder of the revival services.

Revival Services this Week
At Watery Branch Church

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Watery Branch Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Stantonsburg,
with the Rev. Linwood Renfrow doing the
preaching. Mr. Renfrow is being
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Swade
Benson. Services are beginning at 7:45
each evening with good gospel preaching
and special music by the local church
and visiting singers. The pastor and the
congregation extend to everyone a warm
invitation to attend the remaining ser-
vices of this revival.

Ground-Breaking Services
At Reedy Branch Church

On fifth Sunday in February, following
the morning worship service, ground-
breaking services were held at Reedy
Branch Free Will Baptist Church near
Winterville for a fellowship hall. The
building will be 60 by 100 feet and will
be high enough inside for a basketball
court. This building will be used for
recreation and fellowship. There will be
kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and a
lounge area for spectators. It can also be
used for roller skating and other sport
activities.

Those taking part in the ground-
breaking ceremonies were from left to
right: The Rev. Willis Wilson, pastor; S.
A. Paramore Jr., chairman of the
Building Committee; and Russell Little,
chairman of the Official Board of the
:hurch.

On the first Sunday in May there will
be a special day of services to raise
funds for the building. Following the
morning service there will be a picnic
lunch for the ones in attendance.

February Fifth Sunday Night
Service At Reedy Branch

On fifth Sunday night in February
there were 150 people at the services at
Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist Church
near Winterville to receive their cer-
(Continued on Page 16

| (he free will baptist

II

C R AAG MONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

THE CRAGMONT
GENERAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Once again it is time to register for the
General Youth Conference sponsored by
the North Carolina State Sunday School
Convention at Cragmont Assembly, Inc.,
Black Mountain. The conference will be
held at the same time it has met since
1953— beginning Monday after the
second Sunday in June, or June 14-19.
The Rev. John Williams has been asked
by the Sunday School Convention to
serve as director; and again, as he has
done for every session since 1953, the
Rev. L. E. Ballard will be registrar and
business manager for the conference.

Registration is always made simple for
this conference. While registration
blanks will be available for those who
wish them, all that is necessary istosend
name, full mailing address, and give age
and sex (very important) for each
camper. Send a $7 registration fee for
each person, which will be deducted
from the overall fee of $50, which is
payable on boarding bus or as may be
arranged. This fee is required for board,
room, insurance at Cragmont, and
transportation. It is urged that groups
from churches register together for
easier handling of registration, but this is
not a requirement.

Mail registrations to L E. Ballard,
1225 S. Washington Street, Greenville,
North Carolina 27834. Please make
checks payable to Mr. Ballard or to the
General Youth Conference. (When
checks are made payable to Cragmont
Assembly, they have to go through the
process of being sent to the general
treasurer for endorsement and returned
to Cragmont. The sponsoring or-
ganization is responsible for collecting
for its conference and then settling with
the assembly for room, board, etc.)

Again this year we urge early
registering. For the past four seasons
this conference has been filled up before

the middle of May, and late registrants
have had to be rejected or placed in later
conferences.

JUNIPER CHAPEL
CONTRIBUTES $860 TO
MAIN BUILDING FUND!

In the February 10 board meeting,
members of the board were asked to
raise $800 each (or as much as they
could) on the $50,000 goal to begin a
new building at Cragmont. Miss Velma
Morris told her church about it on
Sunday morning, February 21, and her
church, Juniper Chapel, raised $860 that
very morning.

Juniper Chapel is not a large church.
It has approximately 125 members; so
we can see what a small group of
dedicated people can do when they allow
the Holy Spirit to work through them. We
are very grateful to Juniper Chapel for
their liberal contribution and we would
like to challenge each of our churches to
take a special offering for Cragmont.

Many of you will be happy to le'arn the
latest news concerning the "Main
Building." In a recent issue of The Free
Will Baptist it was stated that the board
had decided that since we needed to use
the "Main Building" this summer, and
had no place to store the furniture, that
the new building would be located in a
new place in front of the old one. Since
that time our president and vice-
president made a trip to Cragmont and
talked with the contractor. The con-
tractor and the two board members
agreed that the very best place for the
new building is right where the Old one
now stands. The contractor recom-
mended that we use the existing
basement and build a two-story structure
over it. Sketches are being drawn up and
the tentative date for beginning the new
building has been set for September or
October, and the contractor says that it
will be ready for use during the summer
of 1 977! Let us remind you again that we

h

need at least $50,000 before we c,
begin building, and more would
better. I feel confident that Free W
Baptists will raise it for a spirit of e
thusiasm is really beginning to run hig
We want to thank you for what you hai
done and what you are going to do durir
the spring and summer.

At the February 24 meeting, it w
moved that the fee for a week's e
campment be raised to $50, including
$7 registration fee. The Woman
Conference has already been raised
$50, including a $10 registration fe
The ministers do not preregister f
Ministers' Conference.

We do not know as yet who tl
manager will be for 1976. Watch tl]
"Baptist" for further news.

Remember Cragmont in your prayej
and also your board as they attempt
make decisions for you.
In His service,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer-Promotional Secreta

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY
TREASURER'S REPORT
FOR FEBRUARY, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 29^
Oriental, North Carolina 28571 , treasury
for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Blac
Mountain, reports as follows for Iff
month of February, 1976:
Balance Brought Forward
February 1, 1976

Receipts

$ 1,676.40

$ 2,347.5,

Churches

Sunday School

Auxiliary

Union Meeting

N. C. Woman's
Auxiliary Convention

Individuals
Total Receipts
Total for Which
to Account

4.00
25.00
15.48

337.12'
125.00

2,183-C,

$ 4,530.

Disbursements

Operational Expenses $ 419.75
Free Will Baptist Press 270.89
N. C. Department

of Revenue 47.19
Transfer to Savings
Account

(Main Building) 1,160.00
Total Disbursements 1 ,897.i

Balance on Hand March 1 , 1 976 $ 2, 633.1

Earmarked Funds

General Savings Fund $10,874

General Fund 2.633.C

Main Building Fund (Savings) 7,010.4

Chapel 3,298.6

Pool 306.C

Total in Treasury $24,122.f

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^f}
THE SUNDAY &Z£x>

SCHOOL LESSO

For March 28

PREPARATION FOR
THE LORD'S RETURN

ssonText: Matthew 24:36-51
jmory Verse: Matthew 24:42

INTRODUCTION

Our Lord has given us definite
urance that He is coming back to
rth again. Though there are many
hools of thought pertaining to the order
events at His coming, all Christians
3 assured that He is coming, and that
len He comes, He will receive them
to Himself.

It is only natural that we should be
rious about the time of His coming, but
this we can know nothing definite. The
portant thing for us is to know that He
x! fty well come at any moment, and that it
■& of the utmost importance that we keep
rselves ready to receive Him.
The early disciples expected the Lord
come during their lifetime. The belief
t He would come served to encourage
m to keep themselves ready to receive
m. We have no assurance that He will
me during our lifetime, but it would be
all if we would emulate this belief of the
rly disciples; for it is a dangerous
ing, as Scripture testifies, to develop
e attitude that our Lord delays His
ming.

Though Jesus gave His disciples no
surance that He would come during
e period of their lifetime, and in some
i His parables of the kingdom it seems
be inferred that His absence from
irth might well be for an extended
iriod of time, He did encourage them to
iep themselves ready to receive Him at
I times.— The Senior Quarterly
j.W.B.)

HINTS THAT HELP

, A. Our lesson for today is taken from
e Olivet Discourse which appears in all
t jiree of the Synoptic Gospels. It is one of
I jiree great discourses we have recorded
k f Jesus. This discourse deals with

H Ne FREE WILL BAPTIST

things in the future; therefore, it is
prophetic.

B. Jesus makes it plain that no one
knows the time of His return; however,
He does give us some clues. He says,
"As it was in the days of Noah so shall it
be in the days of the coming of the Son of
man." Genesis 4—6 gives us a picture
of the days of Noah.

C. The only way to be ready for the
second coming of Christ is to be saved,
and then daily follow in the footsteps of
the Crucified One. There may be such a
thing as "death-bed repentance," but
there is no such thing as waiting until
time for the Lord to come and then get
ready because no one can even predict
the time of His coming.

D. There are those who say that a
belief in the imminent return of Jesus
causes people not to want to work for the
Lord, but we believe that the opposite is
true. A firm belief in the return of Christ
makes an enthusiastic worker for Christ.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTH

A. As a busy minister, Dad was
always close to his people. One day he
had an emergency call at the hospital. At
the time we had just begun irrigating our
pasture. Wanting to do my part I told Dad
that I would watch the floodgate and shut
off the water at the proper time.

Dad had never had me do it alone. On
the slope of our pasture the water could
be tricky. If it ran too long it would flood
the lower field and the county road. This
could mean a $50 fine. Dad had never let
the water get away, and I knew he was
tempted to shut off the headgate before
leaving; but he also wanted that pasture
watered. So he left with my assurance
that I could handle the job.

The water had to run for another forty
minutes, so I went into the house, which
was deserted since the rest of the family

was also gone for the day. There was
nothing to do but wait. As I lay down on
the sofa to read a book, a little warning
flashed in my head. Why not take the
book out by the floodgate and read it
there? Oh, no, it's more comfortable on
the sofa, I argued mentally, and con-
tinued reading. I will never be able to
explain how I managed to fall asleep.

Suddenly I woke up with a start. The
water! Where was the water? At full
speed I was out the door, across the road
to the irrigation ditch, and turning
frantically on the headgate to close off
the flow. When it finally stopped I didn't
want to look at the pasture and the lower
field. When I did, my only consolation
was that the water was not out onto the
county road. The field that did not need
irrigation was flooded.

Dad drove in just as I walked back
toward the house. He didn't say
anything, nor did he punish me. He
didn't even say he was disappointed. I
had failed him, and we both knew it. My
easily promised, "Sure, I'll watch it,"
burned in my mind. It was a lesson I
have not forgotten in all the passing
years.

Jesus is coming. Will we be doing the
tasks that have been assigned to us and
watching for His coming. — By W. P.,
Adapted from Standard Lesson Com-
mentary

B. The hands of the "doomsday
clock," which symbolizes the threat of
nuclear doom hovering over mankind,
moved three minutes closer to midnight
in September, 1974.

The clock appears on the front cover of
the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a

magazine founded at the end of World
War II by the men who helped make the
first atom bomb.

The hands had stood at twelve
minutes to midnight since June, 1972,
after completion of the first round of
American-Soviet talks to limit the nuclear
arms race. The editors changed the
hands after India exploded her first
atomic bomb, and in the face of new
development of weapons.

God's clock is moving toward the
midnight hour, and at the right moment
Christ will return to set up His kingdom.
Scripture advises us to be ready for His
appearing.— Selected

13

i

SMALL FRY

by

Margaret N. Freeman

<n ERRY looked out of the win-
*J dow. "There's nothing to do.
There's no place to go. There's nobody
to talk to," he grumbled. "I wish we had
never moved to this old town . ' '

"Oh, Terry," his mother smiled good
naturedly, "there's plenty to do, and you
can help me do it. Come, let's wash the
dishes together, and we can talk about
it. This is a lovely town, really. You know
your first impression of it was the
same."

"Oh, the town is all right," Terry
agreed, "but I haven't seen a single boy
of my own age around here. ' '

"Well, I have," his mother said
firmly.

"Where?" Terry almost dropped the
plate he was wiping.

"Right next door. A boy walked in
carrying a sack of groceries awhile ago.
He was almost your size, a little smaller,
perhaps, but he looked nice and friendly.
He had such a shining, smiling face,"
Mother replied.

"I wish I could see him," Terry
grunted. "I am sure he is a lot smaller
than I am— surely he is—"

There was a knock at the door. Terry's
mother smiled mischievously. "All the
time you've been grumbling, I've been
watching this boy walking up our drive.
Well, go on to the door. What are you
waiting for?" She pushed Terry toward
the door.

Terry closed his mouth and smiled at
his mother. "Mom, you're the most!"
he said and raced for the door.

"Hi!" said the sparkling-eyed boy on
the doorstep. "I'm Johnny Gregg. I'm
glad a boy finally moved into this block.

It gets lonesome walking to school all by
myself everyday."

Terry liked him instantly. "Won't you
come in, Johnny?" he invited.

"I can't come tonight," Johnny said.
"I have to practice my music lesson; but
why don't we—"

"Walk to school together tomorrow?"
the boys echoed in unison, then burst
out laughing.

At the schoolhouse the next day, Terry
went into the fifth grade room and
Johnny the fourth grade room. They had
a lot of fun playing with the rest of the
children at recess time. Next morning
Johnny was waiting at Terry's front gate
as Terry dashed out of the house. The
days seemed brighter to Terry because of
his newly found friend.

"Well, Terry," his dad teased one
night at the supper table, "I haven't
heard you complain about moving here
lately."

"Oh, it isn't so bad, Dad," Terry
said. "It's pretty good, in fact. We have
a very good softball team at school, and
Johnny is close by to walk to and from
school with. He's a real buddy. I like
him, and I don't have to walk all that
distance alone."

"He certainly is a nice boy," his
father said. "I was talking to him before
supper. He and his family go to the same
church as we do, so you are together
there on Sundays. I'm glad to see you
are friends with such a nice boy. I'm
sure from what he said that he is a
Christian."

Terry squirmed in his chair. His dad
and mom were always after him about
that. Well, there was plenty of time for
such things, he thought.

One day as Johnny and he walked to
school, the big, old house on the corner
looked so different. "What's happened
to that old, empty house on the corner?"
Johnny asked. "It seems changed."

"Why, they're painting it," Teii
said, pointing to a man on a high ladder]

Soon after that a family moved in; ail
one day at school Terry had a ne
classmate, Barney Amos. That nig|
Barney walked home with Johnny ai
Terry.

"Say, it's going to be swell — thr!
boys walking to and from scho
together, ' ' Johnny chattered.

Barney didn't say much, but he ke
referring to Johnny as "kid" and "sm<
fry." Pretty soon Johnny was silent, ar
Barney and Terry were doing most of tl
talking.

"Why don't you stop in and pic
catch, Terry?" Barney invited when thf
came to his house.

"Why— why— " Terry flushei
looking at Johnny. Johnny walked ahea|
slowly.

Barney shook his head. "He's tcj
young," he whispered. "You and I ca
have more fun by ourselves. ' '

Terry was flattered to have Barney pa
so much attention to him.

"Well, I'll see," he said slowly. "I1
have to run home and ask Mother first;
it's 0. K. for me to stop in and play." j

Barney and Terry did have a lot of fu!
playing together.

"I don't see why you bother runnin
around with that small fry," Barney sai|
one day. "Let's start off for school earli
in the morning, and we'll have a longe
play period."

Terry thought of going to the phonl
and calling Johnny to say that they woulf,
be leaving earlier than usual in thf
morning, but he knew Barney would rid'
be pleased if he did.

As they neared Johnny's house th|
next morning, Terry's feet slowed up.

"Hey! Hurry along slowpoke, \
Barney teased. "If we get there pretty!
quick, we'll have time to play ball beforfj
school starts. You and I can have agooc
time playing catch."

"But— I doubt whether Johnny i:
ready yet," Terry stammered. "I—
don't think we should go on without him
do you?"

"Forget him!" Barney retortec
promptly. "Who needs him? He's just <
small fry."

"He's small for his age, but he 1
eleven and we are only twelve," Tern
said.

"He's strictly a small fry," Barney
said. "And get this! If you don't set

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

'iigs my way, it's 0. K. Lots of other
do. Some boys are just natural
filers, and if that's the way you
a a — that's the way you are. I figure I'm

iader and I pick my followers. So, if
^ don't want to be my best friend, 0.

But, I'm giving you first chance."
~'{ ('That's swell of you, Barney," Terry
s: I slowly. "Let's go on to school

ckly just as you said." They ran past

nny's house.

\fter that, Barney and he always left
ly for school. Sometimes Terry did
I a twinge of pity as he thought of how
esome Johnny must be, walking to
100I alone.

Then one day Barney came over to
ry's house. "We're moving again,
ry," he announced. "This week-
1!"

I 'This weekend?" Terry gasped.
Yes, Dad's been transferred again.
! I'll miss you, Terry," Barney said,
hi miss you, too, Barney," Terry
, but as he watched Barney walk
y he sensed a feeling of relief. He
ght, "Now I can spend more time
Johnny. Boy! I've really missed
e ran into the house. "Barney's
ing, Mom," he burst out. "Oh! am I
glad I still have Johnny. He's such a
II boy."
Yes," said his mother slowly,
lere is something about Johnny that's
icial. But what makes you so sure you
i take up your friendship where you
: it? Perhaps Johnny has other friends
likes to be with now. You haven't
ated Johnny very well, son."
'I really haven't, have I?" Terry said
lly. "I knew it all along, but Barney
s so full of plans he got kind of
wded out of my mind. Johnny was so
)d to me when we first moved here, I
>uld be ashamed of myself. I couldn't
lly blame him if he didn't want me for

Iriend any more." He clamped his lips
nly. "I won't give up until he tells me
I'm going over to see him right now."
Johnny looked up from the model
ne he was assembling. He smiled and
d, "Come on in, Terry."
Terry gulped miserably. "I'm very
S'ry, Johnny," he blurted.
"About what?" Johnny asked.
Terry answered, "For treating you the
v»y I did and being with Barney all the
tjie and—"

"Oh!" Johnny didn't look up.

"I'm really sorry, Johnny," Terry
said in a low voice.

"I guess you'll be very lonesome,"
Johnny said. "Dad told me at the supper
table that Barney and his folks are
moving soon."

"So I suppose you think that's why
I'm here saying I'm sorry?" Terry
queried.

"Of course not, Terry!" Johnny
grinned.

"You don't think so? I guess maybe I
would if I were in your shoes," Terry
said.

"Your big feet in my shoes?" Johnny
scoffed. Then he sobered. "I'm sorry
Barney didn't ever get around to going to
Sunday school while he was here. I was
hoping he would get to know the Lord
Jesus as his Saviour."

Terry felt a mist in his eyes. "Why
don't you tell me about Him?" he asked
gently. "I surely need to know Him the
way you do." — Selected

SUNDAY SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Since the announcement of the
workshops that are planned for the State
Sunday School Convention, April 10,
many inquiries have been made con-
cerning their nature and topic. A break-
down of the workshops is as follows:

Workshop No. 1 will be conducted on
the use of the adult Free Will Baptist
literature. Emphasis will be on how to
use the material in relation to other
materials; how to use the material so as
to be able to have a creative and in-
teresting adult Sunday school class and
program.

A second workshop will be very
similar except it will be aimed at the
youth departments. In this workshop,
emphasis will be placed on the needs of
children and the equipment and sup-
plementary materials that a youth
department needs.

A third workshop will be conducted on
learning activities in Sunday school;
such as, games, quizzes, crafts, and
take-home materials that teachers can
use to relate Sunday school lessons to
the lives of the children.

The fourth workshop will be on the use
of visual aids— how to make bulletin
boards, posters, charts, maps, etc.
Emphasis will be placed on how to use
visual aids in relation to the Sunday
school lesson.

William Futch
Director of Literature

Coming Events . . .

March 20— Vacation Bible School
Workshop, Ayden, North Carolina

March 25— Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

March 27— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free
Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro,
North Carolina

March 27— Central District Youth
Fellowship Convention, Hugo
Free Will Baptist Church near
Grifton, North Carolina, 10 A. M.

March 27— Western District Youth

Convention, Mount Olive College

Chapel, Registration at 9 A. M.,
Program at 9:30 A. M.

March 31 — Central District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Walstonburg, North Carolina

April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina

April 3— Conference on "Stewardship
and the Local Church," Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

April 10— 36th Annual Session of the
North Carolina State Sunday School
Convention, Ayden Elementary
School, Ayden, North Carolina, with
the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Worj^n's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount 'Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

(Continued on Page 16)

-EE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

LIBRARY

DUKE UNIVERSITY • C°*
DURHAM, N. C. 27703

NEWS AND NOTES

(Continued from Page 11)
tificate stating that they were present for
this special night.

The certificate stated that the bearer May

attended the fifth Sunday night services
in February, 1976, at Reedy Branch Free
Will Baptist Church. There has not been
a fifth Sunday in February since 1948,
and there will not be another one until the
year 2004.

On the same night a newly formed
quartet in the church made its first public
appearance. There was singing by other
individuals and the church choir.

Shown in the picture is the pastor, the
Rev. Willis Wilson, presenting cer-
tificates to Ida Marie Edwards, Roger and
Paula Walker, and little Chris and Ann
Marie Edwards.

Coming Events . . .

(Continued from Page 15)
14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles

Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, No
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free V
Baptist Children's Home, Middles!
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Rob
May, Guest Speaker

MOUNT OLIVE NEWS

PLEASE NOTICE

The Broadway musical productio
"1776," previously advertised to
held March 24, 7:30 p. m., in 1
auditorium on the downtown campus
the College, was scheduled for and he
March 14. Please forgive the error
date.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WORKSHOP

Saturday, March 20
maSSS** Ayden, North Carolina

THEME — "PAUL PROCLAIMS THE FAITH"

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

I By turning aside to the quiet roads, one can capture

the secret of calmness and quietness, for now and for the
eternal.

Turning Aside to the Quiet Roads

Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman
Walstonburg, North Carolina

Editor's Note: Free Will Baptist authoress, Joyce Proctor Beaman, has written a series of editorials at my
request; and our readers will quickly and easily identify with her personal, yet objective, observations and
appreciate the quality of her style. To date, she has to her credit three published books: BROKEN ACRES, ALL
FOR THE LOVE OF CASSIE, and BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED. Mrs. Beaman, therefore, is no stranger to
Free Will Baptists (or the public at large, for that matter), as she has actively served her denomination, her
state, and her nation in numerous capacities.

A graduate of East Carolina University, Greenville, Mrs. Beaman holds a Bachelor's Degree in French and
Library Science, and a Master's Degree in English, Supervision, and Education. Currently serving as librarian at
Saratoga Central High School, Saratoga, Mrs. Beaman finds her talents in constant demand, and she labors
untiringly in all areas and is diligent in every endeavor. In addition, she serves as guest writer for THE JUNIOR
LEAGUER and THE PRESCHOOL TEACHER, publications of the Press.

She is a biographee of several reference volumes, including WRITER'S DIRECTORY, WORLD'S WHO'S
WHO OF WOMEN, CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS, DICTIONARY OF INTERNATIONAL BIOGRAPHY, PER-
SONALITIES OF THE SOUTH, and other similar works.

Her creative approach to any writing "joy," as she would call it, is truly unique— bespeaking her deep
commitment to her faith, her sensitivity to human needs and suffering, and at the same time revealing her
modest appraisal of her own superior abilities and accomplishments. It is with great pleasure that we share this
editorial and subsequent ones with our readers.— Tommy Manning

A few days ago, in the late afternoon, I traveled from Wilson to the heart of
Durham almost without stopping my car, not even for a stoplight. After one passes
through the villages just outside Wilson, the remaining miles are a steady effort of
hurry-up-and-go, passing, watching for on-coming travelers, or keeping out of the
way of faster-moving vehicles.

Business in Durham was quickly finished and the return trip began. It was a
rainy, hazy Friday afternoon. Weary workers scurried home, and drivers of big trucks
seemed to be putting forth special effort for that last minute push toward an important
destination.

Finally, I reached Wilson again. Leaving highway 264, I drove down 301 to the
place where I was to turn again to travel quieter, calmer roads.

This is not an unusual experience, for all of us, and hundreds of others make
similar trips daily or often.

Yet, as I turned off 301, I was reminded of the spiritual truth that we need to
leave the hurrying, scurrying world of action and activity to review and renew our
lives in the quiet places on quieter roads.

How good it was to leave the noise of the big trucks, the swishing of passing
cars, the smell of fuel fumes, and the fear of possible accidents. I could actually feel
the tension leave my body.

How often in our busy, hurried, noisy, fearful lives do we need to turn aside to
the "be calm roads." A favorite verse of Scripture is "Be still, and know that I am
God: . . ." (Psalm 46:10). How good it is to turn again to the calm, pleasant paths
through meditation, rest, communion, stillness, and again, quietness.

There is beauty and inspiration in the quiet life. Serenity, stillness, and silence
are attributes worth striving for. Many verses of Scripture challenge us to this
philosophy. "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then
are they glad because they are quiet; ..." (Psalm 107:29, 30). "The whole earth is
at rest, and is quiet: ..." (Isaiah 14:7). Most of all, verses from our beloved
Twenty-Third Psalm inspire us: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he
leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: ..."

Noise pollution is a vital problem in America. The Federal Government is so
concerned that it recently passed a law saying that the maximum noise level that a
person can be exposed to for an eight-hour period cannot exceed 80 decibels. The
street corners of New York constantly register 70 decibels; a jack hammer 150, and
big trucks, 80-90.

Constant, rapid motion, as well as noise, surrounds us. Even in many human
situations, especially in groups, there seems to be overwhelming loudness and
restlessness. Uncontrolled voices and actions that create noise seem to be the
popular practice. Even in homes, loud-playing televisions, radios, hi-fis, and stereos
crash constantly and loudly through the air.
in the March, 1976, issue of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, Dr. Herbert Benson

(Continued on Page 5)

Cover Photo by Bob Aiken, Jr.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARCH 24, 1976
Volume 91 Numberl

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon^
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mu:
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th '
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years
$1 2.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discour
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and ac
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unds
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 1 5£
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.—
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3

a. m.— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rober
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

GOD IS MY TRUSTEE

<1 HE key to understanding
*J Christian stewardship is the
acknowledgment that God is the source
of life and all the resources of this
universe. Everything we have, including
life itself, has come from God, and we are
accountable to Him— accountable for the
use we make of our life and accountable
for the use to which we put His resources
of money, property, and all other goods.

The Apostle Paul revealed that the way
he fulfilled his stewardship was to make
God his trustee: "... I know whom I
have believed (trusted), and am per-
jsuaded that he is able to keep that which
I have committed unto him against that
jday" (2 Timothy 1:12).

Paul became an apostle— one sent to
|tell the good news of Jesus
iChrist— because he fully believed that
this was God's will for his life. Paul's
Work not only required all that he could
jgive it, but being an apostle often
brought him face to face with death. For
jmany people death is a fearful monster
which threatens to rob us of
(everything— that dreadful tragedy that
Writes "finished" over all— but not for
Paul!

\ Paul experienced many hours of
danger— on stormy seas, along lonely
pads, and in the presence of
enemies— when his next move or word
jbould have been his last; but he did not
ffear, because he had made God the
^trustee of his life. It was not that Paul
expected God to save him from hard-
ships, suffering, or even death— indeed
his apostleship eventually led to his
'execution— but rather having made God
jhis trustee, Paul was willing to leave the
fnanagement of his affairs with God. "I
know whom I have trusted," he said.

Some might become fainthearted in
Ihe face of overwhelming difficulties, as
pid John Mark when he left Paul during
his first missionary tour; and others
[night despair and lose their lives by
trying to save them, but not Paul. He had
jnade God the trustee of his life, and he
was at peace: "I am persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have committed
[into him," Paul affirmed.

by W. Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, North Carolina

What is a trustee? A trustee is one
who invests and manages a trust
(money, property, or other valuables)
that has been committed to his care. Let
us consider two basic reasons why
people create trusts.

First, for the sake of good
management. I know a person who
turned over to a bank $1 million in
money, stocks, and bonds. He said, "I
want you to put these assets in a trust for
me and just pay me the earnings. You
have in your trust department experts in
money management and investments
and under your trusteeship I believe you
can make these assets earn more than I;
and furthermore, I believe they will be
safer in your hands than in mine."

Paul felt this way about his life. When
he accepted God's call to become an
apostle, he in effect was saying,
"Father, I entrust to you the life you
gave me, for I believe you can do more
with it than I can. I want you, God, to
manage my life and to invest my time and
talents in the way they will produce the
greatest dividends." God became the
trustee of Paul's life, and look what
dividends were produced under His
management: the church was planted
around the world and a large part of the
New Testament was written!

Paul regarded his apostleship not as
his work but rather God's work in him
and through him: "For we are his work-
manship, created in Christ Jesus unto
good works, . . ." (Ephesians 2:10), he
wrote.

A second reason people create trusts
is because of the brevity and uncertainty
of human life. Even if we live to be old,
we are not here long. Through a trust,
however, a person can provide for his
assets to be wisely managed after his
years on earth.

Some neighbors were discussing the
estate of a rather wealthy man who had
recently died and one of them asked,
"How much did he leave?" To which
another replied, "He left it all." Paul
observed this truth when he wrote: "...
we brought nothing into this world, and it
is certain we can carry nothing out" (1

Timothy 6:7).

Through a trust, a person can prevent
the dissipation of his assets after death.
James E. Bryan, a native of Sampson
County, and his wife, Mary Zealy, of
Wayne County, North Carolina, were
blessed by God with substantial
resources. Though they both have been
dead a quarter of a century, the
educational trust which they created
continues to provide every year
scholarships for "worthy and needy"
students.

Jim and Mary knew that their lives on
earth would not last forever, but through
a trust they ordained for their assets to
be managed by a trustee after they were
gone.

Paul knew, too, that the day would
come for his earthly departure, and so he
asked God to serve as his trustee. He
wrote, ". . . we had the sentence of
death in ourselves, that we should not
trust in ourselves, but in God which
raiseth the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9).
So Paul created a trust into which he put
all his assets— his goods, his ministry,
and even his life— and he named his
Eternal Father as his trustee: "For I
know whom I have believed (trusted),
and am persuaded that he is able to keep
that which I have committed unto him
against that day" (2 Timothy 1:12). God
is still managing Paul's trust!

All that we put into trust with God is
for eternity; all that we keep out is lost.
Jesus spoke to this truth when He
taught: "Lay not up for yourselves
treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal: But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves do not break through nor
steal: For where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-
21).

Let each of us ask: Have I created a
trust? What have I put in it? Who is my
trustee? "... in God I have put my
trust; I will not fear ..." (Psalm 56:4).

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

/

SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians

4:8

WHO GETS
THE SPOTLIGHT

While on a furlough from his
hospital in Africa, Dr. Howard H.
Hamlin addressed several student
bodies in different colleges.

"During the week I spent on one
campus," said Dr. Hamlin, "six
students were suspended for behavior
incompatible with life on a Christian
college campus. But in the last chapel
service, six hundred students moved
to the front of the chapel in public
commitment to the will of God for
their future.

"As the president of the college
drove me to the airport, I ventured an
observation to him: 'Six suspend-
ed—six hundred affirmed their
unqualified commitment to a Christ-
directed future! The happenings on
campus this week would seem to be a
microscopic example of what is
happening throughout the world
during this period of dissent. We allow
the six— the rebels, the undisciplined,
the confused, the lunatic fringe— to
grab the spotlight, to dominate the
communication media, to flout
recognized authority, and to frighten
us in the belief that the total youth of
our nation has suddenly hit the skids.
We have forgotten or overlooked the
six hundred who have never smoked
pot, never attended a sleep-in, never
been treated in a VD clinic, never
destroyed another's property or
hurled a rock in defiance of
established law and order. ' ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
May we ever be mindful of the good
in mankind. If we look for evil we can
be sure of finding it, the same holds
true of looking for good.

MONDAY, MARCH 29
Scripture Reading— Colossians 2:21

4

THE GREATEST
DRUG PROBLEM
Dr. Jimmy R. Allen, president of
the Baptist General Convention of
Texas, said, "The greatest drug
problem in our nation is beverage
alcohol. It constitutes seventy-five
percent of the drug problem. It is
socially approved, but leaves in its
wake the six to eight million crushed
lives of alcoholics and problem
drinkers, destroys 27,000 Americans a
year on our highways, and heightens
violence in our society with tavens
providing the stage for thousands of
murders a year. It deepens distress in
families, with many marriages end-
ing in divorce."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Some people think that alcohol, a
foul-tasting, foul-smelling drug, is the
way out of a foul situation. Two
wrongs do not make a right. It does
not help to go further the wrong way.
When we have problems, let us take
them to the Lord in prayer.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 5 : 14

GLUED TO TV
Carl F. Henry warned, "We ap-
plaud modern man's capability but
forget that nations are threatening
each other with atomic destruction;
that gunsmoke darkens our inner
cities, and that our near neighbors
walk in terror by day and sleep in fear
by night. We sit glued to television
sets, unmindful that ancient pagan
rulers staged Colosseum circuses to
switch the minds of the restless ones
from the realities of a spiritually-
vagrant empire to the illusion that all
was well."

PRAYER THOUGHT
All is not well. Jesus never said it
would be, He said we would have
temptations and tumult. He has
promised to guide us through to a
victorious external life with Him.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31
Scripture Reading— John 1:29

SIGNPOST REVERSED
As an old man lay near death, he
was manifestly troubled. When asked
the reason for his distress, he replied,
"One day, when I was young, I was
playing with some other boys at a
crossroad. We reversed a signpost so
that its arms were pointing in the
wrong direction, and I've never

ceased to wonder how many people)
were sent in the wrong direction bj|
what we did ! ' '

Each one of God's children shoulc
be a signpost pointing others to the
Lamb of God.

PRAYER THOUGHT
We are signposts to others. Are wt
pointing in the right direction? Wt
may have been moved by some un-
thinking vandals.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 6: 16

FULLY REVEALED
W. Russell Maltby affirmed, "Life
will work only one way, and that is
God's way. God's way has beer
revealed fully and finally in Jesus1
Christ, that inexorable realist from'
Galilee. The sooner we learn this and
take it to heart, the better will life
be."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Let God have His will in our lives.
We must find our way through the
labyrinth of life and with God's help
we shall emerge victorious.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 29:13

NOT SEEKING
ANSWERS
Said a dissolute, discouraged
college youth who had come to the end
of himself, "I'm not seeking answers
anymore. I'm seeking Jesus Christ!"

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our college youth above is similian
to the mouse which was no longer
interested in the cheese only in
ridding himself of the trap.
We drop generalities when we
become desperate and have need
of salvation.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3
Scripture Reading— 2 Thessalo-
nians 3 : 10

DO FOR YOURSELF
Said Lincoln, "You can't help men
permanently by doing for them what
they can and should do for them-
selves."

PRAYER THOUGHT
We help others best when we help
others to help themselves. People
need the feeling of accomplishment
and the taste of success.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SpeciaC foments

6:l! j

T ear Maggie,

"I was reading a novel late at night when it seemed as though I was being told
jjfj i examine my faith." This was the description given by a student who had arrived at
jes pe minister's office at midnight burdened with a question and a feeling of guilt.
fW Ithough it had been a long day, his story had to be told.

j! The student described the sudden awareness that he had thrown away two
ears of his life and his family's savings by "pretending" to go to school. He now felt
h immense responsibility to his parents and to others to make full use of all the time

. p had left in preparing for a life of service. His remorse was such that he could not

^ link of telling his family, or his friends, but he knew that a change was required of

\ im.

His question that night, while not unique, is so very important. "Is this the way
!od calls people to account?" No more demonstrable witness will ever be offered
Ian that moment when someone feels that all of his time and actions are open for
pmination.

What the student discovered that night was God's message for him, both
jistressing and illuminating. That is just what happens when we take seriously the
* jesponsibility for our use of the gifts given to us and the trust placed in us.

K j This kind of awareness of ultimate reality has been experienced by many people,
;t jut it will never be more vividly portrayed than by that young student who knew that
jlis life had been uniquely touched.

Superlatives fail when we attempt to share with others the real presence— the
Iwesome awareness of "holy."

1f \ This experience has been shared by a minister who hopes it will serve to remind
jis we are ' 'accountable" for our gifts.

Maggie

s i -

Turning Aside to the Quiet Roads

(Continued from Page 2)

t iecommends six steps toward relaxation. Such ideas as transcendental meditation,
j, roga, and relaxation therapy, as well as tranquilizers and supressants are the mode
i>f the day.

Vet, there is a deeper, stronger, more certain quietness that reaches to the
jepth of human needs to bring an eternal peace that reaches to the very core of the
„ luman heart as well as the human spirit. Again, it is found in these words: "Be still,
, ind know that I am God," and in the beautiful invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that
abour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
earn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls"
(Matthew 1 1 :28, 29). To do this is to capture the secret of calmness and quietness,
:for now and for the eternal.

j THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

■

MISSIONS

THANK YOU
VERY MUCH FROM
HOME MISSIONS

"Praise God! Praise God!" These
were the words of the Home Missions
Board chairman, Noah Brown, when the
director-treasurer, Taylor Hill, gave him
the good news on the phone.

It was the results of a letter sent to all
the pastors last week. The letters in-
formed the pastors that the home
missions treasury was down to four
dollars; and the request was made that
the pastors take a special offering and
ask their congregations for just one
dollar per person to help us out of this
financial crisis. Well, on the following
Tuesday, we received fifty envelopes in
the mail and the deposit amounted to
$8,434.08, and there is probably more
on the way.

We want to thank all of you brother
pastors who responded and you dear
laymen who cared enough to help. Just
in case there might be some pastors who
did not receive their letter, we trust that
you will just go ahead and act upon the
request and let us hear from you. It just
goes to show that our people will respond
to the cry for help if the need is put
before them.

There are many devoted friends in
Christ, both ministers and laymen,
throughout our denomination who
continue to be a great asset to the
success of this program. The help has
come from individuals, churches, and
devoted friends of literally everyone of
our other denominational enterprises.

On behalf of the entire board, again we
say, "Praise God! Praise God," for
answering our prayer, and may He richly
bless all of you.

Taylor Hill, Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Avenue
Fayetteville, N. C. 28305

It takes years to build a church.
Seconds to need one.

5

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route I, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Does God punish people for
their sins while they live on this earth?

Answer: I think He does in some
cases. However, in others it would
appear that sinners live easier, and
through their ruthless pursuits in evil
activities, gain more wealth and with it
what appears to be a more glamorous
place in social affairs. Some of the
Pharisees and Sadducees in both our
Lord's day and in that of the Apostle
Paul's appeared at times to have ad-
vantage over our Lord and over His
wonderful servant, the Apostle Paul. But
in both cases, the Lord and then His loyal
servant Paul entered into a triumphal
departure into heaven as cruel hands
were the means of ending their soul-
winning career here upon the earth.

When cruel hands had crucified
Christ, and an evil monarch ordered the
beheading of Paul, they furnished a
gateway from this limited realm of
glorious activities into that endless place
of untold joy and glory. Christ dispatched
heavenly messengers to say to His
startled and bewildered followers who
beheld Him as long as it was humanly
possible: "And while they looked
stedfastly toward heaven as he went up,
behold, two men stood by them in white
apparel; Which also said, Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken
up from you into heaven, shall so come in
like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven" (Acts 1:10, 11).

Then the Apostle Paul, under in-
spiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote to his
followers and to all Christians: ". . .we
know that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a
building of God, an house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens. . . .
Therefore we are always confident,
knowing that, whilest we are at home in
the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We

are confident, I say, and willing rather to
be absent from the body, and to be
present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians
5:1, 6-8); "... I am now ready to be
offered, and the time of my departure is
at hand. I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course, I have kept the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, shall give me at that
day: and not to me only, but unto all
them also that love his appearing" (2
Timothy 4:6-8).

Adam, the first man who sinned, and
Eve his wife, were, it seems, judged for
their sin shortly after they committed the
act. "Unto the woman he said, I will
greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy
conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring
forth children; and thy desire shall be to
thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou
hast hearkened unto the voice of thy
wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which
I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt
not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy
sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the
days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles
shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt
eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of
thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou
return unto the ground; for out of it wast
thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto
dust shalt thou return" (Genesis 3:16-
19).

Then in Noah's day God brought a
flood of water upon the earth, and in this
judgment, brought death by drowning
upon all except Noah and his wife and
their three sons and three daughters-in-
law. "... God saw that the wickedness
of man was great in the earth, and that
every imagination of the thoughts of his
heart was only evil continually. And it
repented the LORD that he had made
man on the earth, and it grieved him at
his heart. And the LORD said, I will
destroy man whom I have created from

the face of the earth; both man, ar
beast, and the creeping thing, and tr
fowls of the air; for it repenteth me tha
have made them" (Genesis 6:5-7). ". .
every living substance was destroye
which was upon the face of the grountjj
both man, and cattle, and the creepinl
things, and the fowl of the heaven; an
they were destroyed from the earth: an
Noah only remained alive, and they tha
were with him in the ark. And the water
prevailed upon the earth an hundred an '
fifty days" (Genesis 7:23, 24).

God's angel told Lot and all th|
members of his family to get out an I
away from Sodom and Gomorrah for Gosi
was going to destroy them. They wer1
not to look back, but Lot's wife sinned i!
disobeying for she looked back. ". . 1
while he lingered, the man laid hold upoi;
his hand, and upon the hand of his wife1
and upon the hand of his two daughters'
the LORD being merciful unto him: am!
they brought him forth, and set hin
without the city. And it came to pass
when they had brought them fortl
abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life
look not behind thee, neither stay thou is
all the plain; escape to the mountain, les
thou be consumed. ... But his wift
looked back from behind him, and she
became a pillar of salt" (Genesis 19:16
17, 26).

In Acts 5 we have given the account ol
Ananias and Sapphira who lied about the
giving of money and both of their lives
were taken in judgment for this sin.
"... Peter answered unto her. Tell me
whether ye sold the land for so much?!
And she said, Yea, for so much. There
Peter said unto her, How is that ye have'
agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the
Lord? behold, the feet of them whichi
have buried thy husband are at the door;
and shall carry thee out. Then fell she
down straightway at his feet, and yielded
up the ghost: and the young men came
in, and found her dead, and, carrying
her forth, buried her by her husband.
And great fear came upon all the church,
and upon as many as heard these
things" (Acts 5:8-11).

Not all sinners are so severely dealt
with here as they are judged for sin, but
all who are not under the cleansing blood
of the Lamb of God that taketh away the
sin of the world will be judged just as
severely when they are brought before
the judge in a place where the worm
never dies and the fire is not quenched.

George H. Sandison says in answering
a similar question on Page 477 in his

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ook, 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
nswered:

"It might be difficult to prove that
irc jhere is direct punishment, but ex-
■0l]Pl erience proves that the results of sin are
ften very bitter and painful. Sometimes
ley are felt in the body, when the sins of
outh bring on disease which lasts all
yl Jirough life. They are often seen in the
l3|. ases of Christians who set a bad
example before their conversion, and
ley grieve when they see young people,
i (horn they led into evil, grow worse and
lf wrse. The results of the sin of
eglecting the training of children are
equently very sorrowful. The child
rows up and falls into sin, and then the
arent suffers remorse, as he feels that if
e had only done his duty before it was
)o late, the child might have been
aved. In many other ways, by natural
iw, sin works its own punishment."

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

I Scriptural basis: ". . . Take, eat; this
b my body" (Matthew 26:26). Also read
Matthew 26:17-29.

THE LORD'S SUPPER

(Parti)

The Lord's Supper is a very sacred
Irdinance and every church organization
laving Jesus Christ as its Lord and
Vlaster must give special attention and
ieverence to the administration of and
participation in the celebration because
pe sacraments represent the suffering,
feath, and resurrection of our Lord. It is
i memorial service. The ordinance
;hould be observed as often as feasible,
lome churches use the ordinance as a
«art of their worship services every
lunday (regular worship services or in
lunday school). Others make one
iunday a month Communion Sunday and
till others "hold communion" on a

designated time every three months.
Many churches schedule the ordinance
to follow immediately after the Quarterly
Conference (business meeting) of the
church. The business meetings may be
scheduled on any day or night of the
week. This has been an established rule
in some churches over a long period of
time. Most all fundamental and spiritual
churches follow the order as instituted by
Jesus Christ in the upper room with His
disciples. Jesus first held conference
with them, then He instituted the Lord's
Supper by breaking bread and passing it
to the disciples; after which He poured
wine into a cup and passed the cup to
them to drink of the wine. After the bread
and wine were presented, Jesus girded
Himself with a towel and washed the
disciples' feet. After this they sang a
hymn and departed with no pronounced
benediction. One can easily determine
the continued feeling of fellowship,
brotherly kinship, and closeness to their
Lord.

If the Lord's Supper is celebrated too
often it may lose its sacredness and
become a cut and dried mechanical
device with no real spiritual meaning.
The spiritual fervor and joy of par-
ticipation must be registered by all
worshipers. Each person is cautioned to
use the ordinance as a memorial of the
suffering and death of our Lord for our
sins. Observance of the Lord's Supper
should be a vital part of our worship
experience and honest, sincere
preparation for it will make it so.

The administration of the Lord's
Supper must be orderly and with
simplicity. Individual cups are preferred
for sanitation's sake. Those who prepare
for the services (deacons and/or their
wives) should leave a few glasses empty
and provide a decanter of wine so that
the minister in charge can include the
pouring of the wine in the ceremony
making it more impressive. The wine
should be pure, unsweetened grape
juice, fresh from the can (or bottle) or
from fresh grapes. Fermented wine is not
to be used. The wine not used after the
celebration should not be consumed by
children or any one else at this time.
However, leftover wine may be con-
sumed later but in private chambers.

Those who prepare for communion
services should use plain sifted wheat
flour, use pure water to mix the flour in a
pastry like consistancy, roll out thin,
mark with a knife, and bake until well
done. Most of the bread may be broken

before the ceremony but a sizable piece
should be left and placed on the com-
munion table in a napkin. The minister
will need to "break bread" as a part of
the ceremony. It would also be in good
taste for the minister to use a clean pair
of white gloves to break the bread. As a
makeshift he could use two white
napkins and break the bread by using
one of these in each hand. The leftover
bread should not be consumed here but
may be disposed of later in a suitable
manner.

Depending on the size of the
congregation, enough deacons should be
present to serve. One or more deacons
will distribute the bread first and then
others will follow with the tray of wine
cups containing the wine. Each wor-
shiper will receive a portion of bread and
a cup of wine, holding both in his hands
until all have been served in the
congregation. All Christians should be
invited to participate. It is the Lord's
Supper and His table. Church affiliation
should make no difference. The deacons,
after serving the sacraments, will return
to the table and the minister will serve
them and then serve himself; after
which, all partake of the sacraments at
the same time.

If wine glass racks are not provided on
the backs of the pews the deacons will
return with the trays to collect the wine
glasses. Some congregations have their
worshipers simply file by the table and
leave the glasses there. This is con-
venient if they are leaving to pass by the
table on their way to take part in the
washing of the saints' feet. This is the
order used in many churches today.

COME MEET
SAMMY HALL

March 26,3:30-4:30 P. M.

The Ayden Bible and Bookstore
located in the Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation building on Highway 11,
north of Ayden, cordially invites you to
meet Sammy Hall. This gospel singer is
also the author of the book, HOOKED ON
A GOOD THING. Having been addicted to
drugs and alcohol and a life of one-night
stands, this former rock star tried
unsuccessfully to take his own life.

Since an encounter with the Lord,
Sammy Hall is a new person, singing his
joyous testimony wherever he goes.
Books, records, and tapes may be
purchased at the bookstore.

[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

/

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
North Carolina State Woman's Auxiliary Convention
of Free Will Baptists

Purpose and Guidelines

The purpose of the Christian Education Committee is to foster in young people an
awareness of Christian vocation and to assist them in preparing for the fulfillment of
their vocation.

The Bible teaches that every Christian has a calling from God: "I ... beseech
you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, " Paul wrote in
Ephesians 4:1 . Our Christian vocation is God's call to serve Him through our life and
through our work.

The Bible not only teaches that God has a purpose for every life, it also admonishes
us to prepare to fulfill this purpose: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, ..." (2 Timothy 2:15).

Christian vocation, then, is accepting God's purpose for our lives; and Christian
education is preparing for the fulfillment of this purpose.

The work of the Christian Education Committee shall include the following
services:

1. Conducting programs of study that will help young people to recognize and to
respond to God's calling for their lives;

2. Counseling with young people for the purpose of assisting them to choose their
careers and professions in terms of Christian vocations;

3. Encouraging young people to prepare for their Christian vocations by attending
Christian colleges;

4. Assisting young people in finding scholarships and other financial assistance
that will enable them to attain an education that will adequately prepare them for
their Christian calling; and,

5. To work with district auxiliary conventions and local woman's auxiliaries in
whatever ways are appropriate to carry out the purpose of the Christian
Education Committee.

GOD BLESS
AMERICAN WOMEN

Mrs. Sterling Duncan
Vice-President, State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention

With the passing of our bicentennial
year, one is reminded of the many
blessings our nation has enjoyed, and
the Christian heritage we have long
cherished.

America is the most blessed nation in
the world. We have consumer laws to
protect the small businessman. Health
and education laws offer equal op-
portunity to all people. No other country
provides as many personal needs for its
citizens. There is aid to the handicapped,

orphans, widows, and the elderly.
Although some of these privileges have
been abused, we can still thank God for
America.

We must not take these blessings for
granted though. America is great only
because of God's hand of mercy over us.
If He should remove His hand and with-
draw His blessings, we are doomed.

Our nation was founded by men who
believed in the Bible, and like the Old
Testament patriarchs, trusted in God for
His blessings.

Women too have played a great part in
our nation's heritage. They stood beside
their men and shared the hardships of
the frontier life, making it possible for us

to enjoy our religious freedom toda
Godly women are a blessing to ar
country.

Today, more than ever, Christie
women are needed in the work of Chris
Our foreign missions program needs oi
full support. Our missionaries, who hav
dedicated their lives to the spreading i
the gospel, need the encouragement <
knowing that we are standing behin
them, not only with our prayers, but wit]
physical needs also.

Here at home, there are lost soul
within our reach with aching hearts
sickness in the body, disappointments ii
marriage, failure in business, and fear o
death. They are in need of something
only Jesus can give. What an opportunity
we have to witness, for truly the "field;!
are white unto harvest." Let's reach ou
with a compassionate heart and begin t(
gather the precious sheaves.

We Free Will Baptist women can mak(
1976 a year to be remembered as out
"most fruitful year in the Lord." Let's!
win a soul to Christ, and add a new
memberto our woman's auxiliary.

AUXILIARY SPONSORS
QUILTING BEE

In February, the Woman's Auxiliary of
Stancil's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Kenly, sponsored an
old-fashioned quilting bee. All the ladies;
of the church were invited to participate
in the work and the fellowship. Some;
members who did not participate
prepared a picnic basket and served
lunch to the workers. All agreed that the
lunch was appetizing, the fellowship was;
stimulating, and the work was self-
gratifying.

The ladies completed four quilts that
are to be presented to the Free Will
Baptist Children's Home in Middlesex.
The quiting project was sponsored in
response to the Children's Home's
request for needed bedding articles.

The auxiliary hopes that the results of
its efforts will furnish warmth and
comfort to the children through many
future years.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy E. Creech
Corresponding Secretary

CENTRAL DISTRICT
WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
CONVENTION

The Central District Woman's Auxiliary
Spring Convention will convene with the

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

fee Union Free Will Baptist Church near
1^'stonburg, Wednesday, March 31,
Dm the president, Mrs. Bruce Barrow,
jsiding. The convention theme, will be
Have a Goodly Heritage," with
ripture taken from Psalm 16:6, "The
es are fallen unto me in pleasant
ices; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
ss Leah McGlohon will serve as music
ector with Mrs. Francis Carraway as
nist and Mrs. Carl Barrow as organist,
e scheduled program is as follows:

i

30-
00-

15—

20-

40-

55-

05-

15—

30-

Morning Session

Registration
Presentation of Colors
Hymn, "America"
•Devotions, Mrs. T. E. Tyndall
Welcome, Mrs. Melvin Cun-
ningham

Response, Mrs. Willard
Harrison

Greetings, the President

Recognition Time

Business Period

Missions, Miss Leah McGlohon

Roll Call of Auxiliaries

(Mission Money and Pennies for

Cragmont)

Youth (Declamation), Mrs. Jack
Dail

Children's Home News, Mrs.

Jane Tripp

Offering

Pledge to the Children Flag
Pledge to the American Flag
Special Music, Mrs. Richard
Dixon

Morning Message, the Rev. C.
L. Patrick, Host Pastor
Benediction

Afternoon Session

:15— Hymn, "America the Beautiful"

— Prayer

20— Presentation of Essay Winner,
Mrs. Jack Dail

30— Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation, Mrs. Elizabeth Hill

40— News from Mount Olive College

50— Cragmont, Mrs. A. B. Chandler

00— Study Course Chairman, Mrs.
Albert Proctor

:10— Anna Phillips Loan Fund, Mrs.
Bertha Harris

:20 — Recognition of Life Awards,
Mrs. Frank L. Walston

— Business Period

:45— Hymn, "God Bless America"

— Adjournment

HAPPENINGS IN THE CENTRAL
YOUTH DISTRICT

The Central District Free Will Baptist
Youth Rally will be held at Hugo Free Will
Baptist Church near Grifton, Saturday,
March 27, beginning at 10 a. m. All of
the young people of this district are
invited to attend and to share in the
blessings of the day. The day will be a
time of sharing, caring, loving, serving,
and worshiping our Lord. The Hugo
church is located on rural paved road No.
1091 that turns off Highway 11 between
Grifton and Kinston.

The youth auxiliaries will bring of-
ferings for the India Mission project.
These gifts will be given in an altar
offering service. Lunch will be served by
the Hugo church. A candidate for
president and outreach secretary for the
Free Will Baptist State Youth Convention
will be elected at the meeting at Hugo.
Nominations are to be sent to Miss
Shelby Bradshaw, Box 43-A, Farmville,
North Carolina 27828. Nominations
should be sent by March 15 so ballots
can be prepared.

Declamations and essays should be
received by Mrs. Jack J. Dail, Route 1,
Box 206, Winterville,, North Carolina
28590, by March 18. Bible Bowl Quiz
runoffs for the Central District will be at
the Marlboro Free Will Baptist Church
near Farmville, on Sunday, April 1 1 , at 3
p. m.

Come and share the blessings with the
youth at Hugo church on March 27.

Yours in Christ,

Debbie Smith

Central District Reporter

NOTE OF
THANKS

We wish to say "Thank you" for the
cards, gifts, phone calls, visits, and
most of all for your prayers in our behalf
while my husband (the Rev. Milford
Hales) was in the hospital. Now he is at
home and is feeling much better. We
know that it was through your prayers
that God spared his life. We thank God
everyday for what He has done for us.
We thank Him also for friends like you.

May God bless all of you is our prayer.

In His Service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Milford Hales
Route 3

Kenly, N. C. 27542

SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION
WORKSHOPS

This year's North Carolina State
Sunday School Convention will be
different from any convention that has
preceded it. Each delegate will register
between 8:30 and 9:30 a. m. At the time
of registration, each delegate will be
asked which workshop he would like to
attend and will be given instructions as
to where to go. Workshops will begin at
9:30 or shortly thereafter, depending on
late arrivals. Each workshop leader will
conduct the opening devotions and
welcome. At 10:30 or shortly thereafter,
depending on when the workshops were
able to start, each workshop will end.
After a break, each delegate and visitor
can then choose his second workshop
for the morning.

Lunch will be served at noon, and the
business program will be conducted after
lunch. The theme for the year is
bicentennial in nature: "Celebrating 200
Years with 200 Sunday Schools." Each
person will receive a liberty bell nametag
and each Sunday school will be written
beside one of the dates between 1776
and 1976. We hope to have a Sunday
school present for each of the 200 years
of our nation's existence.

See you at the State Sunday School
Convention.

Mrs. Ann Radford

Director of Records and Reports

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Arnold Woodlief, 410 West
Milton Avenue, Marianna, Florida
32446, announces that he is available for
evangelist work wherever the Lord leads.
Any church or minister interested in his
services may contact him by writing the
address above.

The Rev. Bobby Brown, former pastor
of Russell's Creek Free Will Baptist
Church near Beaufort, will be available
for full-time pastoral duties as of April 1 ,
1976. If interested you may contact him
at Route 2, Box 43-A, Newport, North
Carolina 28570, or by telephoning 726-
5474.

TE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

of Denominational Interest

Spring Revival Scheduled
For British Chapel

Spring revival services are scheduled
for British Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church located eight miles north of
Kinston for the week of March 29— April
2. The visiting minister will be the Rev.
Sheldon Howard. Services will begin
nightly at 7:45 with special music being
rendered each night. The public is
cordially invited to attend.

Youth and Spring Revival
At West Clinton Church

A youth revival is scheduled for the
West Clinton Free Will Baptist Church,
Clinton, for Saturday and Sunday
evenings, March 27, 28, beginning each
evening at 7:30. The guest speaker will
be Don Coats.

Following this youth revival the regular
spring revival of the West Clinton church
will begin on Monday night, March 29,
and continue throughout the week.
Services will begin each evening at 7:30
with the Rev. R. L Moore as the visiting
evangelist. Special music will be ren-
dered each evening. Everyone is cor-
dially invited to attend both of these
revivals.

Wooten's Chapel Announces
Spring Revival Services

Spring revival services will begin at
Wooten's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 3, Raleigh, Monday
evening, April 5, and continue through
Friday evening, April 9. Services will
begin each evening at 7:30 with the Rev.
Hubert Stanley, pastor of the Palmer
Memorial church, as the guest speaker.
He will be assisted by the pastor, the
Rev. Jesse Caton. Mr. Caton and the
church membership cordially invite the
public to attend these services.

Kinston Church to Host the
3rd Eastern S. S. Convention

The Third Eastern Sunday School

Convention will meet on Saturday, April
3, at 10 a. m., with the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Kinston. The church is
located on the Corner of College and
Lenoir Streets. Lunch will be served at
the noon hour.

The Rev. DeWayne Eakes will give a
lecture on "Christian Education." All
Sunday schools of the Third Eastern
District are urged to have representation
at this convention. Visitors are also
invited to attend.

Johnnie Bullman Conducting
Otway Spring Revival

Spring revival services will begin at
the Otway Free Will Baptist Church,
Otway, the week of March 28— April 3,
with the Rev. Johnnie Bullman of
Spartanburg, South Carolina, as the
visiting evangelist. The pastor, the Rev.
T. C. Farmer, will assist Mr. Bullman in
the services which will feature special
music each evening. The public is invited
to come and hear this man of God as he
delivers the messages each evening.

VEA Teacher-Training Program
At Sandy Plain Church

The Rev. David C. Hansley of Mount
Olive will teach a VEA Teacher-Training

program at Sandy Plain Free Will Bapfe
Church, Route 2, Pink Hill, Monf
through Wednesday, March 29-31, frl
7:30 p. m. to 9:30 p. m. The pastor,
Rev. Robert Rollins, and
congregation encourage all a
churches to participate in this progranr'

Memorial Chapel Announces
Spring Revival Services

The Memorial Chapel Free Will Bapt
Church located on the campus of t
Children's Home, Middlesex, announc
its spring revival beginning on March 2
and continuing through April 2. Everyo
is cordially invited to attend what
expected to be a glorious week in tl
Lord. For those of you who cannot i
tend, the church requests that you
much in prayer for the revival.

The Rev. C. L. Patrick will be tl
guest speaker for these services. M
Patrick is currently pastoring the Fr«
Union Free Will Baptist Church ne<
Walstonburg.

Brownie Troop Visits
Spring Branch Church

Sunday, March 7, the Brownie Trot
No. 37 from Walstonburg was guest
the Spring Branch Free Will Bapti
Church near Walstonburg, for tf
morning worship service. The Brownif
recited the Scout Pledge and rendere
special music during the service.

At the evening worship hour everyor
enjoyed a covered-dish supper ar
afterwards watched films of varioi
church activities, including the trip
Disney World at Thanksgiving.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

;1 II

w Sandy Hill Revival
l(iw in Progress

Revival services are in progress this
itorfek at the New Sandy Hill Free Will
ptist Church located two miles south of
iley. Services are beginning each
ening at 7:30 and will continue
ough Friday evening, March 26. The
iting minister is the Rev. Charles
:rgan. He is being assisted by the
stor, the Rev. Joe Johnson. Special
jsic is also being rendered each
sning. The pastor and the church
imbership cordially invite everyone to
send the remainder of these services.

irman Ard to Conduct
ay Branch Revival

1 The Rev. Norman Ard will be the
ipngelist for revival services at the Gray
>ch Free Will Baptist Church, Route
Deep Run, the week of March
—April 3. Services will begin each
jning at 7:30, with the pastor, Don
iy, assisting Mr. Ard. Special music
be a part of each service. The public
ordially invited to attend.

w Minister and Family
nored by Piney Grove Church

j. A reception honoring the Rev. and
"fcjs. Preston Smith and family was held
Spday evening, March 14, following the
"ming worship service, in the
■
S

eming worship service, in
icational building of the church. Mr.
ith assumed the pastorate of the Piney
Give Free Will Baptist Church of Kenly,
torch 1. He and Mrs. Smith and
cldren, Amy 4, Chuck 3, and Chad 2,
nide in the Piney Grove parsonage on

1IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Route 1 , Kenly.

At the reception the guests were
greeted at the door and introduced to Mr.
and Mrs. Smith by Raymond Game,
chairman of the Board of Deacons. Mrs.
Game and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ray
Pope presided at the register. Upon
entering Mrs. Smith was presented a
corsage of white carnations. Mr. Smith
received a carnation boutonniere.

Mrs. Melvin Watson welcomed
everyone and Raymond Game gave the
invocation.

The refreshment table was covered
with a white cloth and a centerpiece of
mixed spring flowers. Mrs. Lonnie Bass,
Mrs. Jackie Pope, Mrs. Calvin Medlin,
Mrs. Melvin Watson, Mrs. Selby Raper,
and Mrs. Perry Hales assisted in
serving. The guests were served
cake squares, orange punch, and mixed
nuts.

Gospel Sing and Revival
At Otter's Creek Church

A gospel sing will be held at Otter's
Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1 ,
Macclesfield, on Saturday, March 27,
beginning at 7:30. The sing will feature
the Gospel-lettes of Greenville.

Revival services will begin at Otter's
Creek on Monday night, March 29, and
will continue through Saturday night,
April 3, with the Rev. Scott Sowers as
the visiting minister. Services will begin
each night at 7:30 with the pastor, the
Rev. Ralph Aycock, assisting Mr.
Sowers. Special music will be a part of
each service. The pastor and the entire
church extend a warm invitation to the
public to attend both the sing and the
revival services.

MRS. LOLA T. HINTON
AND

MRS. LALA T. BELL

(The following obituary was written
with respect and recognition of the
memory, life, and services rendered by
the late Mrs. Lola T. Hinton and Mrs.
Lala T. Bell to the Friendship Free Will
Baptist Church in Johnston County, and
the Friendship Woman's Auxiliary.)

On the thirty-first day of December,
1975, it was the will of Divine Providence
to call Lola T. Hinton and Lala T. Bell,
sisters, and two of Friendship's most
beloved members to their heavenly
reward. They were at Mrs. Hinton's
home on the eve of their death before

they were found the following morning,
both appearing to have suffered heart
attacks. They were apparently helping
each other, as they have done so sweetly
for years while living in the same
community.

In the passing of Mrs. Hinton and
Mrs. Bell, Friendship church lost two of
its most loyal and faithful servants. For
nearly forty years the descendants
served faithfully with regular attendance
at Sunday school, worship services,
other denominational meetings, and at
auxiliary conventions— always willing to
serve even beyond the call of duty.

In the death of these two dear widow
women, Friendship church and all
phases of its work, the community, and
their families have lost two of their most
kind, loving, and humble members.
As a gesture of appreciation,

Judy Strickland, President
Penina Edwards, Corresponding

Secretary
Friendship Woman's Auxiliary

A TRIBUTE TO
MY MOTHER
Mrs. Lola T. Hinton

Today is a very sad occasion, but I
want to take this time to say a few things
about a wonderful and loving mother.
Mother we love you, we always have and
always will. You may be gone from us
physically, but you're here forever in our
hearts and minds. We are not sad, for we
know you're in heaven with Daddy and at
peace in God. The Bible teaches us that
death comes to a Christian as an instant
transference to be with God. Revelation
14:13 states, "... Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth:
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest
from their labours; and their works do
follow them."

You were the most wonderful mother
in the world and we loved you more than
we can ever express. You always gave so
much of yourself and your love to us that
we can always have such fond memories
of. You and Daddy raised us all here in
the Friendship church to be God-fearing
and respectful children. For this we can
never say thanks enough. We are going
to miss you so deeply for your motherly
love and beautiful smile. You were
always there when we needed you. Such
motherly love for seven children, I don't
think I'll ever see again. We'll all be with
you again someday in that mansion in the

(Continued on Page 16)

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLASJ^}

<svs

THE SUNDAY a

SCHOOL LESSOI

For April 4

MAN UNDER JUDGMENT

Lesson Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Memory Verse: Matthew 25:40

I. INTRODUCTION

Despite Jesus' statement that to no
man is revealed God's plans for the end
of the world, many self-appointed
prophets through the years have set the
date and have insisted on a biblical
background for their predictions. The
dates set have come and gone and the
world is still ambling along, although it is
considerably messed up by the bungling
of men. Those who watch and pray and
live according to the Master's in-
structions, need not worry about when
the last trumpet shall sound and time
shall be no more.

It is certain that He will return, as we
saw in last Sunday's lesson, and it is
equally as certain that when He does
come there will be a judgment. Man has
already been under judgment. His sins
were judged at the Cross and Christ paid
the penalty for them. After he is saved
man undergoes judgment of his new sins
everyday. He must face them,
acknowledge them, confess them, and
forsake them, if he would please His
Master and enjoy the daily fellowship
that a cleansed heart affords.

We turn today to Matthew again and
look at the judgment of the living
nations; that is, the nations that will be
on earth when He returns. Of course,
nations here means also individuals
because it is a personal judgment man
will face whatever the occasion may
be.— The Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The idea of judgment is written in
all of the Word of God. For one to believe
that he can live in this world and never
have to face judgment is like spending a
vacation at a plush resort and then being
surprised when he is presented with a

bill. No man can escape personal
responsibility for his life.

B. The passage with which we deal
in this lesson treats the judgment of
nations, and does not seem to be a good
passage for this lesson. However, we do
know that there is the Great White
Throne Judgment for unbelieving sinners
and the judgment seat of Christ for
Christians. All will be judged.

C. In the judgment of nations the
basis for the judgment is their treatment
of Christ's brethren. In the judgment
seat of Christ, the basis of the judgment
is their faithfulness in duty. In the
judgment of the Great White Throne, the
basis of judgment is whether their names
are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

D. The Christian was judged as to
sins when Christ died on the Cross. We
became identified with Him by faith and
He paid the penalty; therefore, our sins
have been judged, but we will be judged
as stewards of God's grace.

E. God's people are being judged as
sons of God each day, and He chastises
us when we sin (Hebrews 12:7, 8).

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. If we had no Scripture except the
text of this lesson, we might suppose
that gaining eternal life is just a matter of
helping others. It is a matter of helping
others, but that is not all it is. Our text
gives a correct picture of the judgment,
but not a total picture. It shows us the
truth, but not all of the truth.

Looking at another side of the truth we
see quite clearly that even the best of
people do not earn eternal life by what
they do. "All have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God." "The wages
of sin is death." We do not earn eternal
life by our own efforts; it is "the gift of
God" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God does
not give us this gift because we are

good, but because He is good. In spit
our sins we are saved by His gra
which means by His favor given to
when we do not deserve it. Because (
loved us even when we were sinners,
sent His Son to die for our sins,
wages of sin is death; but Jesus j
cepted the wages we earned by our s
and so we may accept God's gift!
eternal life instead. Our text says 1
righteous shall go into life eternal, a
that is true. But once we have sinned, ]
do not become righteous merely by doi
right. We become righteous when G
takes away our sins, forgives the,
because of Christ's sacrifice, and giv
us His righteousness instead. And Gi
does not do this because we do good, b]
because we have faith and trust in tlj
Saviour (Romans 3:21-28).

How then do we come to eternal lifi
To put it another way, how are v
saved? Let's visualize it in the followir
manner.

First of all, we are saved by God,
grace. We are saved because He loves J
and gave His Son to die for us, becaus'
He takes away our sin and makes ii
righteous. Ephesians 2:8 says, "E
grace are ye saved through faith; ar
that not of yourselves: it is the gift i
God."

Then we are saved by our faith. Whe
we believe in Christ and put our trust i
Him we are ready to accept the grace ttoi
God is ready to give us freely. Roman*
3:28 says, "A man is justified by faiti
without the deeds of the law."

A third side of the truth is given us bj
James. He says faith without works i
dead. He tells of Abraham's faith m
works, and adds that faith was mad
perfect by works. He says, "Ye see thei
how that by works a man is justified, am
not by faith only" (James 2:24).

This is the side of truth that is eii$
phasized in our lesson. Let's not think i
is the only side, but let's never forge
that it is one side. We are saved by God's
grace, and our faith, and our gooc
works.— Standard Lesson Commentary

B. A Jewish rabbi of bygone year;
was asked to give a full explanation o
the law while the inquirer stood on ont
foot. Without hesitation, the rabb
replied: "That which thou findesi
distasteful to thyself, do not unto others,
All else is exposition."— Selected

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

)NLY

THIRTY-NINE

CENTS

Margaret N. Freeman

j OB fingered the box with the
model car pieces inside. There
no clerk in sight, so he picked it up.
pieces inside rattled as he turned it
r and looked for the price. Forty-nine
ts!

lob put the box back on the counter
dug deep into his blue jeans, as if he
It know what his hand would pull
It was still one quarter, a dime, and
pennies! He sighed. He wished
e were a magic seed he could plant in
pocket that would multiply the money
increase it just one dime!
he Scout Hobby Exhibit was
orrow, and the prize was a trip to

me? he thought, clutching the top of his
pencil with the big red eraser.

Something seemed to hold him back
from changing the figure on the price
tag. "God help me to do right," he
breathed a prayer, and right away a
verse flashed across his mind: "Thou
shalt not steal!"

"God spoke to me," he thought in
awe, and the tight feeling that seemed to
be holding his arms from changing the
price tag loosened. He took a deep
breath and walked away from the
counter.

"Boo!" shrilled a voice. Bob stepped
back so startled he fell against the
counter and stared into the grinning face
of Dallas, a small boy from his neigh-
borhood.

"Scared you, didn't I? I ducked
behind the counter. You didn't see me,
did you?" the little boy asked, grinning

STORIES

for our youth

rbrook Zoo by bus. What fun it would
o win! All entrants would get free ice
jffim and cookies even if they didn't
The rules specified six models in
entry. He hadn't been collecting
long, so he only had five entries,
more would do it! If he just had a
e, he would have a chance to win the
e, too.

e picked up the box again and
ered the price tag. The four was
ten so dimly it would be very easy to
Jlnge it. He looked around again. A
Hple of clerks stood chatting at the far
I of the store with their backs toward
v. He didn't see a single customer
fjund any place.

Ike reached for the pencil in his
| ket, but as he did so, he caught sight
liimself in the mirror across the aisle.

fis face looked white under the thatch
Jloushy, black hair. The freckles stood
I in yellow dots. His eyes were big and
pht. Is that scared-looking boy really

TE FREE WILL, BAPTIST

gleefully.

"Why, no, Dallas!" Bob stared at the
boy. "Where were you?"

"Ducking behind those ferns across
the counter. I could see you, but you
couldn't see me! I thought you'd never
get done looking at that model car. I got a
stiff neck from stooping over. Are you
going to buy it? Are you, huh?" Dallas
insisted.

"Yeah, maybe, sometime. Not now
though," Bob mumbled.

"Well. I have to meet Mom. 'By,
Bob," Dallas waved and scampered out
of the store.

Bob stared after him. Boy! that had
been a narrow escape. Dallas and his
family lived next door. It had taken a long
time before they started attending church
and Sunday school, but Bob's father and
mother hadn't given up inviting them.
The last few Sundays Dallas' dad and
mom had gone, and Dallas had been
going to Sunday school for quite awhile

now. Bob and he usually walked to
church together.

"Wow! am I ever glad , " Bob thought,
"that that Bible verse stopped me from
changing the price on that mode! car.
What would Dallas and his folks have
thought of me if I had done it?" It made
him feel weak even to imagine it. To
think that Dallas was there all the time!

Bob thought, "God sees me all the
time, too. I must never forget that. Now I
know how important it is to hide God's
Word in my heart, for it will help me
when I'm tempted." He took a deep,
thankful breath and ran for home.

"Uncle Ted!" he exclaimed joyfully
as he saw the tall figure sprawled in the
porch swing. "When did you come?"

"About a half-hour ago, Nephew Red
Face. You look hot!"

"Whew!" Bob said. "I ran all the way
home from town. I am hot! I wish I had

something to cool me off."

Uncle Ted grinned. "I get the
message. Your mother just cooled me off
with some iced tea and cookies— but
here! You go down to the dairy bar and
have a treat on me! And keep the
change!"

"Thanks, Uncle Ted!" Bob grinned.
He looked at the money Uncle Ted had
pressed into his palm. "Two dimes' " he
whooped and raced back to the dime
store.

How good God was to see he got that
extra dime! He'd buy the model car, and
Uncle Ted and he would put it together
after supper. Then on the way home from
the dime store, he'd eat the ice-cream
cone and enjoy every bite! — Selected

13

1

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

COMING EVENTS
AT

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

(Spring, 1976)

Wednesday, March 24: The annual
Pierson event is scheduled for March 24
and will feature the Broadway musical
production of 1776. The play will begin
at 7:30 p. m., in the auditorium on the
downtown campus of Mount Olive
College. All Free Will Baptists are invited
to enjoy the bicentennial play as guests
of the College.

Sunday, March 28: A Salute to
America— The College Chorus and
Mount Olive Singers will present a
program of special music in com-
memoration of our nation's 200th birth-
day. The program will be held in
Rodgers Chapel and begins at 3:30
p. m., and will feature the Mount Olive
Singers and the College Chorus.

Saturday, April 3: Conference on
Stewardship and the Local Church— This
conference will cover three basic areas in
regard to a church budget: (1 ) Steps and
Procedures in Preparing a Church
Budget; (2) How to Promote Giving in the
Local Church; (3) Church Contributions
and Income Tax.

Registration will begin at 9 a. m., in
the Henderson Building, with the
conference starting promptly at 10 a. m.
It will end at 2:30 p. m. This conference
is designed for ministers and laymen in
preparing church budgets and financing
the budget. Registration is $5 per
person, which includes lunch.

Saturday, May 1: Christian Music
Festival— Let's all make plans to be at
Eagles Nest on Saturday, May 1, for a
day of "Praising the Lord." The annual
Christian Music Festival will begin at 9
a. m., and this year's theme is "God
Bless America."

May 14, 15: Prayer Retreat for
Ministers and Christian Workers at

14

Eagles Nest. The retreat will begin at 7
p. m., on Friday evening, withtheevening
meal. The retreat will include group
discussion, Bible study, periods of
silence, verbal and nonverbal ex-
pression, and times for written ex-
pression. The conference will end at 3
p. m. on Saturday. Cost will be $10 per
person, which includes meals and
lodging.

BRYAN
$1,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Mount Olive College announced today
that it will award two $1,000 scholar-
ships annually for the next three years in
memory of the late Robert E. Bryan, a
native of Sampson County and a
prominent business and civic leader of
Goldsboro.

The first awards will be for the 1976-
77 academic year. One scholarship will
go to a Wayne County student and the
other to a Sampson County student. Six
recipients will be chosen during the
three-year period (1976-1978), and each
will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be
prorated over two years of study at
Mount Olive College.

President W. Burkette Raper reported
that the College Board of Trustees
authorized the scholarships as a living
tribute to Mr. Bryan for his outstanding
community leadership and support of
Mount Olive College.

Any high school graduate from Wayne
and Sampson Counties, including the
city schools, is eligible to apply by filing
an application for admission to Mount
Olive College and submitting a letter
stating what a $1 ,000 scholarship would
mean to them. "Applicants will be
chosen on the basis of merit as well as
need," President Raper reported.
Awards will be announced in early April.

Interested persons are invited to
contact the Admissions Office, Mount
Olive College; phone, 658-2502.

BRYAN SCHOLARS

During the 1976-1977 academic yi
Mount Olive College will select twen
five Bryan Scholars.

Bryan Scholars must be let
residents of North Carolina who ha
been accepted for enrollment at Moi
Olive College. Applicants will be select
on the basis of scholastic aptitud'
character, and merit.

Bryan Scholarships range from $5i|
to $2,000 for two years of study,
exact amount of the scholarship will vaj
according to financial need. Studenj
selected for Bryan Scholarships a|
expected to maintain quality work I
order to be eligible for the second ye
award.

Recipients of Bryan Scholarships a'i
expected to register for one semest
hour of supervised independent stuc
each semester. Studies may incluq
service projects and should relate to til
student's career objectives.

i

Free Will Baptist students interested \
being selected as a Bryan Scholti
should submit a letter requesting |j
award, two letters of recommendation
the College application form, and tf
Parents Confidential Statement of I
College Scholarship Service
demonstrate the degree of financii
need. Applications should be submitte
as early as possible and will b
processed as received. Application]
should be addressed to the Director |
Admissions, Mount Olive College, Mour;
Olive, North Carolina 28365; phont'
658-2502.

MRS. RODGERS
IN HOSPITAL

Mrs. Sarah C. Rodgers, majo
benefactor for the Chapel at Mount Olivi
College, is a patient in Wilson Memoria
Hospital, Wilson, North Carolina 27893
About mid-February she fell and broki
her leg again.

I am sure that she would appreciate
receiving cards from her many Free Wil
Baptists friends. Your interest anc
prayers on her behalf would be verj
meaningful and encouraging to her a
this time.

W. Burkette Rapei
President

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

<

Toe River Association

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
h********* "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls *********

Roaring Creek

Western Conference

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR FEBRUARY, 1976

Albemarle Conference

<ory Chapel
achi Chapel
Tabor

m iliary District Convention
Ion Meeting
Ion Chapel
"otal

Cape Fear Conference

Central Conference

150.00
100.00
75.31
68.50
19.48
282.82

$ 696.11

Ehel

$ 33.00

Itwood

391.90

l:5e well

73.42

Irlston Union

21.16

fyner Memorial

50.35

!: Mary's Grove

5.00

!ady Grove

45.70

ijlithfield, First

34.00

lory Mission

3.00

1st Clinton

100.00

Men's Chapel

21.62

'Jverton's Grove

72.03

ptal

$ 851.18

.pen Grove

$ 251.00

den

255.00

Ihany

39.34

jlck Jack

295.00

mmunity

104.50

jniels Chapel

15.00

da's Grove

113.36

igewood

5.00

jn Grove

18.00

Be Union

235.86

iendship

170.00

eenville, First

210.00

Im Swamp

110.00

ckory Grove

30.00

jgo

4.00

ill Road

330.00

Grange

35.00

lie Creek

55.00

mondsville

5.00

/vens Chapel

51.46

ace

)edy Branch

48.36

150.00

icky Mount

20.00

ise Hill

70.00

)ring Branch

100.00

irboro

120.00

alnut Creek

140.00

atery Branch

174.22

illiamston, First

3.98

interville

380.14

Total

$ 3,539.22

Eastern Conference

Barnes Hill
Branch Chapel
Eastwood Chapel
Everett's Chapel
Flood's Chapel
Friendship
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Micro
Milbournie
Mt. Carmel

18.00

20.00
90.12
97.83
101.74
78.00
5.00
65.00
30.00
60.00
75.00
83.00
10.00

Antioch

$ 55.00

Mt. Zion (Nash)

126.95

Arapahoe

100.00

New Sandy Hill

50.00

Bethel

20.00

Oak Grove

216.28

Bethlehem

187.28

People's Chapel

10.00

Beulaville

20.00

Pine Level

77.00

Bridgeton

93.00

Piney Grove

25.00

Cabin

50.00

Pleasant Grove

25.00

Core Creek

87.51

Pleasant Hill

204.20

Crab Point

35.00

Pleasant Plain

21.08

Croatan

100.00

Rains Cross Roads

50.00

Davis

5.00

Rosebud

5.00

Deep Run

4.00

Selma

50.00

Dublin Grove

50.00

Sherron Acres

150.00

Edwards Chapel

45.00

Spring Hill

20.00

Faith

60.00

Stancil's Chapel

61.64

Fripnfi^hin

52.86

St. Mary's

585.06

Gethsemane

120.00

Stoney Creek

135.00

Hillshprrv

1 1 1 1 1 O LJL 1 1 y

20.00

Stony Hill

6.00

Holly Springs

667.00

Union Chapel

32.50

.inninpr Dhanpl

Jul HUul VJIICILJVsl

42.50

Union Grove

155.00

Kington Fir^t

5.00

Wilson, First

12.00

1 anipr'*; Hhpnpl

10.00

Total $'2,733.40

Marprinnia

IVI uvOU U 1 l l (J

100.00

Mav'<; nhanpl

100.00

Statewide

Mt Olive

15.00

Auxiliary Convention $

137.37

Mt Plpa^ant

■ VII. 1 IV/U JCI 1 1 I

50.00

Brotherhood

50.00

Mt 7inn fOn^lnw^

IVIl. 1 <J 1 1 IV/IIOIUVVJ

3.00

Total $

187.37

Mt. Zion (Pamlico)

20.00

Eula Jones

5.00

Other States

Auxiliary District

10.00

Bim.WestVa. $

10.00

New Bethlehem

22.40

Flint, Mich.

60.00

New Haven

31.33

Shelby, Ohio

45.00

Northeast

3.75

Total $

115.00

Oak Grove

5.00

Oriental

77.73

Total Religious

Otway

30.00

Contributions $11,419.00

Pearsall's Chapel

183.67

Memorial Gifts

Piney Grove

20.00

For February, 1976

Rock of Zion

60.00

Memorial girts for February, 1976,

totaled

Sarecta

67.06

$100 and were given as a memorial to the following:

Smith's New Home

20.00

Weldon Fulcher by Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hamann and

Sneads Ferry

45.00

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Mason.

Snow Hill

15.20

Mrs. Ellen Carraway by Mrs. William Robertson Jr.

Sound View

176.80

and the All Saints' Episcopal School of Charlotte.

St. Mary's

93.63

Lillian Moore by Perry Wheeler, C. Johnson Moore

Warden's Grove

10.00

Jr., and Ora C. Bowling.

Whaley's Chapel

150.00

Henry Voliva by Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Lupton.

Total

$ 3,143.7?

Mrs. J. W. Thomas by Mrs. Vernon Barnes.

Pee Dee Association

Coming Events . . .

Oak Grove

$ 75.00

March 25— Eastern District Woman's

Piedmont Conference

Auxiliary Convention, Mount

Olive

Durham, First

$ 50.00

College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

March 27— Piedmont District Woman's

Rockfish Conference

Auxiliary Convention, Bethany Free

Conference

$ 10.00

(Continued on Page 16)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Dl)KE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, N. C.

Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

COMING EVENTS. . .

(Continued from Page 15)
Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro,
North Carolina

March 27— Central District Youth
Fellowship Convention, Hugo Free
Will Baptist Church near Grifton,
North Carolina, 10 A. M.

March 27— Western District Youth
Convention, Mount Olive College
Chapel, Registration at 9 A. M.,
Program at 9:30 A. M.

March 31 — Central District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Walstonburg, North Carolina

April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina

April 3— Conference on "Stewardship
and the Local Church," Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

April 10— 36th Annual Session of the
North Carolina State Sunday School
Convention, Ayden Grammar School,
South Lee Street or Business High-
way 11 South, Ayden, North
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will

OBITUARY

( Continued from Page 11 )

sky and we'll be all together again.

You had so many wonderful and loving
friends, and no one could help but love
you for you had such a wonderful and
beautiful personality. You gave so much
love and gained so much from your
friends in return. I'd like to take this
opportunity on behalf of all the family to
say thanks to all you wonderful people
who did so much and helped our mother
so much. You have all been marvelous
and heaven repays for such deeds of love
that you have done. Thank you so much.

Mom, we love you and we know how
you wanted us to go on together while
you were gone. We'll do this because we
love each other too, and because you
taught us to do this also.

Rest in peace forever, our beloved
mother.

By a daughter,
Jo Anne Lewis

27703

A TRIBUTE TO OUR
AUNT LALA BELL
Sister of Lola T. Hinton

Aunt Lala, you meant a great dea
us; this I believe you knew. We alw
enjoyed having you with us and i
seemed to always enjoy being with
You and Mother were two of the fin
women I've ever known. This is the v
God planned for this to happen ani
know deep down, this is also how )
and Mother would have wanted it to be

You were like a second mother to i
We loved you and you'll always live
our hearts. Yours and Mother's frien
were almost all the same and they lov
you both so much. We are going to mi
you so very much, but you and Motr
are still together in heaven and at re
which you both deserve.

Rest in peace forever, beloved Au
Lala. !

By a niece,
Jo Anne Lev

Note: These two tributes were writt
the day of their death and read at t
double funeral on January 1, 1976, bj
former pastor, the Rev. Joe Gerald, wi
tears in his eyes and a broken voice,
seemed as if the dear ladies' daught
and niece preached their funeral. Tl
Revs. Ed Miles and Jack Burnette all
assisted.)

A SALUTE TO AMERICA

littliil 776-1 976 iiilii

A Program of Bicentennial Music #
by the Mount Olive College Chorus VV/VV/;.:^H

A historical resume of Free Will Baptists V%

::;*:'.*'•*;* and the American Revolution

March 28, t^frvj^
: 00 P- m.— Rodgers Chapel S^v^SS^S?

Everyone Is Invited ^i-j'/^^^^^li^t

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

T

the
free Dill

baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1976

3r7

£UKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

As surely as one needs to find his quiet place, he needs
also to involve himself with the cares and concerns of

others!

FINDING MY PLACE AMID THE THRONG

(Second in a Series)
Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman

Recently I shared with you my thoughts concerning noise pollution
and jet speed in the editorial, "Turning Aside to the Quiet Roads." We
considered the thought, "Be still, and know that I am God: ..." (Psalm
46:10).

There are, among our population, many who are caught up in the
noisy confusion of life, and who choose, eventually, if only temporarily, to
seek the quiet ways.

On the other hand, though, this thought bears an interesting paradox:
One needs "to get away from it all." Yet, many are so destined that they
need "to get involved in it all"— even if for a little while.

How many of us have become so weary and lonely and discouraged
that we simply get into our cars to drive around the block or to ride uptown
for just a few minutes?

Moreover, how many of us have visited a hospital, a rest home, or a
mental institution, only to return home to count our blessings more than
ever? How many have stood on a busy street corner, or watched the
masses from a tall building window, or a parked car, only to bow our head
in prayerful concern for human life? Illness, age, rebellion, poverty,
abuse, and neglect afflict our human race.

We return to our quiet place, alone, thankful. Thankful, yes, for many
things. But not happy! For gradually, if not suddenly, there comes a
restlessness. We recall the great truths: "For every man shall bear his
own burden" (Galatians 6:5). This reminds us that each man, in his own
way, must find God. Further, though, we realize, "Bear ye one another's
burdens, ..." (Galatians 6:2); the Great Commission, "... Go ye into all
the world, ..." (Mark 16:15); and the great challenge, "... Go out into
the highways and hedges, ..." (Luke 14:23).

Then we see the great paradox, the extremes which are opposite, yet
both are great truths: We need, and seek, the quiet ways; yet, we need,
and seek, to be our brother's keeper.

"How?" we ask.

The answer is obvious. It involves desire and determination, prayer
and purpose, love and loyalty, searching and sacrifice, care and concern.

Perhaps the answer lies in four words which capture the meaning of
our needs: first, "Be still, . . ."; then "Go ye. . . ."

Cover Photo by Bob Aiken, Jr.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARCH 31, 1976
Volume91 Number!

Edited and published weekly by the Free II
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North II
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seco
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina. I

All materials to be placed in any issue ml
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to 9
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: c
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yea
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoi
given when local churches send the "Baptist't
the home of every member; names and
dresses to be provided by churches. Churcrj
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptisj
are sent to one individual who in turn distribui
these. A 50 percent discount is offered un<j
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refit'
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of 7
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ea
article is given the person whose name appei
under the title or to the person submitting si
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box1!
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. r
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:

a. m. — b p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenba
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rob'
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasst
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

I IFF

Lb I I Lhe

by Sara Branch

I HE time is ten o'clock. It is any day in history and time
|«-^ marches on! There is a cry from a hospital
r>m as Junior cries his first cry. Time is something new to this
rile fellow, because to him life is a brand new adventure. He
Dst venture into this world very carefully and slowly as there
vll be many bridges to cross and many mountains to climb in
1 new life.

Suddenly the clock sounds again. It is one minute past
Ii. An elderly woman just across the hall in the hospital dies.
§e is 86 years old, but to her life was lived to its fullest. She
Eft behind seven children, twenty grandchildren, and thirty-
|o great-grandchildren to mourn her passing.

This is a great comparison in just one minute: a child is
ilrn and an elderly person dies. How very true this is in life!
|e first mention of life in the Bible is found in Genesis: "...
ie LORD God formed man (Adam) of the dust of the ground,
id breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man
kame a living soul" (2:7).

God wanted man to have a special place to live, so He
ade for him the Garden of Eden. In this garden God provided
i/erything that man needed to sustain life. There were trees of
aauty for man's eye to behold, trees good for food to nourish
an's physical body, but in the center of the garden there was
ttree of life. There was also a tree of knowledge of good and
». Through this garden a river flowed to water the vegetation
'hd to provide water for all animal life. God told man to till the
oil and keep the garden, but never was he to eat of the tree of
'nowledge of good and evil.

J God saw that the garden was too large for man alone to
ive in, so He made a helpmate for Adam. God called her
loman; Adam called her Eve. God also commanded Adam to
ame all the animals, fowls, and beasts in the garden. One of
nese beasts of the garden happened to be a serpent.

One day the serpent said to Eve, "Why haven't you eaten
f all the trees of the garden? ' '

Eve replied, "The tree in the midst of the garden, God
aid for us not to eat or touch, for if we did we would surely
ie."

"You shall not die," said the serpent. "God knows what
fou do. His eyes are open to every act you do. "

Then the woman saw that the tree in the midst of the
jarden was good for food and beautiful to the eye. She then
ook of the fruit of the tree and ate it. She then gave the fruit to
ler husband and he ate of it. Consequently, Adam and Eve had

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

to leave this beautiful garden because of this act— sin had
entered into their lives.

Yes, time goes on and on and people sin more and more.
God saw that something had to be done to conquer this sin, so
He provided a flood as His punishment to man. Thus the evil
things of this world were destroyed; but two of every kind of
animal life were saved in the ark which God commanded Noah
to build, making the world of God's creation live on.

God sees the surviving persons and animals obeying Him
for awhile. Then suddenly, His creation became even more
wicked than before. Some persons even built golden calves to
worship instead of worshiping God. This made God really
angry. He appeared before His servant Moses and commanded
him to lead His people by a code of laws. The code of laws is
known as the Ten Commandments. These laws are man's code
of life-style. However, many men still disobey God's com-
mands. This is the reason God's chosen people were led into
the wilderness.

Life still remained full of sin with its ups and downs. For
this reason God saw a need to send His Son, Jesus, to die for
the sins of all peoples. And today, it is through the shed blood
of God's Son on the Cross that people may have eternal life. We
read in John's Gospel, ". . . God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Life can best be described to some people as the
following:

Time is something new to a little boy,

Because to him— life is a joy.
Walking is a pleasure in the radiant sun,

Because to you— life is a world of fun.
The setting sun to a family is just a sorrow,

Because they think— life is a tomorrow.
Talking is learning easily what to say,

Because to you— life is today.
Exercising is a joy in work or play,

Because to all— life is another day.
But today— life is just another yesterday,

And tomorrow— life is just another today.

Life is a wonderful awakening to all people whether young
or old. It's great to be alive!

REMEMBERING
THE REVEREND J. 0. FORT

by

President W. Burkette Raper
of Mount Olive College

(May 2, 1910— March 7, 1976)

<^"]HE Rev. Joseph Otis Fort, a
— ^ distinguished Free Will Baptist
minister and native of Jakin, Georgia,
died March 7. Funeral services were
conducted March 9 at the Jakin
Free Will Baptist Church by the Rev. Paul
Irwin of Newton, Georgia, and the Rev.
J. B. Lovering of Marianna, Florida;
burial followed in the church cemetery.

Survivors include his widow, the
former Elise McDonald Fort, Route 1,
Jakin, Georgia 31761; and two
daughters, Mrs. Daniel Rivers, 103 A
Mont Sec, Fort Wadsworth, Staten
Island, New York 10305, and Mrs.
Richard Rowell, 418 Mockingbird Lane,
Smyrna, Georgia 30080; and five
grandchildren.

Brother Fort was ordained in 1930 and
was an active Free Will Baptist minister
for forty-five years. Among the churches
he served in Georgia were Jakin,
Pineview, New Enterprise, Salem,
Belview, White Plains, Oak Grove
Damascus, Patmas, Travelers Rest, and
Pine Level; he served two churches in
Florida, Harmony and Hickory Grove;
and in Texas he served the First church

in Bryan.

In addition to his pastoral services, he
was an active and well-known leader
among Free Will Baptists. From 1954-
1960, Fort was editor and manager of
the Free Will Baptist, Ayden, North
Carolina, and for fifteen years he was
chairman of the National Superannuation
Board. At various times he was
moderator of the Georgia Midway
Association, South Georgia Association,
Central Texas Association, and Texas
State Association of Free Will Baptists.

He earned his A. B. and Master of
Education degrees from Texas A and M
University, and served for thirty-one
years as a teacher and administrator in
the public schools of Georgia and Florida.
During part of his tenure at the Free Will
Baptist Press he served as a part-time
instructor at Mount Olive College.

In 1975, Mr. and Mrs. Fort
established the "J. 0. Fort Endowment
Fund" at Mount Olive College as an
expression of their commitment to the
cause of Christian higher education
among Free Will Baptists. His last
contribution to the fund was made in late
February, barely two weeks before his
death from a heart attack. His family has
invited friends who wish to express their
appreciation for his life and services to
do so through memorial gifts to the J. 0.
Fort Endowment which will be a per-
manent and living tribute to him.
Through this fund, it can be said of J. 0.
Fort, as it was of Abel, ". . . he being
dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11 :4).

Individuals and churches who would
like to contribute should make their
checks payable to Mount Olive College
and indicate that they are for the J. 0.
Fort Endowment. The College will send a
card to the Fort Family for each gift
received.

(Note: The Paul Palmer Conference of
Free Will Baptists will have a memorial
service for Mr. Fort at its quarterly
session on July 17 at the Jakin church.
The memorial tribute will be delivered by
President W. Burkette Raper of Mount
Olive College.)

CHILDREN'S HOME

RECREATION NEWS

The Free Will Baptist Children's He
is pleased to report that their ne!
formed basketball team, THE EAGLES
this writing), is carrying a 4-3 record <
will complete their season on March ;
This team was formed at the Childre
Home to instigate athletic participatior
the children at the Home and also
initiate fellowship between the Home a
the churches.

We at the Home feel that this team v]
a success in many of the more abstr]
aspects of home life. In order for ill
continue to provide athletic express]
for the children at the Home, it
necessary for the staff to continue]
create new programs; and it is at II
point that denominational help |
required. Please send any recreation
idea appropriate for any age child to t
Children's Home where it will be grea
appreciated.

The Home also is organizing softb
teams for the coming season. If yu
organization or church has a team al
would like to join us in a fellowsrj
game, contact Steve Russell by callii
235-4541.

BROTHERHOOD BANQUET AND
MEETING

On Saturday, February 28, the Re
David Thick of the Free Will Bapti
Children's Home was the guest speak
at the North Carolina Brotherhood
Original Free Will Baptists.

The brotherhood meets monthly
Kinston and has approximately 2
members. It is an incorporated group
the state of North Carolina as a nonpro;
organization and has as its purpose
engage in businesses such as child da^
care center operation, property rental;
or any other business that will prove
be a help to the community, with c
profits from such businesses to be give
to the Free Will Baptist denomination. I
fact, its main objective is to help in th
development of the Original Free Wi
Baptist denomination. Membership i
open to all Original Free Will Baptist me
and ministers. However, ministers ar
not allowed to be officers, as this i
primarily a layman's organization. In n
way is it in competition with the layman'
league.

It was a very enjoyable meeting for a
those present.

(Continued on Page 15)

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

SUNDAY, APRIL 4
,res, jScripture Reading— Proverbs 28:

tini

COURAGE
ittle crosses bravely carried,
ittle ties daily done,
the heart of God are precious,
nd He counts them one by one.
:tle things that fret and worry,
p ftttle slights that hurt and pain,
imbly borne without a murmur
)f;i jurn at length to golden grain—
:o crowns of priceless worth,
or the souls who loved and served
Him

ere on earth."

PRAYER THOUGHT
ittle but loud applies to the
mdane tasks of life. Pray that we
riy accomplish these tasks with a
e ^iasant and permissive disposition.

pei! MONDAY, APRIL 5

)5lj Scripture Reading— Matthew 7:1

THE CRITIC CHOOSES
' j little seed lay in the ground,
' j And soon began to sprout;
Xl Now which of all the flowers
'P1 J around,"

>S' [ It mused, "shall I come out?
lii (he lily's face is fair, and proud,
nil 3ut just a trifle cold ;
iK the rose, I think is rather loud,
i[ j And then, its fashion's old.
,j j'he violet is all very well,
, ji But not a flower I ' d choose ,
jfow yet the Canterbury bell,
I never cared for blues. "
md so it criticized each flower,
This supercilious seed,
Jntil it woke one summer hour,
AND FOUND ITSELF A WEED !

—Messiah's Advocate

PRAYER THOUGHT
Too much self-esteem blocks our
jninds to the truth. When our love of
self is more than our love for others or
for God, we are in big trouble.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6
Scripture Reading— Matthew 24:12

"ONLY FORGOTTEN SON!"
A chaplain, in a poorly lighted
railway station, was endeavoring to
show a soldier the way of life eternal
in Christ. Opening a New Testament
to John 3:16, the chaplain said, "Read
it." Here's how the soldier rendered
the verse, "For God so loved the
world that He gave His only
FORGOTTEN Son." How forgotten
and neglected is He ! — W. B. K.

PRAYER THOUGHT
How much about God's Son have we
forgotten? Have we forgotten His
love, kindness, and mercy? Have we
forgotten promises we have made
Him or that He has made us?He said
that He was the Bread of Life.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7
Scripture Reading— Zechariah 4:6

SMALL ENOUGH FOR GOD
TO USE

On one occasion someone said to the
late Hudson Taylor, the English
physician whom God used to establish
the China Inland Mission: "You must
sometimes be tempted, Mr. Taylor, to
be proud because of the wonderful
way God has used you. I doubt if any
man living has had greater honor."
To this gracious word Mr. Taylor
made reply, "On the contrary, I often
think that God must have been
looking for someone small enough and
weak enough for Him to use, and that
He found me."— Dr. Victor Raymond
Edman

PRAYER THOUGHT
If we feel very strong in ourselves
and think ourselves very important, it
would be difficult for God to bend our
wills to His will. How important are
we?

THURSDAY, APRIL 8
Scripture Reading— James 5 : 16

MEANING WHAT WE PRAY
I prayed: "O Lord, bless all the world,

And help me do my part. ' '
And straightway He commanded me

To bind a broken heart.

I prayed, "Oh, bless each hungry
child,

May they be amply fed."
He said, "Go find a starving soul,
And share with him your bread. ' '

"Oh, stir the hearts of men," I
prayed,

"And make them good and true."
He answered, "There is but one way—
They must be stirred through you. ' '

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we pray we must be willing to
abide by our own words. We pray
lofty, eloquent words, but do we really
mean what we are saying?

FRIDAY, APRIL 9
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 27:6

WHAT IT TAKES TO
BE A FRIEND
A cowboy explained his idea of
Christian living: "Now I'm working
for Jim here. If I'd sit around, telling
what a good fellow Jim is, and singing
songs for him, and getting up in the
night to serenade him, I'd be doing
just what a lot of Christians do; but I
wouldn't suit Jim, and I'd get fired
mighty quick. But when I buckle on
my chaps and hustle among the hills,
and see that Jim's herd is all right and
not suffering from lack of water or
feed or getting off range and branded
by cattle thieves, then I'm proving my
love and serving Jim as he wants to be
served." — Courage and Confidence
from the Bible

PRAYER THOUGHT
God appreciates and wants our
loving friendship but He is not only
one friend — He is our everything and
we must do His biding.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10
Scripture Reading— Job 4:8

FAMILIAR WITH SIN?
"Vice is a monster of such frightful
mein,

That to be hated needs but to be
seen;

But seen too oft, familiar with its face,
We first endure, then pity, then
embrace! "

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We cannot play with fire without
getting burned. We cannot become too
closely associated with sinful ways
without becoming sinful ourselves
and eventually becoming very closely
associated with the hell fire of the
Bible.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

jTHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

f.

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: I have been amazed in late
years at both methods and means by
which churches and church-related
institutions resort to obtain their desired
financial goals. What does the Bible
teach concerning the means by which
churches and their institutions are
economically maintained?

Answer: The tabernacle, the temple,
and all associated with these were
financed exclusively in tithes and of-
ferings. The church, it is claimed by
some, should follow the example of
God's ancient people in financing
everything the church is responsible for
in this way. I think it would be worth-
while that we give serious thought to
this possibility, and if the Bible teaches
us that this is the method to be used,
then we should observe and obey these
precepts and examples.

In the first place, we need to note that
the Bible requires of every Christian even
more than was required of the Jews,
when we give the place God requires of
the divine precepts and principles as
they apply to us. The honest Jew realized
that all the commandments were written
for him and that he should observe them
regardless of his other responsibilities.
The Christian is exhorted, ". . . when
thou doest alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth"
(Matthew 6:3); "I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service. And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God" (Romans 12:1, 2); "Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

Now these verses which are in
keeping with all that the Bible says to us
as Christians represent us, the truly

born-again church members, as those
who think with Christ or have a har-
monious relationship with Him.

He said to the apostles and to us, their
successors, "I am the true vine, and my
Father is the husbandman. ... I am the
vine, ye are the branches: he that
abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me
ye can do nothing. . . . Remember the
word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have
persecuted me, they will also persecute
you; if they have kept my saying, they
will keep yours also" (John 15:1, 5,
20); "Now then we are ambassadors for
Christ, as though God did beseech you
by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be
ye reconciled to God. For he hath made
him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness
of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:20, 21).
Compare the preceding Scripture with
the following: ". . . ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto
me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth" (Acts 1:8); ". . .
Jesus came and spake unto them,
saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world. Amen"
(Matthew 28:18-20). Our message, that
which God has committed unto us, is the
complete message of redemption.

We are commissioned as Christ's
ambassadors to make this message
known to a whole world of sinners.
Whatever is essential, achieving this end
is binding upon every Christian. Satan
would have us to substitute worldly,
fleshly, devilish devices in the place of

the preaching of the gospel to eve
creature. All the trappings or flesff
dressing up of the gospel or any kind
substitution is of the devil.

We need to be aware of this in our tin
for the Bible says, "Now the Spi
speaketh expressly, that in the latt]
times some shall depart from the fait
giving heed to seducing spirits, ar
doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1); i
we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
we deny him, he also will deny us"1
Timothy 2:12); "Preach the word; I
instant in season, out of seasoi
reprove, rebuke, exhort with «
longsuffering and doctrine. For the tirr
will come when they will not endui
sound doctrine; but after their own I us']
shall they heap to themselves teachenl
having itching ears; And they shall turf
away their ears from the truth, and she1
be turned unto fables. But watch thou i
all things, endure afflictions, do the won
of an evangelist, make full proof of th
ministry" (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

God has quite a bit to say in His hoh
inspired Word concerning glamouLj
worldliness, and materialism in this, th:
end of the church age, when so-calle
Christians substitute worldliness fc
obedience to the Great Commission, sue
as multimillion dollar buildings for th
church and its institutions. "I knowth;
works, that thou art neither cold nor holt
I would thou wert cold or hot. So the!
because thou art lukewarm, and neithei
cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of mj
mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich;
and increased with goods, and havi
need of nothing; and knowest not thai
thou art wretched, and miserable, an<<
poor, and blind, and naked'!
(Revelation 3:15-17).

All these worldly and glamorous
trappings that the so-called Christiai
church is selling her soul and eterna
welfare for will be worthless when Goc
has spued her out of His mouth to wallow
in her own filth of worldly riches anc
glamour.

George H. Sandison, writing on «
similar subject, says in his book, 100C
Difficult Bible Questions Answered:

"Prize packages, as popularly un-
derstood, are a lottery, wherein the value
and sometimes even the character of the
contents are unknown. They are a
species of gambling, and an imposition
upon credulous people. Better selecl
what you want, buy it in the regular way,
and leave all games of chance alone. The

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS"]

e you are acquainted with such
es the poorer you will become. There
many counterfeit methods ot giving
they cultivate bogus benevolence,
methods of raising money for the Lord
are contrary to the precepts and
mples of His Word are to be con-
ned. The simple method of freewill
rings alone is approved (see Exodus
5, 21, 29; 2 Corinthians 8—9;
tthew 10:8). Lottery and grabbag and
ilar devices involving the gambling
ciple are all 'works of the flesh' and
distinct desecration of the Lord's
se."

or further Scriptures dealing with
subject may I suggest that you read
tthew 23:23; Leviticus 27:30;
lachi 3:8-10; Proverbs 3:9, 10; 1
rinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-
9:6.7.

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: ". . . this do in
emembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Also
ead Luke 22:7-22.

THE LORD'S SUPPER

(Part II)

The administration of the Lord's
upper may vary in form from church to
hurch and from minister to minister,
ased upon the particular ritual and the
denomination involved. Most rituals get
i heir form and fashion from the Scrip-
ures which deal with the institution of
he Lord's Supper by our Lord and are
adapted to the congregation. There are
jsome differences which may be at-
tributed to the size of the church, the
pastor's training and techniques, and
the general sophistication or lack of it
among the active members of the

church.

The whole idea of the ordinance is to
bring the worshiper into the full meaning
of what the Christian religion is all about.
All our hopes, longings, passions,
desires, and ambitions for eternal life are
locked into the meaning of the Lord's
Supper. Jesus Christ, God incarnate,
came to this earth to sacrifice Himself in
death by which He could satisfy the
demands of God and pay the penalty for
our sins. This He did and this ordinance
is a memorial of His suffering and death
for us. He does not want us to forget the
price He paid to redeem us from our sins.
Every time our church schedules this rite
it is a date with Jesus, and we owe it to
Him to be present and to say, "Thank
you Jesus, thank you for saving my soul
and setting me free."

There are churches with their leaders
who teach that the bread actually
becomes the body ot Christ and the wine
actually becomes the blood of Christ. I do
not accept this idea. However, there is a
spiritual sense in which this is so. As the
physical body receives strength and
vitality from literal food, our spirit draws
spiritual strength and vitality from
absorbing all that our Lord teaches that
He is to us. Our spiritual lives grow into
His likeness and we become "little
Jesuses," going about doing good. This
happens when we feed upon the spiritual
virtues, mannerisms, and personalities
to the end we become like Him in habits
and general conduct. The drinking of His
blood symbolizes the sacrifice of Himself
for others. If we are to be like Christ we
will need to sacrifice self and give all to
the help and benefit of others. This is the
only way we can become true Christians.
It represents death to self— all selfish
motives, participations, and endeavors
must be destroyed— done away with
until death!

It is heartbreaking to see how so-
called Christians use the church for
selfish benefits. Members who want the
world and heaven too will eventually find
they cannot have either. The Lord's
Supper with its sacraments are not to be
triffled with: "Wherefore whosoever
shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of
the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of
the blood and body of the Lord" (1
Corinthians 11 :27).

The Lord's Supper may be a part of a
regular worship service, or the entire
service itself may be built around the
observance of the ordinance and its

teachings. In this latter use the minister
can elaborate more and present in more
detail what actually the suffering and
death of our Lord means. The
congregation is made ready for the
observance through the singing of
hymns, prayers, and the reading of
suitable portions from the Bible. The
minister should determine if all wor-
shipers are at peace with God and with
one another, thus declaring that a
Christian state of fellowship now exists
among the brethren. Peace and goodwill
among men is essential!

The minister should read from Luke
22:7-22 or 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
There are other Scriptures which may be
selected according to the taste of the
presiding minister. Select verses from
the passages may be used in the
program. The minister calls the deacons
forward and they form a semicircle at the
altar facing the minister. Prayer is again
offered to petition the Lord's blessings
upon the sacraments and the worshipers
to its use and purpose in their lives.

When the bread and the wine cup are
in the hands of all, the minister will take
a piece of bread, break it and quote John
6:58, "This is that bread which came
down from heaven: not as the fathers ate
manna, and are dead: he that eateth of
this bread shall live for ever." At this
point the minister partakes of the bread
and everyone taking part does the same
at the same time. The minister will then
pour wine (grape juice) into empty
glasses and quote Hebrews 9:22, ". . .
almost all things are by the law purged
with blood; and without shedding of
blood is no remission"; also, 1 John 1 :7,
". . . if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The
minister drinks from the cup, signaling
others to do the same. He will then quote
1 Corinthians 1 1:26, "... as often as ye
eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do
shew the Lord's death till he come."

The minister will then gracefully invite
the worshipers to join others in the
ordinance of washing the saints' feet and
will give directions where the washing
will take place. When this ordinance is
completed, the worshipers will return to
the main assembly to sing a suitable
hymn. I suggest "Bless Be the Tie" or
the "Doxology." A benediction is not
used but the minister may say, "Depart
in peace and may God bless you."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

A/etad a J Aided

of Denominational Interest

Tommy Evans to Conduct
Ormondsville Spring Revival

The Rev. Tommy Evans, pastor of the
Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church
near Greenville, will be the guest
minister for spring revival services at the
Ormondsville Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Ayden, the week of April 5-9.
Mr. Evans will be assisted by the pastor,
the Rev. Clifton Rice, in the services
which will begin each evening at 7:30.
Each service will feature special music
by the local church as well as visiting
musicians.

Mr. Evans, originally from New Bern,
was ordained as a minister by the
Eastern Conference in September, 1975.
He graduated from Mount Olive College
with the highest honors in his class and
from Atlantic Christian College, magna
cum laude. He is also a former president
of the State Youth Convention.

Mr. Rice and the church membership
cordially invite everyone who possibly
can to worship with them during these
series of meetings.

Pleasant Plain Church
Schedules Revival Services

Revival services are scheduled for

Pleasant Plain Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 2, Selma, with the Rev. 0. B.
Jones, pastor of the First church of
Tarboro, as the evangelist. He will be
assisted by the pastor, the Rev.
Raymond T. Sasser. Services will begin
Monday evening, April 5, at 7:30, and
will continue through Friday evening,
April 9.

The pastor and the congregation
welcome all visitors who have an op-
portunity to attend. The church is located
on rural road 1934, about three miles
north of Selma, just off Highway 301 .

William Burkette Raper Jr.
In Organ Recital

William Burkette Raper Jr., son of
President and Mrs. William B. Raper Sr.
of Mount Olive College, will give his
graduating organ recital in Rodgers
Chapel at 8 p. m., Tuesday, April 6.
Raper is a sophomore music major at
Mount Olive College and will be assisted
in the recital by Debra Dean Wilbourn,
mezzo-soprano.

A reception will be held in Mo
Library following the recital. The publ|
is cordially invited.

Bobby Taylor to Conduct
Pleasant Hill Revival

Revival services are scheduled fol
Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church'
Route 2, Pikeville, for the week of Apri !
5-10. The visiting speaker will be the1
Rev. Bobby Taylor, pastor of the Bethany1
church near Winterville. Mr. Taylor will1
be assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Dallas1
Pinkham. Services will begin nightly at'1
7:30 with special music being rendered1
each service. The public is invited to*
attend.

Weekend Revival at
Davis Church

A weekend revival has been scheduled
for April 9, 10, 11, at the Davis Original
Free Will Baptist Church of Davis, with
the Rev. Carlton Lucas as the evangelist.
The youth of the church are sponsoring
the revival which will begin each evening
at seven o'clock. All the youth of the area
are urged to attend and visitors are
welcome. The pastor of the Davis church
is the Rev. James A. Evans.

Oak Grove Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Oak Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Newton Grove. Services are
continuing through Friday evening, April
2, with the Rev. Gene B. Britt, pastor of
Johnston Union church near Clayton,
doing the preaching. The pastor, the

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

C. Felton Godwin, is assisting in the
ices which are beginning each
ing at 7:30. Mr. Godwin and the
ijch congregation invite their many
Njds to join them tor worship and
ilwship during the remainder of these
■ices.

I . Wiggs, Evangelist,
■■Little Creek Revival

line Rev. N. D. Wiggs, pastor of the
|lg Ridge Free Will Baptist Church in
H I in County, will be the guest minister
SI revival services at Little Creek Free
II Baptist Church located on Highway
hi , five miles west of Ayden, April 4-8.
Hi/ices will begin each evening at 7:30
Lli the pastor, the Rev. David C.
tfisley, assisting Mr. Wiggs. Special
[|5ic will be a part of every service. The
Jblic is cordially invited to attend.

I Union Eastern Conference
f iday School Convention

;rhe Third Union Sunday School
Invention of the Eastern Conference
I meet with the First Free Will Baptist
fjjrch of Kinston, Saturday, April 3.
Hstration will begin at 9 a. m., with
l| convention convening at 10 a. m. A
iicial program will be provided by the
j m. DeWayne Eakes. The noon meal will
: b provided by the host church. The
' p;stor of the First church is the Rev. Bill
F:ch.

l/ival Services Planned
F; Edgewood Church

Revival services will be held at the
Egewood Free Will Baptist Church near
Cjsp, April 5 through April 10, with the
■jv. Danny Braswell, pastor of the Peace
djrch, Pinetops, as the evangelist,
(jsisting in these services will be the
fstor, the Rev. Swade Benson. Ser-
ies will begin each evening at 7:45.
fjeryone is cordially invited to attend
t?se services.

uth Sunday Observed
Friendship Church

Friendship Free Will Baptist Church,
>ute 1, Middlesex, observed Youth
jnday, February 29. On this occasion
e youth of the church were in charge of
)th the Sunday school and worship
irvice. Serving as officers and teachers
r the Sunday school were as follows:

|HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Superintendent, John Capps: secretary,
Barbara Capps: adult teacher, Terry
Tippett ; young adult teacher, Garland
Guffery: senior teacher, Timothy Guffery:
intermediate teacher, Stephanie
Edwards: primary teacher, Bonnie
Wilder; and nursery teacher, Cynthia
Capps.

Special music was rendered by Amie
Narron, Kim Chapman, Barbie Wilder,
Chris Wilder, and Noah Capps Jr.

Following the Sunday school hour, the
Rev. Bill Allen brought the morning
message. His subject was "If Jesus
Comes Tomorrow." Special music
during the worship hour was rendered by
the youth choir. Also Bonnie Wilder sang
"How Great Thou Art" and Stephanie
Edwards sang "Ten Thousand Years."
A quartet composed of John Capps, Joel
Creech, Timothy Guffery, and Garland
Guffery, sang "King Jesus." Everyone
received a great blessing from the entire
morning services.

Mrs. Kay Tippett, youth chairman at
Friendship church, states, "We are very
proud and thankful for our young people.
How great it is to see the youth of today
willing to stand up and say, 'Yes, Jesus,
I love you.' Young people, everywhere,
don't be ashamed to stand up for the
Master, after all, look what He did for us.
He died for our sins; not for what we
have done for Him, but just because He
cared. How much do you care today?"

Spring Branch Church
Schedules Revival

The Spring Branch Free Will Baptist
Church near Walstonburg has scheduled
its spring revival for the week of April 5-
10, beginning each evening at eight
o'clock. The pastor, the Rev. Royce
Reynolds, will be doing the preaching
each evening. A cordial welcome is
extended to everyone to attend.

Frankie Flowers to Conduct
Piney Grove Spring Revival

The Piney Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Kenly, has scheduled
its spring revival for the week of April 4-
9. Services will begin nightly at 7:30
with the Rev. Frankie Flowers as the
guest speaker. The pastor, the Rev.
Preston Smith, who will be assisting in
the services, and the church mem-
bership extend a warm welcome to all.

"Night of Song" at
First Church, Wilson

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Wilson announces that there will be a
"Night of Song" held at the church on
Sunday night, April 4, at 7:30 p. m.
Music will be provided by, The
Steeplaires, The Emmanuels, The
Believers, Steve Wilson, Raymond
Gaster, and the Rev. Clyde W. Cox, who
is the pastor of the church. There will
also be special instrumental music by
Mrs. Sandra Pearson playing the organ
and the Rev. Clyde Cox playing the
piano.

The public is cordially invited to come
to this special musical service.

RETIREMENT HOMES NOTICE

In anticipation that the first duplex
apartment at the Retirement Homes will
be ready fcr occupancy about July 1 , the
committee is ready to start receiving
applications for admission. All persons
interested in making application should
write to Retirement Homes and request
application forms. The proper address is
Free Will Baptist Retirement Homes, P.
0. Box 250, Middlesex, North Carolina
27557.

THE BIBLE STILL SELLS!

Recently, our comptroller, the Rev.
Raymond T. Sasser, was cooperating
with The Christian Booksellers
Association, of which the Press is a
member. The Association was con-
ducting a nationwide survey of "trends
in bookselling."

Your editor noticed in the report that
the sales of Bibles for the last business
year amounted to 25 percent ($53,000)
of the dollar volume for our Sunday
school and league literature. Also, it was
noted that 22 percent of the Bibles sold
was in the month of December, re-
flecting that God's Word is a very
suitable gift at Christmas, and at any
time or for any occasion. Tnere was a
very good volume of sales every month.

Mother's Day, Father's Day, birth-
days, and anniversaries are very good
times for visiting one of our stores
(Ayden, New Bern, Smithfield, and
Wilson) to select the Bible with your
choice of binding for the people you wish
to honor and make happy. It is en-
couraging indeed to note that the Bible
still sells! Its message is the most
beautiful and beneficial of all.

9

MICRO CHURCH
HOST TO WESTERN DISTRICT
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene at the
Micro Free Will Baptist Church, Micro,
on Wednesday, April 7, 1976. The
convention theme will be "That I May
Know Him," with the Scripture taken
from Philippians 3:10, "That I may know
him, and the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable unto his
death." Mrs. Alma Dale will serve as
music director and Mrs. Frances Radford
as pianist. The program is as follows:
Morning Session

9:15— Registration

9:45— Hymn, "The Solid Rock"

— Devotions, Mrs. Norma Smith,
Micro Church

—Welcome, Mrs. Carl Bagley,
Host Auxiliary

— President's Remarks, Mrs.
James Joyner, Kenly Church

10:15— Hymn, "Let Others See Jesus in
You"

— "To Make Him Known Through
Missions," Mrs. Mark Taylor,
Calvary Church

— "To Know Him Through
Compassion," Mrs. Jean
Sasser

— Special Music, the Rev. Royster
Martin, Holly Springs Church

— "That Our Youth May Know
Him," Miss Alane Vester,
Wilson Church

— Hymn, "Living For Jesus"

— Offering and Prayer

— Special Music

— Convention Message, the Rev.
William Dale, Spring Hill Church

12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session
1:00— Hymn, "Near the Cross"

— Devotions, Mrs. Charles L.
Renfrow, Fremont Church

— Memorial Prayer

— Special Music

1 :30— Business Session

— Benediction

FILL A PEW

The members of the AFC of White Oak

Original Free Will Baptist Church of
Bladenboro were asked to take a pew
and fill it with visitors during the
church's week of revival, March 8-13.
The one who had the most visitors during
the week was to receive $10— $5 given
by Mrs. Huldah Kinlaw and $5 given by
the pastor, the Rev. Ransom McAbee.
Hope Adams, age 10, was the winner,
having a total of 57 visitors during the
week.

The church is proud of its AFC and
thank God for their enthusiasm for the
Lord's work. Keep up the good work,
Ambassadors for Christ!

AFC FIELD DAY AT
WHITE OAK CHURCH

The AFC auxiliary of White Oak
Original Free Will Baptist Church,
Bladenboro, recently held its annual
Field Day at the home of Ryan Kinlaw.
The activities began at three o'clock in
the afternoon with a kite-flying contest.
Hubert Ray Brown was declared the
winner, even though Mr. Kinlaw flew
Kevin Kinlaw's kite out of sight (after

climbing a tree and falling out).

Next the children tried their stunt:
the trampoline and Angie Smith tried
fancy move too many and fell on i
back. After many laughs, they deci
they had better try something they v
more familiar with— jumping.

A broad jump contest was begun
gradually spreading the distance i
the best jumper could not even jump
length. "Little Long Legs" Hubert
Brown proved he could jump the
thest.

Everyone then decided they wantei
stretch their legs and tackle a runr
contest. After much practice and
ticipation the race began. Of coui
"Long Legs" won again.

Afterwards a "Tug-of-War" bei
with the rope being pulled in two tv\j
before the winners were declared. Wol
you believe the smallest children werei
the side that won?

Beginning to tire and becomi
hungry, the children insisted that Mi
Kinlaw grill the hamburgers. With
assistance of Mrs. Ransom McAbee
Mrs. Hilda Hester, the food I
prepared and served. Their stomac
filled and energy restored, another p
was in preparation.

Mr. Kinlaw, Mr. McAbee, and Ij
Roger Brannon had thrown hay on!
trailer, hooked it to the tractor, «
everyone was off on a hayride. Darknr
had arrived and the trail around the fan
by the cemetery, and through the woo
was a little scary. The group got 1
quiet when they thought the tractor 8
stopped in the middle of the woods. Af
seeing and hearing a few sights a
sounds unfamiliar to their young ey
and ears, they began to want to see 1
lights of home.

As the tractor pulled to a stop in 1
Kinlaws' yard, Mr. McAbee led 1
group in prayer and everyone left
home ready for a good night's rest, am
look ahead for their next experience
an annual AFC Field Day.

Those parents were as follows: T
Rev. and Mrs. McAbee, Mrs. Hil
Hester, Hubert Ray Brown, Lee A
Brown, Clayton Brown, Lee Anne Hestf
Hope Adams, Angie Smith, Terri Turnt
Wendy Todd, Missy Britt, Jenny Bri
Kevin Kinlaw, Ryan Kinlaw, and Mr. a
Mrs. Clifton Kinlaw. Visitors frc
Spartanburg, South Carolina, we
Roger, Janice, Darrel, and DeWay
Brannon.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIJ

ITTENTION, NORTH CAROLINA
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES!

he 1976 session of the North Carolina
e Woman's Auxiliary Convention will
vene on Thursday, May 6, with the
norial Chapel Free Will Baptist
irch at the Children's Home, Mid-
ex. Each auxiliary should represent
i one delegate for each 25 members
raction thereof, plus a registration fee
5.

flany auxiliaries mail their fees in
ance. This is a good thing to do, as it
es the delegates the trouble of
idling the money. Also, in the event
lething happens at the last minute to
hibit your representing in person,
r auxiliary is registered as having
n represented:

MPORTANT: Please mail your fee
ore April 30, if possible, so that I will
Ire time to get the list prepared and
« livered to the convention registration
fnmittee for use on the morning of May
If you cannot possibly attend, please
^ il your fees, as the convention needs
jr support. Mail fees to the address
ow.

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
State Treasurer
517 Westover Avenue
Wilson, N. C. 27893

BIBLE BOWL QUIZ
RUN-OFFS

The North Carolina state final run-offs
for the Bible Bowl Quiz will be held on
Saturday, April 10, at 2 p. m., at the
Marlboro Free Will Baptist Church, High-
way 264 bypass, outside Farmville. All
AFC and YFA district winners are asked
to be present for the run-offs. If your
district did not participate in the Bible
Bowl Quiz and your local church has a
team, either AFC or YFA, or both, be
sure they are present for the state run-
offs. There will be first-place, second-
place, and third-place winners
representing North Carolina at the
General Conference Youth Meeting and
Fellowship on Monday evening, June 28,
at the First Free Will Baptist Church in
Durham.

It is important that all the Bible Bowl
Quiz winners be present on Saturday,
April 10, at 2 p. m., at the Marlboro
church. See you then!

Charlotte Griffin
Youth Chairman
General Conference

COMING EVENTS. . .

March 31— Central District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Walstonburg, North Carolina

SpeciaC foments

ar Maggie,

"I had a special moment. I went to the nursing home. It was sad. Some of the
bople looked like they didn't belong there. I went with the boys in my cub scout den.
|e went because it was Valentine's Day. We gave the people who came to the big
iom a valentine. Also, we gave each of them some candy. I went because I believe
'iat it is what God would want me to do. I think that I should go back someday
'Don."

ns

ine-years old
reenville, N. C.

. . . Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:
' jorof such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).

To view Jesus through the eyes of a child, is to see life with love and honesty.

Maggie

April 3— Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro,
North Carolina

April 3 — Conference on "Stewardship
and the Local Church," Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 7— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Micro Free Will
Baptist Church, Micro, North
Carolina

April 10— 36th Annual Session of the
North Carolina State Sunday School
Convention, Ayden Grammar School,
South Lee Street or Business High-
way 11 South, Ayden, North
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention (Place to Be
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Rev. Arnold Woodlief, 410 West
Milton Avenue, Marianna, Florida
32446, announces that he is available for
evangelist work wherever the Lord leads.
Any church or minister interested in his
services may contact him by writing the
address above.

The Rev. Bobby Brown, former pastor
of Russell's Creek Free Will Baptist
Church near Beaufort, will be available
for full-time pastoral duties as of April 1 ,
1976. If interested you may contact him
at Route 2, Box 43-A, Newport, North
Carolina 28570, or by telephoning 726-
5474.

FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

"I WANT A BASKETBALL!"

J WANT a basketball, Dad,"
Larry Masters pleaded.
"Son," smiled the parent sadly, "you
know I've just returned to work after a
long layoff. And your mother comes
home from the hospital tomorrow. The
doctor says she'll not be well for a long
time. And we're swamped with bills
because of her sickness. I just can't
afford to buy anything now which isn't
absolutely necessary."

"But Blackie Williams next door says
he'll sell me his old one for just a
dollar," Larry pressed. "He got a brand
new ball for his birthday."

"Son," replied Mr. Masters, "I'm
afraid I can't spare even a dollar just
now."

Larry brooded for several days over
his frustrated wish. His disappointment
over the basketball took away some of
the joy his mother's homecoming should
have brought.

Then Blackie Williams met Larry on
the street. "Say, Larry," the neighbor
greeted, "when are you going to buy my
old ball?"

"I'm afraid it's hopeless," replied
Larry. "Dad says we don't have the
money."

"You don't even have a dollar?"
exclaimed Blackie. "Well, if your dad
won't give you the money, there are
other ways of getting it. If you don't buy
the old ball in a few days, I'm going to
sell it to Jerry Brown. I've been keeping
it for you."

"I don't know where I'd get a dollar
except from Dad," Larry commented as
the two eleven-year-olds strolled along.

"If I tell you how," proposed Blackie,
"will you go through with it?"

"Sure," agreed Larry, without
thinking.

"See Mrs. Baxter's apple tree over by
her dining room window?" The neighbor

boy pointed. "She sells apples to the
corner grocery. Now what's to stop you
from picking some tonight and selling
them tomorrow? The grocer would think
you were on an errand for Mrs. Baxter. ' '

It took some persuasion to convince
Larry that he could get away with the
scheme. But he really wanted that
basketball.

"Mrs. Baxter's tree yields fine ap-
ples, doesn't it?" exclaimed grocer
Clark when Larry Masters brought some
in the next day. The grocer inspected a
few specimens and grunted his approval.
He weighed the lot and handed two
dollars to the boy. "It's not much," the
grocer commented, "but Widow Baxter
told me that every penny helps. ' '

Larry bought the basketball but had to
sneak it into his room, so his parents
would not question where he had gotten
the money. He pocketed the other dollar.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Baxter noticed many
missing apples. "I had counted on
selling some today," she confided to a
visitor, "to get the rest of the money for
my light bill."

"Didn't you sell some this morning?"
her friend asked. "I was at Clark's store
when the Masters boy brought in some
apples. He said they came from your
tree. I know that the grocer thought he
was bringing them in for you."

"Is that so?" said the widow.

"You mean he wasn't working for
you?" the visitor demanded. "Didn't
Larry bring you the two dollars?"

"I'm afraid not," Mrs. Baxter ad-
mitted.

"I'd call the police if I were you,"
suggested the friend. "If that boy is
allowed to get away with this, there is no
telling how far he'll go."

"No," Mrs. Baxter replied, "I'll not
call the police. Will you help me to take
care of the situation in another way?"

"What will you do?" the visitor

asked. J
Help me to pick a basket of apples i
Mrs. Baxter suggested. "Then wi '
take them and a kettle of soup over!
Larry's sick mother."

Larry's mouth flew open in dismay
he answered the doorbell and befit
widow Baxter and her friend. "We ha
something for your mother, Larry," Mr,
Baxter announced. "May we come in?'1

The eleven-year-old ushered tP
guests to Mrs. Masters' bedroom. II
listened with amazement as Mrs. Baxl
explained, "I brought you some soil
and some apples from my tree, j
remembered how you enjoyed the fruit
the past."

"But you help to support yourself |
selling those apples," objected the ailii
woman. "I'll be glad to accept the sou,
but you should take the apples to Mj
Clark."

"The Lord will take care of n
needs," Mrs. Baxter answered wii
confidence. "I want you to have tl
apples. With all these hospital and doctj
bills, you probably can't spare the monif
to buy them."

It was too much for Larry. He rushfj
out of the room. He met Mrs. Baxt|
outside the front door as she was leavi^
and thrust a dollar bill into her hand,
stole your apples last night and ■
them for two dollars," he confesseii
"But I spent one. I bought Blackie^
basketball. But I promise to pay you tt^
other dollar when I can raise it. I'll sed
Blackie will take his ball back."

"You keep the ball, Larry," fl
Baxter replied. "But I do expect you |
earn the other dollar honestly. Will
work for me?"

"Will I!" exclaimed the boy. "I'll c
anything you say."

The next day found Larry laborin
energetically in Mrs. Baxter's yar(
When she paid him a dollar, he sak
"Now you take it, and I can pay bac
what I stole."

"Larry," Mrs. Baxter answerer,
"instead of giving this dollar to me,
want you to put it in the offering i
Sunday school next Lord's Day."

"But I don't go to Sunday school,
the boy objected.

"Exactly," smiled the widow. "Bi
you will next Sunday, won't you?"

Larry did go to Sunday school the ne:
Sunday and ensuing Sundays, too. An
he resolved, "I'll never ste
again!" — Selected

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAStf)

HE SUNDAY
1SCHOOL LESSON^T

For April 11

THE REJECTED KING

on Text: Matthew 27:1 1 , 15-23, 27-

inory Verse: Matthew 27:22
INTRODUCTION

ur lesson text for today deals with the
ous events associated with the trial of
s as He stood before Pontius Pilate,
Roman governor. It is to be noted that
n Jesus stood before the Jewish
ncil, He was accused by the chief
sts and the elders of blasphemy;
ever, when He appeared before
te, who had very little interest in
ters pertaining to the Jewish
abbles about religion, the charge was
nged to one of sedition. They accused
us of seeking to make Himself king,
this could be construed as an effort
verthrow the power of Caesar,
hen Jesus freely confessed to the
ncil that He was the Christ, the Son of
, they thought it unnecessary to hear
itional evidence; for that to their mind
stituted blasphemy of the basest sort,
us, though He freely confessed to
te that He was a King, was quick to
rm Peter that His kingdom was not of
s world, and therefore constituted no
eat to the authority of Rome.
Pilate was convinced that Jesus posed
threat to Roman authority and sought
release Him. The chief priests, the
ribes, and the elders of Israel,
wever, exercised their influence over
3 Jewish people and moved them to
k for the release of a common criminal
d the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate, being
xious to please, gave heed to their
mands, and turned Jesus over to them
be crucified. He had to make a
cision concerning Jesus, and he made
3 wrong decision.— The Senior
jarterly (F. W. B.)

HINTS THAT HELP

A. The Jews had already rejected
irist as Lord and Saviour. Now when
ey had the opportunity they rejected
im again when Pilate said, "What then
lall I do with Jesus which is called the

Christ?" One only has to look at the
Jews as a nation to see the result of
rejecting Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

B. Pilate tried to shift the respon-
sibility of disposing of Jesus, but this is
an impossibility. Men have tried in
various ways to keep from making a
decision for Jesus Christ, but their very
indecision becomes a decision against
Him.

C. Without being aware of it, the
Roman soldiers fulfilled a great prophecy
when they mocked Jesus by placing a
robe on Him and a crown of thorns on His
head, and bowing down to Him. Thetime
will come when all men will bow to Him.

D. It was necessary that Jesus be
crucified, but "woe be to him by whom
the offences comes." The Jews had a
part when they condemned Him to death;
the Romans had a part when the Roman
soldiers did the work. You and I had a
part in His death in that He died for our
sins.

E. When mankind was killing the
Son of God who is the Light of the World,
blackness enveloped the earth. This is a
symbol of what happens when any man
tries to put the Light of the World out of
his life.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Let's look again at that question
of Pilate: "What shall I do then with
Jesus which is called Christ?" It
required an answer when Pilate asked it,
and it requires an answer today.

The priests and their henchmen had a
quick answer ready: "Let Him be
crucified." The cross was their answer.
That would solve all their problems, they

hoped. They would be rid of Jesus.
Never again would He reprove them by
driving their crooked merchants out of
the temple. No more would He embarrass
them by pointing out their hypocrisy.
They could go on with their easy and
profitable life without rebuke. How little
they knew what would happen! When He
was gone, they soon had to contend with
a vigorous and growing church that
condemned their murder of Jesus as well
as their other sins.

There are some today who would like
to get rid of Jesus and His influence and
His church— and they seem to be getting
more numerous and more noisy. If only
Christian teaching could be abolished,
what would be left to rebuke the modern
immorality that many find pleasant? Who
would denounce the selfishness and
greed that many find so profitable? So
there are some who would abolish Jesus
and give His ruling place to reason, or
science, or their own wishes. How little
they guess what a hellish world this
would be without the influence of Jesus!

Pilate preferred to ask the question,
not to answer it. He wanted to do nothing
with Jesus. A big zero can represent his
wish. He wanted to be neutral, to wash
his hands of the whole matter. But he
found it was impossible. Lacking the
courage to take his stand firmly on the
right side, he found himself aligned on
the wrong side.

How many people in today's world
want to be neutral? They have nothing
against Jesus. They admire Him. They
think He is great. They would not think of
doing or saying anything to oppose
Christ, but neither do they do or say
anything for Him and His cause. They
don't want to be involved. Lacking the
courage, or the strength of character, or
the unselfishness, or the will to take a
strong stand for the Lord, they find
themselves swept along in the rising tide
of antichristians influences. Jesus put it
very clearly: "He that is not with me is
against me" (Matthew 12:30).

There is a third answer to Pilate's
question: What shall I do with Jesus? I
shall crown Him— not with thorns, but
with the reverance and honor of a sincere
heart. I shall love Him and serve Him all
the days of my life.— Adapted from the
Standard Lesson Commentary

B. Most sane people will agree that
something is terribly wrong in the mind
of someone who willfully takes the life of
(Continued on Page 15)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

igjjiliiS

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

COLLEGE TO SPONSOR WORKSHOP
ON STEWARDSHIP AND THE
LOCAL CHURCH

Could your church use more money?
Do you feel that your church is giving to
the cause of Christ as it should in ac-
cordance with its financial ability? Are
you satisfied with the stewardship
program in your church? Does the
financial program of your church keep
pace with the economy?

These are some of the questions that
pastors and other church leaders must
answer; and when they do, usually they
come to the conclusion that something
needs to be done about the stewardship
program of the local church. It is in
response to this need that Mount Olive
College is sponsoring the workshop on
"The Stewardship Program of the Local
Church," on Saturday, April 3, 1976.

Who should attend this workshop from
your church? Of course, the pastor
should be there if possible, the church
treasurer, and the Board of the Church or
the Finance Committee. The program of
the workshop is arranged so that every
member of the church can benefit. It is a
must for leaders and those who aspire to
leadership in the local church.

How much does the workshop cost?
The College is not sponsoring the
workshop to make money, but as a
service to the church. To offer the in-
struction, necessary printed materials,
and lunch, the cost will be $5 per
person.

What does the program include? The

program includes three hours of
discussion and instruction on financial
programs of the local church. The first
period will begin promptly at 10 a. m.
and continue to 1 1 a. m. The topic will be
' ' How to Prepare a Church Budget. ' '

Some discussion questions are as
follows: Who should prepare the budget
for the church? What items should the
budget include? How do you determine

how much each item should be? How do
you present the budget to the church of
its approval? How do you promote the
budget in the congregation after it has
been approved by the church committee?

(The leader is the Rev. Floyd B.
Cherry, president of Carolina Bible
Institute and pastor of the Pine Level
church. He has had more than forty
years of experience as a pastor in
churches of various size and
background.)

The second period will begin promptly
at 11:15 a. m. and continue to 12:15
p. m. The topic is "How to Teach
Stewardship in the Local Church." Some
subjects to be discussed are as follows:
How to prepare and preach sermons on
stewardship. How to teach stewardship
in the Sunday school. How to teach
stewardship to the children.

(The leader is the Rev. Clarence F.
Bowen, pastor of Stoney Creek church.
Mr. Bowen has the training and ex-
perience to enable him to help those who
are interested in the stewardship
program of the local church.)

Lunch will be served in the College
cafeteria from 12:1 5 to 1:30.

The last period will be from 1 :30 p. m.
to 2:30 p. m. The topic is "Giving to the
Church and Federal Income Tax." Some
of the questions discussed will be: How
much credit do I get off my taxes for
contributions to the church? If I am
called for an audit, what proof do I need
of my contribution? If I operate my own
business, how do I determine how much
my tithe is?

(The discussion will be led by Mr. Earl
Deal, who is a member of the Reedy
Branch church in Pitt County. Mr. Deal is
a field auditor for the Federal Internal
Revenue Service.)

When do I register? Your registration
check for $5 may be sent directly to the
Rev. Frank Harrison, P. 0. Box 151,
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365. If

you do not know for certain whether
can come, you may register on the d<
the workshop at 9 a. m., at the h
derson building on the College campu

GIFTS TO
MOYE LIBRARY OF
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

Gifts to Moye Library of Mount Olive College <§|
the month of February, 1976, are as follows:
In Memory Of

Mrs. Esther P. Anderson by Little Rock Fred
Baptist Church, Lucama.

Mr. Johnnie C. Baker by Mr. and Mrs. Jami)
Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Mozelle Bennette by Miss Pattie L. 1|
Oxford.

Mrs. Eula Buck Brinson by Mrs. Rhoda
Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Luck, Mr. and Mr
Matthew Prescott, and Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Presk
New Bern.

Ms. Marjorie Brinson by Arapahoe Free Will Ba(
Church and the Woman's Auxiliary, Arapahoe.

Mrs. Ellen G. Carraway by Dr. and Mrs.
Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Queenie S. Clark by Dr. and Mrs. W. BurH
Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. John A. Crain by Mount Olive College Aluj
Association, Mount Olive.

Dr. Warren H. Crumpler by Dr. and Mrs.
Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. George Dail by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Riley, II
Bern.

Mr. Everette Davis by Gary Fenton Barefoot, Md
Olive; and Mr. and Mrs. Roney B. Bunn Jr., Kenly.j

Mrs. J. P. Duncan by Mr. and Mrs. Billy R. |
cent, Greenville.

Mr. R. J. and Beatrice Fulcher by Harvey, Mai
and Anita Whitford, Vanceboro.

Mr. Weldon Fulcher by Dr. and Mrs. W. Burke
Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. R. A. Gardner by Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Wool
and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Wooten, Farmville.

Mr. Everett Disel Hinkle by Woman's Auxiliary
Cabin Free Will Baptist Church, Mr. and Mrs. Wal
Rhodes, and Mrs. Julia Mercer, Beulaville.

Mr. Eugene Hunnings by Mr. and Mrs. Den
Riley, New Bern.

Mr. Edward Chesley King by Miss Cathy
Wallace, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Ethel Kornegay by 0. R., Grace, and Sa
Blizzard, Kenansville.

Mr. Lucian H. Lamm by Mr. and Mrs. James
Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Janie Smith Lewis by Mr. and Mrs. Deni
Riley, New Bern.

Mr. Charles "Nick" Mallard by Mr. and Mi
Dennis Riley, New Bern.

Mrs. Ella S. Mallard by Dr. and Mrs. W. Burke'
Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Nannie Matthews by Mr. and Mrs. Sc
Barefoot, Dunn.

Mr. W. J. (Red) Miller by Mr. and Mrs. Frai
Rhodes, Beulaville.

Retired Col. Charles Serman Nusbaum by Mr. ai
Mrs. Dennis Riley, New Bern.

Mrs. Ruby S. Parker by Mr. and Mrs. Bobby \
Ackiss, Goldsboro.

Mrs. Charlie A. Shine by Dr. and Mrs. W. Burket
Raper, Mount Olive.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

,rs. Dixie McCullen Sutton by Mr. and Mrs.
ence E. Jones and children, Goldsboro.
Irs. Dorothy Parker Tew by Mrs. Oscar E.
|| jughby and Miss Sara M. Willoughby, Ahoskie.
Ir, John Alton Warren by Mr. and Mrs. Sherrill
ams and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Warwick, Newton
ie.

Ir. Jimmy Lee Watson by Little Rock Free Will
list Church, Lucama.

Ir. Alex Thomas Wise by Mrs. Helen T. Beaman
' the Alathea Sunday School Class of Hull Road
Will Baptist Church, Snow Hill.

In Honor Of

/Is Lorraine Garner by Willing Workers Ladies
day School Class, Free Union Free Will Baptist
kFijurch, Pinetown.

Ms. Amy Lucille Williams by Mount Olive College

ni Association, Mount Olive.

Gifts

bins

LtWth Carolina Free Will Baptist Woman's Auxiliary
0|)a|vention, Wilson.

ti S. S. LESSON

(Continued from Page 13)
pother. But what about mankind in
. Ineral in relationship to the murder of
"I Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary's
Bliss? Theologians say the sins of the

Virld weighed on Jesus at His
4icifixion. Have you seen your role in

jjs death from God's viewpoint?
■Selected

WAKE UP! SPRING IS HERE

by Mrs. Calvin C. Medlin

m daffodils and the forsythia
Are glistering like gold;
i fiey have a beautiful message
I For both the young and the old.
ihey're saying, "Spring is here, wake

Arise and let God fill your cup.
' ]he buds are all about to burst,
if And green grass is covering the earth.

ho can say that God is dead

When spring is so near?
e is everywhere—

On the ground and in the air.
iVen the little crocus,
i So short and so sweet,
iay hello to you

As you go down the street.

firds are singing everywhere;

Why even they know spring is here,
low can one sit back and say

He does not believe in God today?
es, God loves us and He cares

Even though we have wasted many
years.

>o friend, wake up, God is near,
And there is surely spring in the air.

Children's Home

(Continued from Page 4 )

MEMORIAL GIVING

Last year two separate memorial funds
were established in memory of faithful
friends of the Children's Home. The first
one established was the Clarence Mitchell
Memorial Fund. Mr. Mitchell was reared
at the Home and after he became an adult
he worked on the staff for twenty-eight
years. He was a faithful worker in the
Lord's kingdom and gave freely of his
time and means.

The other memorial fund established
was one in memory of the late Rev. D. W.
Alexander, a member of Sweet Gum
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Stokes,
and a leader in the Central Conference.
Mr. Alexander was one of the Home's
founding fathers and faithful to the work
for the duration of his life.

Anyone interested in making con-

tributions to either of these memorial
funds are encouraged to do so. Just send
your contributions to the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, P. 0. Drawer E.,
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557, and
designate it for the proper fund.

Camellia and Azalea Gardens
to Be Opened

The gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
P. Holmes II will be opened to the public
on Sunday, April 4, from 1-5 p. m.

In a 12-acre woodland setting,
surrounding Lake Elizabeth, there are
thousands of azaleas, camellias,
dogwoods, and other flowering trees,
creating a scene of nature at its loveliest.
The gardens are located on North
Carolina Highway 55, four miles east of
the town of Mount Olive.

This tour will be under the spon-
sorship of Northeast Free Will Baptist
Church.

DAILY VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL SHOWING

of

Literature and Crafts
of

The 1976 Free Will Baptist Series
"PAUL PROCLAIMS THE FAITH"

at

New Bern Bible and Bookstore

315 Middle Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28560

Thursday, April 8
7-9 P. M.

Also c

Iso at this showing, the Standard Publishing Company material, "God's Love
Is Jesus," will be available for purchase.

Don't Miss This Showing

E FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

COM

. . BUBEiiM, n, c. mm

36TH ANNUAL SESSION-N. C. STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION

Saturday, April 10, 1976

(Registration Begins at 8:30 A. M.)

Washington

o
to

H
p

W

11 North
(Bus.)

F. W.B.
Press

Foundation

■AYDEN'

Ayden

Grammar

School

11 South
(Bus.)

8

11 Bypass

Snow Hill

200 YEARS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

"A PAST TO CHERISH— A FUTURE TO MOLD"

The Ayden Free Will Baptist Church was host to the convention in 1941 . This year the "Press" is
host, with the convention being held in the Ayden Grammar School which provides ample space
and facilities for workshops, parking, etc. The Ayden, Winterville, and Elm Grove Free Will
Baptist Churches in the area are assisting.

It is fitting in this historical year that Ayden should be host. This area
has been the location for the printing needs of our denomination for
1 03 years, and Ayden was formerly the location of the Ayden Seminary
and Eureka College.

A date in history has been assigned to 200 Sunday schools. It is hoped that all the 200 schools
will report. (Please mail your report by return mail.) Your school will be properly recognized on
the big convention plaque. Superintendents, teachers, pastors, and all interested members in
your school are urged to be present for the convention on Saturday, April 10.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

lb

the

free Dill baptist

Confucius expressed a great truth in these words : "I
live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a
very large world."

Cover Photo by Bob Aiken Jr.

There Is a Certain Beauty About Clean Windows

( Third in a Series )
Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman
Recently I traveled a road beside which stood an old house on a farm that
had been sold to new owners. The house, unlived in for years, was being
renovated for a new family. Every evidence of neglect and unconcern showed
inside and out.

It was almost dark. As I glanced toward the house, I saw that the lights
were on. Scattered lumber, ladders, and opened doors said that workers were
busy with repairs and improvements.

Especially, I noticed that the windows, several of which were broken, were
covered with dust, dirt, and smoke-like film that indicated long months without
human attention.

As I looked through the window in a quick passing, I had a rather strange,
inexplicable reaction. I thought, "If I were renovating an old house, I think I'd
wash the windows the very first thing. Then I could see clearly inside and out."

Except for the immediate pleasure, under such circumstances, there
would be no value in washing the windows because they would need to be
washed again after the painters and carpenters had finished. Yet, there's
something about a clean window! If not, why would almost everyone be ob-
sessed with washing "all the windows in the whole house" every year about
this time?

Spiritually speaking, perhaps spring is a good time to look at our win-
dows—the windows of our heart, mind, body, and spirit. How clearly can we
truly see? How much have our windows become clouded with the dust of un-
concern, grease fumes of prejudice, splotched smears of covetousness, and
spattered dots of disrespect, so that we cannot see clearly?

Window-washing products for the home are relatively inexpensive, but
window-washing products of the heart are absolutely free and readily
available; for love, compassion, forgiveness, patience, and concern are always
with us. They need only to be released and put to use.

Finally, which is more important, looking in or looking out? Maybe the
important thing is to keep the windows clean and bright, then one sees clearly
both ways: God comes in and love goes out.

O God, our Father, give me clean hands,
clean words, clean thoughts;

Help me to stand for the hard right
against the easy wrong;

Save me from habits that harm ;

Teach me to work as hard
and play as fair
in Thy sight alone
as if all the world saw.

Forgive me when I am unkind ;
and help me to forgive others
when they are unkind to me ;

Keep me ready to help others
at some cost to myself ;

Send me some chances to do a little
good everyday,

And to grow more like Christ.

-William DeWitt Hyde

An unknown author penned this beautiful thought : "People are like stained
glass windows. They glow and sparkle when it is sunny and bright, but when
the sun goes down, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from
within."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

APRIL 7, 1976
Volume 91 Number!

Edited and published weekly by the Free W|
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Li
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon;
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mm]
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tH
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: oi
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four year:
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discour
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and ac
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered undq
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec1
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th1
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eaC)
article is given the person whose name appear,
under the title or to the person submitting saw
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m —
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9 : 3<

a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary,
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

IlillWiliWWIiWWilli

GRIMSELY FREE WILL BAPTIST

■WIlBIBMHHBiBilS

by Valerie Joan Wood

i!(The following two-part article, History
|! Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church,

ijs written by Miss Valerie Wood, a
■dent of Mount Olive College and a
rUber of the Grimsley church, and
f'bmitted to Mrs. Margaret Walker,
f glish professor at Mount Olive College,
I March 12, 1976.)

K RIMS LEY Original Free Will
y Baptist Church located on North
llrolina Highway 102, in Greene County,
ijree miles north of Snow Hill and three
iles west of Maury, has established a
■story of over two hundred years of
fistence. The earliest mention of
timsley church is in Harrison and
arfield's Early History of the Free Will
Sptist Church. In the period of time
|727 to 1752) there were sixteen
aptist churches in North Carolina, and
rimsley was listed among these.1
'■■ The purpose of this research paper is
\ establish as nearly and as accurately
S possible a date for the beginning of
jie Grimsley church; thus, showing the
purch as a bicentennial landmark to
sreene County, to the nation, and
,ertainly to the Free Will Baptist
lenomination. Not only did Grimsley
jxist over two hundred years ago, but
jlso there were even Free Will Baptist
amilies existing in North Carolina as
iarly as 1690.2

. In the summer of 1754, John Gano, a
baptist, was sent from Philadelphia to
breach in the Southern States. He called
[ill Baptist ministers of North Carolina
jogether and preached to them, strongly
advocating the principles of Calvinism.3
The Calvinists' beliefs differed from
those of the General Baptists in many
Ways. The Calvinists believed that
Christ's atonement was limited to the
" elect" and that man did not have the
exercise of free will. Thus, man could not
choose the ways of God along with
salvation, or to reject God.4 Also, the
Calvinists argued that a convert should
be able to pinpoint the time and nature of

his conversion along with an experience,
such as the gift of tongues. Opposing
these beliefs, the General Baptists (as
the Free Will Baptists were once called)
demanded only a simple profession of
faith in Christ. Since no experience was
required by General Baptists, their
opponents accused them of allowing
unsaved persons to be baptized.5 As a
result of John Gano's preaching, many of
the ministers, followed by their
churches, accepted the principles of
Calvinism. Those who yielded to this
influence were called the New Light
Baptists.6

By 1761, the General Baptists'
movement had been reduced to four
ministers and the churches that they
directed. These preachers refused to let
their churches yield to the proselyting
influence of the Calvinists. The churches
included Wheat Swamp and Lousan
Swamp in Lenoir County, Gum Swamp in
Pitt County, Pungo in Beaufort County,
and Grimsley and Little Creek in Greene
County. These churches that never
became a part of the Calvinistic
Association were described as
"flourishing like the palm tree, growing
like a cedar in Lebanon, while the
Calvinistic brethren have demolished
almost to nothing." In fact, there is not
an original Calvinistic Baptist church in
North Carolina today.7

Of the six churches listed above that
never yielded to the Calvinists, only three
remained faithful to the Free Will
Baptists' doctrine. Wheat Swamp is now
a Disciple of Christ or a Christian Church.
Pungo died out in the eighteenth century.
Little Creek, Gum Swamp, and Grimsley
were the three churches that remained
true to their original faith; thus, the word
"original" Free Will Baptist derives its
significance.8

Joseph and William Parker are largely
responsible for the existence of the three
original Free Will Baptist churches.
Joseph Parker established a church on
Little Contentnea (Little Creek) and made

it a mission center from which other
churches were later organized. William
Parker, probably a cousin to Joseph, is
given credit for the establishment of
Grimsley (date unknown), which was
possibly an "arm" of the Little Creek
mission center.9

When Joseph Parker died in 1791,
James Roach succeeded him in the
General Baptist work at Little Creek,
Grimsley, Wheat Swamp, Lousan
Swamp, and Gum Swamp.10 In 1798,
he bought one acre of land in Glascow
County (what is now Pitt, Greene, and
Lenoir Counties) from John Jones." 11
The deed was recorded in 1800 in the
Greene County Courthouse. However, the
courthouse burned in 1876, and the
majority of the county's records and legal
documents were destroyed. The deed
has been recorded recently by an elder
member of the church. 12

Thus, the following question is
presented: If the deed states that the
land was not purchased until 1798, what
accounts for the existence of Grimsley
church prior to this date? There are three
factors that verify Grimsley's existence
prior to 1798.

One factor places Grimsley church as
far back as 1794. William Parker is given
credit for the establishment of the
church; yet, he died in 1794. 13
Therefore, the church had to be in
existence before 1798.

Second, in 1784, a building for a
church at the present site of Grimsley
church was erected by permission on the
lands of a man named Jones.14 This is
confirmed in the deed when John Roach
bought the land from John Jones.
However, this was not A. Jones' Meeting
House on Little Contentnea which we
know today as Little Creek, nor Grim-
sley.15 It is very possible that prior to
1784, when a building was erected and
even as early as 1752, Grimsley church
was known as a little preaching point
where people would gather to hear the
(Continued on Page 16)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

/

THE WEEK
THAT WAS

by

Winnifred A. Webster

JT was having to be away for
a wedding in the family that
prompted my husband to call on one
of our young ministerial students to fill
the pulpit one Sunday in December.
Having done a sufficient job the church
called on this young man to hold our
spring revival— his first one ever.

The week of services have just ended
and our church has indeed been blessed.
We have been blessed not only by the
messages we heard but by the presence
of this young man. It was so refreshing
to hear the gospel presented in such a
direct manner but without any
showmanship or displaying of self. The
messages were delivered with honesty
and, above all, sincerity. There was a
simple projection of his faith and his
relationship with his Master, the Lord
Jesus Christ, without any flair of
professionalism. It was truly like a breath
of fresh air in that it was a non-
professional revival.

My husband and I have talked about
the point this young man has already
reached in life in comparison to how long
it took my husband to reach the same
point. We credit it to several things. This
young man comes from a Christian home
and his father was an outstanding
minister in our denomination. Not
discrediting his own commitment, we
feel that the program Mount Olive College
has to offer young ministerial students
has much to do with the point this young
man has reached.

Maybe you feel I am endorsing this
young man and the college. Maybe I am,
but even more I am endorsing giving our
young ministers-to-be a chance. This
young man is a graduate of Mount Olive
College and is now in a four year school,
but he has held his first revival. This is
an accomplishment that takes many
years for most young ministers.

I have heard people in churches
without ministers say that they didn't
know what they were going to do about a
supply minister much less a pastor. I
have never failed to say, "Look to Mount
Olive." Most of the time my words went
unheeded. The sad thing is that there are
so many ministerial students just waiting

for a chance to preach one sermon. True,
they don't all preach like some of our
most outstanding ministers, but those
outstanding ministers didn't get where
they are without (should we use the
word) practice. Not only do young
ministers need exposure for helping
them learn to prepare and present, but it
also helps them decide into what aspect
of ministry they wish to go.

I know the members of our church can
truly say that they were blessed last
week, both by the messages and the
presence of this young man. Our at-
tendance on the final night of services
spoke to this fact. I also feel that one day
we will have cause to look back and say,
"You know, that young man held his
first revival at our church." Let us give
our young ministers-to-be a chance and
always remember them in our prayers.

RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT
Katie Radcliff Windley

Whereas, our heavenly Father, in His
infinite wisdom, saw fit to call from our
midst on November 30, 1975, Katie
Radcliff Windley, a faithful and lifetime
member of the Free Union Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Pinetown,
North Carolina;

Whereas, to those of us who knew and
loved her dearly and are saddened by her
passing;

Therefore, be it resolved, that we
express our sincere sympathy to her
family for the example she set before
them, and that it will not only be
remembered by these, but by everyone
whose lives she may have touched. That
we will always remember her and the
virtuous life she lived, as recorded in
Proverbs 12:4, "A virtuous woman is a
crown to her husband: but she that
maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his
bones." Also note Proverbs 31 :28, "Her
children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her. ' '

We sincerely request that a copy of
these resolutions be sent to her family,
her church, "The Free Will Baptist" and
The Washington Daily News for
publication, and a copy be duly recorded
in the minutes of the woman's auxiliary,
of which she was a charter and faithful
member.

Respectfully submitted,
Ellaree Radcliff
Betty Whitley
Laura Webster
Len Ellen Parker

COMING EVENTS...

April 7— Western District Womar
Auxiliary Convention, Micro FreeW
Baptist Church, Micro, Noi
Carolina

April 10— 36th Annual Session of ti
North Carolina State Sunday Schc
Convention, Ayden Grammar Schoi
South Lee Street or Business Hig
way 11 South, Ayden, Norj
Carolina, with the Free Will Baptij
Press Foundation as Host

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olh]
College, Mount Olive, North Carolin:

April 15— Albemarle District Woman
Auxiliary Convention, Free Unit!
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetowi
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State You!
Fellowship Convention (Place to E
Announced)

May 6— North Carolina State Woman'
Auxiliary Convention, Memori,
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children'
Home, Middlesex, North Caroline'
with the Western District Serving a;
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagle
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, Nort
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Wi'
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M.
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robet
May, Guest Speaker

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needec
for any church that is seeking a pastor and fc
any minister who is seeking a church to serv
and would like to give such notice. Please sen!
the necessary information to the editor of "Th
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for tw
issues only.)

The Rosebud Free Will Baptist Church
Route 4, Wilson, is in need of a pastoi
Any interested minister may contact Mi
Lloyd Wiggs Jr., Route 4, Wilson, Nort
Carolina 27893; telephone, 237-6248.

Jesse Bryan Caton Jr. has recentl
been licensed to preach God's Word ani
to share what Jesus Christ has done fo
him personally. He is available for youtl
revivals and supply work within th
bounds of Original Free Will Baptis
churches. He may be contacted at th-
following addresses: Mount Olivi
(Continued on Page 9)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, APRIL 11
Scripture Reading— Psalm 25:9, 10

GREAT DAVID'S GREATER
SON

Hail to the Lord's anointed,

Great David's greater Son!
jHail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun !
(He comes to break oppression,

To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.

Kings shall fall down before Him,

And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him,

His praise all people sing:
For He shall have dominion

O'er river, sea, and shore,
Far as the eagles' pinion

Or dove's light wing can soar.

—James Montgomery

PRAYER THOUGHT
'Are we like the people of Jesus' day,
inging His praises one day and
itraying Him and all He stands for
i next?

over darkness. May His light be
reflected through our lives.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13
Scripture Reading— Matthew 26:53

"I SHALL EMERGE ONE
DAY!"

"If I stoop

Into a dark tremendous sea of cloud
It is but for a time. I press God's lamp
Close to my heart; its splendor soon
or late

Will pierce the gloom ; I shall emerge
one day."

—Browning

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus knew what lay ahead of Him.
He knew that even though He faced a
time of misery and gloom that His
Father awaited Him in heaven.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14
Scripture Reading— Luke 22:42

GETHSEMANE

All who journey, soon or late
Must pass within the garden's gate,
Must kneel alone in darkness there
And battle with some fierce despair!
God pity those who cannot say :
"Not mine, but thine" ; who only pray,
' 'Let this cup pass, ' ' and cannot see
The purpose of Gethsemane.
Gethsemane, Gethsemane,
God help us through our Geth-
semane ! ' '

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
At Gethsemane Jesus prayed. He
showed us that in times of stress God
will hear our prayers and give us
strength to accomplish our missions.

MONDAY, APRIL 12
Scripture Reading— John 17 : 1

THE TRUE LIGHT

Christ, whose glory fills the skies
Christ, the true, the only Light,

Sun of righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night;

Dayspring from on high, be near,
Daystar, in my heart appear.

—Charles Wesley

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our Lord and Saviour does triumph

THURSDAY, APRIL 15
Scripture Reading— Mark 15:3

JESUS HELD HIS PEACE

The day when Jesus stood alone
And felt the hearts of men like stone,
And knew He came but to atone—
That day "He held His peace."

They witnessed falsely to His Word,
They bound Him with a cruel cord,
And mockingly proclaimed Him
Lord;

' 'But Jesus held His peace . ' '

Dear friend, have you for far much
less,

With rage, which you called

"righteousness,"
Resented slights with great distress?
Remember— "Jesus held His
peace."

—A. B. Simpson

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we have the assurance within
our hearts that God is with us through
all situations, then we find our peace.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16
Scripture Reading— i Peter 2:24

god's son upqn. the

': "•tree: ':

Bet Ore the CrOSs in awe' I stood',
Beholding brow and pierced hand ;
For me it was He bled and died,
No other price for sin beside

Could pay the price fpr me.
His precious blood, there flowing red,
Was love's best gift, most freely shed;
No one but He the price could pay,
Or save from death and point the way

For sinners, you andlme.

—Ernest O. Sellers

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus, alone-, was pure enough to
become a sacrifice for us. We are
made whole ayid freejrom our sins
through His precious > saving blood.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17
Scripture Reading— Romans 5:8

NEGLECT OF CHRIST

My mind was so full of service

I had drifted from Him apart,
And He longed for the old confiding,

The union of heart with heart.
I sought and received forgiveness,

While my eyes with tears were dim,
And now though the work is still
precious,

The first place is kept for Him ! ' '

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We, as the apostles of old, are
lonesome and afraid without our
Lord. But, with His resurrection, we
shall all find our solace.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

/

Question: Is it ever right tor a Christian
to attend a dance or card-playing party or
to attend a theater?

Answer: No. I can think of no cir-
cumstance that would justify a born-
again Christian in attending a dance or
card-playing party even though there
may be those who belong to a local
church who do. However, some liberal
church groups officially approve or
sanction such sordid activities. I know of
some so-called churches that sanction
such activities and even provide facilities
for young people to participate in these.
My understanding of the teachings of the
Bible on such subjects as these is
contrary to the whole teachings of God's
Word and the whole ancient Christian
concept of Christian morals.

George H. Sandison in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered, says
the following on Page 119 in his answer
concerning cards:

"A Christian cannot conscientiously
play cards, because even looking at the
matter simply for his own sake, cards are
the common instruments of gambling;
because by its very nature card-playing
excites the gambling propensity, and is
therefore most dangerous to morality.
For the sake of others to whom his
example may give scandal, and who
might be led by that example to their
ruin, a Christian should avoid cards, for
by their use, even innocently, he might
become responsible for a brother's
destruction. Card-playing has been the
first step to ruin of countless multitudes.

"The true Christian wijl do nothing
whereby he may place a stumbling-block
in the way of another. While the mere act
of card-playing may in itself be innocent
enough, it is a practice which has proved
the first step to ruin for countless
multitudes."

There was no kind of card playing in
my home when I was growing up nor in
my experience at any time; however, I

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

have heard of evil results coming from it
since I was young and would advise that
all Christians who question such a stand
to consider the Bible's teachings
concerning questionable morals. The
Scriptures say, "Abstain from all ap-
pearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians
5:22).

Then there is to be considered the fact
that we owe it to Christians who might
not fully understand such questions.
Paul says, "Wherefore, if meat make my
brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while
the world standeth, lest I make my
brother to offend" (1 Corinthians 8:13).

Then the Holy Spirit that inspired Paul
to so write concerning the eating of meat,
I am sure would never influence a
Christian to play cards under any
conditions. A verse that leads up to the
writing of the above verse might help to
clinch the point: "... meat commendeth
us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are
we the better; neither, if we eat not, are
we the worse" (1 Corinthians 8:8). If
such a thing can conceivably be harm-
less in itself there are many weak
Christians, as well as those who are
more matured, who think it is wrong to
take part in card games or to even in
anyway sanction them.

Then when it comes to the attending of
a theater by a born-again Christian, I
believe he has all to lose in the act and
nothing to gain. The Christian schools
that I attended such as the Moody Bible
Institute, the Northern Baptist Seminary,
and Wheaton College required a pledge
not to attend theaters while a student
before their application for admission
was accepted. I wholeheartedly agreed
and lived up to that pledge for more than
ten years while studying in these in-
stitutions, and all the time since, and
would recommend this requirement for
all schools and institutions calling
themselves Christian.

Mr. Sandison has the following to say

on this subject on Page 122 of the aboi
mentioned book:

"The Christian is one who has ti
Christ spirit, who is trusting in hiii
seeking to be like him, and to know ai
do his will. We cannot understand hi
such a one can find pleasure
theatergoing and should expect that \
thoughts and feelings would lead him
very different places for enjoyment. ' ' I

I think, as did many spirit-filli
Christians of a half century ago, th
born-again men of God need not feed i
the husks of the swine's food from tl
hog pen in order to be entertained or
be happy, but only had to wait upon tl
Lord: ". . . they that wait upon the LOF
shall renew their strength; they sh<
mount up with wings as eagles; th«
shall run, and not be weary; and thi
shall walk, and not faint" (Isaia
40:31); "Blessed is the people th
know the joyful sound: they shall walk,
LORD, in the light of thy countenance. |
thy name shall they rejoice all the dai
and in thy righteousness shall they u
exalted" (Psalm 89:15, 16); "Ked
yourselves in the love of God, looking fj
the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unj
eternal life. . . . Now unto him that
able to keep you from falling, and |
present you faultless before the present
of his glory with exceeding joy" (Juql
21, 24).

The dance pavilion and its activitie
are something I have known nothing i
except by accident; that is, I have bee
exposed to this so-called feature i
worldly or carnal activities only whe
some form of duty chanced to bring me it
view of it. It was necessary for me I
pass the Drake Hotel for several years e
route from school to my place of err
ployment. Here I often saw through th
open-air dance pavilion in the summe
and the glazed-in pavilion in the winte
people dancing. There was nothing aboi
the whole affair that I saw which seeme
Christian. Even though there is no wher
in the Bible that I know of which says i
so many words that it is wrong to dance
yet that which I saw is condemned in th
Bible. Some times men and wome
seemed in the act of dancing to be just a
close together as it was humanl
possible and in some cases the wome
indeed sparsely dressed. In my way c
thinking this was in violation of: "Nov
concerning the things whereof ye wrot
unto me: it is good for a man not to toucl
a woman" (1 Corinthians 7:1); ". . .

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

I unto you, That whosoever looketh on
,nman to lust after her hath committed

Itery with her already in his heart"

tthew 5:28).

feel sure that none could practice
h performances as one could see in
hotel every night and be innocent of
sins of those condemned in
elation 21:8. (See, read and,
itate on this verse.) It would be a
I idea for all Christians to memorize
verse and use together with Romans
3; Isaiah 53:6; and the whole first
pter of Romans in convincing sinners
[h whom they deal in an effort to bring
m to Christ who do not think they
e been big enough sinners to seek
accept salvation through the blood of
Ijrist our Lord.

(For further reading on the question of
cing, card playing, and attending the
ater, we suggest Page 115 of Mr.

ndison's book as named above. Also

eh Scriptures as Matthew 11:28-30;

velation 3:20; and John 3:36; 5:37.

BOB HARRINGTON GUEST
SPEAKER FOR GENERAL
CONFERENCE

AMERICA'S MOST
fixcitmy EVANGELIST

i

THE
CHAPLAIN

OF
BOURBON
STREET

we

TV, RADIO,
RECORDS & BOOKS

I The General Conference of Original
iFree Will Baptists will be held June
28-30. The Piedmont Conference is

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

hosting the conference and the meetings
will be held at the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Durham. The June 30 session,
however, will be held at the Memorial
Auditorium in Raleigh because of the
huge crowd that is expected. Bob
Harrington (pictured above) will be the
guest speaker and will preach at the
10:30 a. m. service and again that night
at 7:30. The committee prayed long and
hard for God to choose us the speaker
needed for our General Conference this
year. Out of the many contacted, Bob
Harrington was the only one that was
available. We believe that with the help
and cooperation of all our Free Will
Baptist churches and ministers we can
have a great day of revival and outreach
such as Free Will Baptists have never
had. We expect several thousand to
attend that will not be Free Will Baptist.
We also plan to give time for each of our
denominational enterprises to be heard.

In order to make this conference a real
"soul-saving" success, we need 100
preachers to occupy reserved front seats
and serve as counselors to help with
those who come forth to make decisions
for Christ. Also we hope to have a choir
of about 300 on the stage, and we are
asking each church to have several
members of their adult choir to join us in
making up the choir for the two services
that day. All those ministers that will help
and every choir that desires to participate
please write the Rev. J. B. Starnes,
Route 3, Box 123, Newport, North
Carolina 28570, within the next few
days. Familiar songs will be used for the
choir. Please state whether you can be
present for both services, or just the
morning or evening worship service. A
letter will be sent to all participating
choirs notifying them of the songs to be
used. We also will have time for youth
choirs to come together in one great choir
if they will contact Mr. Starnes, giving
the information stated above.

Let us let the World know that there
are Free Will Baptists on the move for
God by praying for and participating in
the General Conference this bicentennial
year.

M. E. Cox

Chairman Advertisement Committee
General Conference

MRS. ANNIE CELIA HONEYCUTT
WOOTEN

"Our Neighbor"

On March 21 , 1975, as night fell and a

new spring began, God's loving arms
swooped down and gently gathered a
rose, Annie Celia Honeycutt Wooten, to
His bosom to bloom forever in His
garden.

Celia became a Christian very early in
life, uniting with the Coats Baptist
Church and carried her membership with
her to Dunn. When she married in 1949,
she moved her membership to Shady
Grove Free Will Baptist Church near
Dunn. She was a tither and asked God's
direction in every aspect of her life.

Being the oldest child and the only girl
with four younger brothers, she was
looked upon almost like a mother by
them. What joy she had when she led
one of her brothers to Christ just before
her own death. She loved people and
would never lose contact with anyone by
choice. She wrote many letters every
week and could tell you where anyone
she knew was and how they were.

Some of her neighbors knew her
longer than other neighbors, but in-
stinctively when you met her, she had
sincere, practical, and trustworthy
qualities that all could see. Being a wife,
mother, and public worker, she always
had time to visit the sick, cook a dish,
and to visit when a joyful occasion arose.
Her confidence could be trusted. She
was very dependable in her church work
and on her job. Being the teacher for the
"Young Married's Class" for years, she
once said, "I always receive more of a
blessing from reading and studying than
any member of the class possibly
could." She firmly believed what she
taught and lived it. If you should ever ask
her opinion, she would tell you honestly.

She loved life and lived it to the fullest.
She often said, "Do it now— you only
pass this way once." When she became
aware of her terminal illness, she ac-
cepted it as God's will; and her one
desire was to live to see her two sons
able to care for themselves and to help
mold their characters in the Christian
path. Her prayers were answered and
she lived to see the oldest one through
college and assistant Sunday school
superintendent. The younger son was
baptized at the age of 13. Truly, a ray of
sunlight went out of our community when
she left our midst, but our loss is surely
heaven's gain. She will be among the
first to greet us when all believers are
gathered up to be with our Lord.

Submitted by,
Her Neighbors

A/etad and Aided

of Denominational Interest

Gordon Sebastian to Conduct
Daniels Chapel Revival

The Daniels Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church will have a week of revival
services April 1 2 through the 1 6, at 7:45
p. m. each night. The church is located
on the Old Black Creek Road between
Wilson and Black Creek. Special singing
will accompany each service. Nursery
facilities will also be available. The Rev.
Gordon Sebastian will serve as
evangelist. Mr. Sebastian is the pastor of
Peace Free Will Baptist Church, Wilson.
He has been pastoring this church for
over ten years and has seen it grow from
just a handful to its present enrollment of
several hundred. The public is invited to
attend, especially the people of the
Wilson area.

The Rev. Larry Barbour is pastor of
Daniels Chapel church.

Revival Services Scheduled
For Riverside Church

Revival services will be held at
Riverside Free Will Baptist Church, Route
1, Princeton, the week of April 11-17,
beginning each evening at 7:30. The
pastor, the Rev. Luby Tyner, will bring
the message Sunday evening, with the
visiting minister, the Rev. Jimmy Ryan,
from Madison, West Virginia, beginning
Monday evening, April 12, and con-
tinuing throughout the week. Mr. Tyner
will be assisting in the services. He
states, "We are expecting a wonderful
time in the Lord." He and the church
members extend a warm invitation to all
who can come and worship with them.
There will be special singing each
evening and all singers are invited to
come.

On Saturday night, April 17, "The
Believers," a singing group from
Charleston, West Virginia, will be
presenting a program of gospel music.

Smyrna Spring Revival
In Progress

Spring revival services are in progress
this week at the Smyrna Free Will Baptist
Church located on Highway 96, east of
the Meadow Community, Route 2, Dunn.
Services are beginning each evening at
7:30 and will continue through Friday
evening. The guest speaker is the Rev.
Edward L. Painter, assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. W. A. Martin. The
church membership cordially invites the
public to attend the remainder of these
services.

Robert May Conducts
Rose Hill Revival

Revival services began Monday
evening, April 5, and will continue
through Friday evening, April 9, at the
Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church, Route
1, Winterville. Services are beginning
nightly at 7:45 with the Rev. Robert May,
pastor of Hickory Chapel church,
Ahoskie, as the visiting evangelist. The
pastor, the Rev. N. Dan Beaman, is
assisting in the services. Everyone is
invited to attend the remainder of these
services.

Memorial Church Revival
And Easter Program

The Rev. Walter Sutton, pastor of
Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, will
hold revival services at Memorial Free
Will Baptist Church, Chocowinity, April
12-16. Services will begin each night at
8 p. m.

On Sunday morning, April 18, there
will be an Easter program at 11 a. m.,
followed by a picnic lunch at the noon
hour, and an Easter egg hunt for the
children.

The pastor, the Rev. Roy Cauley, and
the entire membership extend a cordial
invitation to everyone to pray for the
meeting.

Spring Hope Church
Receives Flags

The Spring Hope Free Will Bapti:
Church, Route 5, New Bern, wjj
recently presented the American anJ
Christians flags by the Woodmen of tti.
World. The presentation was made tl
Mr. Bruce Lupton.

During the ceremony "America th
Beautiful" was sung for the America
flag and "Onward Christian Soldiers
for the Christian flag. The above pictur
shows Mr. Lupton (right), fielj
representative for the Woodmen
presenting the flags to the Rev. Jame,
Warren, pastor of Spring Hope church
Mr. Warren and the church membershi
sincerely thank the Woodmen and Mi
Lupton for the flags. In his remarks, Mr
Lupton gave the meaning of each color rj
the Christian flag and told how th
American flag came to be known as "Olij
Glory."

The church expressed its thanks am
appreciation to Mr. Lupton and th
Woodmen of the World for their fine worl1
and prayed God's continued blessini'
upon them.

C. M. Coats to Conduct
Smith's New Home Revival

The Rev. C. M. Coats will be gues
minister for revival services at Smith's
New Home Free Will Baptist Church neai
Deep Run, the week of April 12-16,
beginning nightly at 7:30. The pastor,
the Rev. Bobby Harrell, will be assisting
in the services. A very cordial invitatior
is extended to the public to attend.

Spring Revival Scheduled
At May's Chapel Church

Spring revival services will be held at
May's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Dudley, April 12-17, at 7:30

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

e;h evening. The Rev. Earl Glenn,
p;tor of the Goldsboro First church will
the evangelist for the week. He will be
;isted by the pastor, the Rev. Billy R.
■dan. Mr. Jordan and the church
mbership invite you to attend these
•vices.

yd Cherry to Conduct
jples Chapel Revival

The Rev. Floyd B. Cherry, Pine Level,
ill be the guest evangelist for revival
rvices at the Peoples Chapel Free Will
iptist Church, Route 1, Elm City, the
eek of April 12-17. Services will begin
ghtly at 7:45 with the pastor, the Rev.
elmas J. Brown, assisting. Along with
ood gospel preaching, special music
be a feature each evening. The
ublic is cordially invited to attend.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Continued from Page 4)

ollege, Row 1, Box 23, Mount Olive,
orth Carolina 28365; telephone, 658-
622 or 658-9132 or at Route 3, Box
06-C, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603;
slephone, 772-5739.
j Mr. Caton's home is Wooten's Chapel
F. W. B. Church, Route 3, Raleigh.

The Rev. Edgar Benton states that he
> now available for full-time or part-time
astoral duties. He is a member of the
Vestern Conference in good standing,
oiy church that desires his service may
ontact him by writing to Route 1 ,
remont, North Carolina 27830;
elephone, 242-5283.

RA.GMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

SKINNERS TO MANAGE CRAGMONT

The Board of Directors of Cragmont
Assembly, Inc. is happy to announce
that the Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
will be managers of Cragmont Assembly
this summer. The board feels that even
though this responsibility is new to them,
that they are well qualified for the job.

Mr. Skinner is 25 years of age and a
native of Wilson, North Carolina. He is a
graduate of Mount Olive College, and
Oakland City College, Oakland City,
Indiana.

He has served as president of the
Western District Youth Rallies, as well as
vice-president of the Western District
Youth Convention. He has also served as
youth minister for Spurgeon General
Baptist Church in Indiana, and as
assistant pastor of the First Free Will
Baptist Church in Kinston. He is
currently pastor of the Rosebud Free Will
Baptist Church of Wilson. He was a
member of Who's Who in North Carolina
in 1975.

Mr. Skinner married Virginia Ann
Meador May 26, 1974. Mrs. Skinner is
22 years of age and a native of Portland,
Tennessee. She, too, is a graduate of
Oakland City College, Oakland City,
Indiana, where she served as president
of the Tenn— Tucky Guild Rally (a
missions organization for teenage girls of
the General Baptist denomination). She
also served as pianist of the Choralaries,

a singing group from Oakland City
College. Virginia is a friendly and
outgoing person which should help her to
be a great hostess at Cragmont.

Doug has served for six or seven years
as counselor and/or camp minister
during youth weeks at Cragmont. He has
a knowledge of both carpentry and
electrical work which is greatly needed
on the part of a manager. Doug donated
and installed the fluorescent lights in the
tabernacle and helped to patch the roof.
Many times he has been to Cragmont at
his own expense and worked to make
Cragmont a better place for all of us.
Following is Doug's own testimony:
"I have been attending camp at
Cragmont Assembly for many years. My
first year at camp was 1962. Cragmont
has a lot of sentimental value for me. It
was at Cragmont that I first felt the call
into the ministry. It was one year later, at
Cragmont, that I publicly accepted this
call. Two years later, at Cragmont, I
preached my first sermon as an ordained
minister of the Free Will Baptist
denomination. So, Cragmont means a lot
to me.

"Last fall the Lord began to deal with
me about becoming full-time manager of
Cragmont Assembly. I could really feel
the presence and the leading of the Holy
Spirit in my life on this matter. I prayed
very much for the Lord's will to be done,
and then the doors began opening.

"So now my wife and I have been
hired by the Cragmont Board as
managers of Cragmont Assembly. We are
anxiously looking forward to serving the
Free Will Baptist people in this capacity.
We would like to extend our services to
you also as pianist or preacher at camp if
needed. Please accept this invitation to
come visit with us this summer."

Pray for Doug and Virginia as they
begin their new work. They may be
reached by writing to them at 2517 Trull
Street, Wilson, North Carolina 27893.
Their phone number is 243-2729.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer-Promotional Secretary

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

/

ATTENTION, NORTH CAROLINA
WOMAN'S AUXILIARIES!

The 1976 session of the North Carolina
State Woman's Auxiliary Convention will
convene on Thursday, May 6, with the
Memorial Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church at the Children's Home, Mid-
dlesex. Each auxiliary should represent
with one delegate for each 25 members
or fraction thereof, plus a registration fee
of $5.

Many auxiliaries mail their fees in
advance. This is a good thing to do, as it
saves the delegates the trouble of
handling the money. Also, in the event
something happens at the last minute to
prohibit your representing in person,
your auxiliary is registered as having
been represented:

IMPORTANT: Please mail your fee
before April 30, if possible, so that I will
have time to get the list prepared and
delivered to the convention registration
committee for use on the morning of May
6. If you cannot possibly attend, please
mail your fees, as the convention needs
your support. Mail fees to the address
below.

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser
State Treasurer
517 Westover Avenue
Wilson, N. C. 27893

ATTENTION, EASTERN DISTRICT

LOCAL AUXILIARIES!

The Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention convened at the
Rodgers Chapel, Mount Olive College,
Thursday, March 25. The convention
theme was "A More Unified Church."
During the business session, by motion
and a vote that carried, Camp Vandemere
will be included as one of our district
projects. Each auxiliary is requested to
send $10 each year to help towards the
support of the camp. Money should be
sent to Mrs. Rom Mallard, Route 1,
Trenton, North Carolina 28585, as she is
the district treasurer.

The Eastern District fall convention will
convene in September at Camp Van-

demere.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Nelson Simpson

ACCEPTED FOR MOUNT
OLIVE COLLEGE

The Cape Fear District Youth
Fellowship is proud to announce that the
president, Mark Hobbs, and the vice-
president, Jeff Daughtry, have been
accepted and plan to attend Mount Olive
college next fall.

The Youth Fellowship says,
"Congratualtions, we are praying for
you!"

Respectfully submitted,
Cape Fear District
Youth Fellowship

ALBEMARLE DISTRICT
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Free Union Free Will Baptist
Church of Pinetown will be host to the
Albemarle District Woman's Auxiliary
Convention on Thursday, April 15. The
convention theme will be "Serving with
Sincerity," with Scripture taken from
Luke 5:27-29 and Romans 12:12. The
program is as follows:

Morning Session

10:00— Hymn, "Work for the Night Is
Coming"

— Devotions, Mrs. Francis Garner
10:15— Welcome, Miss Alice Webster

— Response, Mrs. Hallet Harris
10:20— Greetings, the President
10:25— Recognition of Ministers and

Visitors

—Appointment of Committees
10:30— Reading of Minutes

— Roll Call of Auxiliaries
—Offering for Missions

10:45— News of Missions, the Rev. Joe
Ingram

11:00— News of the Children's Home,
Mrs. Sam Weeks
—Offering for Children's Home
11 :30— Special Music, Local Auxiliary
12:00— Message, the Rev. Walter

Reynolds i

— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:00— Hymn, "We'll Work Till Jesuj
Comes"

— Devotions, Mrs. Melvin Moore
1:15— News of Mount Olive College;

Mrs. Dianne Riley
1:30— News of Cragmont, Mrs. A. B

Chandler
1 :40— Other Denominational News
1 : 50— Reports of Committees
2:00— Treasurer's Report

—Announcements of Nex

Convention

— Hymn, "Close to Thee"
—Adjournment

CAPE FEAR DISTRICT
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Cape Fear District Woman'!
Auxiliary Convention will convenii
Wednesday, April 14, at Mount Olivi
College. The convention theme is "Takti
Up Thy Cross." The Scripture is take;
from Matthew 10:38, ". . . he thai
taketh not his cross, and followeth afte
me, is not worthy of me. " The scheduled
program is as follows:

Morning Session

9:30— Registration
10:00— Hymn, "Glory to His Name"

— Devotions, Mrs. Joe Gerald
10:20— Welcome, Mrs. Beverly Herring

— Response, Mrs. Ben Casey
—Special Music, Mount Olive

College

10:25— President's Remarks, Mrs
Mary Lou Jackson
—Business Session:
Reading of Minutes
Roll Call of Churches
Appointment of Committees
11 :00— Special Music, Mount Olive
College
—Offering

-Hymn, "Take Up Thy Cross"

— Drama, "Challenge of the
Cross"

12:00— Benediction and Lunch
Afternoon Session

1:00- Hymn, "At Calvary"

— Memorial Service, Mrs. Ear
Glenn

—Special Music

— Reports:
Youth Chairman

(Continued on Page 14)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

UfEJJIiaJjrEjJIU

OUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

EAGLES NEST SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE

Summer camp for young people between the ages of nine and seventeen will
pen at Eagles Nest Conference Center on June 20, 1976. Each camp week will begin
n Sunday afternoon and continue until noon on Friday the same week. The activities
for each week will include Bible study, singing, swimming, canoeing, hiking, soft-
pall, basketball, campfire services, and others. This will be an opportunity for young
oeople to experience the true outdoors and to learn more about living in a Christian
pommunity.

The cost for camp will be $40 per week for resident campers and $20 per week
ror day campers. The exact camp dates are as follows:

Ithe free will baptist

Camp A— June 20— June 25
Camp B— June 27— July 2
Camp C— July 4— July 9
Camp D— July 11— July 16
Camp E— July 18— July 23
Camp F— July 25— July 30

For further information and reg-
istration forms, please contact either
Caroline Castelloe at 658-2502 or
Charles Harrell at 658-4933.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC
FESTIVAL PRESENTS
"GOD BLESS
AMERICA"

That is the theme for the annual
Christian Music Festival to be held at
Eagles Nest Conference Center on May
1 . The program will begin at 9 a. m., and
will feature the following groups: The
Foundations, Pikeville; The Good News
Quartet, Durham; The Master's, Rocky
Mount; The Melody Makers, Greenville;
The Miles Family, Pink Hill; The Prescott
Family, Grantsboro; The Singing
Samaritans, Wallace; The VanGuard
Brothers, Mount Olive; and The Young
World Singers, Vanceboro. Also ap-
pearing on the program will be The
Mount Olive Singers and The New
Creations, Mount Olive College.

The purpose of this program is to
honor and glorify God through songs,
praises, testimonies, and Christian
fellowship. There is no admission charge
for this event and the public is invited to
attend.

Lunch will be catered by Wilber's
Barbecue of Goldsboro at the cost of $2
per plate, or picnic lunches will be
appropriate.

Last year's attendance at the Christian
Music Festival exceeded 2,000 people
and an even larger attendance is ex-
pected this year.

Pastors and church and youth leaders
are encouraged to make plans now for
group attendance. Fill your church buses
or cars and come share in this day of
"Praising the Lord."

Between now and then, when you
pray, remember to ask God's blessings
on America.

li

/

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLASJ^) \ \ i

THE SUNDAY ^4jM^*V
SCHOOL LESSON^ ~

For April 18

AFTER REJECTION-RESURRECTION

Lesson Text: Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
Memory Verse: Matthew 28:19, 20

I. INTRODUCTION

Easter is for telling good news. Is it
possible for the Christian to go through
one whole Easter Sunday without telling
at least one person that Jesus is risen
from the dead and that He lives today?

In the early days of Christianity, Easter
was the greatest festival of the Christian
year, just as it should be today. The
Roman Christians called it Dominica
Guadii, meaning "Joyful Sunday." All
customary forms of greeting were laid
aside on that day and as Christian met
Christian on the streets of Rome, he
would say, "Christ is risen." And back
came the joyful response, "He is risen,
indeed."

Would someone think we had just lost
our senses if we went about the streets
on Easter Day doing this?

We should be quick to tell good news.
A doctor is glad to tell an anxious family
of the good prospects for recovery of a
sick loved one; a lawyer enjoys breaking
the news to persons who have become
heirs of wealth; all of us were shouting
the good news that the war was over
(World War II, Korean War, and Viet-
nam). Then why is the professing
Christian so reluctant and tight-lipped
when it comes to telling the wondrous
story of the empty tomb? Why not tell it
this way?

"... Calvary and Easter Day,

Earth's blackest day, and whitest day,

Were just three days apart. ' '
—The Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The two most important facts of
the gospel are the death and the
resurrection of Jesus. His death provides
our salvation, and His resurrection
validates it. These things are truly the
"good news" about Jesus Christ.

B. It was on the first day of the week

when some women came to the tomb of
Jesus that His resurrection was an-
nounced. These women were invited by
an angel to come see (experience) the
empty tomb. Then they were told to go
tell the disciples that Jesus had arisen,
and that He would go before them into
Galilee.

C. Jesus had predicted many times
that He would rise from the dead, but His
disciples did not seem to understand it.
However, His enemies were careful
enough about it that they placed a guard
at the tomb. There are times when it
seems that sinners pay more attention to
the Word of God than do Christians.

D. The Great Commission is the only
thing that Jesus ever said or did that is
recorded five times in the New
Testament. Each of the Gospels records
the Great Commission and it is also
recorded in Acts. The Holy Spirit, who
inspired the Bible, must have felt that
this was important.

E. God is with all of His people, but
there is a special way that He is with
those who are busy at the task of the
Great Commission. The promise is to
those who are busy, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The "earthquake-proof" build-
ings constructed all over California
are an illustration of man's attempt to
overcome the forces of God's creation.
But in the great southern California
quake of 1971 the determined efforts of
man were no match for the shaking of the
earth at that early morning hour.

A few weeks later friends showed me
a towering mountain that had moved
eight feet as a result of the earthquake.
Multimillion dollar highway overpasses
lay in twisted ruins. These were
designed with the finest materials and
engineering skill of which men are
capable. Now the drawing boards are
filled with advanced designs for greater

stress and strain loads. We admire afl
this industry and effort; We admire thP
desire to save lives by better safet
standards; but man needs to learn the
God's power transcends our best genius

This to me is the glory of th
resurrection morning. The religiou
leaders had sought and had been givei
permission by Pilate to seal Jesus' toml
and to set a detachment of soldiers by
to make certain that it would be un'
disturbed. Thus they were sure that the!
were done with Jesus. But God shook thl
earth and by direct intervention broughi
forth His Son from the grave.

Man cannot thwart God's power. A,
His intervention those who were to keef'
the tomb as secure as they could fell a;!
dead men in fear of His might anc'
majesty. The resurrection of Jesus'
forever proclaims that God rules in Hh
world.

The question that each one of uii
needs to face is, "Does God rule in our
lives?" Only as we submit to His rule arel*
we able to be in tune with His
proprietorship of the universe as Creator,:
Sustainer, and King.— Adapted frorrl
Standard Lesson Commentary

B. Angels were active in the earthly
ministry of our Lord. Evidently they
minister to Christians (Hebrews 1 :14).

In A Slow and Certain Light (Harper
and Row), Elisabeth Elliot told about her
father's experiences with angelic*
helpers:

' 'My father, when he was a small boy,
was climbing on an upper story of a
house that was being built. He walked to
the end of a board that was not nailed at
the other end, and it slowly began to tip.
He knew that he was doomed, but >
inexplicably the board began to tip the
other way, as though a hand had pushed
it down again. He always wondered if it
was an angel's hand.

"A blind man my father knew was
about to step into what he thought was
his cabin on board ship. It was, in fact, a
hatchway, but he felt a hand on his chest
pushing him back. He asked who was
there. There was no answer. Was an
angel sent to rescue him?"— David
McCarthy

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

STORIES

for our youth

NEAT

by F. M. Ruka

7 0M and Dennis zoomed into the
' garage, dismounted, and put
ay their bikes in the spaces assigned
' hem by their father.
'A place for everything, and
irything in its place," Tom said,
nning. "Dad sure is a stickler for
ping things in order."
'This is the neatest garage in the
ghborhood— if not in the whole
rid!" Dennis exclaimed, laughing.
Tom suddenly lowered his voice and
"By the way, Dad's birthday is
xt week. Do you have much money? I
scrape up only about two dollars,
jybe if we decide together on a gift, we
Lild get him something he'd really
e."

"Well, I don't think I have enough
if bney to even make a down payment on
candy bar!" answered Dennis. "Hey,
js jut a minute! I do have the money. Mrs.
ay paid me for shoveling her walk last
ek. Let's get Dad's gift after school
morrow."

On their way toward the business
ction of town the next afternoon, Tom
Dennis considered several possible
oices for the birthday gift. Then Tom
membered that his father had admired
certain sport shirt at Crawford's. "It's
le of those in the window. We can go in
id ask how much it costs," he told
nnis.

That's as good an idea as we've
>me up with so far, but whatever we
«i jy has to be what Dad really wants! ' '
. Tom showed Dennis the double-knit
til oort shirt that their father had admired,
us id the boys went into the large
j] epartment store to ask its price.
4 "It's $11 .95," said the smiling clerk.
We have some beauties at $16.95, and

some good quality knits for only $7.95."

"Well, ah, thank you. We'll talk it
over," said Dennis.

The boys turned from the counter and
walked a few steps away.

"It might as well cost a hundred
dollars— we don't have enough,"
muttered Tom. The clerk was giving his
attention to two men at the other end of
the long counter. Shirts of various styles
were piled in rows according to size, and
the two men had been looking through
them with interest.

"Dad certainly would have liked that
shirt," remarked Dennis. "Well, what
should we do now? What were some of
the other bright ideas we had?"

"Wait, Dennis. We forgot to ask
whether they have the shirt in a size
1 5 1/2 . Maybe they don't have Dad's size
anyway," Tom said.

"Why, would that make us feel
better?" Dennis asked.

The boys approached the counter
again, but they couldn't get the clerk's
attention.

Dennis glanced toward the two men
and noticed that the taller one was
studying them. Then the man picked up
a shirt and took out a bill from his wallet.
His friend moved over to look at the shirt.
Suddenly, both men seemed to change
their minds about buying any of the
shirts and began to walk out of the store.

Dennis and Tom exchanged a glance.

"I guess they didn't find what they
wanted either," said Tom.

The boys turned their attention to the
counter again, and immediately Dennis
noticed that the tall man had left a ten-
dollar bill on top of the shirt he had
considered purchasing.

"Look, Tom. Here's the money we
need. He doesn't even know he left it!"
Dennis exclaimed.

For a moment Tom was also tempted
simply to pick up the money and leave.

Then the boys looked into each other's
eyes. Tom knew what Dennis was
thinking about. Only last week in Sunday
school they had studied about the
constant need to fight wrong desires in
ourselves.

Quickly Tom picked up the bill, and he
and Dennis ran after the two men who
were now standing at the entrance of the
store talking.

"Oh, sir!" called Dennis as Tom
waved the money at the men. "You left
your ten dollars on the counter! ' '

The tall man's face broke into a wide
grin as he accepted the bill. He gave his
companion a very pleased look, then
said, "Well, I hate to say I told you so,
Bill, but it appears that your theory about
young people's not being trustworthy
these days has just fallen apart! ' '

The shorter, older man nodded and
smiled at the boys.

"OK, Sam. I'll keep this incident in
mind when I consider hiring teenagers in
the future. By the way, if you boys ever
need a summer job when you're a little
older, come and see me."

He handed Dennis a business card,
and the tall man put his hand on Tom's
shoulder.

"Congratulations, boys!"

Walking slowly down the street with
his brother, Dennis glanced at the card.
He read it out loud. "Woods Baking
Company— Cookies our specialty— 1127
East Buffalo Street."

"Ha! Cookies! More temptation for
you. You'd be sampling the mer-
chandise!" teased Tom.

Dennis gave his brother a good-
natured grin and then noticed that they
were in front of Smither's Hardware
Store.

"Say, I've got a good idea! Dad's
been wanting a pegboard on which to
hang his tools in his workshop. Why
don't we go to work and make him
one?"

"Say, Dennis, that is a good idea!
He'd probably like that even more than
something we'd buy."

"We can get the board and all the
hooks we need right here," Dennis said.
"I'm sure we have enough money for
them."

For the next several days, whenever
their father was out of the house, Tom
and Dennis worked on the pegboard. The
day before their father's birthday, it was
finished; and the two boys were very
(Continued on Page 14)

SI 1HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

Special foments

I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour on October 28, 1 975. The world was all
mine. On November 18, 1975, I received word to come to the emergency room. My
husband had been hurt and I was told that it would be sometime in December before
he could work because of a fracture. I was greatly distressed. I felt we'd lose
everything by the next day. For four days I worried and cried. Then
I finally picked up my Bible in my office, laid my hands on it and said, "Father in
heaven, I am giving this burden of mine to you. I will follow you as you lead me, just
show me the way."

Instead of going home that afternoon, I went to my beautician. We talked and
she suggested we pray. We got on our knees and asked our Father in heaven to heal
my husband's leg and to take the burden from our hearts. Before I left my knees, I
knew my husband was as good as new. I went home and told him we had prayed for
his leg and that he could stand. He stood on his feet with no pain. For the first time in
five days he could stretch out on the bed. He actually did exercises with his leg.
There was no more pain.

Together we held hands, knelt beside our bed and thanked our Father in heaven
for the healing. We have had a wonderful, loving experience with our Lord.

NS

Ayden, North Carolina

The column still needs your response. You may share a moment in your life by
writing to SPECIAL MOMENTS at the Free Will Baptist Press Foundation.

Maggie

CAMP VANDEMERE

CAMP VANDEMERE

"150 CLUB"

We are seeking 150 persons in the
Eastern Conference who are willing to
transfer $1,000 of their savings to the
Church Finance Association, Inc. so that
sufficient funds will be generated for
them to underwrite our long-time
financing. This way our denomination
will save thousands of dollars in annual
interest and also be holding the mortgage
on Camp Vandemere. The members of
the "150 Club" will still receive interest
on their savings (currently 6 percent)
just as they have in the past. The only
difference is that their money will be
working for Christian motives instead of
the business world at large.

For additional information contact

Mrs. Happy Taylor, Deep Run, North
Carolina 28525; Mrs. Ruby Hancock,
New Bern, North Carolina 28560; or

Mrs. Carroll Hawkins, Cove City, N(
Carolina 28523.

You may clip the form below and fi
when making you contribution.

Happy Ta<-

STORIES FOR OUR YOU1

(Continued from Page 13)
pleased with their work.

The big day finally came. Their fatl!
was in excellent spirits and blew out]
the candles on his birthday cake on |
first attempt.

Tom and Dennis took their fatli
downstairs to the workshop and show
him the tool board. Their father marve
at the fine job they had done. "This
just the thing to help keep this worksh
neat," he said. Their father looked)
little puzzled when the boys laughed
that.

At this point, Mother came downsta
to get in on the excitement and to gi
Father a box from Crawford's. Tom a
Dennis laughed again as their father he.
up a familiar green double-knit spi
shirt.

They exchanged a knowing glan1
when Mother said, "I do hope you like:
dear. It was the only one in yo|
size." — Selected

Church Auxiliaries

(Continued from Page 10)
Children's Home
Cragmont Assembly
Mount Olive College
Home and Foreign Missions
Free Will Baptist Press Foui
dation

Superannuation
2:30— Hymn, "Blest BetheTie"
— Benediction and Adjournment

"150 Club"
Agreement Card

I, , amemberof Free Wi

Baptist Church, having a sincere desire to see Camp Vandemere, Inc
established as a summer camp for our youth, do hereby agree to depos

$ thousand dollars in a savings account with the Church Financ

Association, Inc. no later than , 1976.

My agreement affirms only my willingness to place on deposit the abov
designated amount as a savings account and in no way commits me to a loan
Camp Vandemere, Inc.

Contacted by

Date

Signed

Address

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

1

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

MISS

IONS

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

■

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

HOME MISSIONS
MOVES AHEAD

! Pictured above is the Free Spirit
) [fission of Wilson. As of March 7, 1976,
eir attendance was 65. The progress
jere is outstanding in every way. The
astor, the Rev. Dale Albertson, has a
s ill-time job directing the mission, doing
father part-time work, and going to
phoo\. Many souls have been saved
jiere and interest continues to grow. Mr.

>f: The Victory Mission's attendance at
■ lope Mills is running in the fifties. Their
ew building is underway and they
xpect to move into it in about two
II lonths. Great progress is being shown
it ncter the direction of the Rev. Joe
s! erald, 6143 Lexington Drive, Hope
I fills, North Carolina 28348.

i The Catalpa Mission of Fayetteville is
' veraging in the fifties for attendance,
nd they too are in the process of a
wilding program. The work continues to
love ahead under the direction of the
j lev. Alton Howard, P. 0. Box 64125,
I :ayetteville, North Carolina 28306.

The Heritage Mission at Charlotte is
'; legotiating to put a building on their
i

jj jTHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Albertson states that they have had a lot
of problems during the winter; such as,

heating, plumbing, and sickness, but
now things are on the move again. Our

hats are off to Brother Dale, his wife
Jasmine, and all the workers there.

Brother Dale's address is P. 0. Box 185,
Black Creek, North Carolina 27813.

building site located east of Charlotte, on
the corner of Margaret Wallace and Sam
Newell Roads. They are presently
meeting at the home of Mr. Clayton
Everett at 101 Condour Place, and they
are to be commended for all the great
effort that they are putting into sharing
their home for a place to meet. However,
it is not easy to get new people to meet in
the home for worship services. Their
attendance is running in the twenties.
Mr. Everett and Mr. William Lovick,
along with their families, have stood by
the work there even when things were a
bit depressing to them; however, they
remain to be as optimistic as ever and are
standing by their pastor and director, the
Rev. Wayne Watson, who resides at
6110 Honeysuckle Lane, Charlotte,

North Carolina 28212.

A CHARGE TO STUDY!

by Mattie Lou Link,
Missionary to Mexico

"Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Once a lawyer friend of ours asked us
as we sat at length one evening
discussing spiritual things, "Have you
ever read the entire Bible from cover to
cover?" He was very pleasantly sur-
prised to hear us quickly answer, "Of
course, many times." He said that we
were the first couple he had ever met that
had!

I remember going to the youth con-
ferences at Cragmont Assembly when I
was a teenager and hearing emphases
placed upon reading the Bible daily. As a
young Christian I can recall picking very
short chapters to read just before I went
to bed. My parents taught us children
that we should read at least a chapter a
day. Although I may not have gained so
much just from reading because it was
my obligation or duty, nevertheless, I am
thankful for the habit that was becoming
a part of my life which would bring many
future blessings.

Later, I started reading the Bible
systematically from Genesis to
Revelation. Sometimes I would forget
where I had stopped reading and read
the same chapters again without even
recognizing it until I came across my
marker. (How terrible!) It would take
years to get through the entire Bible!
(Sound familiar?)

It was after I was married that I
discovered the sheer delight of studying
the Bible chapters one at a time, and
often with the help of a concordance.
(There is so much to learn— it is so rich!
If only I could remember all that I read!)

Vance says that every Christian ought
to read the Bible through in a year. (It
takes less than a year for him.) I'll
confess that it takes me a little longer
than that!

We have met a wonderful Christian
veterinarian from Eagle Pass, Texas, who
has read the Bible through with his
family at least six times in the last ten
years. He and his wife have only been
saved about a decade and before that he
says they were ignorant of the Scriptures
(Continued on Page 16)

15

DUKE vmvE&mri'Y

MISSIONS

(Continued from Page 15)
even though they were very active in
their church. Their thinking is this: "If
we have time to feed our bodies, we have
time to feed our souls." After every
meal, and before going to bed, the family
gathers to read one chapter of the Bible.
(Four a day!) It seems as if the whole
family radiates "JESUS"!

How about you, friend? Do you find it
hard to find the time to read a few verses
together as a family?

I have been impressed with the stress
used by Moses and Joshua to teach and
talk about the Word. (See Joshua 1:7,
8.)

How will young people know how to
cope with the problems they will have to
face? How can young couples find the
loyalty and love that they desire in life?
How can parents know when to bend and

when to firm with their children? How
can bereaved persons cope with
loneliness or afflicted ones find hope in
the midst of pain and despair? My friend,
it is all found in the powerful and
precious Word of God.
Read it! Discuss it! Love it! Obey it!

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 3)
preaching of the gospel. If this is true,
then all evidence points to the conclusion
that the members just wanted to confirm
the purchase of their land and building;
hence, the deed was prepared.
Therefore, the erection of a building
dates the church as early as 1 784.

Third, Grimsley church was in
existence during the struggle between
the Calvinists and the General Baptists,
which dates back as far as 1752. 16 But
did Grimsley exist prior to this date?

1 Harrison and Barfield, History of Free Will
Baptist of N. C, p. 51.

2 Harrison and Barfield, p. 52.

3 Patricia Moore, History of Gum Swamp Church,

p. 13.

4 Patricia Moore, p. 13.

5 Dr. William Davidson, An Early History of Free
Will Baptists, pp. 97-127.

6 Patricia Moore, p. 13.

7 Harrison and Barfield, p. 41 .

8 Charles Crossfield Ware, A History of the
Disciples of Christ in N. C, pp. 80, 81 .

9Dr. William Davidson, pp. 67-72.
1°Dr. William Davidson, p. 184.
11 Deed, Greene County Courthouse, Deed Book 8,
p. 456.

12Mrs. Beatrice and Mr. Owen Jones and Mrs.
Henniette Oliver, Interviewed by Valeria Joan Wood,
January, 1976.

13 Charles Crossfield Ware, p. 80.

14 L E. Ballard, Free Will Baptist History.
15Harrison and Barfield, p. 53.

16 Floyd B. Cherry, An Introduction to Original Free
Will Baptists.

(Continued Next Issue )

N. C. STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1976

AYDEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Workshops at the 36th annual session of the N. C. State Sunday School Convention are
planned to help Sunday school teachers, officers, pastors, and all who are interested in im-
proving the work of their Sunday school.

The morning session will be divided into four workshops, each being conducted two times.
This will provide an opportunity for each person to attend two of the four workshops. Everyone
should plan to be on time (registration begins at 8:30 a. m., with classes beginning at 9:30).

Teachers for the workshops are as follows: The Rev. Floyd B. Cherry, the Rev. David C.
Hansley, Mr. Ralph A. Bowen, Mrs. Mary Dudley, Mrs. Hilda Howard, Mrs. Dianne Riley, and
Mrs. Elizabeth Hill.

See you Saturday, April 10, at 8:30 a. m.!

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

i

ei Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1976

APR 1 5 1376

il_ess of seif at Easter (and at all limes) &
and more of Christ! Okay?

Small Picture by Luoma
Big Picture by H. Armstrong Roberts

Selfishness at Easter? Never?

Sometimes the songs are so oversung and the messages so overpreached
that we neglect to concentrate on the real, personal meaning of Easter.
However, few people proclaim the Word without believing it, and fewer still
sing the songs without thrilling at their beauty and soul-stirring passages. If
the two foregoing sentences sound somewhat contradictory, be not misled.
They are not; and the following deducements should help explain.

Certainly, now, all professing Christians believe that our Lord was born,
crucified, died, and rose from the dead. And certainly we know that He lives,
just as the song proclaims; and in exultant fashion we render the music and
pronounce the words from the depths of our hearts. But! What do these facts
mean to us personally? What does Christ and His resurrection mean to us
personally? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the issue. We admit,
quite freely, that Easter is important for the masses, but the issue is how
important or unimportant it (the observation) is to the individual.

To call the importance of Easter an issue might not please some of our
readers, but we must be realistic. The importance of Easter and the manner in
which it is observed have always been issues. Someone has rightly said that the
silence of men is truer than their words. The thought, at least, carries much
weight, for in silence there is a genuineness sometimes not found in an
everextending entourage of empty phrases— phrases like so many beautiful
vases devoid of real flowers. Genuineness of purpose, then, is also an issue.
Why celebrate Easter at all? A foolish question? Maybe, and maybe not.
However heart-rending the message or the song, unless one lives what he
preaches or sings, he may as well be drawing water from a dry well or chasing
his own shadow. Such efforts are fruitless.

For generations— even from the time of Christ to the present day— per-
sons of the most noble of ideals and purported good intentions have said one
thing with their mouths and communicated quite a different "impression" with
their actions. Similarly, silver-throated songsters have produced effortless
melodies of such golden sweetness that even the most cynical of individuals
would little dare to question the sincerity behind the performances. Still, there
is something in every one of us that shrouds the realness and the earnestness of
actually being what we claim to be. That despicable trait is a definite part of
our makeup as surely as blood runs through our veins and as surely as our
oxygen-hungry lungs compel us to suck for the next breath! That "something"
in us is selfishness— a trait that never tarnished the character of the Great
Redeemer but which so encompasses us that it is little wonder that the world
doubts Christ's living in us.

Strange, isn't it, that we should touch on so sore a subject as "selfishness"
during the Easter season? Strange indeed? Not really. Was it not for
selfishness that Judas betrayed the innocent Lord? Thirty pieces of silver! Was
it not for selfishness that Peter denied that he ever knew the Stranger from
Galilee? Selfish fear of personal harm at being associated with the already-
convicted Christ! Was it not selfishness that urged the disciples to run and hide
when they saw their Lord taken away to be tried? Again, a selfish fear of bodily
harm and perhaps social ostracism! For shame, you say? For shame indeed,
for selfishness kills the wonderful message just as it killed our Lord, and just as
it kills our effectiveness in witnessing for Him in song and word.

What about us— the present generation, anyhow? Are we not just as selfish
as, if not more selfish than, the ones we've mentioned? Is it not for the sake of
selfishness that we attire ourselves in grand apparel on Easter Sunday,
alibiing our doing so by saying that our finery is a sign of new life and the
resurrection? Is not an overdeveloped pride or overinflated ego more logically
the real reason for playing the peacock?

How about the ones of us who need Him every hour— His loving, keeping
power, strength, and understanding (and seek such in prayer), but disdain to
offer a mere minute of our time to others with similar needs? Oh no, we are not
selfish, are we? No more so than the greediest time-hoarding miser in the
world !

How about the ones of us who have had the fortune of heaven to smile upon
us and who have lived with an overabundance of necessities, even luxuries, but
who, when asked to donate some of our precious pennies, hesitate, saying, "I

(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

APRIL 14, 1976
Volume 91 Number I

Edited and published weekly by the Free W;
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L<|
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon:
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, ji

All materials to be placed in any issue mu:
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tr
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: orj
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yean.
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discour'
given when local churches send the "Baptist" ti
the home of every member; names and ac
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sai>
article.

Items for publication should be addressed ti
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— !
p. m., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:31
a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rober
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

PREE WILL BAPTISTS

THE BICENTENNIAL

by Loy Everette Ballard
I wonder if many of our
-Jt people are aware of the fact
tit there is a reason why our national
tojentennial celebrations should have
sne special significance to Free Will
Eptists.

According to the best historical in-
timation I have been able to obtain from
vj'ious sources, the people who now
|-ild true the doctrines of the Original
tee Will Baptists were called Free Will
tjptists first in 1776, the year our
Lclaration of Independence was
copted. It is true that there were
(lurches before that time that held our
lliefs, and several of them had been
(iganized into conferences of which at
last three of those churches still
irvive. But up to this time they had
Siared the common names "Baptist,"
i, in some cases, "General Baptists,"
, d had maintained some relationships
ith these other Baptist— which had not
oven very agreeable to them.
Around 1775, we have some records
I them being called "Freewillers" in
jdicule, which they did not like,
ipwever, in 1776 they seem to have
icepted the name "Free Will Baptist,"
y which they have been known since,
tarn that year on, I can find no record
here they had any organic connection
ith other Baptist bodies. In a sense, our
eople declared their independence and
ecame a separate denomination, with
leir own distinctive name, which for two
undred years they have made an
onorable one.

I think we have good reason to tie in
ome kind of celebration of these two
undred years of our history as a
jfOmpletely independent denomination
i/ith our national bicentennial. Why not
ome special programs in connection
i/ith some of our conventions and
inferences this year dealing with some
if the events of these two hundred
'ears, and honoring some of the men and
vomen who have made Free Will Baptists
i great denomination? I am working now
)n a little skit presenting characters
<nown to have been associated with the

denomination in 1776, and giving my
conception of some of the conversations
which may have taken place regarding
the acceptance of our denominational
name. I plan to present it in the General
Youth Conference at Cragmont in June,
and possibly at some other meetings. I
would like to see some of our fine young
people who are in college, or have had
some training in drama, do what they can
with a more extensive dramatization of
some of the outstanding events of our
history of these past two hundred years.
I would be glad to become a collaborator
with anyone, or any group that might be
challenged to do this. I feel sure that
some of our conventions this fall would
be glad to feature something like this.

If there are parades in connection with
our national bicentennial— and you may
be sure there will be around July
4— some groups might prepare floats for
them, with people dressed to represent
some of the men of our history who
labored hard to make our denomination
great. In some way our institutions, such
as the old Free Will Seminary, our
present College, our Children's Home,
Cragmont Assembly, and the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, could be
featured on such floats. Because of the
event that took place with respect to Free
Will Baptists in 1776, no denomination
has a better right than we to participate
in bicentennial celebrations. Somebody
get going!

CHILDREN'S HOME
NEW CHILDREN

Cindy Webb
We have two new children here at the
Children's Home. Cindy Webb, who is 8

years old, came to live with us on
February 29. Cindy previously lived in
the Tarboro area. She is in the second
grade at school.

Pam Ellis

Pam Ellis is 12 years old and in the
seventh grade at school. Pam came to
live with us on March 7 of this year, from
the Wilson area.

Both Cindy and Pam are now living in
the Deans Cottage with Mrs. Sally
Renfrow. We are very proud of these fine
young ladies and they are very happy to
be here with us.

YOUTH PROJECT

Any youth organization interested in
helping the children at the Children's
Home can do so by making contributions
to our Youth Activity Fund. This is a fund
recently established which will be used
to finance the children's participation in
school sports, summer camps, music
lessons, recreational and educational
trips, and other summer-type activities.

If the youth of our denomination will
take an active part in supporting this
project, then the Home will be in a better
position to provide our children with
increased opportunities for full
development. Be much in prayer for the
success of this project. We humbly ask
the youth leaders and Sunday school
teachers to encourage your youth to
participate in this project. If you choose
to participate, send your contributions to
the Free Will Baptist Children's Home,
P. 0. Box 249, Middlesex, North
Carolina 27557. Be sure to designate
your contribution for the Youth Activity
Fund.

(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

HISTORY OF
GRIMSLEY FREE WILL BAPTIST

CHURCH

by Valerie Joan Wood
(Continued from Last Issue)

I

1

1

•^iHERE has been no valid docu-
mented evidence to prove
Grimsley church's existence prior to
1752. However, a newspaper clipping
from 1960, written by Patricia Moore,
stated that all three original Free Will
Baptist churches: Grimsley, Little Creek,
and Gum Swamp, were organized in
1728. 17 There is no documented
source to verify this statement; but
Harrison and Barfield's history indicates
that Grimsley was organized in the period
between 1728 and 1752. 18 Until
historians discover more sources of
information, as it stands Grimsley did
exist as early as 1752. Possibly, the
church existed prior to this date, but
there is nothing to confirm that
existence.

Grimsley church has many historical
aspects that are noteworthy of attention,
the first being "arms" of the church. In
1830, the Hookerton church in Greene
County was organized as the Free Will
Baptist Church of Christ. Formerly the
members had been an arm of the church
at Grimsley. James Moore, who was
pastor at Grimsley in 1 825 (the earliest
pastor to be accounted for at Grimsley),
was the first pastor of the Hookerton
church in 1 830. While he was serving as
pastor of the Hookerton church, he could
have pastored Grimsley also, because at
that time Grimsley had services only one
Sunday a month. Twenty years later Mr.
Moore moved his membership from
Grimsley and organized the Free Union
Free Will Baptist Church in Greene
County, which is still prospering and
growing in the Lord. Also, Mr. Moore
stated that he was acquainted with the
minister who organized the first Free
Will Baptist church in Georigia. Mr.
Moore later moved from Greene County to
Georgia. 19

Another "arm" of the Grimsley
church was a man named Redding
Moore. Mr. Moore was born in 1781 and

grew up in the vicinity of Grimsley. He
was a member there and received his
early training from Free Will Baptists in
that area. He was ordained as a Free Will
Baptist minister in 1816 and moved to
South Carolina where he organized three
churches.20 This concludes the history
of branches and leaderships that arose
from Grimsley.

In the early history of the church some
funny events took place that are
noteworthy. In the early 1800's, at a
quarterly meeting, the minutes stated
that there was no communion service on
account of not being able to obtain any
wine. 21

Also, once there was a partition which
divided the auditorium of the church into
two sides. The men sat on one side and
the women on the other. Evidently, the
partition did not extend to the floor
because the following heresay has been
handed down to the present
congregation: One of the deceased
members of the church, Mr. Josiah
Suggs, once said that he never heard the
preacher's sermon because he always
looked under the partition to try to see
the women's legs. 22 The humorous
behavior of the early church members
was quite evident.

Of course, one cannot talk about the
history of a church without mentioning
the ministers. A minister is usually the
"backbone" of a church. If the minister
is doing his job as he should, the church
will probably grow spiritually and ex-
pand. Certainly, this can be said about
the pastors of Grimsley church. The
following is a list of the pastors of the
church from 1897-1976:

1897-
*1 899-

1906-

1908-
*1 91 0-

1913-
*1 91 4-

1899
1906
1908
1909
1913
1914
1916

F. M. McLawhorn
E. T. Phillips
R. I. Corbett
W. C. Vause
E. T. Phillips
R. R. Jones
J. C. Moye

1917-1918: D.W.Alexander
•1918-1919: J. C. Moye

1919-1921: R.C.Alexander

1922-1931: A. E. Rouse
*1 932-1 933: L. B. Manning

1934-1936: Dan Beaman

1937-1943: M.A.Woodard
*1944-1950: L. B. Manning

1951-1952: C.L.Patrick

1953- 1954: L.E.Ballard

1954- 1957: C. H. Overman
1957-1962: W.H.Willis
1962-1965: R.P.Harris
1965-1967: Henry Barfield

•1967-1972: L. B. Manning

1972- Tom Miller 23
•Pastors of the church for more than on|

term.

The clerk of a church is very importai!
in that he maintains as accurate a record
of the church's history as possible
Therefore, it is necessary to see thi
church clerk is chosen very carefulh
The following is a list of the clerks i
Grimsley church from the early 1800's
1976:

7-1901: B. L. Dail
1901-1909: J. J. Hughes
1909-1911: J.R.Phillips
1913: Alice Dail
1914: Teresa Harper
•1915-1951: B.T. Dail
•1952-1966: Jimmie Lee Jones
1967: Janice Lamm
1967-1970: Mary Taylor
1970-1973: Carole Burress

1973- Imogene Wood 2«
•Clerks who have served for more thai

ten years.

While the church grows spiritually
there is also a necessity for growth of thi
church building. In the history o
Grimsley church there are three buildint
programs that are of great significance
These three building programs an
outlined as follows:

First Program, 1951-1956: 1951
auditorium built; 1952, new pews placet

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

n

1961,
1964,
1966,

nurch and stained glass windows
memorial plaques installed; 1954,
abet placed in the middle and side
a:bs and in the pulpit; 1956, doors
walled in Sunday school rooms.

tecond Program, 1961-1970:
'wjg annexed to the church;
•tMEide bathroom disposed of;
w in annex covered; 1967, railing put
'Jund front steps; 1970, new church
mnument erected.

hird Program, 1972-1976: 1972,
ijsery established in church; 1973,
inlrcom system installed, baptistry
inlalled with curtain and painting of the
Mian River, and church building brick
yi eered; 1976, entire church carpeted,
m ceiling with recessed lights in-
silled, and inside of church painted.25
thus concludes the history of the
Gjnsley Free Will Baptist Church.
Mording to available documented
sjirces, Grimsley is at least 225 years
•L being established in the period
bJween 1727 and 1752. 26- The church
tnds today where it stood probably
Oir two hundred years ago as a
'baching point," if not as an
oianized church. This record proves
r£jmsley to be a bicentennial landmark to
Gsene County, to the nation, and
Itainly to the Free Will Baptist
Criomination . During the celebration of
I bicentennial, one must not forget to
If tribute to such a historical landmark.
Epryone should be grateful to America's
feathers who made it possible for the
(ristian community to share religious
f edom in a place of worship. Therefore,
i the confusion of such bicentennial
clebration, one must not forget to look
t One mightier than man and give
tanks for what He has made possible
trough America's forefathers.

EASTER SYMBOLS

j 17 Patricia Moore, p. 13.

j18 Harrison and Barfield, p. 53.

19 Charles Crossfield Ware, p. 80.

20 Dr. William Davidson, p. 208.

21 B. T. Dail, Clerk, Church Minutes, April 13,
11,.

j 22 Mrs. Ruth Jones, interviewed by Miss Wood,
3Druary, 1976.

j 23 Church Minutes, 1892-1976, donated by Mr.

'uce Dail and Mrs. Imogene Wood.

24 Church Minutes, 1892-1976.

25 Church Minutes, 1892-1976.

26 Harrison and Barifeld, p. 53.

by

Mary Lou Hooks

Easter is the most important holy day
of the Christian religion. Without the
crucifixion of Christ and His resurrection
we would not have the assurance of an
everlasting life.

Some symbols of Easter are the Cross,
the lamb, lights, eggs, and rabbits.

The Cross represents the crucifixion of
Jesus Christ. It is the symbol of Christ's
victory over death. People in many parts
of the world eat special cakes called hot
cross buns during the Easter season.
Each cake has a cross of icing on its
crust. The Greeks and Portuguese eat a
specially baked round flat Easter loaf
marked with a cross and decorated with
Easter eggs.

The figure of a lamb is symbolic of
Jesus— the Jews sacrificed a lamb,
called a paschal lamb, during their
traditional Passover ceremony in the
temple in Jerusalem. In John 1:29, he
speaks of Jesus as "... the lamb of
God, which taketh away the sin of the
world."

Lights, candles and bonfires, mark
Easter celebrations in some lands.
Roman Catholics and some Lutheran
churches put out all of the lights in their
churches on Good Friday. They relight
candles on Easter Eve to symbolize the
resurrection of Jesus.

In many parts of northern and central
Europe people burn bonfires on hilltops.
They gather around and sing Easter
hymns.

Eggs represent the new life that
returns to nature about Eastertime. The
custom of exchanging eggs began in
ancient times. The ancient Egyptians and
Persians often dyed eggs in spring colors
and gave them to their friends as gifts.
The Persians believed that the earth had
hatched from a giant egg.

Early Christians of Mesopotamia were
the first to use colored eggs for Easter. In
some European countries, people colored
eggs red to represent the joy of the
resurrection. In England, friends often
wrote messages and dates on the eggs
they exchanged. Elaborate candy eggs
with a window in one end and tiny
scenes inside were popular gifts in the
1800's. Children today often find
chocolate eggs or cardboard eggs filled
with candy on Easter morning.

The belief that an Easter bunny brings
Easter eggs to children is thought to have
had its origin in Germany. Legend has it
that a poor woman dyed some eggs
during a famine, and hid them in a nest
as an Easter gift for her children. Just as
the children discovered the nest, a big
rabbit leaped away. The story spread
that the rabbit had brought the Easter
eggs.

In ancient Egypt the rabbit symbolized
birth. Some ancient peoples considered
it a symbol of the moon. It may later have
become an Easter symbol because the
moon determines the date of Easter.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

SUNDAY, APRIL 18
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
6:14

"IF EASTER BE
NOT TRUE!"
If Easter be not true,
Then all the lilies low must lie,
The Flanders poppies fade and die ;
The spring must lose her fairest
bloom,

For Christ were still within the
tomb—
If Easter be not true.

If Easter be not true,
Then faith must mount on broken
wings,

Then hope no more immortal spring,
Then hope must lose her mighty urge,
Life prove a phantom, death a dirge —
If Easter be not true.

If Easter be not true —
But it is true , and Christ is risen !
And mortal spirit from its prison
Of sin and death with Him may rise !
Worthwhile the struggle sure the
prize,

Since Easter, aye, is true !

—Henry H. Barstow

PRAYER THOUGHT
Blessed words, Christ is risen! We
have a living Saviour and we have no
need to fear death.

MONDAY, APRIL 19
Scripture Reading— Galatians 6:14

AFTER

After the crosses— a crown of life ;

After weeping— a song;

After the night of sorrow— a bright

and glorious dawn.
After the longing— reality ;
After wand'ring— the way;
After the pain of parting— the glad

reunion day.

— Eda A. Reid

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our salvation is more joyous for the
burdens and sorrows of life. It is our
shining hope in a sin-filled, lustful
world.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20
Scripture Reading— Galatians 5 :24

LORD, SHOW THY
HANDS, THY FEET!
Lord, when I am weary with toiling,
And burdensome seem thy com-
mands,

If my load should lead to complaining,
Lord, show me thy hands
Thy nail-pierced hands, thy cross-torn
hands,

My Saviour, show me thy hands.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus not only died in our steads,
but He died in an exemplary manner.
Who among us would worry about our
enemies with our dying breaths.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21
Scripture Reading— James 1:12

LESSONS OF THE YEAR
So the heart from the hardest trial

Gains the purest joy of all,
Ana the lips that have tasted sadness

The sweetest songs that fall.

Then as joy comes after sorrow,
And love's the reward of pain,

So after earth is heaven,
And out of our loss is gain.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
How can one enjoy life to the fullest
until he has felt the remorse of sad-
ness and trial?

THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Scripture Reading— Psalm 8:3

TOMORROW
God is in every tomorrow,

Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise

Guidance and strength for the way;
Power for each moment of weakness,

Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow

Sunshine and joy after rain.

God is in every tomorrow, ^

Life with its changes may come ;
He is behind and before me ;

While in the distance shines Horn
Home— where no thought of tomorr

Ever can shadow my brow;
Home— in the presence of Jesus

Through all eternity —now.

— Selec
PRAYER THOUGHT

Jesus not only promises us hope
eternal life; He also promises
comfort and strength for each day.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 12::|

WHICH CHRIST?

A very learned man once said t<]
little girl who believed in the Lc]
Jesus: "My poor little girl, you do]
know whom you believe in. Thti
have been many christs. In whichl
them do you believe?" "I know whil
one I believe in," replied the child. fl
believe in the Christ who rose frd
the dead."— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Do we really know the Christ'
whom we profess belief? Pray that
may thoroughly read and study o
Bibles and become familiar with Hi
as He progressed through
situations.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24
Scripture Reading— John 11 :26

CHRIST IS RISEN!
Oh, we see Him in the springtime,

When each bud and leaf and flowej
Bursting from its deathlike sleeping

Speaks of resurrection power!
When all nature wakes in gladness,
Birds sing out their tuneful lays,
And the earth, bedecked wi
blossoms,
Joins in its Creator's praise.

—Pentecostal Evangeli

PRAYER THOUGHT
Resurrected life! What a wonderf
phrase. We need not despair for v
have a living God and a future mac
bright with the promise of eternal li,
with our Saviour.

(Devotions used by permission ■
Knight's Master Book of New J
lustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

luestion: Why was the Sabbath
Ringed from the seventh to the first day
me week?

Answer: Such a change has not, as of
iv taken place, and there is no biblical
J ication that such will ever take place,
ji Lord Jesus Christ arose from the
mti on the first day of the week and His
lowers, filled with the Holy Spirit,
(laan meeting on that day of the week in
,||nmemoration of that event. With a
ivy limited exception, His followers
ilVe continued to meet on the first day of
ti week in commemoration of Christ's
rjurrection.

Of course, Satan who met with total
(feat at the Cross and the empty tomb,
\ls not going to have things rest or run
iioothly for the church. Even though he
As defeated, he would not acknowledge
i;in anyway; therefore, he stirred up
^fusion over times, places, material

ings, days, etc.

I Jesus had said, "... upon this rock
limself the rock of ages— the stone the
jiilders rejected) I will build my church;
id the gates of hell shall not prevail
]ainst it" (Matthew 16:18). None of us
|ho are biblically informed Christians
^lieve Satan will see this happening
Jthout, through his wiles, confuse us
!nd make it as difficult as he can for us.
See and compare Matthew 16:13-19;
latthew 7:25; 1 Corinthians 10:4;
fomans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6-8; Luke 6:46-
9.)

We go to the Scriptures again and find
|iat confusion concerning those days
tame into the church before the death of
jome of the apostles. Here is some of
|/hat one apostle said in trying to correct
his confusion: "One man esteemeth one
jlay above another: another esteemeth
svery day alike. Let every man be fully
persuaded in his own mind. He that
egardeth the day, regardeth it unto the
.ord; and he that regardeth not the day,
;o the Lord he doth not regard it. He that

eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth
God thanks; and he that eateth not, to
the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God
thanks" (Romans 14:5, 6); "But now,
after that ye have known God, or rather
are known of God, how turn ye again to
the weak and beggarly elements,
whereunto ye desire again to be in
bondage? Ye observe days, and months,
and times, and years" (Galatians 4:9,
10); "Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect of an
holyday, or of the new moon, or of the
sabbath days: Which are a shadow of
things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Let no man beguile you of your reward in
a voluntary humility and worshipping of
angels, intruding into those things which
he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his
fleshly mind" (Colossians 2:16-18).

The Seventh Day Adventists of today
seem to be in line with those of
old— some of the Judaizers of the
apostles' day. None are allowed to eat
pork and all of them are supposed to
observe the seventh day in the same
strictness. The Mormons have similar
requirements in their practices, and I
have been told they sometimes baptize a
living person expecting it to be a means
of saving one that is dead. The Catholics
bow to the images that are supposed to
represent Christ and His disciples. In the
dark ages some of the so-called
Christians worshiped angels.

We, in the church, are to worship the
triune God: God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Holy Ghost. This our God
alone are we to serve according to the
rules that are given in the New
Testament. Baptism, the Lord's Supper,
and Feet Washing are the only symbols
we are given to observe.

The Holy Spirit used a Christian Jew to
say to the Gentile believers in Christ:
". . .we write unto them, that they ab-
stain from pollutions of idols, and

from fornication, and from things
strangled, and from blood. ... For it
seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to
us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things; That ye
abstain from meats offered to idols, and
from blood, and from things strangled,
and from fornication: from which if ye
keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare
ye well" (Acts 15:20, 28, 29). (Read
Acts 15:13-32.)

When one has read the New
Testament teaching on the subject he
well sees that the church is not a
renewed Judaism, but the body of Christ
which when completed, He will come in
the air and bring every member back in a
glorified form and unite with it. "Now ye
are the body of Christ, and members in
particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27).

George h. Sandison writes on a similar
subject as follows in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered, page
382:

"There is no command recorded, and
probably none was given to change, but
the change was made in celebration of
Christ's rising from the dead. At the first
great council of the Church, when the
question was discussed whether the
Gentile converts should be required to
obey the Jewish law, it was decided that
only four observances should be required
of them. (See Acts 15.) The observance
of the Jewish Sabbath was not one of the
four, and the Gentile Christians do not
appear to have ever kept it. The Rabbis
had made it ridiculous by a host of
absurd regulations about what a man
might, or might not, do on that day.
Christ was frequently accused of
breaking the Sabbath. The Jewish
observance was most vexatious and
onerous, and the Apostles very wisely
did not attempt to bring the Gentiles
under the bondage. The writings of the
early Fathers show that very early in the
Christian era, if not in Apostolic times,
the first day of the week was uniformly
the day of religious meeting and ab-
stinence from secular labor, thus
celebrating the new Creation as the
Jewish Sabbath celebrated the old.
Several incidental allusions in the Acts
show that even in Apostolic times, the
custom was prevalent. But we do not
observe Sunday as the Sabbath. It is
seldom a day of rest to the earnest
Christian, but of holy activity in his
Master's service."

'THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

of Denominational Interest

John Williams to Conduct
Saint Mary's Revival

Saint Mary's Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Kenly, announces its spring
revival beginning April 19, and con-
tinuing through April 23. Services will
begin each evening at 8 p. m. Special
music will be rendered each evening.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

The Rev. John Williams will be the
guest speaker for these services. Mr.
Williams is currently pastoring
Milbournie Free Will Baptist Church near
Wilson. The pastor, the Rev. Leslie
Hawley will assist in the services.

Friendship Revival for the
Week, April 18-23

Revival services will be held at
Friendship Original Free Will Baptist
Church of Route 1, Middlesex, in
Johnston County, in the Emit Com-
munity, beginning Sunday night, April
18, and going through Friday night, April
23. Services will begin each night at 8
p. m.

The Rev. Joe Gerald will be the visiting
evangelist for this revival. Mr. Gerald is a
former pastor of Friendship and is now at

a home mission church at Hope Mills.

The Rev. Dwight Chapman, pastor of
the church, and members of the church
invite everyone to come and hear this
man of God.

Revival and Homecoming
At Cape Colony Mission

Revival services are scheduled for the
Cape Colony Free Will Baptist Mission,
Edenton, for the week of April 19-23.
The visiting minister will be the Rev.
John Melancon. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30 with the pastor, the Rev.
John Sexton, assisting. Special music
will also be rendered each evening. The
public is cordially invited to attend.

On Sunday, April 25, the Cape Colony
mission will have its first homecoming.
Everyone is also invited to attend and
enjoy the worship and fellowship
together.

Bethany Church Schedules
Pre-Easter Revival

The Bethany Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Winterville, has scheduled a
Pre-Easter revival April 14-16. Services
will begin each night at 7:30 with special
music, and the pastor, the Rev. Bobby R.
Taylor, bringing the messages.

The pastor and the congregation
welcome all visitors who have the op-
portunity to attend.

Norman Ard to Conduct
Ayden Revival

The Rev. Norman Ard, pastor of
Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist Church
of Pink Hill, will be the visiting minister
for revival services at the Ayden Free Will
Baptist Church the week of April 26-30,
beginning nightly at 7:45. Mr. Ard will
be assisted by the pastor, the Rev. C. H.
Overman. Each service will feature
special music, along with good gospel
preaching. The public is cordially invited
to attend.

Spring Revival at
Cabin Church

Revival is scheduled to begin Monc
night, April 19, at the Cabin Free V
Baptist Church, Route 1, Beulaville, aj
continue through Friday evening. Pray
rooms will open at 7:15, followed w
the revival services at 7:30. The fa:
Bobby Bazen, pastor of the Black Ja!
church near Greenville, will be the gut
minister. He will be assisted by
pastor, the Rev. William Littleton. T
pastor and the church members!1
extend a cordial invitation to everyone.

Annual Easter Sunrise Service
At the Ormondsville Church

The annual Easter sunrise service w
be held this year at the Ormondsville Fn
Will Baptist Church, Route 1, Aydei
This annual service is sponsored by tl
woman's auxiliary of the church and \\,
adult choir. The service will begin J
5:30 a. m., Easter Sunday, Api1
18. This year the adult choir !
presenting the cantata, "Peter and tf!
Resurrection." The narration will ti
done by Mr. W. A. "Pete" Beamo^
assistant superintendent of the Sunda
school. Immediately following m
cantata, the pastor, the Rev. Clifton Ricj
will conduct the usual communic
service.

Following this service the woman
auxiliary will serve a continental brealj
fast in the church's recreation buildint
The public is cordially invited to attend.;

Owen's Chapel Revival
April 18-24

Revival services will be held at th
Owen's Chapel Free Will BaptiS'
Church, Route 3, Elm City, the week o
April 18-24. Services will begin nightl'
at 7:30 with the Rev. Frank Thompson o!
Johnson City, Tennessee, as the gues
evangelist. He will be assisted by thi
pastor, the Rev. A. J. Scarboro. Thi
public is invited to attend.

Spring Revival at
Sneads Ferry Church

Revival services are scheduled fo
Sneads Ferry Free Will Baptist Churcl
for the week of April 19-24, beginninc
each evening at 7:30. The visitrnc
evangelist will be the Rev. Andrew Hill o
Deep Run. The Rev. 0. B. Taylor, thi
pastor, will be assisting in the services
He and the church congregation inviti
everyone to attend.

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

hkory Grove Church
fins Revival

(The Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist
Jiurch announces its plans for a spring
vival tor the week of April 19-24. The
lurch is located on Highway 33, four
jiles east of Bethel. The guest speaker
r the services will be the Rev. C. L.
prick who is currently pastoring the
fee Union church near Walstonburg.
brvices will begin each evening at 7:45,
jith special music being rendered as a
art of each service. The pastor, the Rev.
ubert Burress, will assist in the
Brvices. The pastor and the
Dngregation will welcome your presence
uring the week.

ipring Revival to Begin
it Holly Springs Church

j Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church
located on the Nine Mile Road, Newport,
'Jvill begin its spring revival Monday
|vening, April 26, which will continue
ijhrough Friday evening, April 30. The
Services will begin at 7:30 each evening,
[he Rev. Noah Brown, pastor of the Faith
iphurch of Morehead City, will be the
guest speaker for the week. There will
also be special singing each night. The
Dastor, the Rev. J. B. Starnes, and the
congregation extend a warm welcome to
each one to attend.

Bethel Revival Scheduled
For the Week of April 19-24

Revival services will be held at the
Bethel Free Will Baptist Church near Four
Oaks the week of April 19-24, beginning
each evening at 7:30. The visiting
minister will be the Rev. Biliy Nowell,

pastor of the Pleasant Grove church near
Erwin. The public is invited to attend
these services.

Rose of Sharon Revival
In Progress this Week

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Rose of Sharon Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Robersonville,
with the Rev. Gary Bailey of Ayden as the
visiting evangelist. Services, which are
beginning each evening at 7:30, will
continue through Saturday night, April
17. The pastor, the Rev. Raymond
Sasser, is assisting in the services which
are featuring special music each
evening. The public is invited to attend
the remainder of these services.

Stony Hill Sunday School Launches
"Fisher of Men" Contest

During the month of February the Rev.
Davie Brinson, pastor of Stony Hill Free
Will Baptist Church, Middlesex, launch-
ed a big campaign entitled "The
Greatest Fisher of Men." Mr. Brinson
put forth a challenge that the men of the
church could bring more visitors to
Sunday school during the month than the
women. He stated that if the men failed
to meet the requirement, the president of
the woman's auxiliary would be allowed
to cut the preacher's tie off.

As the month went on more and more
visitors were brought into God's house of
worship. However, when the final tally
was made it showed that the women had
come out ahead of the men. On the first
Sunday in March the fun began as is
shown in the pictures.

Above Joyce Matthews, president of
the woman's auxiliary, is shown proudly
clipping off part of the preacher's tie.

In this picture Wade Duke,
superintendent of the Sunday school, is
shown as he is given the opportunity to
take another clipping off the preacher's
tie, for the great motivation he had given
the entire Sunday school.

Also shown is Mrs. Matthews
presenting Mrs. Kay Manning a gift for
being the "Greatest Fisher of Men," as
she brought the greatest number of
visitors to Sunday school.

"Thank God for women," stated Mr.
Brinson.

Eddie Edwards to Conduct
Saints Delight Revival

The Rev. Eddie Edwards will be guest
evangelist for a series of revival services
planned for the Saints Delight Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 6, New Bern, April
19-24. Beginning each evening at 7:30,
the services will feature special music,
with the pastor, the Rev. Luther
Swinson, assisting Mr. Edwards. A
cordial invitation is issued to the public.
(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

CASTELLOE DIRECTS
SUMMER CAMP

"One of the outstanding aspects of
Christian camping is teaching young
people to appreciate God's creation and
giving them the opportunity to live all
experiences of life in a Christian at-
mosphere, allowing them to practice
what they hear on Sunday everyday of
the week," according to Miss Caroline
Castelloe, the 1976 director of summer
camp at Eagles Nest.

Originally from Windsor, North
Carolina, Miss Castelloe came to Mount
Olive College eleven years ago and has
been a math professor there ever since.
She earned her Bachelor of Science and
Masters degrees from East Carolina
University, Greenville.

Miss Castelloe attended Bible school
as a student from the age of 6 months
until the age of 14, when she taught her
first class. From that time on she has
participated as a teacher for all ages and
has taught numerous study courses
throughout the denomination.

"I particularly like what D. L. Moody
once said after a revival, ' ' Miss Castelloe
said. "He claimed he had just seen the
conversion of two and one-half people. A
lady remarked that it must have been two
adults and one child, but Moody ex-
claimed, 'No, it was two children and
one adult.' He said that children have
their whole lives to live in service to God
where an adult has the half that's left. ' '

"That," Miss Castelloe said, "is the
wonderful reward of working with
beautiful budding children. God allows
you to see the blossoming of a beautiful
Christian life, in the nurturing and
admonition of the Lord."

Miss Castelloe currently serves as
advisor to The New Creations, traveling
extensively with the gospel singing
group. She also serves as advisor to the
Student Government Association and the
freshman class.

The Christian Music Festival held each
May (this year on Saturday, May 1), has
been under the leadership of Miss
Castelloe since its inception. Weekly
meetings begin in the fall so that
students may pray and plan for its
success.

There will be five individual weeks of
camping, each week offering time for
outdoor activities, sharing time, creative
crafts, Bible study, and nature study, all
individually supervised by adult leaders.

For more information, write or call
Miss Caroline Castelloe at Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina
28365; or dial (919) 658-2502.

MOC SUMMER
SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Mount Olive College will offer three
sessions of summer school this year.
Session "A" begins June 7, going
through June 25; session "B" from
June 28 through July 16; and session
"C" from July 19 through August 6.

All summer school classes are
scheduled insofar as possible during the
morning hours with no classes on
Saturday.

Courses of study offered include
Economics 151 and 152 (A, B, and C);
Introduction to the Old Testament 101 (A
and B); Introduction to the New
Testament 102 (A); Religion of the Bible
103 (A); Religion in America 207 (B);
Clinical Pastoral Care 211 (B and C);
English Composition 101 (A); English
Composition 102 (B); American
Literature 203 (A); American Literature
204 (B); Public Speaking 205 (C);
Intermediate Algebra 53 (A and B); Basic
Concepts of Math 101 and 102 (A and
B); College Algebra 103 (A and B);
Trigonometry 104 (A and B); Principles
of Biology 100 (A), General Zoology 102
(prerequisite Biology 100) (B); General
Chemistry 201 (A); General Chemistry
202 (B); Health and Hygiene 203 (B);

Golf 103 (A and B); Western Civilizatioil
101 and 102 (A, B, and C); Americai'
History 201 and 202 (A, B, and C); Nortl
Carolina History 203 (A); International
Politics 202 (A and B); Introduction t(
Sociology 201 (A and B); Socia
Problems 202 (B); Marriage and thi
Family 203 (A); and Introduction ti|
Psychology 201 (B).

For more information, please contact
Admissions, Mount Olive College, Moun<
Olive, North Carolina 28365; telephone
(919) 658-2502.

WORRELL RECEIVES
GE GRANT

Horace A. Worrell, a sophomore a|
Mount Olive College, has been chosen as:
one of fifty minority students in America
to receive a grant from the Genera
Electric Foundation under its
"Engineering Scholarship Program fori
Minority Community College,
Graduates." Only one other student ir!
the state of North Carolina was amonj
the fifty students chosen nationally.

Selection of recipients was ad>
ministered by the College Entrance
Examination Board of New York.

Upon graduating from Mount Olive'i
College in May, Worrell plans to continue;
his education at North Carolina State]
University and will pursue a major ir
mechanical engineering.

COMING EVENTS...

April 14— Cape Fear District Woman^
Auxiliary Convention, Mount Olivcj
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

April 15— Albemarle District Woman's,
Auxiliary Convention, Free Uniorj
Free Will Baptist Church, Pinetown,
North Carolina

April 24— North Carolina State Youtr|
Fellowship Convention, Lucama Higr
School, Lucama, North Carolina

May 6— North Carolina State Woman'?
Auxiliary Convention, Memoria
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, Nortl-
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Wil
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., ir
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

(Continued on Page 16)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

The Unmitigated

lj by the Rev. R. P. Harris

jscriptural basis: "If I then, your Lord
E'd Master, have washed your feet; ye
s o ought to wash one another's feet"
|phn 13:14). Also read John 13:1-7.

jThe washing of the saints' feet is an
finance encouraging humility and
liritual cleansing which the disciples
Id not yet learned. Jesus, performing
le act, was teaching them how to
limble themselves in obedience to His
ijmmandments. Jesus had taught them
lie art of healing, trained them to do
Irsonal evangelism, had taught them
'e eloquence of speech, and had even
lught them what to do in case of violent
shavior in men; but, through these
:complishments and activities, they had
i at yet learned the way of humility and
piritual cleansing. So, through the act
I washing the disciples' feet He was
aying, "Look fellows, this is what I
lean." "He riseth from supper, and
iid aside his garments; and took a
)wel, and girded himself. After that he
joureth water into a bason, and began to
/ash the disciples' feet, and to wipe
iem with the towel wherewith he was
irded" (John 13:4, 5). In washing the
isciples ' feet He was setting the
sample— an example they in turn
ihould practice with one another. "If I
jhen, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet; ye also ought to wash
me another's feet" (v. 14).

Even in the act of setting the example,
here was one disciple, Simon Peter, who
lad not yet learned the truth. When Christ
nade it clear that if he refused to let Him
wash his feet, he could have no part with
Him, Peter expressed a desire to be
Washed all over: "... not my feet only,
but also my hands and my head" (v. 9).
'This also gave Jesus the opportunity to
say, "If ye know these things, happy are

ye if ye do them" (v. 1 7).

The ordinance of washing the saints'
feet is never practiced in many, many
churches across our land. Some of the
old original churches and many
denominations who previously practiced
the ordinance do not consider it a
necessary part of their religious ex-
perience and have eliminated it
altogether. Some excuses offered are
indeed ridiculous, and yet our church
leaders ignore the fact that Christ said,
". . . If I wash thee not, thou hast no
part with me" (v. 8). Our society is not
interested in humility and a willingness
to serve in the most humble and
meaningful tasks. It is not convenient to
provide the pans, towels, rooms, the
water, and to set up quarters for both
male and female members. It is not
convenient to remove shoes, hose, and
other items necessary to perform in this
humble act of washing a brother's or
sister's feet. Some resent washing feet
because of the unsanitary conditions
they might be confronted with. "Perish
the idea," some could very easily say.
But our Lord intended for His disciples to
practice this ordinance so that they
would always remember that "... The
servant is not greater than his lord;
neither he that is sent greater than he
that sent him" (v. 16).

The time for the practice of this or-
dinance may be debated. I am confident
that many churches do not practice the
ordinance because they are not con-
vinced that it is indeed required. Some
have argued that the practice should be
reduced to a one-time operation such as
the baptism is practiced. I am convinced
that the ordinance of washing the saints'
feet should be practiced as often as is
needed. It is very easy for some people to
become so involved in making a living,
socializing, and engaging in secular and
world affairs that they forget to humble
themselves in the service of helping in
human affairs. The church should be
able to set up a schedule suitable to the
majority of members. The service could
even be altered to accommodate those
who are in very difficult working con-
ditions. Our forefathers did well when
they observed the ordinance regularly
and scheduled it to take place im-
mediately after the Lord's Supper, which
followed the quarterly business meeting
of the church.

Spiritual cleansing and dedication
comes more by obedience than actual

participation in the ordinance, but how
can we obey if we ignore the Lord's
commandment? If the disciples could
have learned what Jesus meant some
other way they still would be disobedient
if the ordinance was not practiced. "...
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to harken that the fat of rams" (1
Samuel 15:22) still holds in my book.

The minister or a deacon leads in
removing his coat, shoes, and socks for
the service. After this, water is poured in
basins and towels are distributed. One
brother will select a partner and they in
turn will wash one another's feet. This
procedure is continued until all have
washed another's feet and all have had
their own feet washed. This procedure is
worked out by the women suitable to
their needs. The deacons of the church
usually arrange the basins, towels, and
water ahead of time; and if the water
needs to be heated it is done before
hand. When the whole ordinance has
been completed, the deacons in turn
collect the basins, wash them, and
someone is designated to take the towels
home with them to be laundered.

One other thing I might mention: the
new candidates (converts) who take part
in the ordinance for the first time will
have a deacon or the minister wash their
feet and they need not respond. This is a
friendly and brotherly gesture which
bonds love and appreciation for the new
converts.

The entire service can be very im-
pressive if carried out in sincerity and in
humility. The singing of suitable and
familiar hymns will also add to the beauty
of the ordinance as the washing of feet
goes on. After all have participated, the
members (worshipers) return to the main
assembly (sanctuary) where the minister
will lead in a suitable hymn without the
use of a musical instrument. Good hymns
will terminate the ordinance with grace,
love, and dignity. "Blest Be the Tie" and
the "Doxology" are good hymns to close
with. There will be no benediction as the
pastor will say, "You are at liberty to go
and may God bless you!"

CHURCH PEWS

Any church in need of church
pews, solid oak, in excellent
condition, please call 244-0162 at
night or on weekends for further
information. There are twenty-two
pews for sale.

li

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS0)

THE SUNDAY "
SCHOOL LESSON^ ~

For April 25

A CHRISTIAN
FAMILY LIFE-STYLE

Lesson Text: Colossians 3:1-4, 18-20
Memory Verse: Colossians 3:14

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Last Sunday's lesson completed
a lengthly but most delightful study in
the Gospel of Matthew. Today we begin a
new series of lessons on family issues
and our approach to them. These lessons
are intended to examine "the biblical
principles that speak with timeless
clarity to trends in the social system
affecting family life."

All of that means we will study the
things that affect our modern family life,
both the good and the bad, and at the
same time observe the various changes
in our family life-style which we have
seen within the past few years. Back of
all this will be a look into what the Bible
has to say about family life and the
relationship of the family members to
each other.

If our churches and country are great
it is because we have great families, for
we do not believe any country can
survive without its families having their
foundation in Christian principles.
Nations that were once mighty have
either disappeared or fallen in a second-
rate category because the principles of
Christian righteousness were aban-
doned. We should be aware also that
what has happened once can happen
again. With this in mind let us look into
the matter of a Christian family life-
style.—The Bible Student (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Last Sunday we studied about the
resurrection life that is ours because of
the resurrection of our Saviour. Today we
see how this resurrection life should be
used in one's life-style. Christianity is
not a life-style; it is life itself.

B. Being a Christian has a negative
side. There are some things that a

Christian must not do. But Christianity
also has a positive side. There are some
things that we must do. All of this may be
summed up in one word— love.

C. Righteousness comes from
Christ. It is imputed to us when we are
saved. But there is also an attained
righteousness. This righteousness is not
a negative thing of "don't." It is a
positive thing.

D. The Scripture in this lesson is
saying that the foundation of a good
marriage and, therefore, of a good home
is love. There are many things that one
can do without and still have a home, but
there is one essential— love.

E. Someone has said that in this age
of electricity everything is run by
switches except the children. We do not
believe that this type of punishment is
the answer to every problem that comes
up with children. But neither do we
believe that the Bible teaches that one
should not use punishment for children.
Children should be disciplined,
regardless of how you do it.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Ecology, concern for the physical
environment, has but recently come into
its own. It is a worthy science, central to
which is the keeping of a proper balance
or proper relationship in nature. But what
about homeology which also depends on
proper balance and proper relationships?
Surely it is a subject that is in need of
constant study. Nature can't be expected
to function correctly when it is out of
proper balance, and homes can't either.
A giant step toward establishing proper
family relationships will be taken when
the laws of God for operating the home
are recognized and honored by all the
members of the family. Those laws are
written in His Word.

God is vitally interested in the
Christian home and family. He has left us
some clear, essential guidelines for their
stability. This lesson and the five
following deal with such helps. We are

wise to use them.

Christian homes do not just happer)
they are planned— and the plans ai!
carried out by Christian parent:
— Standard Lesson Commentary

B. We mortals often get confuse
about our priorities. As children, we hav
no real concept of our needs, but w:
know what we want. It may be a neij
doll, an electric train, a new baseba
glove, or a new dress. Even in ou
adolescent and teen years it is often littl
different, because we have not learned t
tell the important from the trivial.

Maturity may come slowly to any cj
us, but none can really put his life ii
order without Jesus Christ. In Him m
learn life's true values. If a man has beei.
inclined to think too little of his moi
character, his family and home, or nil
duties to others, everything come
clearly into proper focus when he is
practicing Christian. Basic directions fo'
setting our priorities in order rest witl'
Jesus' words, "Seek ye first thi
kingdom of God, and his rightousness!
and all these things shall be added unti
you" (Matthew 6:33). — Selected

C. Dr. Walter, the great physician
and minister of Kansas City, once askec
to be allowed to minister to the prisoner;
in his city. He was refused this pen
mission. He wanted so badly to let the
prisoners know that God loved them thai
he figured out a way to tell them. He had
some small mirrors made. On the
backside he had printed John 3:16, anc]
these words, "If you want to know whc.
it is that God loves, look on the otheij
side."— Selected

D. In today's texts we see three:
good exchanges which Christians can|
make. They can leave earthly concerns
behind in favor of heavenly concerns.
Their behavior should not be sinful but
virtuous. Family relationships are
characterized by love, not hatred. Life
within God's family should be reflected
within the church and within the
home. — Selected

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

STORIES

or our youth

IIKES EASTER

LILY

Katherine Bevis
IKE sat in his room. He shook
his piggy bank and watched
coins as they dropped onto his desk,
hen the last coin had dropped out,
! carefully placed the bank in its
e on the shelf above his desk,
e began counting his pennies,
els, and dimes: "Five, ten, fifteen,
nty. . . ." As Mike counted his
ings to the last coin, he called out to
mother, "Oh, Mother, I can get an
ter lily. I have $2.50— just the
ount I need for that beautiful lily in
Scott's flower shop."
I didn't know you were saving your
ney for an Easter lily, ' ' said Mother as
walked into Mike's room.
'Well, you see, our teacher asked us
eral weeks ago to try to bring an
[fster lily to put in the church on Easter
nday morning," said Mike. "I was
raid I wouldn't have enough money to
(jt that real pretty one. But now I can.
il, Mother! I'm so glad. May I go right
; i w and get it, please? I want you to see
pat a pretty lily it is."
, "Yes, dear," smiled Mother, "but
' member, be careful."
' As Mike was passing Mrs. Jones's
; )use, he could see her sitting in her
I 'heel chair, looking out the window. She
aved to Mike, and he waved back.
Poor Mrs. Jones, thought Mike, as he
.urried on to the shop. She hasn't been
church for a long, long time. Why, she
fon't even get to see all the pretty Easter
lies tomorrow. She might not see even
fie.

Mike had reached the shop now. Ah
e could think of was the pretty lily he
/as going to carry down the aisle at
hurch tomorrow ana place on the altar.
|f course, many of the others in his class
vould do the same, but none could be

prettier than the one he was buying.

Now Mike started home. Carefully he
carried his precious plant.

Mrs. Jones had wheeled herself out on
the porch. When she saw Mike, she
called out, "Why, Mike, what a beautiful
Easter lily! I know the church will be
pretty tomorrow with all its lovely
flowers. How I wish I could go."

All at once Mike felt a big lump in his
throat. He stopped still on the walk.
"Mrs. Jones," said Mike, as he walked
up to the porch, "I have been thinking
about your not being able to go to church
and about all the pretty Easter lilies that
will be on the altar tomorrow. I want you
to have one, so I bought this for you. And
Mrs. Jones, I want you to know I saved
the money all by myself to buy it."

Tears were now streaming down Mrs.
Jones's face. "Oh, Mike," she said,
"surely the Lord must have told you to
do this. You have brightened my Easter
for me. I have so missed being in
church. You are the first person to bring
me an Easter lily since I have been too
crippled to get out and see all the pretty
Easter flowers. Mike, dear, may God
bless you for this."

Now Mike was running home. God
was already blessing him. The lump was
gone from his throat. He felt so good
deep down inside. Running into the
house, he exclaimed, "Oh, Mother, I am
already having a happy Easter! There will
be plenty of flowers at the church
tomorrow, so I gave Mrs. Jones my
Easter lily."

"Mike," said Mother, hugging him
tightly, "you have pleased Jesus much
more than if you were to walk down the
aisle tomorrow with your lily."
—Selected

About Happy Easter

by Kitty Miller
ASTER is one of the happiest
times of the year. After the

£

sorrow of our Lord's suffering and death,
His resurrection on Easter Sunday brings
us hope to start all over again, as well as
joy and love.

Did you ever hear the story of Anne
Frank? Anne was a young Jewish girl
who lived in Holland. She and her
family— father, mother, and sis-
ter—were forced to go into hiding
to escape the Nazis during World War II.
For two years they lived in an at-
tic—whispering and tiptoeing around so
that no one would hear them. Food and
clothing were smuggled in by friends.

During these years Anne kept a diary.
In it she described all the fears and
hopes and dreams she could tell no one.
Despite all the fears and troubles she
lived with everyday. Anne wrote, "I still
believe that people are really good at
heart." One day her family was
discovered and taken to a concentration
camp. Anne, her mother, and her sister
died there. After the war was over,
Anne's father found her diary and had it
published. Today it is a favorite book
among young people.

Anne never gave up hope. And we,
too, must never give up hope. We must
put all our hope and trust in the Lord.

"Easter joy?" a twelve-year-old girl
said. "I'd be a lot happier if I got a new
Easter outfit this year. All my friends got
new clothes for Easter."

Clothes are important to a twelve-year-
old girl, but not important enough to spoil
the joy of Easter.

"I hope I get three candy baskets this
year," a nine-year-old boy said: "One at
home and one from each of my
grandmothers."

Want to know a secret? Want to know
what will make you happier than hoping
for three candy baskets? The secret is
this: Think of something you can give to
your grandmothers— or make for them.

Sure, wearing new clothes and getting
candy baskets give us pleasure. But the
real joy is in Christ, and in believing that
He loves us enough to suffer and die for
us.

And what about love? One of the most
precious gifts you'll ever get in your
whole lifetime is love— the love of Jesus
and of your parents, family, relatives,
and friends. Isn't it a wonderful feeling
to know that you're loved just because
you're you? Isn't it a wonderful feeling to
know that someone cares about you
every minute of the day?

Happy Easter!

:he free will baptist

13

One of my special moments happened about 21 years ago when I was a patient
at Duke Hospital, Durham, I had just found out I had cancer. I was lying there one
night worried and sleepless. All at once it was as though the face of one of my dear
Christian friends appeared beside my bed. She spoke and said, "I am praying for
you."

What makes it so special was that same weekend I went home for a few days. I
went to church on Saturday night. When I saw this friend, I told her what had
happened, on what night, and at what time. She said, "I was praying for you at that
time." She said she had awakened at that time and was thinking of me. She had
slipped out of her bed, down on her knees, and prayed for me at that exact time.

I shall never forget that experience. It will always be a special moment for me.

ON

Kenly, N.C.

"... pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).

". . .all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive"
(Matthew 21:22).

The column needs your response, too. You may share a Christian experience by
simply writing a short letter to the column.

Maggie

MISSIONS

HOME MISSIONS AND
CHURCH EXTENSION

by Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

Beloved, we are indeed thankful for
the interest that has been shown in Home
Missions and Church Extension. We
understand and accept the fact that this
is God's business, and we are only trying
to do our part in fulfilling the Great
Commission here in America. Many souls
are being reached and it is obvious that
the success of this work will have a vital
role in the expansion and strength of our
denomination in future generations.

Listed below you will find condensed
information about the ten missions we
are now endorsing here in North
Carolina:

1. Victory Mission, Hope Mills:
Attendance, within the fifties; new
building underway; pastor, Joe
Gerald, 6143 Lexington Drive, Hope
Mills, North Carolina 28348; phone,
424-0617.

2. Westwood Hills, Henderson:

Attendance, within the teens; owns
place of worship; pastor, Stanley
Slaughter, Route 3, Box 112,
Henderson, North Carolina 27536;
phone, 492-7861.

3. West Hillsborough, Hillsborough:
Attendance, within the twenties;
owns place of worship; pastor,
Grayson Spencer, Route 2, Box 216,
Trinity, North Carolina 27370;
phone, 431-3081 .

4. Faith, Leland: Attendance, within
the thirties; owns place of worship;
pastor, Paul Brown, Route 4, Box
154, Rockingham, North Carolina
28379; phone, 895-4634.

5. Heritage, Charlotte: Attendance,
within the twenties; owns building
site; pastor, Wayne Watson, 6110
Honeysuckle Lane, Charlotte, North
Carolina 2821 2; phone, 568-01 59.

6. Catalpa, Fayetteville: Attendance,
within the fifties; owns place of
worship; pastor, Alton Howard, P. 0.
Box 64125, Fayetteville, North
Carolina 28306; phone, 483-3475.

7. Free Spirit, Wilson: Attendance,

within the sixties; looking
property; pastor, Dale Albertson, E!
185, Black Creek, North CarolL
27813; phone, 291-5331.

8. Cape Colony, Edenton: Atte
dance, within the thirties; looking 1
property; pastor, Johnnie Sexto
Route 1, Box 254, Plymouth, Nor
Carolina 27962; phone, 793-2782.

9. Freedom, Lumberton: Attendanc
within the thirties; owns buildii;
site; pastor, Lewis Sprouse, P.
Box 816, Bladenboro, North Carolir
28320; phone, 863-4298.

10. Roanoke Rapids, Roanoke Rapid
Attendance, within the fifties; ow^
place of worship; pastor, Wil
Lewis, 301 Pinecrest Avenu
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolii
27870; phone, 537-6653.
Howard Scott and Deborah Pittman a
our youth evangelists. They are availat
for weekend engagements. Conta
Howard Scott at Route 3, Kenly, Norj
Carolina 27542; phone, 284-3473.

We are always interested in hearin
from ministers who are interested
going to work on the home missio
field.

The General Conference recent'
mailed out letters to the ministers of trj
denomination but a number of these we
returned to the conference's secreta,
because of insufficient addresses. If yon
name appears on the list below, or if ycj
might know the correct address of)
person or persons listed, please noti
the secretary in writing as soon <
possible. The ministers whose letters we
returned are as follows: Lee Curry, Tor
Maynard, Gardner Jones, Walti
Childers, Reese Brown, J. J. Pucket
David Thurston, Thomas Smith, Jes;
R. Smith, Robert Cox, Ira D. Waller,
G. Smith, Paul Clayton, Steve Englisl
W. L. Bronson, C. L. Millen, Fran
Grubbs, and Jerome Jenrette.

Your cooperation in this matter will t
greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitte
Harry A. Jones
P. 0. Box 1105
Grifton, N. C. 28530

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

i NEWS AND NOTES

(Continued from Page 9 )
■rJ Rivenbark to Conduct
-iihland Pines Services

he Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark of
rham will serve as guest evangelist for
ival services at the Highland Pines
e Will Baptist Church, Hamlet,
eduled for the week of April 19-24.
vices will begin nightly at 7 o'clock,
e pastor of the church, the Rev. Fred
nson, will be assisting in the ser-
es. Special music will be provided by
al and visiting groups. The pastor and
church congregation extend a cordial
iHtation to the public to be in at-
Hdance.
.. .j

I) Churches and Ministers
Available

"■ :|bte: This column is provided, when needed,
§ i any church that is seeking a pastor and for
i jv minister who is seeking a church to serve
jd would like to give such notice. Please send
' fe necessary information to the editor of "The
If jee Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
, sues only.)

; ' The Rosebud Free Will Baptist Church,
ioute 4, Wilson, is in need of a pastor,
ny interested minister may contact Mr.
loyd Wiggs Jr., Route 4, Wilson, North
arolina 27893; telephone, 237-6248.

Jesse Bryan Caton Jr. has recently
en licensed to preach God's Word and
b share what Jesus Christ has done for
im personally. He is available for youth
evivals and supply work within the
lounds of Original Free Will Baptist
hurches. He may be contacted at the
ollowing addresses: Mount Olive

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

College, Row 1, Box 23, Mount Olive,
North Carolina 28365; telephone, 658-
9622 or 658-9132 or at Route 3, Box
306-C, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603;
telephone, 772-5739.

Mr. Caton's home is Wooten's Chapel
F. W. B. Church, Route 3, Raleigh.

The Rev. Edgar Benton states that he
is now available for full-time or part-time
pastoral duties. He is a member of the
Western Conference in good standing.
Any church that desires his service may
contact him by writing to Route 1 ,
Fremont, North Carolina 27830;
telephone, 242-5283.

WE COULD NOT HAVE
HAD OUR FREEDOM IF
NOT FOR CALVARY!

^ Bill Roberts
Sherron Acres Church
Durham, N. C.

You can ask the men of history
How our country came to be,
And they'd all begin to tell you
How those pilgrims sailed the sea.
How they search for God and freedom,
And their family and their friends;
But I believe that our freedom came,
Before our country began!

I believe that it started
At a place called Calvary;
Where a man called Jesus Christ walked
up

And died for you and me.
Not to take from those brave pilgrims,
But I'm sure that they'd agree;
We could not have had our freedom
If not for Calvary!

Now we take so much for granted,
And say our country cannot fall;
But we cannot keep our liberty
Unless God has our all.
We must see the way He planned it,
And live our lives for Him each day;
Then we'll always have that freedom 'til
The Lord takes us away!

CHILDREN'S HOME

(Continued from Page 3)
ATTENTION AUXILIARIES

Springtime is here and it's time to buy
spring clothing for the children at the
Children's Home.

If your auxiliary has not gotten your
spring clothing money in yet, please
send it right away.

May God bless each of you at this

Easter season.

In Christ,

Gladys Weeks

State Benevolence Chairman
(Continued on Page 16

Selfishness at Easter? Never?

(Continued from Page 2)
have so little to spare"? We really mean, "I have none to share." Oh no, we
aren't selfish— unless stinginess is a synonym !

How about the ones of us acquainted with grief and who speak of Sorrow
as a constant companion? When she visits another, somehow we are able to
offer galvanized assurances that all things happen for the best, but we seldom
do anything of a personal nature to help the burdened one carry his load. A
touch of the hand, the meeting of the eyes, a pat on the back, a smile could
mean so much— but, woe be unto us. We haven't the time. We don't feel equal to
the "task." How utterly miserable we should be, because of our short
memories, if nothing else! But oh, we're not selfish! We just don't know what
to do. God help us. . . .

This discourse could become a protracted speech, a tirade of such length
that one would tire of reading it and our efforts would overwhelm us because of
despair of trying and overwhelm the readers because of too much of nothing
being gained in the reading. Therefore, we shall bring our pen to halt for now,
begging the indulgence of each of you who may find some slight interest in our
reasoning. Consider this one thought, if none other: This Easter, sing the
glorious songs of resurrection in sincerity and offer the message of "He Lives"
as earnestly as possible— not from pretense, but from real desire (otherwise,
silence is preferable).

Above all else, consider the selfless example of the Saviour and cast off the
selfish clothes forever! (Possibly the greatest of our personal sins is self-
centeredness, a close companion to selfishness; and, too many of us— this
writer included— possess too much of self and too little of the Lord. )

Sometimes the songs are so oversung and the messages so overpreached
that we neglect to concentrate on the real, personal meaning of Easter:
selflessness. Let this year be different, please, and make selflessness both a
definite and definitive aspect of your living.

Less of self at Easter ( and at all times ) and more of Christ ! Okay ?

15

Children's Home

(Continued from Page 15)

EASTER EGG HUNT

On Sunday afternoon, April 4, the
young people of Aspen Grove Free Will
Baptist Church and the pastor and his
wife, the Rev. and Mrs. Hubert Burress,
of Fountain, visited the Children's Home
and treated our children to an Easter Egg
Hunt and refreshments. Money was hid
in with the eggs which added to the
excitement of finding them. We ap-
preciate this church that remembers the
Children's Home each Easter with an egg
hunt and party!

After the delicious meal, it was a
blessing having the folks from Sandy
Plain join us in the Memorial Chapel
while the Linestone Trio presented
special music. The service closed with a
baptismal service in which eight of our
boys and girls were baptized by the Rev.
Davie Brinson.

COOK-OUT

The Young Adult Sunday School Class
of Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist Church
of Pink Hill visited the Children's Home
on Sunday, April 4. A cook-out spon-
sored by the class was enjoyed by all!

CHILDREN ATTEND
FIRE PREVENTION
AND

SAFETY PROGRAM

The Middlesex Volunteer Fire
Department sponsored a Fire Prevention
and Safety Course for the local fifth and
sixth grade school children. The classes
met for five consecutive Tuesday nights.
Certificates were awarded to those
participants who attended a minimum of
three classes. The classes were taught
by members of the fire department. Each

class covered a different area of
prevention with films and class
periments being used as teaching ai
We had fourteen students that recaj
certificates for their participation in tj
project. State Cottage: Roy Speig
Roger Worley, Allen Johnson, Jim -
Speight, and Tim Mills; Deans CottaiJ
Audrey Worley, Romona Hopkins, Mo]
Garris, and Angie Nichols; Albemaj
Cottage: Todd Crawford, Donald Sass
Steve Nichols, Mitch Joyner, and Deli
Gay. We are very proud of these childrj
for the interest they showed in tl
community project.

Coming Events . . .

(Continued from Page 10)
June 28-30— General Conference:1
Original Free Will Baptists, First F
Will Baptist Church of Durham, Nc
Carolina

N. C. STATE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
CONVENTION

LUCAMA HIGH SCHOOL, LUCAMA, N. C.

Saturday April 24, 1976

Registration at 9:30 A. M.

Music

Contest

Playet

Election of Officers
Lunch Served by Parkers' of Wilson at $1 .90 per Plate

Fellowship Inspiration

Come Let's Sing

"Lift our hands toward heaven and praise the Lord!"

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTI I

!

le

ee Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 , 1976

DUKE UNIWM

we do know, and

receive not our wito
r l2 If I have told :

Ueve not, how shall
venly things?
13 And 9 no i
y,e that came _
Jin which is m he:

wilderness, even so

U15 That whosoev<
-rish, but have et<

condemn the wor
him might be sav
l8H^lethatb.

but he that behe
begotten Son of

£ uiMivtKSlTY M8.7ARY
APR 23 1976

DURHAM, N. C.

A. I)

FT.

^ we have seen ; and yo
Lrthly things, and ye be-]

a up to heaven, but
ren, even the Son of l ft

the serpent in the ■ • ■ *
3n of man be lifted .

in him should not I

rid, that he gave his*
SbelievethinmmJ

Vlasting hfe- T
into the world to
the world through]

-Mis not condemned:
fndemned aiready^be-
the name of the onij

" 19 And this iSj ■ ^fftgn lovea u~.~ —
c me into ^MSr ^ the lig

It took only one Christ to die to save a world of millions.

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lamber

It Takes Only One

Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman

The number "one" is the smallest unit of numerical measure. Yet, it may,
in many respects, be considered the largest, for it often represents the highest, the
greatest, the best! This little number is truly a paradox: if we have one penny,
generally we feel that we do not have much; if our team is "number one," we feel
that it is tops.

One makes a difference. Consider these:

1 . It takes only one word, spoken to a young person, to change his destiny.

2. One step, one gesture, or one word, "forgive," to rebuild a marriage.

3. One quiet word to calm a mob.

4. One move in the right direction, at the right moment, to save a life.
On the other hand, consider these:

1 . It takes only one hastily-spoken, careless, profane word to tarnish a personality.

2. One inconsiderate, bitter person to create enough confusion, frustration, and
misunderstanding to split a church.

3. One thoughtless act to ruin a character.

4. One angry bullet to snatch away a life.

5. One careless driver to maim innocent bodies for life.

6. One button pushed by a maniac to destroy a civilization.

In 1692, nineteen people lost their lives by being burned at the stake in the
Salem witchcraft trials because of the foolishness of one young girl, Ann Putnam,
who accused women of being witches. She stirred people, through a West Indian
named Tituba, to believe that the accused women were actually witches.

According to a recent sermon by the Rev. Billy Graham, one mechanical
defect caused 346 people to lose their lives in a plane crash in France.

Recently, in a hospital in our state, a young woman with serious facial
injuries lay on a narrow operating table where she was given a piece of gauze to wipe
the blood as she watched the other injured persons as they were brought into the
emergency room— broken, bleeding, and screaming. It takes only one person to
change all that!

Animals awaiting slaughter at slaughter houses suffer from hunger, thirst,
and crowding. It takes only one person to change such as this!

On March 25, 1976, the front page headline of the WILSON DAILY TIMES
was "1975 Crime Rate Rose 9 Percent." This change in the crime rate began with
one person.

Consider for a moment, the blessings of such people as Abraham, Moses,
Joseph, and Paul; of people like the Revs. Billy Graham, Billy Sunday, and Albert
Schweitzer; of doctors, nurses, and teachers; of friends; of mothers, daddies, and
countless others. One person makes a difference!

Most important of all:

1 . It took only one God to give His only begotten Son.

2. One Christ Jesus to die to save a world of millions.

3. One idea, "love," put into action, to change a world.

4. One act, "faithfulness," to reap a destiny.

5. One word, "well-done," to find an eternity.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

APRIL 21, 1976
Volume 91 Number'

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mm
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tti
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years
$1 2.00 ; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoutj
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t(
the home of every member; names and ac
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche'
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists)
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered undf
this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily reflet)
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th|
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac!
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box15f
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.—
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3

a. m.-5p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Har.sley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarl<
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

!

t

MRS. QUEENIE CLARK

HONORED AT
BLACK JACK CHURCH

On Sunday, March 7, 1976, during
e morning worship service at the Black
hck Free Will Baptist Church near
reenville, the woman's auxiliary paid
ibute to Mrs. Queenie Clark by
resenting to her family the Open Bible
ward and Pin in her memory. Following
lis, was the unveiling of her portrait
resented to the church as a memorial by
jie Queenie Clark Sunday School Class.
, Mrs. Doris Jean Hudson, who had
bm piled a beautiful and touching
jescription of Mrs. Queenie's life and
hurch work, spoke on behalf of the
'Oman's auxiliary. She explained that
le award was given annually to a
jiember for outstanding service in the
hurch. She said that certain qualities
uch as "Christian service, devotion,
lithf ulness , and dedication" were
ecessary in order for one to be a
3cipient of such an award. "All of these
ualities," she said, "describe the
'Oman in whose memory we present this
ward today."

Continuing, Mrs. Hudson gave a brief
ccount of Mrs. Queenie's life. She was
orn on August 18, 1900, the daughter
f Johnnie and Harriet Sutton. She
ttended school at Tarka Hill and Black
ack. On December 11, 1918, Mrs.
lueenie was married to Nathaniel Anson

Clark, better known as "Nap." She and
her husband had two children: a son,
John Astor; and a daughter, Mary
Elizabeth. In 1944, she moved to
Greenville. Mrs. Queenie and her
husband strove to make a Christian home
for their children and to make all who
visited in it feel welcomed, including
visiting ministers. She and her husband
became very active in the church during
the early years of their married life. They
cleaned the church when carbide lights
were in use. In the 1930's Mrs. Queenie
fully committed her life to the service of
the Lord when she organized the first
league of the church and became
president of it.

Interested in the youth of our church,
she organized the Missionary Society
which later became the Queenie Clark
Circle. This society gave the curtain
which is used in front of the Baptistry in
our church. She held almost every office
in the woman's auxiliary at Black Jack,
and in 1940-41 she was treasurer of the
State Woman's Auxiliary Convention. Not
only was Mrs. Queenie active in the Bible
school, but she taught Sunday school for
over 50 years. She spoke in services at
Cragmont and stirred the hearts of those
who heard her. A prayerful woman of great
faith, Mrs. Queenie expressed in her
diary the greatest desire of her life, "To
walk with the Lord everyday. ' '

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Hudson
said, "The Lord called 'Ma' Queenie
home, December 7. Someone has said
that most great people make headlines in
newspapers and on TV, but 'Ma'
Queenie made her headlines in the hearts
of those who knew and loved her. ' '

Mrs. Leona Mills, an auxiliary
member, presented the award and pin to
Mrs. Queenie's daughter, Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Boyd.

Following this presentation, Mrs. Alice
Elks, president of the Queenie Clark
Sunday School Class, presided while
Mary Elizabeth unveiled her mother's
portrait which was to be placed as a
memorial in the Queenie Clark
Classroom.
In summation, Mrs. Alice Elks read

the following poem, written by Mrs.
Elizabeth Boyd:

"Ma" Queenie

To know "Ma" Queenie was to love her,
For we know she was God sent:
Full of love, good deeds, and compassion
As God's witness, everywhere she went.

Her heart and her home were opened to all
Who stopped for a visit or a telephone call.
No matter how big the problem seemed to be,
She'd always seemed to understand, you'd see;
And with wisdom in her soft voice, you'd hear;
"Let's talk to God, my child, and have no fear."

She was loved not in our church alone,

Because everywhere she went she was well known.

Her life was a symbol for others to see

That living close to God was the best place to be.

While very young she joined Black Jack church,
And there the Scriptures she began to search
For guidance and leadership that only God could give;
For as a child of God, she wanted to live.

For the many years she worked for her Lord ,
It was her desire to do and give all she could afford;
And as our teacher and leader, we'll always
remember,

As she guided us with loving care so sweet and
tender.

There was something special about "Ma" Queenie:
Her loving smile, her joy, and her contentment.
This she shared with all who came her way;
"May God bless and keep you," we'd oft hear her
pray.

We know that God loved her very much,
And we, her family and church, loved her too.
She was always ready with the many helpful things
Her kind hands always found to do.

She often said she studied more the hours just before
day

With no noise to distract her in the slightest sort of
way.

She'd talk to God and mediate as His precious Book
she read;

Then she'd lie down and rest awhile before getting out
of bed.

How typical it was in her last years here to live,
To be on her knees, her thanks to God to give;
And to talk with her Master, the way to prepare,
For her heavenly journey on the wings of a prayer.

Her life here is now a beautiful memory—

Her absence is felt in silent grief;

But we know she now walks in God's beautiful garden

Amid His beautiful sunshine and perfect peace.

In words we cannot express our love and how we miss

"Ma" Queenie,
For only God knows what is in our hearts;
But we pray now that someday we'll again be united
When from this sinful world we also shall depart.

Respectfully submitted,
Ernestine Forrest, Corresponding

Secretary
Black Jack Woman's Auxiliary

rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

RESURRECTION

+ 1 I \

MORNING

#

r %

m by

s Linda Craft

s Winterville, North Carolina

% t

1 Jf

CfvAVID," I murmured sleepily as
<J-) I searched for my husband's
warmth.

I realized he had already risen from
the bed and without cause I felt oddly
alone. My ears heard no blaring radio,
and no strong fragrance of coffee filled
the house.

He must have just risen I guessed, as
I relaxed against the soft pillows.

My hand traced the flowered sheets
and stopped suddenly as I felt a small
round object. I quickly identified the
metal ring as my husband's wedding
band. I toyed with it a moment before I
brought it from beneath the covers to
study it. I made a mental note to remind
David to have his ring adjusted at the
jewelers.

I tossed back the blankets which
suddenly become too warm under the
early morning sun.

"Dave, honey, I'm up," I called.

I waited a moment for his reply, but
the house was devoid of sound.

I reached for my robe and hurried
through the house.

"Dave, come on, now," I pleaded.

I drew back the kitchen curtains. Both
cars stood ridgedly against the white-
gold dawn.

An uneasiness passed over me. Where
had Dave gone?

I grabbed the phone and shakily dailed
my mother-in-law's number. No answer.

"Dave's gone for a walk," I told
myself. "He'll be back. He will! He
will!"

I sat and watched the sun emerge
above the shadowy green pines.

I felt a growing panic rise in me. The
tiny alarm clock beside our bed seemed

oddly to deafen the still quiet house.

"Enough of this," I told myself
angrily, and quickly dressed.

I switched the radio on and inwardly
turned off the monotonous newscaster.

I heard him say, "Missing" and
"Reports coming in from all over the
world," but paid little attention. More
words began to filter my thoughts, and I
began to listen.

"All military facilities are on 'red
alert.' Now we switch to our
correspondent in Washington. 'Tom,
could you tell us what exactly is hap-
pening?'

" 'Jack, things are in a turmoil. It is
reported that some members of Congress
are calling for an immediate declaration
of war. Military officials are saying this
new assault of the Communist nations
has had a staggering toll in American
lives. It is not immediately known just
how this tragedy occurred. Jack, I say
"Communists," but it is unclear just
who is behind this plot. Some officials
are saying the Red Chinese, while others
are blaming the Russians. The President
is on the hot line to the Kremlin. It seems
the Communist block nations are finding
the same problem. Over.'

"That, ladies and gentlemen, was
Tom Anderson in Washington. Again, I
repeat, 'Please stay in your homes! Do
not leave your premises!' "

I froze in disbelief. What had hap-
pened? War? Where was David? Where
was my husband?

There was a sharp knock at the door
and I jumped. Thinking it was David, I
rushed to the door.

"Lady, is anyone missing?" a
National Guardsman asked.

"What?" I questioned him. "What
you mean, 'missing'?"

The young guardsman cleared rj
throat, "The state is taking a census
the population to see just how many we
taken."

"Taken? Where? Who?" I cried.

"Please answer the question," I
said as he grew more impatient.

I shook my head, "David, ij
husband, but he. . . ."

"One here, Sir," the guardsm
called to a uniformed officer.

"Your arm band," I asked witho
knowing why, "what does it mean?"

The guardsman smiled and w.
pleased to give his reply, "All la
enforcement officials are required
wear them."

Strange, I thought, as I looked to hi
new red arm patch where the number
666 were boldly written. Why did I fin
that so important now?

"Lady," the officer said, "did yo
see anything or hear anything during th
night?"

I shook my head, still confused an
growing more alarmed by the moment.

"Where's my husband?"
demanded.

"We don't know. People all over th
country are missing. We are unsure ast
whether there has been a 'Commie' pl(
or even an invasion from outerspace, bi
people are missing. "

I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cry, bi
I was too numb to do either.

"Please, what is going on?"
begged.

"Try to be calm," the officer a
tempted to assure me. "We're going 1
get to the bottom of this."

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

c

With that both men turned and left,
n a blur of tears, I watched them drive
| ay.

What had happened? Where was
Dfid? Of course, I thought, as an idea
Sjidenly came to me, David had gone to
m. He was more than likely at a
pmunity center now. But where? The
tjirch— he would have gone to the
circh!

Thinking how foolish I was, I quickly
wshed my face. I would go to David. I
mild go to the church.

Dutside the house the air was still and
qet. The sky was cloudless, and the
niv day's sun was still rising upward.
iThe first strangeness I noticed was the
licence of life. An occasional dog was
rfimaging through someone's trash
cji, but no other sign of life was evident.
Mmost to the church I found Mr.
ey's milk truck smashed headlong
s ii|b a telephone pole. Quickly I examined
lilt truck that belonged to the Sunday
snool superintendent. I saw no blood or
edence that he had been injured.
He's been taken to the hospital, I
cessed, and hurried on to the church,
nire concerned about finding David.
) breathed a sigh of relief when I found
i'dj/eral cars parked neatly in front of the
vjiite church.

■ As I drew closer, the sound of a
Iman's sobs consumed the stillness,
r ' David ! ' ' I screamed at the church. In
fist steps I climbed the stairway and

£ t|rst in.

The church was a dull gray except
: were the light seeped in.
: !" David!" I cried. "David!"
No one paid attention to me. No one
vis hurt or injured, but the pews were
ijtnost filled with people I had not seen at
ijurch before.

VI walked slowly into the aisle,
i "David?"

j Suddenly a flood of light poured into
je church, and I found myself under the
adow of the Cross.

A fear that crept into my mind became
) instant reality. Somewhere in the
lurch I heard the piercing scream of a
bman. Hands were around me, and in
irror, I realized I was that woman .
"Stop it! Stop it!" a man's voice
touted, just before I felt the sharp sting
his hand against my face.
In choked sobs I pleaded, "Where is
'eryone? Where has everyone gone? Is
a holiday? What day is it?"
His sad gray eyes filled with moisture.

"It's Resurrection Morning," he said
emotionless.

I sank to my knees. Voices all around
me.

"Please won't you come? . . . Just as
I am, without one plea, . . . The end is
near . . . Jesus loves you . . . He died for
you . . . Accept Christ as your Saviour
... The King is coming!"

Above their voices I heard a familiar
one plead. It was David's.

"Dana, Christ died for you; accept
Him," David pleaded.

Numb and chilled with terror, I rose to
face the Cross I had all these years
rejected. I knew the future now, and I
became dead inside. David was with the
Lord he had served for so many years
and I was with the fate I had chosen.

Small drops of my own moisture fell to
my now praying hands. I recalled my
hands at other times— clenched and
angry at David's constant pleas and
warnings, my fingers white and colorless
as they dug into the pew, holding me
back from the short walk to the altar of
Christ.

"Jesus! I accept you now!" I
screamed as I jumped to my feet.

The old gentleman brought me back to
my seat, and I laid my head against his
shoulder unable to stop my tears of
regret. Nothing would help me now. I
had thought I had time.

"You'll all have to leave," a voice
thundered at the back of the church.

I turned and before me stood a
militiaman wearing the red patch with the
number 666.

Dead inside, with my future sealed, I
walked passed his demon-like grin.

It had begun.

A LETTER TO AMERICA

Dear Americans,

Our country will be 200 years old this
year, and it makes me proud to know I
belong to this celebration. America has
come this far, and I'm sure she will go a
lot farther.

Through endless wars and battles,
internal strife and conflict, economical
failures, social embarrassments, political
declination, and external demoralization,
she has still survived and is still a
beautiful place.

But during this bicentennial festivity
let us not get caught up totally in the
factor of reliving past history, in our
bright oriented costumes, or in painting

red, white, and blue stripes upon "our"
chests.

Let us not be strangled by the en-
thusiasm of celebrating just America's
birthday. Let us not give Washington and
Lincoln all the praise for making this
opportunity possible.

Let us not be captured by our pride
and boastful ways as we have done in the
past. Let us not be captivated only by
wine and song during this unique
ceremony. Let us not overlook the One
that made all this possible.

But let us give the praise and honor
where it respectively belongs. Let us
raise ole glory to the sky, turn our eyes
toward heaven, join hands and minds
together, raise our voices to the Man who
not only made America possible, but who
made life everlasting, and shout: "God
Bless America, the Beautiful!"

Sincerely,
Marcia Lane Toler

(Miss Toler, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Charles T. Toler of Princeton, is a
sophmore at Mount Olive College. The
Tolers are members of Riverside Free
Will Baptist Church.)

G0LDSB0R0 YOUTH
HELP HOME MISSIONS

The youth of the First Free Will Baptist
Church of Goldsboro recently presented
to the Rev. Taylor Hill, secretary-
treasurer of the Home Missions and
Church Extension Department, a check
in the amount of $171 .50. The youth said
that they felt the need and urge to do
something special to help the cause of
home missions, so they raised the money
by selling popcorn.

At the presentation, their smiling faces
were clear evidence that God had already
rewarded them for their sincere effort.
Mr. Hill told them that he was happy for
them because God always blesses people
who are bearing good fruit by helping
others. All the youth who were involved
are members of the YFA, AFC, or
Cherubs. The chairman of the youth
department of the Goldsboro church is
Dorothy Pate, assisted by Charlotte
Malpass, Margie Bailey, Carol Franks,
Marie Glenn, Hazel Casey, and Mary
Bailey. The woman's auxiliary of the
church, with Mrs. Laney Pierce as
•president, has also pledged to give $25
per month to home missions.

The pastor of the Goldsboro church is
the Rev. Earl Glenn.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

SUNDAY, APRIL 25
Scripture Reading— Psalm 104:24

THE BIBLE— THERE IT
STANDS !
Where childhood needs a standard

Or youth a beacon light,
Where sorrow sighs for comfort
Or weakness longs for might,
Bring forth the Holy Bible,

The Bible ! There it stands !
Resolving all life's problems
And meeting its demands.

— James M. Gray

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our Bibles stand and wait for us to
take the time to do ourselves a favor
and receive many unthought of
blessings which are revealed within
its covers.

MONDAY, APRIL 26
Scripture Reading— Psalm 136:5

GOD KNOWS HIS BUSINESS!

There were three children in the
home, one of whom was much
younger than the others. A terrific
storm came up and the two older ones
were greatly frightened and cried
very hard. The little fellow paid no
attention to the storm and finally said
to them: "Oh, stop your bawlin'!
Don't you s'pose God knows His
business?"

The small boy realized that God can
take care of you just as well in a storm
as when the sun shines. — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
God has promised to take care of
us; yet we worry and shed tears
which attest our disbelief.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27
Scripture Reading— Galatians 6:6

THE UNFINISHED TASK
Though our task is not to bring all
the world to Christ, our task is
unquestionably to bring Christ to all
the world.

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we have a sincere love for our
fellowman we want him to learn of
God and His salvation.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28
Scripture Reading— Luke 12:20

DEATH IN LIFE
He always said he would retire

When he had made a million clear,
And so he toiled into the dusk

From day to day, from year to year.

At last he put his ledgers up
And laid his stock reports aside —

But when he started out to live
He found he had already died!

— Earnest Worker

PRAYER THOUGHT
To be dead while yet among the
living is indeed pitiful. Earnestly pray
that we shall remain alert to God's
pleas and not adhere only to our-
selves.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29
Scripture Reading— Psalm 49:16, 17

ONE THING HE
NEEDED
At the dinner table of one of the
well-known millionaries who had done
much for the public good, discussion
turned upon the value of prayer. The
millionaire said he did not believe in
it. He had everything he wished for, so
there was no need for him to pray for
any favors. The principal of a Scottish
university, who was present, said,
"There is one thing that you might
pray for." "What is that?" "You
might pray for humility." Whatever
our possessions, we shall be all the
happier if we pray for the humble
spirit which can thank God for His
mercies. — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we become too high and
mighty to remember our almighty
God, then we are in the final throes of
despair and ultimate destruction.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30
Scripture Reading— Luke 14:14

THERE IS A TIME!

There is a time, we know not when,
A place we know not where,

That marks the destiny of men
To glory or despair.

There is a line by us unseen,
That crosses every path:

The hidden boundary between
God's patience and His wrath.

The answer from the skies is sent:
Ye who from God depart,

While it is called today, repent
And harden not your heart.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is said that there is a time and a
place for everything. Jesus is all'
knowing and we must follow Him m
faith.

SATURDAY, MAY 1
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4:1]

WHAT MISSIONARIES HAVE
DONE:

1. Every book in the New Testamenl
was written by a foreigr
missionary.

2. Every letter in the New Testamenl
that was written to an individual
was written to a convert of a
foreign missionary.

3. Every Epistle in the New
Testament that was written to a
church was written to a foreigr
missionary church.

4. The disciples were callec'
Christians first in a foreigr
missionary community.

5. Of the twelve apostles chosen b>
Jesus, every apostle except one
became a missionary.

6. The only one among the twelve
apostles who did not become a,
missionary became a traitor.

7. The problems which arose in the
early church were largely
questions of missionary pro
cedure.

8. According to the apostles
missionary service is the highesl
expression of Christian life.

—Selectee

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our missions in life are to do ow
Lord's biding. He told His disciples
and all true Christians are Hu
disciples, that they were to spread Hu
gospel.

(Devotions used by permission oj
Knight's Master Book of New II
lustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Question: Have those, other than
lople we know, because of their loyalty
Jesus corroborated the Christian
stimony as to the merits of Christ?
Answer: Yes! Pilate, we are told,
nen he had weighed the evidence,
fought by Jesus' enemies: ". . . he
lew that for envy they had delivered
m" (Matthew 27:18). Then we are also
vare of Pilate's wife's opinion: "When
i was set down on the judgment seat,
s wife sent unto him, saying, Have
pu nothing to do with that just man: for
nave suffered many things this day in a
bam because of him. . . . When Pilate

: aw that he could prevail nothing, but
at rather a tumult was made, he took
ater, and washed his hands before the
ultitude, saying, I am innocent of the
^ood of this just person: see ye to it"
j/latthew 27:19, 24).
Then there were thieves crucified
jhen Jesus was, one on one side and

I ie other on the other side of Jesus, who
ined the hecklers: "The thieves also,
hich were crucified with him, cast the
ime in his teeth" (Matthew 27:44).
ne of the malefactors later changed his
Dinion, as told in Luke 23:39-43: ". . .
ie of the malefactors which were
anged railed on him, saying, If thou be
hrist, save thyself and us. But the other
nswering rebuked him, saying, Dost not
jiou fear God, seeing thou art in the
ame condemnation? And we indeed

• jistly; for we receive the due reward of
ur deeds: but mis man hath done
othing amiss. And he said unto Jesus,
ord, remember me when thou comest
ito thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto
im, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt
iou be with me in paradise. ' '
The soldiers were among Jesus'
eriders; but when God visited the scene
f the crucifixion with earthquake and

1 arkness, the head or leader of the 100
loldiers, changed his opinion. Here's

, THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

what is said of them before the
manifestation: ". . .the soldiers also
mocked him, coming to him, and offering
him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the
king of the Jews, save thyself" (Luke
23:36, 37). Here is what follows the
judgment or manifestation: "Now when
the centurion saw what was done, he
glorified God, saying, Certainly this was
a righteous man" (Luke 23:47). Then
the whole audience agreed, "... all the
people that came together to that sight,
beholding the things which were done,
smote their breasts, and returned"
(Luke 23:48).

While all this was happening among
Jesus' enemies and executioners, His
friends, being terrified, "stood afar off."
". . . all his acquaintance, and the
women that followed him from Galilee,
stood afar off, beholding these things"
(Luke 23:49).

Officers, sent to arrest Jesus before
His time to be betrayed into the hands of
the Gentiles had come, gave their
testimony that was in keeping with
Jesus' claim and with that of His true
disciples: ". . . some of them would
have taken him; but no man laid hands
on him. Then came the officers to the
chief priests and Pharisees; and they
said unto them, Why have ye not brought
him? The officers answered, Never man
spake like this man" (John 7:44-46).
When rightly considered by any at
anytime, "He charms the savage
beast."

George H. Sandison made a study of
the secular testimony in Jesus' behalf.
He says on page 254 in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered:

"Napoleon Bonaparte expressed the
following view of Jesus: 'I know men,
and I tell you Jesus Christ was not a
man. Superficial minds see a resem-
blance between Christ and the founders
of empires and the gods of other

religions. That resemblance does not
exist. There is between Christianity and
other religions the distance of infinity.
Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and
myself founded empires. But on what
did we rest the creations of our genius?
Upon sheer force, Jesus Christ alone
founded his empire upon love; and at this
hour millions of men will die for him. In
every other existence but that of Christ
how many imperfections! From the first
day to the last he is the same; majestic
and simple, infinitely firm and infinitely
gentle. He proposes to our faith a series
of mysteries and commands with
authority that we should believe them,
giving no other reason than those
tremendous words: "I am God." '

' ' 'Jesus is the most perfect of all men
that have yet appeared,' said Ralph
Waldo Emerson; and Thomas Carlyle
wrote of him, 'Jesus is our divinest
symbol. Higher has the human thought
not yet reached. A symbol of quite
perennial, infinite character: whose
significance will ever demand to be anew
inquired and anew made manifest.' Lord
Byron paid this tribute: 'If ever man was
God, or God man, Jesus Christ was
both.'

"Rousseau, greatest in his line,
writes as follows: 'Can it be possible that
the same personage whose history the
Scriptures contain should be a mere
man? Where is the man, where the
philosopher, who could so live and so die
without weakness and without osten-
tation? When Plato describes his
imaginary righteous man, loaded with all
the punishments of guilt, yet meriting the
highest rewards of virtue, he exactly
describes the character of Jesus Christ.
What an infinite disproportion between
the Son of Saphronisius and the Son of
Mary. Socrates dies with honor,
surrounded by his disciples listening to
the most tender words— the easiest
death that one could wish to die. Jesus
dies in pain, dishonor, mockery, the
objeci of universal cursing— the most
horrible death that one could fear. At the
receipt of the cup of poison, Socrates
blesses him who could not give it to him
without tears; Jesus, while suffering the
sharpest pains, prays for his most bitter
enemies. If Socrates lived and died like a
philosopher, Jesus lived and died like a
God.' Benjamin Disraeli, mighty and
honest Jew, pays this tribute to our Lord:
'The wildest dreams of their rabbis have
(Continued on Page 15)

7

Christian Home Sunday
School Reports Progress

The Sunday School of Christian Home
Free Will Baptist Church, Blountstown,
Florida, reports progress and would like
to see the following pictures published
with the idea of increasing the sub-
scription list within the church. The Rev.
James C. Pelt is pastor of the church.

Pictured above is the Woman's
Sunday School Bible Class of the Sunday
school.

This picture shows the Men's Sunday
School Bible Class of the Christian Home
church.

The LeFevres in Concert
At First Church, Wilson

The LeFevres from Atlanta, Georgia,
will be featured in concert Wednesday
night, April 28, at 7:30, at the First Free
Will Baptist Church in Wilson.

The LeFevre name is one of the oldest

in gospel music. Although there have
been many changes in the group since
those first days when they began as The
LeFevre Trio, they are still dedicated to
reaching people for Christ through
gospel music.

They have helped to make popular
such songs as "Stepping on the
Clouds," "When My Feet Touch the
Streets of Glory," "Thank You, Lord, for
Your Blessings on Me," and "He'll Hold
to My Hand."

There is no admission charge, and the
pastor, the Rev. Clyde W. Cox, extends
an invitation to all to come for this
service.

Upcoming Spring Revival
For Rosebud Church

Rosebud Free Will Baptist Church
announces its spring revival to be held
the week of April 26— May 1. Services
will begin nightly at eight o'clock with
prayer rooms at 7:45. The visiting
evangelist will be the Rev. Everette
Harper of Deep Run. There will be special
singing each evening, with the pastor,
the Rev. Douglas Skinner, assisting Mr.
Harper.

The Rosebud church is located five
miles north of Wilson near Firestone,
one-half mile off Highway 301. The
pastor and the congregation cordially
invite the public to attend.

Union Chapel Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Union Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Middlesex,
with the Rev. Lester Duncan as the guest
minister. Services are beginning at 7:30
each evening with prayer rooms, with the
revival beginning at 7:45. The pastor,
the Rev. W. E. Parrish, is assisting in the
services which are featuring special
singing each evening. The public is
invited to attend the remainder of the

revival.

On Sunday, April 25, following
revival, Union Chapel church will
serve its annual homecoming. A ws.
welcome is extended to all to attend.

Revival and Homecoming
At Plymouth Church

The First Free Will Baptist Church
Plymouth announces its spring revival 1
the week of April 26-30. Services v\
begin each evening at 7:30 with the Re
Marvin Waters of Pinetown as the gue
speaker. Special music is planned f
each service with the pastor, the Rel
Floyd Burkey, assisting Mr. Waters. T(
public is cordially invited to attend.

On Sunday, May 2, following tl
revival, the Plymouth church will obsen
its homecoming. Following the mornir
worship hour, a picnic lunch will I
served on the church grounds. This w
be followed with an afternoon sor
service. Everyone is also invited to atter
this annual service and enjoy the worsh
and Christian fellowship.

Central Layman's League
Weekend Revival

A weekend revival is being sponsor
by the Central District Layman's Leag
for Thursday, Friday, and Saturd
evening, April 22-24. The services v\
begin each evening at eight o'clock ai
will be held at the following churche
April 22, Piney Grove Free Will Bapti
Church, Route 1, Greenville; April 2
Bethany Free Will Baptist Church, Rou
1, Winterville; April 24, Tarboro Fir
Free Will Baptist Church, 112 Ho|
Lodge Street, Tarboro.

Mr. Henry P. Beaman, secretar

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

tnsurer of the league, states: "Won't
y< please make a very special effort to
a^nd these services, and invite
siheone to come with you. Our at-
U dance has not been too good the past
f(i years, so won't you help this be a
biter revival by praying, witnessing,
ar being there yourself. This is not just
.aiayman's revival, but also for the
pblic. Everyone is cordially invited to
aend."

nO Bennett to Conduct
iS ney Creek Revival

| Dr. William L. Bennett, pastor of the
; frst Baptist Church of Fort Smith,
ifkansas, will be the evangelist at
toney Creek Free Will Baptist Church
bar Goldsboro, April 26-29. The Rev. C.
I Bowen is pastor.

I Dr. Bennett is a graduate of Wake
brest University and received his M. D.,
I. A., and Ph. D degrees from Duke
jniversity, and his Th.D degree from
ew Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary. Among the churches he has
brved is Calvary Baptist Church of
jurham. The church of which he is now
astor has a membership of about 6,000,
rgely due to the intensive evangelistic
mphasis of his ministry.
Mr. Bowen states, "The evangelist is
o stranger to Free Will Baptists of North
Carolina, having spoken twice at our
tate foreign mission conferences under
he auspices of the North Carolina Board
f Foreign Missions. He is author of
ieveral books, his latest being Come
Alive — the Roman Road to Renewal."

Special singers will include Jimmy
Wooten of Goldsboro and the Master's
Three of Living Waters Free Will Baptist
Church, Pikeville. An invitation is ex-
tended to all for the services which will
begin at 7:30 each night.

First Church, Goldsboro
Revival April 26-30

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Goldsboro announces its spring revival
for the week of April 26-30. The guest
minister will be the Rev. Jack Mayo,
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Earl
Glenn. Services will begin nightly at 7:30
with good gospel preaching and special
music. The public is cordially invited to
attend.

Cragmont Treasurer's Report
For March, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 298,
Oriental, North Carolina 28571 , treasurer
for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black
Mountain, reports as follows for the
month of March, 1976:

$ 2,633.

Balance Brought

Forward March 1 , 1976

Receipts

Churches $

685.13

Sunday Schools

48.38

Julia Matthews

Bible Class

50.00

Local YFA's

122.64

Western District YFA

150.00

Sunday School Convention

6.00

Union Meetings

101.89

State League

Convention

668.32

Individuals

95.00

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Disbursements

Operational Expenses $ 328.44
1967 Chevrolet Van 637.00
First Citizens Bank

(Transfer ot Funds

to Main Building Account) 1,075.42

Total Disbursements

Balance on Hand
April 1, 1976

Earmarked Funds

General Savings
Main Building Fund

(Savings)
Chapel (Savings)
Pool (Savings)
General Fund

Total

1.927J36
4,560.44

2,040.86

$ 2,519.58

$10,874.47

8,085.85
3,298.63
306.07
2,519.58

$25,084.60

1976
YEARBOOK

FOR
ORIGINAL
FREE WILL BAPTISTS
of

NORTH CAROLINA

For the first time in the history of our
denomination we now have a yearbook. It
contains a complete church directory. It
lists the location of your church, name
and address of your pastor, as well as
names and addresses of many of your
officers.

The book contains 288 pages of in-
formation. Its publication was approved
by all the conferences. It is believed you
will consider it as an important book in
your personal or church group library.
The cost is only $2.95.

The book also contains the minutes of
our four state bodies, as well as the
minutes of our conferences. It also
presents a calendar of activities for this
year, and a statistical table of our
churches, with important facts and
figures.

This yearbook may be purchased at
the Ayden Bible and Bookstore, 811

North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina
28513, or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rock Springs Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Bailey, is in need of a
pastor beginning July 1, 1976. Any
minister in good standing with his
conference and who is interested in
serving this church, please contact Mr.
Oscar Whitley, Route 1, Bailey, North
Carolina 27807; telephone 235-3479.

CHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Free Dill Baptist Children's Some

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
•^%^»«5s^ "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls"***^****''

revival was
L. Patrick,
2. Brother
job for the

MEMORIAL CHAPEL SPRING
REVIVAL

Memorial Chapel spring
conducted by the Rev. C.
March 29 through April
Patrick did an outstanding
Lord. He had three messages each night:
a bird story about Wington tor the little
children, an object lesson related to his
message topic, and the scriptural
message from God's Word.

The Holy Spirit was prevalent and
evident during this ministry, for by the
end of the week there were eight new
converts and twenty rededications.

Our hearts are filled with thanks and
praise that God will continue this spiritual
awakening into a movement in many
hearts and lives that will bring
glorification to His name and to the
Children's Home.

Our thanks go also to Brother Patrick
and the many singing groups that made
this revival such a great blessing.

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
MARCH, 1976

Albemarle Conference

Corinth
Gum Neck
Hickory Chapel
Malachi's Chapel
Mt. Tabor
S. S. Convention
Union Meeting
Sidney
Sound Side
Total

Blue Ridge Association

dar Hi

Cape Fear Conference

Catalpa

Goldsboro, First
Hopewell
Johnston Union
Lee's Chapel
Saint Mary's Grove
Shady Grove
Smyrna
Tee's Chapel
Total

10

$ 10.00
50.00
123.00
100.00
31.54
49.50
15.90
50.00
50.00

$479.94

37.59

10.00
25.00

100.00
12.00
30.00
5.00

164.78
65.00

237.55
$628.33

Central Conference

Aspen Grove

$ 296.50

Ayden

55.00

Bethany

34.27

Black Jack

73.26

Community

50.00

Daniels Chapel

300.00

Dilda's Grove

329.35

Edgewood

5.00

Elm Grove

100.00

Free Union

328.81

Friendship

63.52

Greenville, First

10.00

Gum Swamp

55.00

Harrell's Chapel

120.00

Hickory Grove

15.00

Hugo

100.00

King's Cross Road

200.00

Little Creek

110.00

Second Union

8.99

Layman's League

146.31

Fourth Union

220.86

Ormondsville

63.00

Owen's Chapel

50.00

Peace

78.50

Reedy Branch

243.34

Rose Hill

116.74

Spring Branch

110.00

Sweet Gum Grove

225.00

Tarboro

400.00

Winterville

135.40

Total

$4,067.85

Eastern Conference

Antioch

$ 50.00

Core Creek

117.00

Crab Point

15.00

Daly's Chapel

60.00

Deep Run

160.00

Dublin Grove

168.58

Friendship

30.51

Holly Springs

100.00

Jackson Heights

195.68

Kinston, First

70.00

Lanier's Chapel

10.00

Moseley's Creek

100.00

Mt. Zion (Onslow)

55.48

Mt. Zion (Pamlico)

100.00

Auxiliary District

179.18

Eula Jones

5.00

Fifth S. S. Convention

49.00

Third Union Meeting

57.50

New Bethlehem

25.74

New Haven

39.03

Oak Grove

80.00

Oriental

33.94

Pearsall's Chapel

101.82

Pilgrim's Rest

5.00

Sandy Plain

425.95

Sarecta

4.00

Snow Hill
Sound View
Spring Hope
St. Mary's
Trent

Wintergreen
Total

Beaverdam
Cypress Creek
Emerson
Mt. Olive
Union Meeting
Oak Grove
Total

Pee Dee Association

Piedmont Conference

Highland Pines
Mt. Olive
Total

Rockfish Conference

Conference

Western Conference

Barnes Hill
Branch Chapel
Calvary
Elwood Lane
Everett's Chapel
Friendship
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Milbournie
New Sandy Hill
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Piney Grove
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Road
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Spring Hill
St. Mary's
Union Chapel
Union Grove
Total

Bim, W. Va.
Laurel City, W. Va.
Flint, Michigan
Total

Other States

Total Religious Contributions

Memorial Gifts for
March, 1976

Memorial gifts for the Children's Home for March
1976, totaled $25, and were given as follows:
Elbert Wallace by Mr. and Mrs. Charles King.
Mrs. J. W. Harrell by Mrs. Mary M. Stokes.
Davie Moore by Mrs. Mary M. Stokes.

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

Special ^Womenfs

The following was written by a lady in remembrance of her husband. She saved
the ribbons from the wreaths of flowers from his grave. Since then she has made
frr children and some grandchildren beautiful arrangements of roses, which are
ceply treasured.
By special request:

ROSES MADE OF RIBBONS FROM THE WREATHS OF FLOWERS

As I sat making petals for roses from the ribbons of the flowers, these thoughts
tme to mind:

In the song, Just a Rose Will Do,

They are in remembrance for me and you.

The colors are so beautiful: red, white, pink, and yellow-
All so mellow.

Purple, orchid, brown, and gold —
A beautiful memory to behold.

The petals finished and when the roses are completed, a beautiful arrangement
'minds us of a life completed that left many memories behind. There are "Special
oments" for all to remember.

The Lord, who gives us hope, also gives us reward and a home with Him and our
ived ones.

Jew Bern

Readers, the column needs your responses. I am certain there are many of you
; ho have considered writing. Share an experience with fellow Christians now.

Maggie

The Unmitigated

TRUTH

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

| Scriptural basis: ". . . we are buried
with him by baptism into death: that like
is Christ was raised up from the dead by
ihe glory of the Father, even so we also
ihould walk in newness of life" (Romans
5:4).

Baptism is a sacred ordinance of the
;hurch signifying a death, burial, and
esurrection. It is also used as a symbol
"or cleansing, purification, and con-
secration. The baptism ritual carries with
it a solemn and consecrated dedication to
a holy and righteous life under God.

The baptism ordinance in this ex-
plication will concern itself with the
baptism of believers rather than a rite for
the baptism and dedication of infants.
First, I want us to look at some things a
penitent believer has before he is
baptized. The act of baptism comes after
the sinner's sins have been take away.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God" (Romans
10:17). A person is not a subject of
baptism until his sins by faith are
forgiven. The Lord himself is the only
One who can forgive sins. When He
says, ". . .thy sins be forgiven thee"
(Matthew 9:2), you may rest assured
that remission of sins has been made.
Healing and faith bring salvation. Jesus

heals because we have faith; therefore,
faith is necessary. The penitent believer,
then, is saved before he is a fit subject
for baptism. The question may be asked,
"Why bother to be baptized at all,
then?" It is very simple: Jesus requires
and demands that it be done. You cannot
be disobedient to Christ and expect Him
to "prepare a place for you" in heaven,
in the Father's house.

The penitent believer has remission of
sins and he has eternal life (John 3:16);
he is not condemned (John 3:17, 18)
and is wholly and completely justified in
the sight of God. The penitent believer
has been cleansed and the Holy Spirit
has become a permanent resident in his
heart and life. God is on the throne of the
believer and has become Lord of all. We
as believers have become the temples of
the Holy Spirit and He dwells in His
temple. God (the Holy Spirit) dwells in all
the rooms of our house. He is known and
respected in all the acts, conversations,
and relationships with others in our lives.

The believer has the love of God in his
heart, (Romans 5:1, 5), and faith alone
has put it there. We can also believe that
the believer is now a child of God and a
member of God's divine household.
Being a child of God also means that he
has absolutely a pure heart which
Matthew 5:8 confirms, "Blessed are the
pure in heart: for they shall see God."

The baptism of a penitent believer
accomplishes three things: He has died
to sin, he has been buried, and he has
been resurrected. He is now a new
person in Christ. The old sinful life has
been done unto the death — a death
which can no longer hold the soul or
control it. Old things have passed away,
and, behold, all things are become new.
Signs of the new relationship with God
become more and more evident. The
things once hated are now loved, and the
things once loved are now hated. The
saved person is now serving the Lord
and dwells in the light and law of God.

Baptists believe the symbol to be
better portrayed by immersing the
believer in water as this method depicts a
complete separation from the old life and
the reappearance depicts a fresh, new,
and resurrected life. When one dies to
self, sin, and ungodliness are buried
(separated from all ungodliness) and he
is raised and resurrected into a new life
of peace and prosperity. Jesus and the
disciples taught this and, if for no other
(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

FAITH AND FAMILIES
ON THE MOVE

Lesson Text: Hebrews 11:1,8-16
Memory Verse: Hebrews 1 1 :8

I. INTRODUCTION

Our lesson text for today's study is
taken from the Epistle to the Hebrews.
Though there are some who express
doubts concerning the usually accepted
view that this epistle was written by
Paul, its intrinsic value and place in the
canon of Scripture has never been
seriously doubted. The purpose of the
book, or epistle, even to the casual
reader is apparent. It was written for the
purpose of showing the superiority of the
revelation of God in Christ to that of any
revelation which had preceded it or is
likely to follow it. It is commonly believed
that it was written for the purpose of
influencing a group of Jewish believers,
who, under severe persecution, were
contemplating the desertion of
Christianity and a return to Judaism.

That portion of the epistle which
furnishes the material for our lesson text
deals with the experiences of Abraham,
his family, his heirs, and their response
by faith to the call of God in their lives.
This is all very appropriate; for this
eleventh chapter has often been termed
"The Great Faith Chapter of the Bible,"
and Abraham is known to Jew, to
Christian, and even to Moslems as "The
Father of the Faithful."— The Senior
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Weliveinaverymobilesociety.lt
has been estimated that twenty percent
of the people in this country average
moving once each year. This has a
tendency to be upsetting. It cuts ties and
causes many people to leave God and the
church out of their lives. Today, we
study about the importance of keeping
the faith wherever we go.

B. Faith can be a very disturbing
thing. Abraham's faith caused him to
leave his family and his home country. If
our faith does not disturb some of the old
things in our lives, we may well question
its validity.

C. Because of their faith in His
promises, God gave to Abraham and
Sarah a son when according to nature it
was impossible for them to bear a son.
Only faith can make the promises of God
real in our lives today.

D. If we want to be true to God, we
must keep our minds off the "old
things" that were left behind when we
became Christian. The best way to do
this is to keep them occupied with the
good things. Let us be careful to do this.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. In thousands of homes a number
of years ago a certain motto was com-
mon:

"Christ is the Head of this house,
The Unseen Guest at every meal,
The Silent Listener to every
conversation."

In those days, humanly speaking, the
husband was the head of the home. But
with the emancipation and en-
franchisement of woman, man's
sovereignty in the home is open to
question. "I'm going to be president of
this new firm," said a bridegroom
shortly after the wedding. "That's all
right with me," said the bride, "and I'll
be the treasurer." So the battle was on.
There is only one absolute solution to the
problem and that is to make Christ the
head of the house. When this is done in
all sincerity, and Christ's presence is
always felt, there will be no question as
to the home being a happy one.

This is true of the so-called home on
the move today. Never in our lifetime
have we seen as much moving from one
area to another as families are doing
today. Millions of mobile-type homes are
bought and sold. Thousands of families

are being transferred from one busini
area to another every year. Children
frequently uprooted from their school ||
church life, in some instances as rmf
as three times a year or more. The
question is, What is all this doing to
faith of these people? How is it affect
their spiritual life? Perhaps we can fil
the answers in the story of one gr
migrant and his home: Abraham.— 7
Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

B. Literature is filled with mer
attempts to picture in writing a perfi
society. Plato wrote of such a society
his Republic; More gave us Utop,|
Hilton introduced Shangri-la; and thai
could go on. But all of them were f
titious, and not one of us would actual
care to exchange our lives here for any]
the fictional places entirely.

Men have been no one more si
cessful in producing an ideal society th
in writing about it, though many ha,
tried it. We are being factual, .f
pessimistic, when we suggest that tlf
end will never be accomplished
human effort. In simple fact, the bet1>
country is the work of the Creator, n
the creature.

Both Abraham and Sarah had a re
sense of their purpose and destiny in lif
they wanted to please God. It would n
have mattered where God had sent theq
or what He had asked them to do. Tha
faith was grounded unshakably in Hinj
and their lives were fully under H
direction.

We desperately need a similar sense (
purpose and destiny in this hour,
matters much less where we live tha
how we live. If we, like the patriarch?
believe the future is altogether in God"
hands, we might move about as ofte
and as far as did Paul, and our fait
would only be made more secure. Ou
need is to give greater heed to God tha
geography; to building Christian home
than air-conditioned houses; to Christia
growth than combatting cral
grass — Standard Lesson Commentai
mentary

CHURCH PEWS
Any church in need of church
pews, solid oak, in excellent
condition, please call 244-0162 at
night or on weekends for further
information. There are twenty-two
pews for sale.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

STORIES

for our youth

ADDY MOORE sat swinging
back and forth in his swing
Neath a big sycamore tree. He was
/ding for Jack Dorsey, a new boy in the
' immunity, to be far down the street
jore he, himself, started to school,
[faddy went regularly to Sunday
.iijool. He knew a great many Bible
«|ses by heart. He knew very well that
Vshould love his neighbor— but he just
illdn't make himself love Jack Dorsey.
slack was a bad boy. Yesterday he had
len the new red cap belonging to Billy,
jP|dy's little brother, and had thrown it
'"hp the creek which the boys and girls
''"Mi to cross on the way to and from
lf:shool. Maybe Jack hadn't meant to
Wjip it. Maybe a tiny puff of wind had
rjiked it from Jack's fingers. Yet, the
f cp had dropped with a splash into the
vter.

is fThe worst part of it was that Jack
iitidn't seemed to care. He had cried,
rjou won't catch me wading in that
i c^ek for any old cap!" He looked very
a ipleasant.

i IBilly had stood on the narrow bridge
Ittjer the creek and howled. Paddy had
! Ijd to rescue the cap; and when he lifted
,! ijdripping, from its ducking, Jack had
« In away.

t. Today Billy couldn't wear the cap. It
id shrunk, and the bill had fallen to
: pees, which is what often happens to
Ipt caps. The creek wasn't deep and the
idge over it wasn't high, but the chilly
ater had given Paddy a slight cold.
No, he just wouldn't love Jack.
By this time Jack was on the bridge,
)d so Paddy left his swing to start to
:hool, too. Jack would be at school by
ie time Paddy reached the bridge.
Then to Paddy's surprise and
nhappiness, Jack didn't move on. He

stayed on the bridge as if pretending to
look at something in the water.

"He's waiting to make me sorry
because I saved Billy's cap," thought
Paddy. "But I'm not afraid," and he
kept walking toward Jack. .

When he reached the bridge, Jack
said, "So you got the cap! Well, I'm not
going to let you get by here," and he
stretched his arms from railing to railing,
for the bridge was just as wide as the
walk, and Jack was big for his age.

"Let me go," Paddy tried to push
Jack's thick arm aside. "We'll be late
for school if we don't hurry."

"That's just what I want," cried
Jack, and he stuck out his foot as Paddy
tried to pass. Paddy stumbled and fell,
and in falling, accidentally knocked
Jack's feet from under him. Down he
fell, too.

A moment after Jack fell, Paddy heard
a splash in the water. Jack must have
heard it, too, for he jumped to his feet
crying, "My knife! The one Uncle Hugh
sent me!"

Suddenly Paddy felt sorry for him. He
jumped to his feet, too, and looked over
the railing of the bridge. There, among
the silvery minnows flashing about, lay a
tiny knife. Its side made of bits of lovely
rainbow-colored shells shone brightly.
He could understand why Jack didn't
wish to lose such a pretty thing.

"You can get it," suggested Paddy.
"The water isn't deep."

Jack looked dreadfully frightened as
he stuttered, "I— I can— can't."

Right then Paddy knew why Jack
couldn't get the knife, and why he
hadn't tried to rescue Billy's cap
yesterday. Jack was afraid of water!
Even if Paddy wouldn't love Jack, he
could at least help him.

"I'll get it for you," Paddy said, as he
ran around the edge of the bridge, took
off his sneakers and socks, and waded

into the clear, cool water. In less than a
minute he had the tiny knife and was
wiping it dry on his handkerchief.

"It's certainly a beauty," he told
Jack, who was standing on the creek
bank waiting for it.

When Paddy handed it to him, Jack
said, "It's the only treasure I have.
Thanks," and started to walk away.

"Wait!" cried Paddy. "Wait till I get
my socks and sneakers on."

Jack waited, all the while wiping and
blowing on his treasure to make it
perfectly dry.

"I'm ready, now," exclaimed Paddy.
"We must hurry!"

' ' I want to say something before we go
on," Jack told him. "This is the first
time anyone has been kind to me since
I've come to your school. Thanks, and
I'm sorry I was mean to you today and to
Billy yesterday. I'll try to make things
right with Billy. Maybe" — he said it very
slowly— "I'll give him my knife."

"No! Don't!" cried Paddy. "I'll tell
you what. I'll give Billy a ball of mine he
wants if you will come to Sunday school
with me next Sunday."

Jack certainly looked surprised, and
they passed three houses before he said,
"I'll do it! Let's run!"— Junior Pupil

RETIREMENT HOMES
NOTICE

In anticipation that the first duplex
apartment at the Retirement Homes will
be ready for occupancy about July 1 , the
committee is ready to start receiving
applications for admission. All persons
interested in making application should
write to Retirement Homes and request
application forms. The proper address is
Free Will Baptist Retirement Homes,
P. 0. Box 250, Middlesex, North Carolina
27557.

A CHALLENGE

To any church that is interested in
reaching out to the lost to win them to
Jesus and help the church to grow and is
willing to work with a pastor to this end, I
extend my invitation to contact me and
offer a challenge. Let's do something for
the Lord. It will take a bit of planning, a
lot of hard work, and much dedication
and prayer. If you are this kind of people
and want to do something for Jesus, I
challenge you to contact me by writing
Route 2, Box 340, Grifton, North Carolina
28530, or phone 524-5186 after 5 p. m.

Yours in His service,
Ray Harrison Jr.

'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

"EJJlEUrEjJfU

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

r,"iI+Ii] Mmumqi

MOU

Pfialffeiffiiffa

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS
LEARN ABOUT HOME MISSIONS

Shown standing is the Rev. Taylor
Hill, Director and Treasurer of the Home
Mission Board of the North Carolina State
Convention of Free Will Baptists, as he
discussed the work of the board with
students enrolled in the course on "The
Free Will Baptist Church" at Mount Olive
College. In addition to the regularly
enrolled students, a number of visitors
were present for this special presen-
tation.

The course on The Free Will Baptist
Church is offered each year as a means
of acquainting students with the history,
beliefs, government, and program of
Free Will Baptists.

MEMORIAL GIFTS TO
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

The following memorial gifts to Mount
Olive College during the month of March
totaled $306.35. These gifts do not
include gifts to the College Library.

In Memory Of

Mrs. Mozelle Bennett by James A. Cowan,
Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Mrs. Sallie Ann Bridges by Mr. and Mrs. Charles
M. Parker, Pinetown.

Dr. W. H. Crumpler by Mrs. Arlene G. Talton and
Kathy, Mount Olive.

Mr. George Dail by Celia Hart Garris Woman's
Auxiliary, Ayden Free Will Baptist Church, Ayden.

Mr. Everett Davis by James A. Cowan, Thibodaux,

Louisiana.

Mrs. Mae Garner by the Rev. and Mrs. Sheldon
Howard, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Estelle Gay by Howell Swamp Woman's
Auxiliary, Walstonburg.

Mrs. Sadie Glaser by Mr. and Mrs. Paul
Burroughs, New Bern.

Mrs. Isabel Grady by Mr. and Mrs. Rolland P.
Callahan, Pink Hill, and Miss Thelma Dilday,
Albertson.

Mr. William H. Hardy by Mrs. Worrell's Office
Practice Class, Mount Olive College. Mount Olive;
Mrs. James Worrell, Goldsboro; Mr. and Mrs. Harold
Herring Sr., LaGrange; and Miss Pamela R. Wood,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Sadie Ipock Hargett by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel
W. Fagg Jr., Batesville, Arizona.

Mrs. Rosalie Denny Harrell by Mr. Douglas Carl
Abrams, Greenville, South Carolina.

Mr. Thad Hart by Mr. and Mrs. Luther Hart Jr.,
Altamonte Springs, Florida; Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.
Housner, Waretown, New Jersey; Pittman Bible
Class, Ayden Free Will Baptist Church; Mrs. Celia Hart
Garris; Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Hill; and Mr. and Mrs.
David Davenport, Ayden.

Mrs. Lena Mae Pearson Herndon by Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mr. Otis Hill by Mrs. Daisy Simpson and Mr. and
Mrs. James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mr. Uriah Joyner by Mrs. Carrie P. Herring, Mount
Olive.

Mrs. Katherine Lewis by Gary Fenton Barefoot; Mr.
and Mrs. John C. Carrere Sr., John Jr., and Tim; and
Miss Pamela Wood, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Lessie Mozingo Little by Mr. and Mrs.
Douglas Stocks.

Mr. William Liverman by Mr. and Mrs. Clayton
Early; Laura Wiggins Bible Class, Hickory Chapel Free
Will Baptist Church; Miss Thelma Dilday, Miss Mary
Lou Dilday, and Mr. Lloyd Dilday, Ahoskie.

Mr. Robert Massengill by Mrs. Flonnie W. Creech,
Princeton.

Mrs. C. H. Overman Sr. by Mr. and Mrs. James B.
Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Kitsey Parker by Mr. and Mrs. John West-
brook, Mr. and Mrs. George Potts, Mr. and Mrs.
James Holmes, and Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Sutton,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Mossett T. Parsons by Mr. and Mrs. Robert H.
Humphreys, Norfolk, Virginia; Mrs. Wilhelmina J.
Petrillo, Clearwater, Florida; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G.
Price, Smithfield; and Mrs. Mary Lou Jackson,
Clinton.

Mrs. Troy Pate Sr. by Mrs. Flonnie W. Creech,
Princeton.

Mr. W. Jennings Price by Miss Leah McGlohon,
Winterville.

Mr. Floyd Robbins by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Herring

Sr., LaGrange, 'and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Herring,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Daisy Rolison by Mrs. Pannie M. Rhod
Beulaville; Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Callahan; Mr. J
Mrs. Weils Thomas; and the Rev. and Mrs. S.f
Smith, Beulaville.

Mr. Jack Rollins Selby Jr. by Mount Olive Colli!
Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Mr. Norwood Vinson by Donald and Garrett Walk
LaGrange; Newlon Overman; Mrs. Ethel Walker; 1
family of Buddy Walker; and the family of Ray Walki
Mount Olive.

Mr. Elbert Wallace by Miss Cathy Wallace, Mol)
Olive.

Mrs. Mittie H. Wheeler by Woman's Auxiliaj
Howell Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, Walstn
burg.

Mr. Thomas H. Wilson by Harvey, Marie, and Am
Whitford, Vanceboro; and Mr. and Mrs. Bobby
Ackiss, Goldsboro.

In Honor Of

Miss Kimberly Joy Guzman by Mount Olive Colli
Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Winfred Glynne Harris by Mr. and Mrs. Print
Winfred Harris, College Park, Georgia.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis by Mr. and Mrs.
H. Smith, Mount Olive.

John Kyle Smith by Mount Olive College Alur
Association, Mount Olive.

The Rev. and Mrs. S. A. Smith by Mr. and Mrs.
A. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Grady, and Mr. j
Mrs. Jimmy 0. Summerlin, Kenansville; and Mr. ||
Mrs. William H. Smith and family, Mount Olive.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
MAY 1

The Singing Samaritans (picture!,
above) is one of nine groups that will fc|
participating in the Christian Mus
Festival to be held at Eagles Ne:
Conference Center on Saturday, May 1.

The other groups that are on th
program are: The Foundations <
Pikeville, The Good News Quartet i
Durham, The Master's of Rocky Moun
The Melody Makers of Greenville, Th
Miles Family of Pink Hill, The Presco
Family of Grantsboro, The VanGuar
Brothers of Mount Olive, and The Youn
World Singers of Vanceboro. Also ap
pearing on the program will be Th
Mount Olive Singers and The Ne1
Creations of Mount Olive College.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

he program will begin at 9 a. m. and
.i/v continue until 6 p. m. This is a day
s( aside for the purpose of praising the
tjd through songs, testimonies, and
Cjistian fellowship. There is no ad-
mjsion charge for this event and the
Blic is invited.

Lunch will be catered by Wilber's
Bfoecue of Goldsboro at a cost of $2 per
p,te. Lunch tickets will be on sale from
I. m. until 11 a. m.

Vlake your plans now to attend this
eint and receive the blessings that God
hfe for you.

TE UNMITIGATED TRUTH

(Continued from Page 11 )
rejson but for obedience, it is sufficient
fo'our confirmation and salvation.

he ordinance of baptism bridges the
g| between the old life of sin agd the
if life in Christ. I cannot think of a
biter way to do this than the way
sjgested by Christ and practiced by the
dciples. ". . . Go ye into all the world,
ail preach the gospel to every creature.
, Hfthat believeth and is baptized shall be
sjied; but he that believeth not shall be
dinned" (Mark 16:15, 16). The
npister who qualifies to lead this service
ns st be a born-again, spiritual believer
ivo has proven himself in behavior and
.induct. He must be clothed with
a hority from his church and from the
E He . He must be a regular ordained
nister and in good standing with the
I' al church and conference. The laws of
ti land honor his credentials and will
tck him up as he performs this or-
uance under God.

A baptismal service is conducted in a
r inner as set forth in the ritual
commended by the church fathers of
|b particular denomination to which the
i nister belongs. Baptists believe that
ifmersion is the Bible way and this is
'jjw it is done. There may be exceptions
the case of illness or inability
ysically to be baptized. Many other
snominations sprinkle holy water on the
iliever, and still others pour holy water
i their heads. Give it some thought and
arch the Scriptures and you will find
e right method and will be satisfied,
men.

<OMING EVENTS. . .

pril 24— North Carolina State Youth
Fellowship Convention, Lucama High
School, Lucama, North Carolina

ITIE FREE WILL BAPTIST

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

June 28-30— General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, First Free
Will Baptist Church of Durham, North
Carolina

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

(Continued from Page 7)

been far exceeded. Has not Jesus
conquered Europe and changed its name
to Christendom? All countries that refuse
the cross wither, and the time will come
when the vast countries and countless
myriads of America and Australia,
looking upon Europe as Europe now
looks upon Greece, and wondering how
so small a space could have achieved
such great deeds, will find music in the
songs of Zion and solace in the parables
of Galilee.' "

CuA,

ATTENTION, AUXILIARIES!

The Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention voted to sponsor a
Vandemere Woman's Conference July 5-
10, at Camp Vandemere.

Camp Vandemere is owned by the
Eastern Conference. It has a great
ministry to offer to the people of the Free
Will Baptist Denomination. It is located
on the water and has a program of
Christian fellowship designed to bring
people closer to Christ. The Woman's
Conference fee is $35 per person, in-
cluding the $5 registration fee. Send

your name, address, age, and
registration fee to Mrs. Happy Taylor,
Director-Registrar, Route 1, Box 109,
Deep Run, North Carolina 28525.

INSTALLATION OF PEE DEE
DISTRICT AUXILIARY OFFICERS

The Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Spring Convention was held
Saturday, April 3, at the White Oak Free
Will Baptist Church, Bladenboro. The
convention's theme was "Faith's
Achievements," with Scripture taken
from Hebrews 1 1 .

The morning session began with
presentations given by Mrs. A. B.
Chandler, treasurer of Cragmont
Assembly; Mrs. Ruby Hancock,
president of the State Woman's Auxiliary
Convention; Mr. Russell Duncan,
director of admissions of Mount Olive
College; and the Rev. Joseph Ingram,
foreign missions director.

During the afternoon business session
Mrs. Marybelle Pait, installation officer,
proceeded with the installation of of-
ficers. They are (front row, right to left)
as follows: Mrs. Huldah Jernigan
Kinlaw, president; Mrs. Kathleen Davis,
vice-president; Mrs. Shelby Edwards,
secretary; and, Mrs. Avary Brisson,
treasurer. (Back row, left to right): Mrs.
Nancy Hardee, youth chairman; Mrs.
Katie Duncan, program-prayer chairman;
and, Mrs. Barbara Bryan, corresponding
secretary. Officers not in the picture are
Mrs. Clyde Mercer, missions chairman;
Mrs. Dorothy Godwin, study course
chairman; Mrs. Edith Pope, benevolence
chairman; and, Mrs. Hattie Bright, field
secretary.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Barbara Bryan
Corresponding Secretary

15

COM,

LIBRARY

DUKH uKIVE ESST Y

WHY SEND MY CHILD
TO CAMP VANDEMERE?

Camp Vandemere offers a unique
camping experience! The camp is a
nonprofit organization which is owned
and operated by the Eastern Conference
of Free Will Baptists.

The camp exists only because it offers
a program that will meet the needs of
every child. The conference believes that
a camping experience can offer op-
portunities of growth and development
that the church, school, and community
programs (even the home) cannot.

Camp Vandemere strives to help the
child grow mentally, physically,
emotionally, and spiritually. It does this
through a carefully planned and highly
active program.

The conference sees Camp Vandemere
as a means of presenting opportunities
for Christian learning, growth, and
guidance that cannot be achieved
elsewhere in the church's program of
Christian education. Through a Christ-
centered camping ministry, the camper
is exposed to growing experiences that
touch all areas of his life. His physical,
mental, social, and spiritual world can be
enriched, enabling him to become a
contributing member of the body of
Christ. Christ and self can be discovered
through camping.

"And in the morning, rising up a great
while before day, he went out, and
departed into a solitary place, and there

16

prayed" (Mark 1:25). Just as the Lord
sought to escape from the press of a
demanding, needy, and explosive world,
to be refreshed and revived through a
retreat to solitude, the youth also need to
find time to be alone. The aloneness that
is enjoyed and sought for is to be found
at your camp— Camp Vandemere. The
retreat atmosphere is yours to experience
as you reverently stand on the banks of
the Bay River at Vandemere, or sit under
the canopy of pine trees.
The facilities and programs of Camp

Please do not
write here.

Vandemere are offered to you and yoi
family in order that you might have
unique worship experience and th
opportunity for relaxation, recreatior
and fellowship.

The following application blanks ar
for your use if you plan to spend a wee
at Camp Vandemere this summer, or
your church would like to spend a day c
overnight retreat. Please clip the prope
blank and mail to the Rev. Ralp
Sumner, P. 0. Box 445, Bridgeton, Nort
Carolina 28519.

Date Received

Date Acknowledged

Camp Week

, Balance Due

Camp Fee: $35. A deposit of $5 is required along with application and the balance
upon arrival.

Name of Camper

Address .
Phone No.
Birth Date

, Age

, Sex

, Grade Completed

,Week Desired

Check in Time: 11 a. m., Monday; Check out Time: 11 a. m., Saturday.

I give my permission for my child to participate in all activities at camp except
those noted:. — —

Signed

(Parent or Guardian)

or (We)

of

Churcr

wish to hereby apply for use of the picnic area , dorm and kitchen/dining roorr

^ Gillikin house < others. , at Camp Vandemere, Inc., Van

demere, North Carolina, for

date.

Overnight Retreat:

Gillikin house, family of six, $1 5 per 24 hours; each additional person, $1 each.
Camper space, $3 per day; tent space, $3 per day.

Kitchen/dining room and dorm use, $10 per day, per person, including three meals.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

the free mill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1976

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a work-
man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth" [2 Timothy 2:15].

What, Then, Is an Education?

Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman

In a few days, thousands of young people will graduate from the high
schools and colleges of our land. It is a time of joy and of achievement.

Solomon valued wisdom above all things. "Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding" (Proverbs
4:7). Yet, it was not a formal education or knowledge or facts that Solomon
sought, but understanding through a perceptive mind that enabled him to think
wisely and deeply. It is true that reading, thinking, listening, and learning help
to discipline and to train the human mind for thought and depth of un-
derstanding; but learning without common sense and love almost always
produces an unbecoming personality and character.

The Bible warns against pride, snobbery, and conceit— the "educated
fool," as we often hear it expressed: "... it is written, I will destroy the wisdom
of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is
the wise? . . . hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corin-
thians 1:19, 20). Also, "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you
seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
For the wisdom of the world is foolishness with GOd. . . . And again, The Lord
knoweth the thoughts of the wise , that they are vain' ' ( 1 Corinthians 3 : 18-20 ) .

Over 200 verses of Scripture refer to the word "wisdom." Will you agree
with me that Solomon would have said that wisdom is knowing the will of God
and doing it? "Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline
from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee:
love her, and she shall keep thee" (Proverbs 4:5,6).

Beyond the Bible, and yet coinciding with it, Albert Edward Wiggam, in
THE MARKS OF AN EDUCATED MAN, lists these qualities of the truly
educated person :

1. He cultivates an open mind.

2. He listens to the man who knows.

3. He never laughs at new ideas.

4. He knows the secret of getting along with other people.

5. He cultivates the habit of success.

6. He knows that as a man thinketh, so is he.

7. He knows that popular notions are almost always wrong.

8. He doesn't fall for or follow magic.

9. He links himself with a great cause.

10. He builds an ambitious picture to fit his abilities.

11. He always tries to feel the emotion that he ought to feel.

12. He keeps busy at his highest natural level in order to be happy, useful,
and good.

13. He knows that it is never too late to learn.

14. He never loses faith in the man that he might have been.

15. He achieves the masteries that make him a world citizen.

17. He cultivates the love of the beautiful.

18. He lives a great religious life.

Louisa Mae Alcott wrote: "There is virtue in country houses, fields,
gardens, orchards, streams, and groves; in rustic recreation and plain
manners that neither cities nor universities enjoy."

Maybe the answer lies in the thought that it takes it all— Bible, books,
school, knowledge, living, and loving— all that we can learn and find and do and
be to truly love God and others sincerely and purely.

Again, we turn to our Perfect Example: "... Jesus increased in wisdom
and stature , and in favour with God and man " ( Luke 2 : 52 ) .

The challenge is always with us : "So teach us to number our days, that we
may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

APRIL 28, 1976
Volume 91 Number r

Edited and published weekly by the FreeW;
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L|
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secor:
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, j

All materials to be placed in any issue mtil
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to ti|
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Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou
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these. A 50 percent discount is offered undj
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflej
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of W
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ea
article is given the person whose name appes
under the title or to the person submitting sa
article.

Items for publication should be addressed :
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box1£|
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbai
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robf
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannirn
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistai
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasse
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'I

ETERNAL LIFE:
MYTH, HOPE, OR TRUTH

W. Burkette Raper
Mount Olive, North Carolina

I HEN we are healthy, our re-
lationships with others are
I, our undertakings are successful,
mwe feel that we would like to stay
I forever. But even if we live to be
Id we are not on this earth long,
flugh our bodies are a miraculous
ration by God, they nevertheless
oiain the seed for their death.
Iter death, then what? This question
3) it only among the oldest but the most
esive in human experience, for what
*ibelieve about death largely deter-
|is what we believe about life. Here I
I inseparable from a body that,
siiirdless of how strong and healthy it is
By and in spite of all I can do to care
It, is designed to last only a limited
nilber of years. Is the totality of my life
vit I do during these brief years or
dts my life transcend the span of my
orsical existence?
Some of us live with the hope of
i nal life; others imprison themselves
wji the boundaries of human intellect
m conclude that we cannot depend
In what we cannot prove; and others
reiard eternal life as a truth on which to
tajd their lives on earth. The position we
tap becomes the reference point by
wlch we live.

Ernal Life: A Myth?

\ myth is a view that depends, not on
fct, but on our effort to find meaning
a|l purpose in human experience. To
lard eternal life as a myth is to say:
'jhere is no scientific evidence of life
a'sr death, but since man needs such a
bief he has formulated views on im-
nrtality."

Those who take this position hold that
it reality there is no life after death— that

irnal life is like an imaginary life raft
v|ich some people need to navigate

on the seas of this life.

People who disclaim belief in eternal

i are not thereby morally corrupt,

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

intellectually inferior, nor antagonistic to
good. On the contrary, most of them are
honest, hard-working, and com-
passionate toward the needs of others
and are responsible citizens.

Their problem is that they limit life to
what their minds can prove; and, since
eternal life is a concept which transcends
their rational powers, they can find no
place for it in their view of life.

if the power of man is the measure of
life, then eternal life is but a myth.

Eternal Life: A Hope

All religions have at their core a
promise of salvation which is designed to
prepare its adherents for some form of
life after death. Some religions teach
reincarnation: the belief that we come
back to earth in a different form,
depending upon how we lived during the
previous life. The early American Indians
viewed life after death as a happy
hunting ground, and so they sometimes
killed a man's horse and buried it with
him so he would have it in the next life.

Many Christians regard eternal life as
a hope, perhaps their greatest hope.
When life on earth is hard, our bodies
become painful and our defeats over-
shadow our victories, the hope for
eternal life grows stronger, but for a
large number, eternal life remains only a
hope.

This position leads us to view life on
earth as a certainty; but while we hope
there is life beyond death, we are not
sure. The result is that we anchor
ourselves to this life; we pay homage to
belief in eternal life, but we do not invest
much of ourselves in it. Of this view Paul
wrote, "If in this life only we have hope
in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:19).

Eternal Life: Truth

The central message of the New
Testament is that the eternal God,

Creator of heaven and earth, has brought
life and immortality to the human race
through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is for
this reason that the story of Jesus— the
gospel— is "good news."

The Christian meaning of Easter is that
God, in the person of Jesus Christ, has
overcome death and offers to every
human being the gift of eternal life. From
the Christian point of view there is no
dichotomy (separation) between life on
earth and life after our physical death.
Eternal life is God's gift through Jesus
Christ, which begins here and now on
earth, and it never ends. Physical death
has no power over it.

The culminating experience of Jesus
was His resurrection, His victory over
human evil and physical death, and
without this victory there would be no
Easter, no gospel, no church, and the
human race would be without eternal life.
Jesus said it: ". . . this is life eternal,
that they might know thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast
sent" (John 17:3).

The salvation which Christianity
proclaims is the life of Christ in those
who believe in Him. "... these are
written, that ye might believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God; and that
believing ye might have life through his
name" (John 20:31).

For the Christian, eternal life is more
than a hope— it is the truth on which we
stake our lives on earth, and to which we
commit all that we have and all that we
are. It is a truth too big to depend for its
validity on the ability of a finite human
mind to prove it, for it is the truth of God.

It is about this truth that the New
Testament speaks: "These things have I
written unto you that believe on the name
of the Son of God; that ye may know that
ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God"
(1 John 5:13).

CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION:
MY

PERSPECTIVE

by the Rev. DeWayne Eakes

(The following two-part sermon was
delivered by the Rev. DeWayne Eakes at
the Third Eastern District Sunday School
Convention on April 3, 1976, at the First
Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston.
Some felt that the sermon was very good
and deserved to be read by all Free Will
Baptists. Permission was given by Mr.
Eakes to have the message printed in
"The Free Will Baptist."— The Rev. Bill
Futch, Pastor of the Kinston Church.)

O MPHASIS on Christian education
may be late coming, but praise
God, it is finally here! The Rev. L. E.
Ballard has spent many years working
toward this emphasis. Today we are
seeing more and better efforts toward
Christian education taking shape within
our denomination. We are seeing efforts
toward better training for ministers in
their "education for the ministry." We
are seeing our State Sunday School
Convention moving us in a very positive
and much needed direction of improving
our standard of Christian education in the
local church school. I am personally
enthused with this emphasis. The
admonition, "Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the work of truth" (2 Timothy
2:15), is applicable to striving for sound
Christian education practices.

Richard Baxter, author of The
Reformed Pastor, wrote in 1650: "All
Christians are the Disciples or scholars of
Christ: the Church is His school, we are
His ushers: the Bible is His grammar:
thus it is we must be daily
teaching them."1 Christian edu-
cation is both a matter of train-
ing pastors and teachers and the
nurture of every lay person which the

4

local church has within its influence as a
stewardship trust from God. "Recon-
ciliation is one of the key words for
understanding the purpose of the
Christian ministry, which belongs to the
laity as to the clergy."2 If we are to
experience "reviving" and "renewal"
of faith and life within the church, more
than fervent preaching, glowing
testimony, and inspiring singing is
required. Undergirding all of this must
be solid, well-informed instruction,
especially in the church school, which I
feel is the auxiliary of the church which is
of primary importance! If reconciliation is
to be accomplished then effective
communication is required. "Com-
munication of the Gospel is of course, the
chief function of Christian Education." 3
A good beginning for a definition of
Christian education for me is the
following: "Christian Education is the
attempt ... to participate in and to guide
the changes which take place in persons
in their relationships with God, with the
Church, with other persons, with the
physical world and with one's self." 4

In light of these statements, I would
like to share with you my perspective or
some of my ideas about Christian
education as it applies to us in our local
church settings. There are three general
areas, which overlap, that I wish to
speak of. There is "The Area of
Knowledge or the Content of Christian
Education"; Skills or Methodology for
Christian Education"; and "Human
Personality and Spiritual Development in
Regards to Christian Education. ' '

I. THE ASSIMILATION OF

KNOWLEDGE AS AN ELEMENT
OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

To speak of education is to talk about
receiving and sharing knowledge so that
both the teacher and student are
stimulated to think, learn, and make
application of that knowledge. We are
speaking here essentially of the in-
tellectual content of Christian education.
A good place to begin discussion is how
the church sees itself in fulfilling its
mission of redemption and reconciliation
through Christian education.

The church is a community of persons
(believers). It is expressed by the
fellowship, life-style, or the quality of life
that proclaims itself to be the church.
Because the church is the church it is
continually faced with the problems and

responsibilities of "renewing its !
understanding." The church is
"Covenant People"; that is, the p&:
of the New Covenant, sealed by '
redemptive life, death, and resurrecj
of Christ. A part of our Covenant \
God, as the church, means a cons]
examination and renewal of our pract]
to insure adequate Christian educat]
The church is a body of people ']
profess the Christian faith and partici||
in the world. Our faith is our prepara]
to experience the "Abundant Life" n!
Thus a heavy responsibility for Chris
education emerges. Instead of "get]
us ready to leave," Christian educa]
must help us prepare to live. May]
learn from the "Priestly Prayer" of J]
17:1 1 and 13: ". . . now I am no mor]
the world, but these are in the world,
I come to thee. Holy Father, k
through thine own name these wf
thou hast given me, that they may
one, as we are. . . . these things I sp
in the world, that they might have myj
fulfilled in themselves." The now
where we are in the church!

A vital concern of the content
Christian education is theology. Theot
is defined as "the study of God,
nature and attributes, His relations v
man and the universe." Every man j
talks about God, man, sin, gra
forgiveness, the creation, and so fortn
a theologian. The only question is, '«
good a theologian do we want
become?" The committee drawing:
The Report on Sunday School Imprtj
ment, recognizing this, included |
Introduction to Original Free Will E
tists, as a part of the recommen
study program. Here is a brief studi
the theology and history of our chuii
As Dr. John Eddins, professor
Southeastern Seminary in Wake For
stated: "Never before in the histor
the church have so many rejec
Christianity without knowing what i
they are rejecting; and never before h
so many accepted Christianity with
knowing what they are accepting."
must ask and discover why we believi
we do if the gospel message is realh
serious a business as we say it is!

History is also a vital part of our fa
It has been said that without a sensi
history we are doomed to repeat
mistakes of the past. We, as a peopl
faith, stand to gain much from an
derstanding of our denominate
history and the history of the Chris1

THE FREE WILL BAPT!

7

nristian education must help us to
ways in which we can respond
lingfully to our present situations,
calls for social and ethical ap-
tions of the teachings of Christ. This
is in areas of human relationships,
omics, government, and in every
of life we must learn to make the
tian affirmation meaningful. The
ings of Christ were revolutionary
ig His lifetime and they are now
n we apply them. Matthew 22:37-39
prime example: "... Thou shalt love
.ord thy God with all thy heart, and
all thy soul, and with all thy mind,
is the first and great commandment,
the second is like unto it, Thou shalt
thy neighbour as thyself."
ne intellectual task of Christian
nation is to give and receive
wledge and show us ways of making
Christian faith work for us now!
nge through Christian education is a
ual, stable, and necessary process if
are to "grow in the grace and
wledge of Jesus Christ our Lord."

n

nta

Ve

THE MASTERY OF SKILLS OR
METHODOLOGY IS AN IMPORTANT
ELEMENT OF CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION

realize that the gaining of
wledge is fruitless to our goal of
stian education unless it is passed
others. How the teaching process is
ried out does greatly effect the quality
rChristian education. We need to learn
,|ne lessons from the public education
Xitems as to methodogy and adapt them
I our use and develop our own
^trhniques. Even good content can be
%fective if poorly presented. A
C:wdiocre lesson can be much improved
fusing the most effective technique or
[njthod of presentation. The books, Blue
'Pint for Teaching and The Seven Laws
8Jt] Teaching, are concerned with im-
fi,ri)ving the techniques of presentation
[fep more effective communication of the
' l/son. Their use as outlined in "The
rport on Sunday School Improvement"
Nil prove beneficial to any program of
1 ( ristian education in the church school.

David J. Ernsberger, Reviving the Local Church
Mladelphia, Pa. 19129: Fortress Press, 1969) p. 7.
H fReul L. Howe, Man's Need and God's Action
jt(ffeenwich: Seabury Press, 1953) p. 46.
J [Ernsberger, Reviving the Local Church.
;' ['Lewis J. Sherrill, The Gift of Power (New York:
wMillan, 1955) p. 82.

(Continued Next Issue)
3E FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE YOUNG
AND FAITHFUL

by Benjie Bryan

J would like to start by
saying that young people are
today's tomorrow. They hold the key to
the future. What I am saying is that our
young people will grow. Some will follow
in their parents' footsteps, some will
become government officials, some big
businessmen, and some not so big. Also
some will be workers and some
professional athletics. But all will be
facing problems throughout their lives.

We are growing up in a world of
poverty, sickness, starvation, sin, and
selfishness; however, with your help and
God's help, I feel sure we can face and
solve these problems.

I approve of the way parents have
disciplined, taught, brought up, helped,
and given their love to us. But we still
have problems and have to seek advice
from Mother and Father, or a brother or
sister. However, with all this help, some
of our youth have turned to drugs and
alcohol, with very few turning to God.

Statistics show that drugs and alcohol
are the two greatest problems among our
youth today, and all our young people
will be faced with these problems. All will
be tempted by these killers, and some
will not be able to cope with them. But
we can survive and conquer these
problems if we put our faith and trust in
God. No problem can be solved with a
bottle or a needle.

Now let us take a look at some
Scripture where faith has stood the test.
In John 6:8-13, the little boy in the story
did not hesitate to sacrifice his lunch
because he had faith in God. Jesus took
his lunch of five loaves of bread and two
small fishes and fed five thousand.
Would you, today, give your lunch to
Jesus that He might feed a multitude, or
would you be selfish and keep it for
yourself?

We find in 1 Samuel 17:47-51 that
David was called on to fight the Philistine
giant. How many of you would have
answered the call? Some would not want
to get their hands dirty. Others would
want someone else do it for them. I fear
that we have very few who would turn to

God for faith and be courageous enough
to slay the giant.

In Luke 2:42-52 we find Jesus at the
age of twelve setting an example for us.
You remember how His parents found
Him in the temple among the doctors,
teachers, and priests, expressing
Himself. How many youth would be
found doing this in our day?

Then in Daniel 6:16-23 Daniel proved
to be a faithful and brave servant of God.
How would Daniel have stayed in the
lions' den had it not been for God's love
for him and his faith in God? Would you
have remained calm and faithful? Would
you "dare to be a Daniel"?

We read in Exodus, Chapters 9 and
10, of the Children of Israel being held in
Egyptian bondage by Pharaoh. Here we
find that the israelites had faith and loved
the Lord during the period of plagues;
and in turn, the Lord delivered them from
bondage and later led their descendants
into the Promised Land.

If we have faith God can care for us
much better. He loves us and knows
what is best for us. Believe me, God
wants us to have faith in Him.

Ask yourself the question, "What
have I done to help my community, my
church, or even myself?" We must not
stop being faithful or true to our God. If
our nation is to stand tall and have its
banner wave high, we, as a church,
must wave our banner— the banner of
truth, love, and faithfulness. Let us not
forget that our youth of today will lead
tomorrow's battles.

As a young person I see the challenge
and then the reward that life has to offer.
I am truly thankful for the privilege to try
to earn that reward, even though many
times I fail to show my thanks.

Today, I, along with the youth in our
church, present to you a challenge; and
that challenge is to start right now,
today, to live a life in faithful service to
God.

(The above message was delivered by
Benjie Bryan on Youth Sunday, April 4, at
Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Dunn. Benjie is fourteen years
old- and in the eighth grade at Mingo
School. He is a member of the YFA of the
church and the son of the Rev. and Mrs.
A. B. Bryan.)

Question: Is it possible for one to be
truly kind and not be a Christian?

Answer: I believe it is. Of course, no
one need to depend upon one's
remaining kind and generous throughout
life that has not experienced the new
birth. However, I have known some that
from all outward appearance seemed to
appear to be kind and generous. I
remember two men (one lived about a
mile and the other less than a half mile
from where I spent most of my childhood
days) that never, so far as I know, made
a profession of being a Christian until
very late in life. But these men were the
kindest and most helpful neighbors I
have ever lived near.

Neither of these neighbors lived to be
70 years old. One made a profession and
was baptized a short time before he died.
I do not know if the other did, but both
appeared to me as ideals in kindness and

house. And Solomon's builders and
Hiram's builders did hew them, and the
stonesquarers: so they prepared timber
and stones to build the house" (1 Kings
5:7, 8, 17, 18); "So they came up to
Baal-perazim; and David smote them
there. Then David said, God hath broken
in upon mine enemies by mine hand like
the breaking forth of waters: therefore
they called the name of that place Baal-
perazim. And when they had left their
gods there, David gave a commandment,
and they were burned with fire" (1
Chronicles 14:11, 12).

Even though Hiram was kind and
generous we have no account given
concerning his ever being converted to
Judaism which, of course, would have
needed to be done before he forsook his
idols. Jezebel, the heathen queen that
became Ahab's wife, came from Phenicia
and was one of the most wicked of all

sufferers he condemned in the wor
'Inasmuch as ye have not done it to:
least of these, ye did it not unto I
There was nothing in his languagej
convery the lesson that kindness wa;
be confined exclusively to those 1
were of the faith. His own love and ||
went out to the whole world. When
case is that of a believing brother ||
needs our help such a one has a doii'
claim upon our practical sympathy
being a member of the household
Christ."

Many people have been brought urn
conviction and have made sweep'
reforms after hearing or reading Goi
Word, but were never converted,
son, give me thine heart, and let thj
eyes observe my ways" (Provei
23:26); "Trust in the LORD with all \h
heart; and lean not unto thine o
understanding. In all thy wj5,
acknowledge him, and he shall direct

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route I, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

being helpful to neighbors in special
times of need.

The Bible portrays Hiram, king of
Tyre, living when David was king of
Israel, as being kind and generous to
David. "... Hiram king of Tyre sent
messengers to David, and cedar trees,
and carpenters, and masons: and they
built David an house" (2 Samuel 5:11).
Hiram showed kindness to Solomon also.
". . .it came to pass, when Hiram heard
the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced
greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD
this day, which hath given unto David a
wise son over this great people. And
Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have
considered the things which thou sentest
to me for: and I will do all thy desire
concerning timber of cedar, and con-
cerning timber of fir . . . And the king
commanded, and they brought great
stones, costly stones, and hewed
stones, to lay the foundation of the

heathen queens, but was married to
Ahab, the man in authority over God's
people, Israel.

Here is what George H. Sandison says
in answering a similar question on Page
164 in his book, 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered:

"We must not judge others, especially
on general principles, and where we do
not know the facts. There are many
people who, while not professing
Christianity, are yet full of sympathy for
those in suffering. Kindness and
generous helpfulness were prominent
features of Christ's teachings while here
on earth. He taught his followers to love
one another and to cultivate the spirit of
kindness to all who came within their
influence and who needed help. He
regarded any kindness shown to the
needy, the sick, the prisoners, the
destitute as done to himself, and,
equally, any indifference shown to the

paths. Be not wise in thine own ei
fear the LORD, and depart from e\
(Proverbs 3:5-7); "Delight thyself als
the LORD; and he shall give thee
desires of thine heart. Commit thy \
unto the LORD; trust also in him; and
shall bring it to pass. And he shall br
forth thy righteousness as the light,
thy judgment as the noonday" ( Psi
37:4-6); ' 'That if thou shalt confess v|
thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and si
believe in thine heart that God h
raised him from the dead, thou shall!
saved. For with the heart man believl
unto righteousness; and with the mo
confession is made unto salvation,
the scripture saith, Whosoever believl
on him shall not be ashamed" (Rom
10:9-11). The truly saved man's hi
has been changed. He will have
fections for both God and man and
not only be kind, but will worsi
Jehovah only and put Him first in
heart and in his plans.

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTI l

I KNOW SOMETHING

|[ GOOD ABOUT YOU

e Uldn't this world be better

: folks whom we meet would say,
enow something good about you, ' '
nd treat you just that way?

aldn't it be splendid,
|!f each handshake, good and true,
Jrried with it this assurance :

!' I know something good about

jyou"?

f uldn't our days be sweeter,
■ f we praised the good we see ;
Fr there is a lot of goodness,
n the worst of you and me.

— Church of Christ Advocate

PRAYER THOUGHT
Ve are so very eager to find the
falts of our fellowmen. Let us not
Ifioy unkind gossip, rumors, and
uparaging remarks.

MONDAY, MAY 3
Scripture Reading— James 1:17

ONE TALENT

; | It seems my only talent
Is neither big nor rare,
Just to listen and encourage
And to fill a vacant chair.

But all the gifted people
Could not so brightly shine,

Were it not those who use
A talent such as mine !

—Christian Observer

PRAYER THOUGHT
The gift of being a good listener not
nly gives gifted persons an audience,
ut it also gives comfort to many who
lesperately need to talk to someone
md cannot afford a psychiatrist.

rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

TUESDAY, MAY 4
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 61 : 1

NO COMPETITION
A group of clergymen were
discussing whether or not they ought
to invite Dwight L. Moody to their
city. The success of the famed
evangelist was brought to the at-
tention of the men.

One unimpressed minister com-
mented, "Does Mr. Moody have a
monopoly on the Holy Ghost? ' '

Another man quietly replied, "No,
but the Holy Ghost seems to have a
monopoly on Mr. Moody." — The
Chaplain

PRAYER THOUGHT
Would that the Holy Ghost could
have a monopoly on our souls.
Perhaps we have blocked all en-
trances and stationed guards of
disbelief and despair.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
Scripture Reading— 2 Timothy 2 : 22

"NO ECSTACY, NO
FIERY BAPTISM, -BUT!"
"The Holy Spirit enters the heart, in
His fullness, that can boast of nothing
but an aching void. Maybe, no ec-
stacy, no rushing mighty wind, no
fiery baptism, but nevertheless, 'the
Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly
come to His temple.' It is not striving
after faith, but resting in the faithful
One ! ' ' —Hudson Taylor

PRAYER THOUGHT
The Holy Spirit, which is the spirit
of Jesus, comes to us, much as Jesus
came to the world years ago. It comes
in a quiet, unobtrusive way to fill our
souls with hope and love.

THURSDAY, MAY 6
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 10:1

MOTHER TO SON
Remember, the world is quick with

its blame,
If shadows or stain ever darken your

name.

"Like mother, like son," is a saying so
true —

The world will judge largely of
mother by you.

Be yours then, the task— if task it
shall be —

To force the proud world to do

homage to me,
Be sure it will say, when its verdict

you've won:
"She reaped as she sowed: lo, this is
her son."

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
How many of our children could call
their mothers, blessed? Keep in mind
that it is never too late to try to make
amends.

FRIDAY, MAY 7
Scripture Reading— Ecclesiastes
3:11

"HE HATH MADE
EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL!"

' 'When God invented beauty
He made such lovely things !

My happy heart is soaring
With every bird that wings.

"He gave us for our pleasure
Each lovely flower that blows,

Then added for good measure
The perfume of the rose.

"He knows the singing rapture
That comes with each new spring—

Oh, when God gave us beauty
He made a wondrous thing! "

— Heaven's Garden

PRAYER THOUGHT
There is much beauty in life. We fill
our hearts and minds with so much
hatred and distrust that there is very
little room left for the beauty to filter
through.

SATURDAY, MAY 8
Scripture Reading— Psalm 78:5, 6

EARLY TRAINING
"The place to begin training your
child is in the high chair; the electric
chair is too late."— The Hon. Burton
Turkus, Assistant Dist. Atty. N. Y.

PRAYER THOUGHT
The drudgery of rearing children is
greatly outweighed by the ac-
complishment of achieving in the
formation of one of God's greatest
gifts.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

7

AUXILIARY AND YOUTH
HELP HOME MISSIONS

The Woman's Auxiliary of the First
Free Will Baptist Church of Durham held
a special home missions service on
Tuesday, April 13. The service was very
inspiring with several testimonies and
special music by the church choir.

Mrs. Gerry Byrd, woman's auxiliary missions
chairman, presents to the Rev. Taylor Hill, Home
Missions Director, a check for $200. Angie Byrd and
Chad Hudson also gives to Mr. Hill $8 that was raised
by the children of the cnurch.

Mr. Hill gave a short presentation and
showed slide pictures of the various
work of the Home Missions Board.

Woman's Auxiliary, is shown presenting a pounding
to the Rev. and Mrs. Slaughter of the Westwood Hills
mission of Henderson.

There were other guests present
including members of the West
Hillsborough and Henderson missions,
and members of the Sherron Acres
church of Durham. The First church,
Durham, has a beautiful new building
and is moving ahead under the able
leadership of their pastor, the Rev. M. E.
Cox.

Mrs. Maxine Cox, president of the Durham

N. C. STATE WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The North Carolina State Free Will
Baptist Woman's Auxiliary Convention
will convene in its forty-ninth annual
session with the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, Middlesex, on
Thursday, May 6. The convention is
being sponsored by the Western District
Auxiliary Convention.

The convention theme will be "Great
God, Our King." The Scripture is taken
from Psalm 9:1 , 2: "I will praise thee, 0
LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew
forth all thy marvellous works. I will be
glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise
to thy name, 0 thou most High." The
scheduled program is as follows:

Morning Session

9:30— Advanced Registration
10:00— Hymn, "America"

— Invocation

— Morning Devotional, Mrs.
Geneva Wilder

10:20— Welcome, Mrs. James Joyner

— Response, Mrs. Ivery Daughtry
10:25— Greeting, Mrs. Durwood W.

Hancock

10:30— Recognition of Personalities

10:35— Business Session

10:45— Life Membership Award, Mrs.

Myrtie Cartrett
10:55— Declamation, Directed by Mrs.

David W. Hansley

— Recognition of Essay Winners
11 :1 5— Morning Worship:

Hymn, "0 Worship the King"
Offering

Special Music, Mount Olive
Singers

Convention Message, Dr. W
Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College
12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1 :00— Afternoon Devotional and
Special Music, Children's
Home Singers
1 :20— Memorial Service
1 :30— Miscellaneous Business

— Report of Committees

— Installation of Officers, Mrs
Frank L. Walston

2:30— Adjournment

— Benediction

OBITUARY

MRS. KATHLEEN HILL

On January 5, 1976, our dear Lord
saw the need to take our dear sister
Mrs. Kathleen Hill, home to be with Him.

Mrs. Hill was stricken about three'
months before her death and was aware
that very little could be done for her
illness. However, her suffering she could
accept because she was a Christian
person who knew the amount of suf-i,
fering Jesus Christ went through to
assure her a heavenly home.

In my years of knowing Kathleen as a
neighbor, a church worker, and a friend;
she was always faithful. She was very*
active in all phases of her church work,!
especially in our woman's auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband
Woodly Hill; four daughters, Mrs. Lois
Blizzard, Mrs. Carolyn Turner, Mrs
Frances Casteen, and Miss Kay Hill; two
sons, Harold and Lewis Hill.

Her family did everything humanly
possible to make Kathleen's last three
months more pleasant. They stayed by
her side both day and night, taking shifts
to comfort her. Friends and neighbors
helped out, but no words can express the
concern her family displayed during this
trying time.

Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church near Pink Hill; the pastor, the
Rev. Norman Ard; along with her family
mourn her passing. But now she has the
assurance of a home with no more
suffering, heartaches, or earthly trials.

Respectfully submitted,
Priscilla Gray
Auxiliary President

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

!

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

n

lUPirfaiffaiPiffira

iniiPiiijiimii^

Mount Olive College Cordially Invites You
to the Commencement Worship Service
Sunday, May 2, 1976
in Rodgers Chapel, at 7 P. M.
Speaker: Dr. David B. Jenkins
Minister, First Presbyterian Church
Goldsboro, North Carolina

President's Reception Immediately Following
Graduation Friday, May 7, 1976, at 6:30 P. M.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEATURES DIXIE MELODY
BOYS

by Miss Caroline Castelloe

Dedicated, talented, exciting,
reshing, and uplifting are all terms
it have been applied to the Dixie
l^lody Boys of Kinston. This group of

The Dixie Melody Boys is one of twelve
groups that will be participating in the
Christian Music Festival to be held at
Eagles Nest Conference Center on

Seated Christian men have sung their
'ay into the hearts of thousands all
toss the United States via television,
dio, and concerts.

Saturday, May 1 .

Other groups on the program will
include: The Foundations of Pikeville,
The Good News Quartet of Durham, The

Master's of Rocky Mount, The Melody
Makers of Greenville, The Miles Family of
Pink Hill, The Mount Olive Singers and
The New Creations of Mount Olive
College, The Prescott Family of Grants-
boro, The Singing Samaritans of
Wallace, The VanGuard Brothers of
Mount Olive, and The Young World
Singers of Vanceboro.

The program will begin at 9 a. m., and
will continue until approximately 6 p. m.
There is no admission charge and the
public is invited. Lunch will be catered
by Wilbur's Barbecue of Coldsboro at a
cost of $2 per plate.

Make plans to join your Christian
friends for this occasion.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SPRING MEETING

The spring semiannual meeting of the
Free Will Baptist Historical Society will be
held Monday, May 3, at 1 p. m., in the
Olive Room of the Mount Olive College
cafeteria. Program chairman, Dr.
Michael Pelt, has announced that the
principal speaker will be Dr. Lawrence
Goodwyn, director of the Oral History
Program at Duke University.

All members of the society and other
interested persons are invited to attend
this meeting. The Free Will Baptist
Historical Society was organized in 1974
to encourage, support, and disseminate
research and writing on the history of the
Free Will Baptists. The denomination in
North Carolina began in the early
eighteenth century as General Baptists
from England and assumed the name
Free Will Baptists in the latter part of the
century.

ATTENTION!
MINISTERS AND CHURCHES
OF EASTERN CONFERENCE

To all ministers and churches of the
Eastern Conference of Original Free Will
Baptists of North Carolina:

This is to notify you that Rudy
Shepard, having voluntarily surrendered
his ordination credentials, is no longer a
minister of the Eastern Conference;
therefore, he is not approved for any
ministerial service in the Eastern
Conference or its member churches.
In Christ,

Bruce Dudley, Secretary
Eastern Conference
Examining Board

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Winterville FWB Church
Revival, May 3-7

The Winterville, North Carolina, Free
Will Baptist Church has scheduled its
spring revival for the week ot May 3-7,
beginning each evening at eight o'clock.
The visiting speaker will be the Rev.
Willis Wilson, pastor of the Reedy Branch
Free Will Baptist Church near Winterville.
The Rev. Jack Mayo, pastor of the
Winterville church, will be assisting in
the services which will feature good
preaching and special music each
evening. The public is cordially invited to
attend.

Annual Homecoming Planned
For Core Creek Church

The annual homecoming of Core Creek
Free Will Baptist Church of Cove City will
be observed on Sunday, May 2.
Following the homecoming message at
the morning worship hour, a picnic lunch
will be served by the church
congregation. The pastor, the Rev.
Melvin K. Everington, and the church
membership invite all former pastors,
members, and friends to come and
worship with them on this occasion.

Homecoming and Revival at
Palmer Memorial Church

The Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptist
Church of Garner will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, May 2,
beginning with Sunday school at 10 a.
m. The Rev. R. W. Allman, a former
pastor, will bring the homecoming
message at the worship hour. Following
a picnic lunch, an afternoon program of
music has been planned. All former
pastors and members, as well as
visitors, are invited to share in this
occasion.

On Monday night, May 3, revival
services will begin at the Palmer
Memorial church with the Rev. Arnold

Price of Madison, West Virginia, as the
guest evangelist. He will be assisted by
the pastor, the Rev. Curtis Jones. The
church membership and the pastor
extend an invitation to everyone to attend
these services. A nursery will be
provided each evening for the con-
venience of those with small children.

Sweet Gum Grove Church
Ordains New Deacons

In a most impressive and sacred
service on Sunday, April 4, Mr. Luther
Davenport and Mr. Howard Briley were
ordained as deacons of Sweet Gum Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
Stokes.

The Scripture given as an introductory
to the services was taken from Mark
10:35-45; 1 Corinthians 12:28; and
Ephesians4:8, 11-16.

The pastor, the Rev. Frank Brinson,
asked Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Mr.
and Mrs. Howard Briley to come forward
and sit on the front pews of the church.
The remaining deacons and their wives
that were present were seated in the
choir behind the pastor. After Mr.
Brinson discussed the duties and
qualifications of a deacon and his wife as
taken from Acts 6:1-8; 1 Timothy 3:8-
13; and Luke 12:35-40, he asked Mr.
Davenport and Mr. Briley to come to the
altar and kneel. The remaining deacons
present: Messrs. Clarence Barnhill,
Esper Futrell, B. B. Tetterton, Roy
Worthington, and Sam Brown joined
them at the altar, laying their hands on
the new deacons after they had been
anointed with oil. This was followed with
a pastoral prayer of dedication. Then Mr.
Barnhill read the charge to the new
deacons.

After Mrs. Mae Briley and Mrs.
Elizabeth Adams sang "Precious Lord,
Take My Hand," as the ordination hymn,
the congregation shook hands with the
new deacons and their wives.

The church has two shut-in deacons:
Mr. John Whichard and Mr. Johnnie
Meeks.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and fori
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice wiM run for two
issues only.)

The Rock Springs Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Bailey, is in need of a
pastor beginning July 1, 1976. Any
minister in good standing with his
conference and who is interested in
serving this church, please contact Mr.
Oscar Whitley, Route 1, Bailey, North
Carolina 27807; telephone 235-3479.

The Rev. Ed Fordham is leaving his
pastorate at the Verona Free Will Baptist
Church the last Sunday in June. He will
be available for other pastoral duties the
first Sunday in July. He would like Jfl
serve a half-time church or a small full-;
time work.

Under Mr. Fordham's pastorate at the'
Verona church an organ has been added
to the sanctuary to be used for the1
worship of God. Also the church has
built, from the ground up, a fellowship
hall which is debt free. He would like tc'
recommend this church to any pastoi
they may contact as being one of thf!
most spiritual churches he has evei
pastored.

Pulpit committees from churches
looking for a pastor are welcome to visilj
the Verona church to hear Mr. Fordham,
or he will bring a message in your church
if desired. He may be contacted by
writing 821 Chattawka Lane, New Bern
North Carolina 28560; telephone 637
9420.

The Rev. Swade Benson states that h(
is now available for full-time or part-timf
pastoral duties. He is a member in gooc
standing of the Cape Fear Conference
Any church desiring his services ma\
contact him by writing Route 1 , Box 513
Clayton, North Carolina 27520
telephone 553-6206.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

k

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
«*~**^*<*» "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls' *********

AN OPEN LETTER

"Founders' Day, Saturday, May 22"

iar Pastor:

The object of this letter is to remind
u and your congregation about our
5th anniversary celebration of Pound-
s' Day. The date is Saturday, May 22,
id our services will start at 10:30 a. m.
Memorial Chapel. The guest speaker
II be the Rev. Robert May, pastor of
ckory Chapel Free Will Baptist Church,
|bemarle Conference, and president of
r State Convention. Lunch will be
rved on the campus at the Home. In
e afternoon, the facilities will be
!j)ened for touring by our visitors. Also,
Entertainment will be provided through
pspel singing and outdoor recreation,
jh is is an ideal opportunity for all Free
/ill Baptists to visit the Children's
jome, so please encourage your
pngregation to do so.
For many years our State Convention
as reserved May and November as
hildren's Home Months within our
jhurches. Accordingly, we are asking
jach church to observe Children's Home
fay during their Worship services on
pother's Day, May 9. We have blank
(hurch bulletins if you'd like to use them
for this special service. If you desire to
ise our bulletins, please let me know the
lumber of copies desired and the mailing
iddress.

In addition to using our bulletins for
four Mother's Day/Children's Home Day
Service, we are requesting that each
hurch receive a special love offering for

the Home. This offering will be in honor
of our mothers and the important role
they have fulfilled in providing this
Christian Home for these unfortunate
children. They are unfortunate because
some are without mothers, some without
fathers, some without both, and some
have parents who have rejected or
forsaken them. During the Founders'
Day services on May 22, there will be a
place on the program for your church to
present your love offering to the Home. If
your church is unable to be represented
on Founders' Day, please mail in your
offering in time to arrive by May 22. We
especially need your offering this year if
our services to children are to continually
improve.

In summary, I am asking you to do
four things for our Home: First, let me
know how many church bulletins you
want; second, share the contents of this
letter with your congregation; third,
receive a special love offering and offer
prayer for the Children's Home on
Sunday, May 9; fourth, come and
present your offering to us on Founders'
Day, May 22.

I earnestly thank each of you so very
much for your faithful support in the
past. Each time you pray, include us in
your prayers, for we are dependent upon
God for direction and guidance. I know
that God can and will provide our needs
and I believe that He has chosen you as
His instrument.

In His service,
Sam Weeks
Executive Director

COMING EVENTS. . .

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

May 15— Central District Youth
Fellowship, Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, Middlesex, North
Carolina, beginning at 2 P. M. with
Song Service, followed with Picnic

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M , in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

June 28-30— General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, First Free
Will Baptist Church of Durham, North
Carolina

WHO?

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

Who writes the melody
For the whispering trees?

Who writes the lullaby
Wafted by the breeze?

Who writes the song

The babbling brooks sing?
Who writes the music

For birds in early spring?

Who paints the sunset

In such brilliant hue?
Who paints the sparkle

On the morning's early dew?

Who paints the faces
On the pansies so bright?

Who paints the rainbow
A golden bridge of light?

Who? No one but God
Could create with a word,

And then say, "Very, very good'
Of all He saw and heard.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAStf)
THE SUNDAY (<.

SCHOOL LESSONCi

LIVING IN THE
CHRISTIAN FAMILY

Lesson Text: Ephesians 5:21 —6:4
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:8

I. INTRODUCTION

The greatness of family life depends
upon the kind of living in the home.
Greatness cannot grow from small lives
anymore than a huge oak tree can grow
from a tiny reed by the river shore. As
strong trees must have sufficient roots
deep in the nurturing soil so must strong
family life have its roots deep in the
nurturing Spirit of God.

Of course, when we talk of family life it
is understood that we mean the Christian
family. Families of the world may be
strong, as the world counts strength,
and have to boast of; but no family of the
world can match that which belongs to
Christ.

What makes a family great?

A. Not luxuries and abundance of
things, but strong and courageous family
relationships.

B. Not all the sweet foods one can
get, but sweet personalities that
somehow reflect Jesus' Spirit.

C. Not big bank accounts, but big
hearts.

D. Not the amount of money each
member receives, but how it is used both
for the good of the family and the glory of
God.

E. Not how large the family is, but
whether God lives in each heart.

F. Not what the family tree reveals,
but what it is doing now and will do
tomorrow.

G. Not where human personalities
are supreme, but where God sits on the
throne.

Can you name some other things that
make great Christian families? What
does our lesson suggest?— The Bible
Student (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Of all the institutions in our way of

12

life, the home is the oldest and the most
important. Therefore, if one would
improve any of the other institutions in
our way of life, he must begin with the
home. The home has certain relation-
ships: husbands and wives, children and
parents, brothers and sisters. How the
members of the family fill their
responsibilities in these relationships
determines what kind of home it is. It is
about these relationships that we study
today.

B. The husband is to be the head of
the household. Much argument has
ensued over this statement. However,
the question must not be decided by
what anyone thinks, but by what the
Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that the
husband is the head of the family.

C. There are certain restrictions
placed upon the father as the head of the
household. First, he is to love the wife as
he loves himself. This prevents any
domination or mistreatment of the wife.
Then he is not to provoke the children to
wrath. This is for the protection of the
child. If the father loves his wife and
children as he should, he will have no
problem with these safeguards.

D. Children should obey their
parents. All kinds of rationalizations have
been used to try to get around this, but
the clear statement in the Bible stands.
Again, if the parents are the kind of
people that demand respect and the child
loves the parents as he should, there will
be no problem.

E. All that is said in the Bible about
the relationships within the family may
be summed up in one word— love. If the
members of the family love the Lord and
love one another as they should, the
relationship will be what it ought to be.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. "An artist who wanted to paint
the most beautiful picture in the world
asked a pastor, 'What is the most
beautiful thing in the world?' 'Faith,'

said the pastor. 'You can see it in every
church, find it at every altar.'

"The artist asked a young bride the
same question. 'Love,' she replied.
'Love builds poverty into riches;
sweetens tears; makes much of little.
Without it there is no beauty.'

"A weary soldier said: 'Peace is the
most beautiful thing in the world. War is
the most ugly. Wherever you find peace,
you find beauty.'

" 'Faith, Love, Peace! How can I paint
them?' thought the artist. Entering his,
door he saw faith in the eyes of his |
children and love in the eyes of his wife.
And there was peace that love and faith
had built in that home. So he painted his
picture of the most beautiful thing in the
world, and when he had finished it, he,
called it 'Home.' "—Selected

B. P. H. Welshimer, one-time1
minister of the large First Christian!
Church in Canton, Ohio, was a man of
deep family attachment. In fact he was
noted for his loyalty to two in-,
stitutions— the church and the home.j
His daughter, Mildred Philips, tells how,
this love for the church extended even to i
the church building. When leaving:
Canton, or upon returning, he would
drive by the church just to be sure every i
brick was in place. When his children!
were away from home, so that they might;
be reminded regularly of his concern, he j
managed to write each one a personal}
letter each day. Such attachment tof
church and family helps explain the]
greatness of P. H.— Selected

C. During man's long history on]
earth, the family institution has en-
countered every conceivable situation!
and difficulty. Without question many]
families are a raging battlefield today due'
to the influences of modern society. In
many homes the gap widens between
parent and child and between husband
and wife. God would have us close those
gaps and restore the unity that He
originally intended.

The Bible is still the world's best book
on family life, giving examples of notable
successes and failures. We do well to
study it soberly to find the answers to
current destructive influences. Only as
the family works together for mutual
growth toward the perfect goal of love
and concern for each other can we
expect the will of God to prevail in the
home and in the broader arena of
society.— Standard Lesson Commentary

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

STORIES

for our youth

LITTLE BUZZ BOMB

Agnes Ranney

*)NE WAY. DO NOT ENTER.
'WALK. DON'T WALK. KEEP
ifF THE GRASS. NO BICYCLES.
): STOP.

"So many signs!" Colleen said as she
'i^ited for the light to turn green. Then
: e crossed the street and was on her
fay home once more.

j This had been only her third day at
pntral School, for her family had come
} the city just last week. Colleen found
e big city school a little frightening,
he longed for the country school she
^d left, and the big trees and open
ilds of her old home. Everyone was in a
jrry here, the traffic noisy, the signs
infusing.

. I should be like Robert, Colleen went
jfi to herself. He already knows most of
je boys and girls in his class. He thinks
'ty buses and elevators are fun. He's as
)uch at home here as he was back in
laplewood.

Even God seems faraway here, Colleen
lought as she went up to her room. She
nly half heard Robert climbing the stairs
iehind her.

Colleen had been so busy she had not
aken time to see what could be seen
om her window. Looking down now.
olleen saw a cement walk. There were a
3w shrubs next to the house and a strip
f grass between it and the alley. Across
he alley was a vacant lot, green with
irass. There were flower beds bright
vith columbines and petunias. Also a
arge maple tree, so big its branches
ilmost reached her window.

"Why, it's pretty!" Colleen said,
hrowing open the window.

"Pretty, maybe— but too small for a
oall game," Robert said, behind her. "I

rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

wish—"

"Shh!" Colleen said, holding up her
hand. There, just outside the window,
was a hummingbird! It hovered in the
sunshine, so near she could almost
touch it. The sun on the feathers of its
throat made them glitter like ruby-
colored fire. For several seconds, it hung
there. Then it was gone. But a moment
later, Colleen saw it again, darting from
blossom to blossom in the flower beds.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" she said.

"I never saw one so close," said
Robert. "Why, there are two!" he
exclaimed a moment later. Sure enough,
a second hummingbird had joined the
other one among the flowers.

"They're a pair," Colleen said.
"Wouldn't it be fun if they built a nest
where we could see it?"

Everyday after that, Colleen watched
for the hummingbirds. She saw robins
and sparrows, too, and once a crow. But
the hummingbirds were her favorites.
School was better now that she had
something to look forward to at home.

Robert walked home with her one day,
and they climbed the stairs together.

"I don't see the hummingbirds,"
Colleen said, looking over the vacant lot
and the shrubs below. "Yes— there's
one! On those pink flowers!"

A flash of color told them they were
watching the little male bird. "I won-
der—oh, look! There she is. I thought
she was a twig!" They watched the bird
dart away to join her mate.

Then Colleen looked back to the
branch where the bird had been.
"Robert— look!" she cried. There, just
below the window, was a tiny nest.
Inside were two bean-sized eggs. "I'd
never have seen it if it hadn't been for
the eggs," Colleen said. "Won't it be
fun when they hatch?"

"I looked up hummingbirds at
school," Robert said. "Their wings

move seventy-five times a second. They
weigh only a tenth of an ounce. And they
can fly nonstop for five hundred miles!"

"Caw! Caw! Caw!" Colleen jumped,
the noise was so close. There just above
the hummingbird's nest was a crow.
"Oh, look!" she cried. "He's going to
eat the eggs! What can we do to prevent
it?"

Then it struck— the little feathered
buzz bomb. Zoom! The little male bird
darted close to the crow's head. Zoom!
He came back again, nearer. The crow
shook his head. Zoom! This time a black
feather left the crow's neck and floated
away through the boughs.

The crow lifted his black wings, but
not fast enough. The bird zoomed by
again. His long sharp bill came much too
close for the crow.

"Caw! Caw!" cried the crow as he
leaped into the air. He looked clumsy and
slow compared with the hummingbird.
But he made good time as he flew away,
the hummingbird zipping at him from
this side and that as he flew.

"The eggs are safe now!" Robert said
as he went to get his ball and bat.

How wonderful, Colleen thought, that
God has made the hummingbirds in a
way that could keep them safe. They
have speed and great endurance. They
have sharp beaks and the courage to
fight off an enemy many times bigger
than themselves.

Since God made all things. He made
us, too, Colleen thought. He can keep
us, wherever we are. If God can keep the
birds here in the city, He can keep me,
too.— Guide for Juniors

ATTENTION!
SEMINARY-EUREKA
COLLEGE ALUMNI

The annual meeting of the Alumni
Association of the Free Will Baptist
Seminary and Eureka College will be held
in the Ayden Free Will Baptist Church at
Ayden, Tuesday, May 11, beginning at
10 a. m. The Rev. L. E. Ballard,
president of the association, urges the
attendance of all former students of these
two institutions of the past. Children and
grandchildren of former students are afso
invited. The membership is becoming
small, but last year's meeting was very
well attended, and all agreed that we
should continue the meetings as long as
even a few are able to attend. The public
in general is also invited to the meeting.

13

THE EPHESIANS WALK

by

Mrs. C. D. Clark

WI NGTYLTCEPS
ADOCOWORTHY M
LRUSTNOI T A O U
KORDHADVOCFC
NCSLISELLACR
OCERSCLDNOF I
TANOWHI R EI L C
NAOTLSELNGHK
IVNIOBVOIITL
TYOFOURK SNG A
D N I MFTOWDOO W

NOTASASWISE

In the puzzle above you have listed several of the walks mentioned in the Book of
Ephesians. Start with No. 1 in the blank space in the lower righthand corner and
draw arrows to the next letter until you have spelled out all the nine walks as listed
below. The answer will appear in next week's issue of the "Baptist."

1. "Walk circumspectly" (5:15)

2. "Worthy of called vocation" (4:1 )

3. "As children of light" (5:8)

4. "In good works" (2:10)

5. "In love" (5:2)

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: ". . . My grace is
sufficient for thee: for my strength is

6. "Walk not according to this world's
course" (2:2)

7. "Not in vanity of mind" (4:17)

8. "Not as fools" (5:15)

9. "But as wise" (5:15)

made perfect in weakness. . . ." (2
Corinthians 12:9).

THE GRACE OF GOD

(Part 1)

But for the grace of God, the planet
earth might be as drab and as lifeless as
the moon. It matters not that there are
many other kinds of life on the earth:
vegetables, animals, fish, and birds to
mention a few. These would have no
purpose, no goals to reach, and nothing
to accomplish because they were all
made for the benefit of man. God could
have allowed natural disasters and
upheavals of every kind to reduce this
earth to a burned-out destitute, barren,

sterile, and absolutely lifeless mass. Bij
God's grace, hallelujah, intervened anj
God will gather to Himself a people— |
peculiar people— for His ow'l
possession. These people will populat
the earth and reign with Christ \
thousand years, after which God will giv!
us a new heaven and a new earth for ol ;
eternal heritage.

The grace of God is the key to survival1
So, what is the grace of God? It is thf
unmerited favor of God— the redemptioj
plan of God in saving sinners an]
sustaining them for eternity in a rigr
relationship with God. Man deserves t
die and God has made provision for hir
to do just that, but God has also arrange
his redemption. God will have man fc
Himself or He will destroy him in etern;
destruction. There is no way Satan c
any other being or power can buy, steal'
or come in possession of man— the re<
man. Sin destroys the body but only Goi
can destroy the soul. The death of th
soul is an everlasting disaster. Punish
ment in this manner is torture am
degradation and will never, never end.

According to our text God's grace i
all-sufficient; it far exceeds any othe
God-man relationship, and is mad
perfect in weakness. The glory of thi
grace is that God has made us accepte
in the Beloved (see Ephesians 1:6). Go
will not allow anyone to be saved who i
not in Christ. The Jews and all othe
religious aspirants can never enter th
portals of glory unless and until they an
accepted in the Beloved. This means the'
God has committed all things, both i
heaven and on earth, to His Son, the
Lord Jesus Christ. This emphasizes th
sovereignty and the exceedingly gloriou
richness of God's grace.

These facts bring to mind the grec
need for every man to enter the inne
sanctum of God's grace for it is there the
God delivers the soul and the soul i
sustained in an holy and rigr
relationship with God and man. The soi
that enters the holy chamber of God'
grace is relieved of any responsibility fc
sin and should not feel guilty for an
shortcomings he might realize in bein
totally committed unto holy living. Thij
person is now absolutely in the hands c
God, and God promises absolute amnest
from all charges or guilt.

Since we now have some idea as t
what the grace of God is and that God i
the One who brought it down to man, le

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

consider a few of its benefits to man.
Ifst, it means that God, in His all-wise
[ovidence, has hedged all men in— all
1 3n from Adam to the consummation of
1e ages have been categorized and are
ij the grace of God contained for heaven
ij hell. It is the grace of God that makes
1p difference between heaven and hell,
liprovides a separation of the saints to
llaven from the sinners to hell. It is just
ijat simple. God is the Judge and no
ipn, demon or devil, can change God's
jdgment. Man cannot be saved,
ifgiven, justified, or delivered except by
18 grace of God.

j Second , it is by the grace of God that
•th is acquired, sustained, and ex-
ihded. "... faith cometh by hearing,
,|d hearing by the word of God"
Jomans 10:17). This is how the call of
id is recognized— by the merit of His
ijace. Third, there is consolation. This
jeans that light and understanding has
fnetrated our inner being, our true
(lives, and we are comforted because all
iluse of fear and doubt has been an-
nihilated. Fourth, because all doubts,
[jars, and misunderstandings are gone,
fere is hope.

| The grace of God supplied by Him and
jelivered to us by God's Son is
kcifically given— first to His ministers,
he minister is God's man of the hour,
e has been charged with a dispensation
the gospel and is obliged to exhort,
ach, preach, and minister to the needs
■. all people. God ordains the minister to
leliver the gospel or forfeit his right to
/e. "Who through faith subdued
ngdoms, wrought righteousness,
ptained promises, stopped the mouth of
Ins, Quenched the violence of fire,
reaped the edge of the sword, out of
Weakness were made strong, waxed
jkliant in fight, turned to flight the ar-
ies of the aliens" (Romans 1 1 :33, 34).
| God's grace is supplied to the
jumble: "... God resisteth the proud,
!ut giveth grace unto the humble"
james 4:6). Humility in sincerity is
squired by all, and the marvelous grace
f God enters to guide, instruct in
ghteousness, and perform in the
ervice of the King. God's grace is given
) those who walk uprightly. To walk
prightly means to walk godly, and to
erform always in the service and benefit
f others, especially to those of the
ousehold of faith . Jesus set the example
y giving Himself in the cause and
ervice of man.

Specif foments

Dear Maggie,

... My husband and I visited one of our dear neighbors during Christmas. She
is an invalid and has been for several years, but she has been a blessing to those that
visit her all through the years.

These words came to me as we left her home that day:

So sweet and kind,
With a light almost divine.
As you enter her room,
Her face just blooms.
With a smile so true,
You could never be blue.
She has helped so many, both young and old,
By the life she's always lived, I'm told.
Her name is Annie McCoy-
Visit her, you'll receive a heart full of joy!

WM

Cove City, N. C.

When our Lord lives within us, He reflects in whatever we do. Can there be a
more valid testimony of your faith than for others to see Jesus in you?

Maggie

TEENAGER

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

She's a teenager now Lord
You walked the trail
Long ago.
Times are different
Now Lord.

Temptations are strong;
Sin is flattering.
Lord hold her hand
Lest she falter.
Without you Lord
She would fail.
In your gentle hands
She will be secure.
Watch over her Lord,
As Mary watched
Over you
Long ago.

FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

DUKE "OHIvBHSITY
ST. C.

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16

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THE FREE WILL BAPTI!

-V/,

Into each mother, God has placed a
bit of Himself. Thus it is through our
mother's love that we first realize the love
of God.

From the first tender moment of our
lives when we are dependent upon her
care, she gives freely and completely of
these qualities of patience, under-
standing, and love with which God
himself has endowed her.

How great is the debt that we owe
her, and yet how little she asks of
us— only our love in return.

—Norman Vincent Peale

\

P

//

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1976

If You Love Me, Please Tell My Mother

Guest Editorial by Joyce Proctor Beaman

Recently, I was telling one of my library assistants how grateful I was for
all she had done, and what a blessing she had been to my life through her work,
attitude, and devotion. She looked at me seriously, and when I had finished,
with tears in her eyes, she said, "If you love me, please tell my mother."

I did tell her mother. I wrote, among other things, "If I had a daughter like
Cathy, how proud and grateful I would be. To have a daughter like Cathy is not
to have lived in vain."

Perhaps, on this Mother's day, we can think of at least one mother that we
could make happy by writing her a message about a worthy daughter.

We need to be concerned about the mothers of others— all mothers— for
they have made our churches, our homes, and our land good and great. But
then, there comes that all-important question: "What shall I do for my own
dear mother this year ? ' '

What about considering these :

1. Promise to call her once a week. Or don't promise her, just start doing it
every Thursday night, and soon she'll expect it and look forward to it. For
many of us, this will cost only 25 cents per week. That is just a fraction over
one dollar per month, or thirteen dollars a year. Where can you buy such a
gift for such a price?

2. Go to see her once a week, or once a day, if possible— not just for Sunday
dinner! For many, this takes only a few minutes and means so much.

3. Write her a letter every week. It can contain news, words of gratitude, and
love. Do you know the joy of going to the mailbox to find a personal letter
from someone you love? Moreover, do you know the emptiness of finding
only a newspaper and a bunch of impersonal circulars? A letter a week
costs only $6.76 per year. Where can you buy a gift like that for that price?

4. Take her a flower and plant it in her yard. Too, sneak over to her house one
day and mow the yard, trim the shrubs, or chop the borders.

5. Make a little corsage and give it to her on her birthday— or any day. She has
given us so many "roses" ; how many have we given her?

6. Write a little poem of love or a short letter. Frame it and give it to her. She'll
cherish it.

7. Find a tiny souvenir, such as a small article of clothing or a wee toy from
among her grandchildren's things, and give these to her. (I'd rather have a
gift of love that someone has used or handled or worn or shared than to have
a "store-bought" one any day.)

Fix her a little box (or a big box) of personal things that she wouldn't buy for
herself— hand lotion, bath powder, nail clippers— a "great big bunch" of
surprises.

Buy her groceries for her one week. Leave them on the back porch like
Santa Claus. Include some things she wouldn't dare buy for herself.
Take time to go places together— not just to get groceries, to the doctor, or
shopping. Go for a ride just to talk or visit a friend or to get an ice-cream
cone. "Waste" a little time together. It will be your most valuable memory
in days to come !

If your mother is no longer living, find a mother whose children are
faraway and visit her. Visit an aged mother or one who is in a rest home or who
lives alone. Talk to her, listen to her, hold her close before you leave. Hundreds
of older people are starving for the feeling of a loving touch from someone who
cares. Just look, you'll find one that needs you.

So often we think of tangible, concrete gifts, and they are important. Could
we not, however, consider this year the gift of a prayer— a prayer for our
mother everyday? Could we not make this, too, a prayer for
forgiveness— forgiveness for our indifference, our ingratitude, and our
neglect— with a prayer that God will give us strength and courage to be more
devoted?

Could we not, too, include Daddy in all this? "Mom" and "Dad" are one,
you know. God made them so when He joined them together in holy
matrimony.

In His dying moments, Jesus looked at John and said, as He spoke of His
own mother who stood at the foot of the Cross: "... Woman, behold thy son! . . .
Behold thy mother! ..." (John 19:26, 27).

On this Mother's Day, can we not perpetuate this great request as we
' 'behold our own dear mother' ' ?

8

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MAY 5, 1976
Volume 91 Numberl,

Edited and published weekly by the FreeWi1
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lt|
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second,
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, j

All materials to be placed in any issue musi
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th'
publication date ot that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: onj
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; tour years;
$1 2.00 ; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoun
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t:
the home of every member; names and ac|
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists^
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered undt
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflecj
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac^i
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sai|
article.

Items for publication should be addressed!
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box15f
Ayden, North Carol ina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m —
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3

a. rri.— 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday .

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbart
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

THE PRAYING MOTHER

by Mary Rust Burnham
* North Quincy, Massachusetts fe

T is not always true
that the family that "prays
?ther stays together."
he Garrisons spent a lot of their time
their knees but not together. How
id they with William in Newburyport,
Vssachusetts, with the Bartlett family;

baby sister with their former neigh-
Is, the Farnhams; brother James at
si ; and Mother Garrison in Baltimore,
M 'Viand?

\s so often happens, it was financial
tnble that stood in the way of this
tiily's togetherness. Money was tight
« America in the early 1800's and
tnsportation, though simple in con-
s'jction, was complicated from the
sjndpoint of time and money. When
Ks. Garrison went to Baltimore from
Njwburyport, expecting to find work in a
spe factory that never did open up, she
hj no alternative but to stay there
pfmanently, doing whatever house-
cianing and nursing she could find
(do.

Everyday she prayed for her three
c Idren. Everyday she thanked God for
n Farnhams and for Deacon Bartlett
vio was looking out for William.

"It is such a comfort, Lord, to know
ipt William is in church every Sunday
ijth the Bartletts. As you know, the
(jacon is trying to get him to join the
coir. I hope he does— that is if you
Ink he should. Maybe his singing
\j>uld improve.

"I'm so glad, Lord, you gave the
ijiacon two little girls instead of any
I vs. It's selfish of me, I know, to think
4t way, but if Deacon Bartlett had boys
| his own to help him with his chores
jound the farm then William's help
buld be less welcome. Forgive me,
»rd, but I know you understand that I
jant my son to be both useful and
jjsy," prayed Mrs. Garrison.

Mrs. Garrison's prayers were not
ways for her family. They included
tercession for others— especially the
aves: "They need someone to speak
3 for them, Lord. Someone who can
3lp the people who are responsible for
leir bondage to see how wrong and
icked they are. Slavery must be very
jbominable to you Lord. It must make
ou very angry and sad."

Sometimes she asked the Lord for
favors— like finding a good ap-
prenticeship for William so that when he
became a husband and father he would
be able to take care of his family
financially.

"If Abijah had had a good land trade
instead of a sea trade; such as his sailing
master one, he would never have left us
the way he did. A man cannot be a really
good man without a good trade, can he,
Lord?"

After William had run away from the
second apprenticeship the deacon had
arranged for him, his mother asked the
Lord to forgive her for feeling
discouraged. "I really shouldn't feel this
way when I know that all things work
together for good for those who love you.

"You know how young he is. A boy
not much more than nine has so much to
learn. Keep close to him, Lord. Help him
to find something that will interest
him— work that will not only bless him
and us, but work that will fit into your
program."

A few weeks after that talk with God
Mrs. Garrison got a letter from the dea-
con telling her that he had finally per-
suaded Ephrim Allen, owner and editor
of the "Newburyport Herald," to
take William on as a printer's apprentice
for the next seven years.

Her prayer response to that was: "If I
were to stay here on my knees for the
next week— no, month— I could never
thank you and your servant, Deacon
Bartlett, enough. This time I feel pretty
sure he'll make a go of it. Just stay with
him, dear Lord— everyday, every
minute, every hour there in the printing
shop. Inspire him and keep him on fire.
Help him to use to the fullest the talents
you have given him— not for his own
glory or Mr. Allen's or mine, but for
yours."

The years passed quickly and now,
his apprenticeship almost behind him,
William Lloyd Garrison became not only
foreman of the printing shop but one of
the "Herald's" foremost writers. He
sent clippings of his writings to his
mother who asked the Lord not to let
William's success go to his head.

"Help him to remember each time he
sits down to write that without your help

he could not even hold a pen, let alone
think those great thoughts and put those
impressive words together. Use him,
Lord, please use him."

Rarely before had she prayed for
herself. She began now to do so: "I
know that I am not well, Lord, and I am
ready to go now whenever you call me.
Thanks to your help, I do not have to
worry about my children any more, not
even my baby daughter who will soon be
getting married."

She was sitting in the yard of the old
house where she roomed, watching a
little wren building its nest when the
postman dropped a letter into her lap.
The envelope was a little thiner this time
because there was only one clipping in it
instead of the usual two or three.

Her eyebrows wrinkled. Was her
author-son becoming lazy?

She began at once to read the clipping,
saving the letter for last. She read the
last paragraph and the color came into
her pale cheeks. "It seems unlikely that
much purity, decorum, exactness, and
moderation could exist in the minds of a
people among whom slaves abound."

She reread the sentence. It was the
first time the word "slaves" had ever
appeared in any of his writings.

So that was it. He was planning to
have his servant, her son, William Lloyd
Garrison, use his writing talent to fight
the great evil of slavery.

She bowed her head and closed her
eyes. She prayed: "Someone has called
the pen a mighty instrument. May
William's pen grow ever mightier as he
speaks out for those miserable,
mistreated ones who cannot speak for
themselves."

The praying mother who prayed for
her children but not with them, did not
live to see her son, the great American
abolitionist, found the newspaper he
called "The Liberator" in the year,
1831. In this periodical he waged un-
compromisingly, for thirty-five years, his
hard-fighting, nonresistant campaign
against the great evil of slavery.

She died with a prayer on her lips in
1823, while William was visiting her in
Baltimore.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION:
MY

PERSPECTIVE

by the Rev. DeWayne Eakes

ONE instructor said, "The worst
possible teaching method is lec-
turing." Another defined the lecture as
"the process of getting information from
the teacher's notebook to the student's
notebook without passing through the
mind of either." In the church school,
group participation and student
leadership of classes are much desired
methods of presentation. A teacher
serving effectively as a group or
discussion leader is much more effective
than even a good lecturer. The real trick
is to get the student to think about the
lesson at hand. It is also important to be
sure that the main theme of the lesson
used is occupying the main portion of the
teaching time. It is important to note in
passing that good Christian education is
not so much indoctrination (telling
someone what to believe) as it is in
causing students to think constructively
and arrive at their own conclusions
responsibly.

One further grave danger we run into
in our church school is turning the
teaching hour into an evangelistic
service. While I do believe that the
evangelistic service has a place in our
worship, it is not during the church
school hour. We run into the question as
to whether we are primarily concerned
with quantity or quality in our outreach. I
believe that the church school must be
vitally concerned with the quality of the
nurture it provides and with the numbers
it is able to reach. Participation in the
Christian community called the church is
experiential in that it involves a decision
that is made in a genuine way. However,
the role of Christian education is not to
win souls— God does that. Christian
education is interested in presenting a
clear understanding of the Christian
community and the Christian faith so that
a clear and informed decision can be
made. Whatever techniques we adopt in

4

our programs of Christian education we
must be sure that we are providing
quality Christian nurture and not merely
being engaged in manipulation for the
sake of numbers. Any technique we use
must be flexible. No technique will work
all the time with every group. Christian
education itself must grow as it attempts
to provide nurture.

Most Christian education material has
traditionally been heavy on the content of
the material and the techniques or
methods used. There are two other
dimensions that I am going to address as
one because they are mutually in-
terdependent and complimentary.

III. PERSONAL HUMAN DEVELOP-
MENT AND SPIRITUAL DE-
VELOPMENT—VITAL ELEMENTS
TO BE CONSIDERED IN CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION

Equally important with content and
technique is an awareness of the stage in
terms of physical, emotional, and
spiritual development of the student.
Just as there is no such thing in the real
world as a division between the
secular/spiritual realms, even so we
cannot separate the development of the
human person and his spiritual
pilgrimage. The Hebrew mind viewed
man as a unity instead of being a
body/soul compound. To them, a man
did not "have a soul"; rather, "man is a
soul." Lewis Sherrill says, "The soul is
the life which gives life to the whole, and
it is breathed into man by God . " 5 Man is
a whole and his development physically,
in terms of personality; and his spiritual
development is not three separate levels
of growth but each is interdependent.
Christian education can be very im-
portant at helping us to see all of life as a
whole and not as fragmented and
unrelated parts.

It is of tremendous importance that our
efforts at Christian education be
"person-centered" and not the mere
means to the proliferation of programs of
indoctrination. A good rule for us to
remember in Christian education is,
"You can use things; you have to love
people." If Christian education is to be
valid, its primary concern must be to deal
with the needs of those to whom it seeks
to minister. This involves knowing where
the person is in his physical, emotional,
and spiritual pilgrimage. This takes more
time, effort, work, and dedication; but
the results are much more positive and

lasting than many of our "shot-in-tl|
dark" approaches.

A good example to consider is cour: y
on witnessing and personal evangelist
Many of these approaches completf
ignore the personality or needs of j
person. You are given a certain contl
(certain verses from the Bible, tractsS)
varying quality, and some canned <I
swers); you are given a technique of
high-pressure traveling salesman. I
there are other approaches which ta
into account the person, consider
needs, and encourage the establishmi!
of lasting relationships. Rosali;
Rinker's, You Can Witness with Ci
fidence, and Howard Hendrick's, Say
with Love, present the idea of Christ'
witness in light of personal needs I
through meaningful relationships. Fai
is personal but it is not private; it mi
find expression in relationships w
others.

Physical, emotional, and spirit
growth are interdependent—
separate spheres of existence.
version is compared to a rebirth
becoming a new creation in the Ns
Testament. The tragedy of Ml
Christian education is that it does littld
move the spiritual development aid
with the physical and emotiot
development. William Booth realized tl
little is accomplished with a pers
spiritually if he has physical/persor:
needs which are not met. The Salvati
Army was his answer. We cannot stre,
only one aspect of life to the deterirm
of others. The whole of life is the conct
of Christian education. Salvation is|
dynamic or ongoing process just as
itself. Just as physical growth a
emotional development can be arrestt
so can spiritual growth. The awesoi
task of Christian education is to provid'i
climate in the local church in which ij
human development can continue i
order that each person can realize that i
has the potential to become as a soul1
being created in the image of God.

This kind of wholeness is w'
Christ's life was all about. Through I
we have the possibility of attaining t!
"pearl of great price wholeness." 19
candles on the altar table remind us
the divinity and humanity of Jesus i
Christ. The task of Christian education
to help us, not to become more spiriti
in the sense of becoming detached fr'
this world, but to become more human:
those who proclaim the name of Chr

THE FREE WILL BAPT! '

lit example of perfect humanity in this
fcrld.

]:, Therefore, from my perspective,
ristian education is not a secondary
ue in the church's program; it is the
ue of vital importance to assure the
jctive witness of the gospel of God!
ien we talk about Christian education,
are not talking about a new program,
t a concern as old as man; that is, our
ationships to God, ourselves, and to
h other.

wis J. Sherrill, The Struggle of the Soul (New
MacMillan, 1973 reprint) p. 20.

ON MOTHER'S DAY

jThe following poem was written by
I, jJs . Eleanor Tew of Kinston in loving
||)ute to her mother, Mrs. Mattie Beard,
■o of Kinston. Both Mrs. Tew and Mrs.
.lard are members of the First Free Will
Iptist Church of Kinston.)

|u say you love your mother;
l| why not stop a minute
if say these simple words to her
pf let your heart be in it.

Jiie'll be your friend as well as mother;
j jie'll stand by you when will no other,
f j p matter how simple the words may
"1 seem,

,J her the words, "I love you," mean
,'jjw much she really means to you—
1 pt thought will cheer her when she's

. blue.

» ii !

h ijfrt't just think once in awhile
-jsjijiat you enjoy her loving smile;
,esp|ll her often, by words express,
5f jpw much she adds to your happiness.

:ht|

Iyt fyou really love your mother,
^ jon't leave your words unspoken;
* jbr just your "I love you" to her
fill always be a token

\f all the dreams you've helped her
q share

]?, y knowing that you always care.

du should each day the whole year
through

".'J jet her know how much she means to
you.

ut once a year, by all means, say,
I love you, Mother," on Mother's Day.

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&9f VVZZLs€

J. Benny Tweter

HOW do you regard your mother?
The Bible tells us how we are to
look upon her. The advice is found in
this puzzle. Take a pencil or pen, and
starting at number 1, which has a ring
around it, draw a straight line to num-
ber 2. Draw a line from 2 to 3 and so
on until you get to number 51. Blacken
all the squares through which you have
drawn a line, and the message will show
up in the squares that are not marked
with a line through them.

Answer

(ZZ'SZ AOJd) uPJO
si airs uaqM aaq^oui Xqi ;ou asidsaQ,,

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Ed Fordham is leaving his
pastorate at the Verona Free Will Baptist
Church the last Sunday in June. He will
be available tor other pastoral duties the
first Sunday in July. He would like to
serve a half-time church or a small full-
time work.

Under Mr. Fordham's pastorate at the
Verona church an organ has been added
to the sanctuary to be used for the
worship of God. Also the church has
built, from the ground up, a fellowship
hall which is debt free. He would like to
recommend this church to any pastor
they may contact as being one of the
most spiritual churches he has ever
pastored.

Pulpit committees from churches
looking for a pastor are welcome to visit
the Verona church to hear Mr. Fordham,
or he will bring a message in your church
if desired. He may be contacted by
writing 821 Chattawka Lane, New Bern,
North Carolina 28560; telephone 637-
9420.

The Rev. Swade Benson states that he
is now available for full-time or part-time
pastoral duties. He is a member in good
standing of the Cape Fear Conference.
Any church desiring his services may
contact him by writing Route 1 , Box 513,
Clayton, North Carolina 27520;
telephone 553-6206.

The Rev. Jesse R. Matthis announces
that he will be available for full-time or
part-time pastoral duties as of July 1,
1976. He is presently serving as pastor
of the First Original Free Will Baptist
Church in Wilmington. Mr. Matthis is an
ordained minister in good standing in the
Eastern Conference. He is also available
for revivals. Any church desiring his
services may contact him by writing 600
Cutchin Street, Clinton, North Carolina
28328; telephone, 592-5436.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, MAY 9
Scripture Reading— Exodus 20 : 12

LITTLE MOTHER OF MINE
"Sometimes in the hush of the

evening hour,
When the shadows creep from the

west,

I think of the twilight songs you sang

And the boy you lulled to rest;

The wee little boy with tousled head

That long, long ago was thine,

I wonder if sometimes you long for

that boy,
Oh, little mother of mine.

"And now he has come to man's
estate,

Grown stalwart in body and strong,
And you'd hardly know that he was
the lad

Whom you lulled with your slumber
song.

The years have altered the form and
life

But his heart is unchanged by time,
And still he is only the boy as of old,
Oh, little mother of mine."

— Selected
PRAYER THOUGHT
A mother's love is a consolation
more sought after than any other
earthly emotion. Pray that all
mothers everywhere would supply
this love — it does not diminish with
use.

MONDAY, MAY 10
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 1:8

MOTHERS MAKE PREACHERS
When young Matthew Simpson
tremblingly broke the news to his
widowed mother that he felt called to
preach, which would necessitate his
leaving the home, she exclaimed with
tears of joy: "Oh, my son, I have
prayed for this hour every day since
you were born. At that time, we
dedicated you to the Christian
ministry."

Campbell Morgan says: "My
dedication to the preaching of the
Word was maternal. Mother never
told it to the baby or the boy, but
waited. When but eight years old I
preached to my little sister and to her
dolls arrayed in orderly form before
me. My sermons were Bible stories
which I had first heard from my
mother." — The Voice

PRAYER THOUGHT
We are all surrounded by the Holy
Spirit and we should feel at home with
God in all places. A true mother's love
is unselfish when concerning her
children.

TUESDAY, MAY 11
Scripture Reading— John 14:6

"DEAR CHILD, I UNDERSTAND"
"The road is too rough," I said, "dear
Lord,

There are stones that hurt me so. ' '
And He said, "Dear child, I un-
derstand:
I walked it long ago. ' '

"But there's a cool green path," I
said,

"Let me walk there for a time . ' '
"No, child," He gently answered me,
"The green road does not climb."

"My burden," I said, "is far too great,

How can I bear it so? "
"My child," said He, "I remember its
weight:

I carried my Cross, you know."

And so I climbed the stony path,

Content at last to know
That where my Master had not gone

I would not need to go.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus' life was tumultuous but His
heavenly Father loved and protected
Him. Jesus expects no more of us than
He endured, and our heavenly Father
will help us make our way.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12
Scripture Reading— 2 Samuel 22:4

SUBMISSIVE TO THY WILL
Dear Lord, my heart and life I yield,

Submissive to thy will;
I only ask that I may have

Some humble place to fill.
I do not yearn for world-wide fame.
But, rather, to exalt thy name.

—Doris Simerson

PRAYER THOUGHT
If more of us were content to exi
our Lord's holy name, instead |i
flaunting our own presumed intellei
we would enjoy life far more abu
dantly.

THURSDAY, MAY 13
Scripture Reading— Psalm 133 : 1

ONLY 268 YEARS OF
PEACE IN 4,000 YEARS
Someone has taken the time 1
review the history of war and learne)
that in the last 4,000 years, there ha^
been but 268 years entirely free froi
war.

This of course, only takes ini
consideration "man's inhumanity i
man" ; for if man's inhumanity to Gel
were to be considered it would have ij
be said there has not been a singj
moment from the fall of man to tlj
present minute, that has been entire!
free from war.— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Greed and self-glory cause man,
unkindness toward other men at
God. Man fights a relentless wt
within himself and then has tl
audacity to blame others and evi
God for his errant ways.

FRIDAY, MAY 14
Scripture Reading— Philippians 4:

HOW PEACE WAS WON
"With eager heart, and will on fire,
I sought to win my great desire.
'Peace shall be mine' I said. But life'
Grew bitter in the endless strife.

' 'My soul was weary, and my pride
Was wounded deep. To heaven
cried:

'God give me peace, or I must die.'
The dumb stars glittered no reply.

' 'Broken at last, I bowed my head
Forgetting all myself, and said:
'Whatever comes, His will be done'
And in that moment, peace was won,

-Select*

PRAYER THOUGHT
Why do we find it so hard to
Jesus' will be done? Pray we sh<!
give up our pretentious pride and 1
Jesus have His way in our lives.

SATURDAY, MAY 15
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 1 : 7

H. J. HEINZ'S TESTIMONY
"Looking forward to the time wh(
my earthly career shall end, I desi
to set forth at the very beginning
(Continued on Page 15)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route I, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

jQuestion: What made it essential for
Cjrist to come to the world as a Jew
sjce the Jews were being saved before
1 incarnation?

°i» (Answer: Every person saved, in-
rfding Abel, was saved through the
fcbrif icial death of Christ on the Cross,
ie acceptable offering that Abel made
tiified Christ on the Cross, and the
tjiod of that offering symbolized the
iod of Christ shed on Calvary for the
mi of the whole world.
^Except Abel had been obedient and
ifered the offering according to God's
iktructions, it would have been as
•Drthless.as Cain's who offered the fruit
I his labor in the form of his farm
oducts. God's is the only way of
llvation. No substitute suffices. So
'iiople in ancient times did not get saved
ime other way. They looked foreward to
Ire' ;'e Cross in their day.
J We have no other choice if we want to
3 saved except to look back to the
loss: "For it became him, for whom are
ide ij things, and by whom are all things, in
ven Hnging many sons unto glory, to make
te captain of their salvation perfect
e irough sufferings. . . . Forasmuch then
y' |s the children are partakers of flesh and
d lood , he also himself likewise took part
•if the same; that through death he might
K' estroy him that had power of death, that
"4, the devil; . . . Wherefore in all things
,eclt behoved him to be made like unto his
jrethren, that he might be a merciful and
lo iaithful high priest in things pertaining to
sh|od, to make reconciliation for the sins of
ndljhe people" (Hebrews 2:10, 14, 17);
' Wherefore he is able also to save them
p the uttermost that come unto God by
. lim, seeing he ever liveth to make in-
ercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25);
I 'Neither by the blood of goats and
^calves, but by his own blood he entered
leijn once into the holy place, having
rpbtained eternal redemption for us. For if
|he blood of bulls and of goats, and the

fljfcHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ashes of an heifer sprinkling the un-
clean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the
flesh: How much more shall the blood of
Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God? ... It was
therefore necessary that the patterns of
things in the heavens should be purified
with these; but the heavenly things
themselves with better sacrifices than
these. For Christ is not entered into the
holy places made with hands, which are
the figures of the true; but into heaven
itself, now to appear in the presence of
God for us: . . . So Christ was once
offered to bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin unto
salvation (Hebrews 9:12-14, 23, 24,
28); "By the which will we are sanctified
through the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ once for all ... . But this man,
after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
for ever, sat down on the right hand of
God; ... For by one offering he hath
perfected for ever them that are sanc-
tified" (Hebrews 10:10, 12, 14); ". . .
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7);
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1
John 1 :9); "Neither is there salvation in
any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved" (Acts
4:12); ". . . being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross. Wherefore God also hath
highly exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name: That at
the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth; And'
that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God

the Father" (Philippians 2:8-11).

Then all Old Testament offerings were
a shadow, a symbol as an index finger,
pointing to Jesus Christ— both the
Aaronic and Melchizedek— king-
priest, only symbols of Christ
the antitype of both priest and
offerings. Melchizedek was the more
nearly perfect symbol than all the others
put together. Look to the Paschal Lamb if
you want to see the offering portraying
Christ. Look to Melchizedek if you want
to see the one priest portrayed in God's
Word as the most clear patron of Christ.

In a brief way George H. Sandison
portrays this fact when he answers a
similar question in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered, on
Page 312, as follows:

"The fact of Christ's coming and
suffering and dying should preclude all
thought of such a question. If God so
loved the world as to give his only
begotten Son, you may depend that there
was supreme need for it. In Christ the
types and sacrifices of the Jewish
dispensation found their fulfilment as
well as their culmination. Without him
and his life and death they would have
been empty, meaningless forms. Besides
all this Christ came to reveal the Father to
the world. If all that we owe to Christ and
his Gospel today were eliminated from
the world, the gloom and poverty and
hopelessness of life would be ap-
palling."

COMING EVENTS. . .

May 6— North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Memorial
Chapel, Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina,
with the Western District Serving as
Host

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North
Carolina

May 15— Central District Youth
Fellowship, Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, Middlesex, North
Carolina, beginning at 2 P. M. with
Song Service, followed with Picnic

May 22— Founders' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

June 28-30— General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, First Free
Will Baptist Church of Durham, North
Carolina

Jimmy Webster Conducting
LaGrange Revival

Revival services are scheduled for the
First Free Will Baptist Church of
LaGrange for the week of May 10-14.
The guest minister will be the Rev.
Jimmy Webster. Mr. Webster will be
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. L. B.
Manning. There will be special music
each evening. An invitation is extended
to all to attend these services which will
begin each evening at 7:30.

Creative Teaching in Sunday School
Seminar in Progress

The Cape Fear Board of Education is
sponsoring a seminar on "Creative
Teaching in the Sunday School." The
instructor for these classes is the Rev.
Sheldon Howard of Mount Olive College.
The seminar is being held at Johnston
Union Free Will Baptist Church, Highway
70, west of Smithfield. The remaining
classes will be held May 1 1 , 1 8, and 25;
the time, 7:30 p. m. each evening. (The
seminar began on Tuesday, May 4.)

All churches in the vicinity are invited
to participate. Especially are all Sunday
school teachers and officers invited to
attend.

Eddie Edwards Conducting
Warden's Grove Revival

The Rev. Eddie Edwards, pastor of
Juniper Chapel Free Will Baptist Church,
Vanceboro, is the guest minister for
revival services now in progress at the
Warden's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Lowlands. Services are
beginning each evening at 7:30 with the
pastor, the Rev. Billy Twiddy, assisting
Mr. Edwards. The meeting will close
with the Saturday evening service.

A very cordial invitation is extended
the public to attend the remainder of the
services. The church reporter states:
"Come seeking a blessing and you can
be assured of receiving one. You are
sure to depart richly blessed for at-
tending any or all of the remaining
services."

Sherron Acres Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Sherron Acres Free Will
Baptist Church, 1300 Lynn Road,
Durham, continuing throughout the
week. The visiting evangelist is the Rev.
C. F. Bowen of Goldsboro, assisted by
the pastor, the Rev. Harry Grubbs.
Services are beginning each evening at
7:30 with good gospel preaching and
special music. A cordial invitation is
extended everyone to attend the
remainder of these services.

Youth and Bicentennial Sunday
At Edgewood Church

Sunday, May 16, the Edgewood Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 1, Mac-
clesfield, will observe Youth and
Bicentennial Sunday. The speaker for the
occasion will be the Honorable L. H.
Fountain, Congressman of the Second

Congressional District of the State
North Carolina. Mr. Fountain is a nati\
of the community of Leggett and
Presbyterian elder. He has a perfe
Sunday school attendance record sine
the age of three.

The church is honored to have such!
distinguished man to be its guest on th
occasion. During the service the youth i
the church will be presenting speci
music and other activities. Each membi
or visitor attending is asked to we;
something red, white, or blue, or 1
combination, such as pins, bracelet;
necklaces, shoes, etc.

Lunch will be served in the fellowshi*
building at the noon hour.

The pastor, the Rev. Swade Bensor1
and the church membership are lookin
forward to this occasion. They extend'
cordial invitation to everyone to worshr
with them on this occasion.

Tommy Doty to Hold
Wintergreen Revival

The Rev. Tommy Doty, pastor of th
Blue Cane General Baptist Church
Rector, Arkansas, will serve as gue;
evangelist for revival services beginnin
Sunday night, May 16, and lastin
through Friday night, May 21, at th
Wintergreen Free Will Baptist Church
Cove City. The time of the services i
7:45 p. m. Mr. Doty will be assisted b
the pastor of Wintergreen, the Re\
Donald Venable.

Everyone is cordially invited to atten
the services at Wintergreen, as a warr
invitation is being issued by the paste
and the church congregation. Speci;
music will be rendered by local an
visiting musicians.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

SpeciaJ t^Kowents

Cpr Maggie,

From the time I rededicated myself to God and His will, I have been afraid (of
filing God's presence in a unique way as never before). It has happened. I am no
li|ger afraid .... I have had an experience I would like to share with you. I was
keeling in prayer when suddenly I had the sensation as that of a child being caught
ij into a beloved parent's arms, only I knew it was God's arms into which I was
ting lifted and held. It was full of warmth, love, and kindness so sweet and precious
mail never forget it.

I

funtain, N. C.

The column needs your response!

Maggie

THE EPHESIANS WALK

by

Mrs

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JThe answer to last week's puzzle,
'[he Ephesians Walk," is shown for
Vfj in the block of letters above. In the
ifver right-hand corner you will begin
ith walk No. 1, and continue through
Itlk No. 5. Then in the upper left-hand
trner begin with walk No. 6, and
dntinue with your arrows through walk

i. 9. We hope you were able to locate
; the walks.

NOTE OF THANKS

] The Rev. W. H. Willis recently un-
srwent treatment for diabetes and
ishes to thank all of his friends for their
sits, cards, and prayers during the
me of his hospitalization.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Obituary

MR. HUBERT RICHARDSON

On October 12, 1975, Mr. Hubert
Richardson passed away in the Lenoir
Memorial Hospital in Kinston, at the age
of 75. Funeral services were conducted
on October 14 at the Garner's Funeral
Home in Kinston by his pastor, the Rev.
Donald Fader, assisted by the Rev. W. H.
Willis. Afterwards he was laid to rest by
the side of his wife, Mettie Richardson,
in the Pinelawn Memorial Park, beneath
a mound of beautiful flowers.

Mr. Richardson leaves to mourn their
loss a son, Warren; a daughter, Peggy;
three grandchildren; and four sisters. He
had been a member of the Moseley's
Creek Free Will Baptist Church near
Dover since he was a young man and
served on several different committees of
the church. Up until his passing, he
continued to attend church whenever his
health would permit. He will be missed
by his church, his friends, as well as his
family.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Zilphia Powell

MAKE YOUR CHURCH A
MEMBER
of

THE EVERY FAMILY PLAN

Take advantage of this offer before
prices increase:

What the Plan Is

This is a simple, convenient, and
economical plan whereby Free Will
Baptist church members receive "The
Free Will Baptist" into their homes every
week. This plan will help to inform the
members of the church and inspire them
to greater dedication and service.

How to Become a
Member of the Plan

Those churches desiring this plan for
their membership would vote to sub-
scribe to "The Free Will Baptist" on THE
EVERY FAMILY PLAN. The church clerk
would submit the names and addresses
of the families in the church who are to
receive the magazine. The church should
include those families that are resident or
active when at least one adult in the
family is a member of the church.
Families in the church who are already
subscribers to the magazine can have
the amount of their credit either refunded
or deducted from the first quarterly bill
to the church. With this plan, families
can be added or taken from the church
list at any time upon notification from the
church.

Billing

The church will be billed by the Press
according to the calendar quarter at the
regular subscription price less a 25
percent discount. If each family in the
church would give a few dollars extra
once each year this program would not
cost the church anything.

As of October 1, 1976, "Baptist"
subscription prices will increase as
follows: one year, $4.50; two years,
$8.50; and four years, $16. Get your
church on the Every Family Plan now!

THANK YOU

... for your kindness to me during my
recent stay in the hospital. Your cards,
calls, flowers, good wishes, visits, and
especially your prayers were greatly
appreciated.

— Tommy Manning

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

m

iGflPIPIPIfpra

The Board of Trustees, Faculty
and Graduating Classes of
Mount Olive College
request the honor of your presence
at the

Twenty-First Commencement Exercises
Friday, May seventh
Nineteen hundred and seventy-six
at half past six o'clock
Moye Library Lawn

DR. ROLAND PELT
IS SPEAKER AT
COMMENCEMENT FRIDAY

of which a room is dedicated at the
College, and after which the Daniel F.
Pelt Memorial Scholarship Fund is
named.

Dr. Pelt was raised in and around
Marianna, Florida, where his father
pastored several Free Will Baptist
churches in Northern Florida, Southern
Georgia, and Alabama. After high school,
he attended Troy State University, the
University of Mississippi graduating with
distinction, and received his PhD in
chemical engineering at the University of
Pittsburgh.

Dr. Pelt earned membership into three
honorary societies and received two
fellowships before completing his
education. He is currently a member of
Rotary International and his name ap-
pears in American Men of Science and
Who's Who in the East.

Dr. Roland Pelt, vice-president of
Products at CIBA-GEIGY Corporation in
Ardsley, New York, will give the
commencement address at the 1976
graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 7,
at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Pelt is the nephew of Dr. Michael
Pelt, chairman of the religion department
at MOC and son of the late Daniel F. Pelt,

MOC SUMMER
SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Mount Olive College summer school
courses listed below are designed to
cover as wide a range of academic
courses as possible.

Anyone having questions or desiring
more information is invited to write or call
the Admissions Office, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

28365; telephone (919) 658-2502.

All summer school classes a
scheduled insofar as possible during tl
morning hours with no classes
Saturday.

Session A: June 7-25
Session B: June 28— July 16
Session C: July 19— August 6
Courses of Study
Economics 151 , 152 (A, B, C)
Introduction to the Old Testament (A, I
Introduction to the New Testament (A)
Religion of the Bible (A)
Religion in America (B)
Clinical Pastoral Care (B, C)
English Composition 101 , 102 (A, B)
American Literature (A, B)
Public Speaking (C)

* Intermediate Algebra (A, B)
General Zoology (B)
General Chemistry (A, B)
Health and Hygiene (B)
Golf (A, B)

'Western Civilization 101 , 102 (A, B, II
'American History 201 , 202 (A, B, C)
'American Government (A, B, C)

* North Carolina History (A)

* International Politics (A, B)

* Introduction to Sociology (A, B)
'Basic Concepts of Math 101, 102 (A,
'College Algebra (A, B)
"Trigonometry (A, B)

Principles of Biology (A)

* Social Problems (B)

* Marriage and the Family (A)
Introduction to Psychology (B)

*AII courses taught by individualiz
instruction.

CORRECTION, PLEASE!

In the April 21 , 1976, issue of
Free Will Baptist," under the til
MEMORIAL GIFTS TO MOUNT OLI
COLLEGE, the list of names given w»
gifts given in memory of and in honor
to the College Library instead of to
College in general. We apologize fort
error and are printing the memorial g
to the college below.

Sandra Everington Aldridge and Li
Kristen Aldridge by Heber C. Aldrid
Kinston.

Seth Muse by Mr. and Mrs. Chai
K. McCotter Jr., New Bern.

The following persons contribu
gifts in memory of the Rev. Joseph
Fort (for the Joseph 0. Fort Endowrr
Fund):

The Rev. and Mrs. Floyd B. Che
Pine Level; United States Army Chapf

10

THE FREE WILL BAPT

Bird, Fort Wadsworth, New York; the
Cpmunity of Fort Wadsworth, New
y k; the Rev. and Mrs. S. A. Smith,
Blilaville; Mrs. Pearl R. Johnson,
Lpisburg; Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette
Roer, Mount Olive; Ayden Free Will
Botist Church, Ayden; Mr. and Mrs.
J;nes B. Hunt Sr., Lucama; Mr. and
tk. H. H. Reeves, Vaudine Reeves,
#nie Chandler and family, Gloria
Iftjtson and family, and Robbin Reeves,
jlin, Georgia; and, the Eastern District
■man's Auxiliary Convention.

CAMP VANDEMERE NEWS

Camping season is almost here and
Hi Camp Vandemere Board of Directors
a;i busy planning and getting everything
ireadiness for the opening of the Camp.
y3' First of all, we would like to thank the
curches, conventions, unions, rallies,
axiliaries, and individuals of the Eastern
j Cnference for their wonderful response
,,len we were in trouble with our loan
jiyments. As of March 31 , the treasurer
e„t'd received $6,540.37, and the loan
jjyments have been paid through May.
'lose responding as of March 31 are as
flows: Deep Run, $301.45; Jackson
"flights, $65.22; Rooty Branch, $50
fith's New Home, $212.50; Sarecta
ia100; Snow Hill, $15.23; Warsaw, $15
Ihaley's Chapel, $50; Third Union
^25; Antioch, $50; Arapahoe, $117
lithel, $650; Bridgeton, $90; Core
leek, $65.50; Croatan, $220; Dublin
love, $45; Friendship, $25;
thsemane, $150*; Juniper Chapel,

sepl

80.36; Macedonia, $120.45;
emorial, $500; Mount Zion, $550; New
wen, $204.89; Oak Grove, $153.86;
Igrim's Home, $128.34; Rock of Zion,
4; Saint Mary's $162.50; Spring
ipe, $75; Trent, $50.25; White Hill,

JHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

$10; Fifth Union, $250.35; Sunday
School Convention, $191.40; Crab Point,
$50; Davis, $50; Edwards Chapel, $150;
Free Union, $25; Faith, $100; Holly
Springs, $250.15; Mount Pleasant, $50;
Otway, $50; Pilgrim's Rest, $20;
Russell's Creek, $50; Sound View,
$63.71; Welcome Home, $71.95;
Carteret Union, $55; Youth Rally
(Carteret County), $50; Eastern
Woman's Auxiliary, $200; Maysville,
$9.26; Ministers, $125.

Camp Vandemere needs monthly
support to carry out the objectives of the
camp and we urge each church, Sunday
school, and woman's auxiliary to pray
about what God would have them do. Put
Camp Vandemere in your budget on a
regular basis.

Just as our Lord sought to escape
from the press of a demanding, needy,
explosive world to be refreshed and
revived through a retreat to solitude; we
also need to find times to be alone. The
aloneness that is enjoyed and sought for
is to be found at your camp, Camp
Vandemere. The retreat's atmosphere is
yours to experience as you reverently
stand on the banks of the Bay River or sit
under the canopy of pine trees. The
facilities and programs of Camp Van-
demere are offered to you and your family
in order that you might have a unique
worship experience and the opportunity
for relaxation, recreation, and fellowship.

The central objective of Camp Van-
demere is that the camper can see Jesus
Christ, His love and grace, and come to
want to receive Him into his own life.
Other objectives are to send the camper
home to face life with a new or renewed
commitment to Jesus Christ; to send the
camper home with some experience in
skills and habits which will help him
stand by his resolutions and com-
mitments; such as, how to pray and talk
to God, how to study God's Word and
grow, and how to give a testimony and
witness. Another objective is to send the
camper home with a deeper un-
derstanding of the meaning of life and its
glorious purpose; such as, a set of new
values, a standard for living, and needed
questions answered. Also to send the
camper home with a memory of
wholesome, wonderful, and joyful times
found in the experiences apart from what
the world teaches. To give the camper
new knowledge, new habits, new skills
and experiences, that will enhance his
self-image, and give him a vision of the

greatness of Christ's kingdom and his
place in it.

Camp Vandemere has a God-teaching
ministry which can alter the lives of our
youth and adults and make their lives
more meaningful to God and to them-
selves. Churches are urged to be a part
of this ministry.

The board is seeking 150 persons in
the Eastern Conference who are willing to
transfer $1,000 of their savings to the
Church Finance Association, Inc. so that
sufficient funds will be generated for
them to underwrite our long-term
financing. This way our denomination
will save thousands of dollars in annual
interest and also be holding the mortgage
on our camp. The members of the "150
Club" will still receive interest on their
savings (currently 6 percent) just as
they have in the past. The only difference
is that their money will be working for
Christian motives instead of the business
world at large.

Anyone wishing to have a
representative of the board visit his
church please contact Carroll Hawkins,
Cove City, North Carolina 28523. We
have a slide presentation that we believe
would be of interest to you.

CAMP VANDEMERE SCHEDULE
AS OF MAY 1, 1976

June 14-19: The Rev. Chris Singleton,
P. 0. Box 162, Beulaville, North Carolina
28518

June 21-25: Open

June 28— July 3: The Rev. Bill Futch,
600 Cary Road, Kinston, North Carolina
28501

July 5-10: Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Conference
July 12-17: Open
July 19-24: Open

July 26-31: The Rev. Rod Jones, 300
Fleet Street, New Bern, North Carolina
28560

August 9-14: The Rev. Scott Sowers
(YFA age group), P. 0. Box 147,
Grantsboro, North Carolina 28529

August 16-21: The Rev. Owen K.
Arthur (AFC age group), Route 1, Box
280-A, Aurora, North Carolina 27806

The fee for a week at camp is $35,
with a $5 deposit with your application.

For bookings on weekends or open
weeks contact the Rev. Ralph Sumner,
P. 0. Box 445, Bridgeton, North Carolina
28519.

Send application and deposit to the
director of the camp for the week you
wish to attend.

li

PRESSURES ON THE

CHRISTIAN FAMILY

Lesson Text: Romans 12:1-10, 14-18
Memory Verse: Romans 12:2

I. INTRODUCTION

There are many examples to be found
in Scripture where a call to a complete
commitment to God has been issued.
Joshua called upon Israel to make such a
commitment, and set himself up as a
leader in it by letting it be known that he
and his house were making such a
commitment.

We have already spoken at some
length of the pressures that are being
brought to bear on the Christian family of
our day. There will be times when these
will become so intense and so acute that
unless that family is sustained and
strengthened by an unfaltering faith in
God and the wisdom of keeping their
lives and their activities in the center of
His will, they might give in to the
pressures and compromise their
principles and their convictions. If they
do this, they are in for trouble. The
harmony of their home relationship will
be disrupted, and instead of peace and
order being the forces that prevail, chaos
and discord will exert themselves.

In addition to the Word of God, as it is
revealed to us in our family Bibles, we
can look to the church for guidance and
direction. Most churches of our day have
programs, especially programs designed
to help young people, that will be of the
greatest help in facing the pressures of
the social world in which we live. These
Christian activities, when they are
guided and directed by the church, will
help the participating families to relieve
the tensions and pressures, and will also
give great satisfaction in the knowledge
of performing work that is useful and
beneficial to others as well as to our-
selves and our family group.— The
Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The Book of Romans is in-

12

teresting because Paul had a different
relationship to these people than any
other people to whom he wrote. He had
never been to Rome. This book is
especially important for the church today
because it is the greatest treastise in
existence on doctrine for the Christian
church. Let us approach this book with
the awareness that we are on holy
ground.

B. Paul is writing to Christians, and
he asked them to present their bodies for
service. Haven't all Christians presented
their bodies for service? Indeed, not. It is
one thing to give one's soul to the Lord to
be saved and quite another thing to give
Him one's body for service. Paul says
that it is reasonable for us to give our
bodies for service because of what He
has done for us.

C. When we give our bodies for
service, we must be sure that we do not
think too highly of ourselves. Some
Christians seem to think that they did
God a special favor when they allowed
Him to save them. Many act as though
God's work cannot go on without them.
This is not the proper attitude for a
Christian to have toward God's work and
other Christians.

D. Christians ought to be easy to live
with, but this is not always the case. We
should serve the Lord with love and
kindness toward others. Paul goes even
further and says that we should try to live
peaceably with all men if this is possible.

E. The word "vengeance" or
"revenge" should not be in the
Christian's vocabulary. Because we are
human, we will feel that we need to get
revenge sometimes; nevertheless, we
are to crucify this feeling. One of the best
ways to do this is to pray for the person
against whom you want to get revenge
and seek an opportunity to do him a
favor.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)
III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. A returned missionary, shocked
at the conditions in America, recognized

that one of the chief changes in America
life was caused by families that hi
forgotten how to worship together,
said, "My father gathered his faml
together each morning, and commend '
us to God's keeping before we separat
for the duties of the day. On my retu
from India I found that he had given
the practice of family prayer entirely, a|
that my younger brothers and siste
were individualists who cared nothing
the moral and religious influence of t
home.

"What is true of my fathei
household is true of many hom
throughout the land. The home is
longer a unit; family life, with its spiriti
and moral training, is very largely a thij
of the past. This in my judgment is t
explanation of the lack of moral e;
nestness and disregard for the rights1
others so strikingly apparent to me at
an absence of a comparatively fi
years."

How many homes could this be said;
today? What are the reasons for si
great changes in American homes in
comparatively few years"? What are t
pressures on the Christian family U
bring about these changes? — T
Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

B. The easiest of all courses for 1
Christian to follow would be to "go alo
with the crowd," to conform to I
world. But such a course would renc
one's Christian witness unrecognizable

Today's lesson has focused on 1
development of each individua
Christian personality in relation to 1
family at home and his family in Chrt
Just as we learn to exercise our bodies
keep them trim, we are to exerc
Christian virtues, starting at home,
promote the spiritual health a
development of all in the home. Mayi
parents and each member of the fair
be able to pray in earnest the followi
prayer:

Dear God, rule our homes and i
hearts. Make us loving and providi
parents, worthy of the obedient love
our children. Help us be as submissive:
your will as we expect our children to I
to our own. May our homes be
proving grounds on which vital Christ'
lessons of life are shown as the o|
successful guidelines for livii
Amen. — Adapted from The Standi I
Lesson Commentary

C. In both individual and family I
(Continued on Page 16)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIi !

STORIES

for our youth

MORE
THAN
TONGUE
CAN

L< TELL

by

Mabel D. Meerman

f) ATE, as usual, I came down-
By stairs on Saturday morning;
id as I neared the kitchen door, I heard
f)ther say, "Jack, I wish you would run
I errand for me before you have to
iWe. I thought I had enough eggs to
Ike a cake but someone must have
tide a raid on the refrigerator, for there
i not one left."

' "That someone was I, Mom," ad-
ritted my brother. "I just scrambled
iir of them for my breakfast to save you
tie while you were dressing Allen. Why
iln't you call me earlier? Now I have to
live. I told Mr. Avery I'd be a the 'Y' at
'ifie sharp for my swimming lesson.
!5re's Sue, why don't you send her after
"e eggs?"

I "Why, Mom," I protested, "you
taw I'm due at Ella's house at nine-
'irty." I glanced at the clock and
lisped. "Just look at the time— and I
^ven't had breakfast yet!"
"Yes, I know," said Mother wearily.
•I guess I'll just have to be my own
frrand boy."

"I'll go to the store for you, Mommy,"
blunteered four-year-old Allen who was
laving his hair brushed. Mom smiled

(id bent to kiss him as she said,
Sorry, but I'm afraid.we wouldn't have
ly cake or eggs if I sent you."
"Why?" asked Allen innocently, after
he manner of four-year-olds; but Mom
'n ly smiled absently and didn't answer,
toer the manner of mothers.
Suddenly Grandma joined the con-

iTHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

versation. She looked up from her
knitting to say, "That reminds me of a
poem I learned in school years ago."

"Oh, say it, please," I entreated, for I
delighted in poetry. But when I saw the
rather grim set of rrer lips, I sensed a
rebuke coming. Grandma never gave us
a tongue-lashing, but she generally
showed her displeasure at our
misconduct with telling effect. That is
why we loved her so much. We were
soon to discover that she had passed
along this admirable trait to her
daughter, our mother.

"You're in too much of a hurry to
listen now," Grandma said, waving me
aside. "I'll recite it at the supper table
tonight."

"All right, don't forget," I called over
my shoulder as I entered the kitchen in
search of a quick breakfast.

Having no other choice, Mom put on
her coat and started for the store.
However, she never reached it. She
slipped on the icy sidewalk and fractured
her ankle.

When Jack and I returned home from
the several appointments we had, we
found Mother with a neatly bandaged
foot in bed, and she had instructions to
stay there. All was confusion for awhile,
as we tried to take over her job. With
Grandma at the helm, we managed a
supper as the last major effort of a hectic
day. We had almost finished that sorry
meal when Grandma asked, "Do you
want to hear the poem now? ' '

I wasn't exactly in the mood for poetry
at the moment but one just doesn't
sidetrack Grandma, so I tried to appear
eager as I replied, "Sure, Grandma,
let's have it."

This is what she said with a lifted
eyebrow in the direction of Jack and me
so that we couldn't possibly misun-
derstand its meaning:

"I love you, Mother," said rosy Nell.
"I love you more than tongue can tell."
Then she teased and pouted full halt the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

"I love you, Mother," said little Fan.
"Today I'll help you all I can.
How glad I am that school doesn't keep!"
So she rocked the baby till he tell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she lifted the broom,
Swept the floor, and dusted the room.
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and cheerful as a child could be.

"I love you, Mother," again they said-
Three little children going to bed;
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

When Grandma finished, the look on
our faces was proof the shot hit the
mark. To hide my feelings, I asked to be
excused, saying, "I'll get Mother's
tray."

"And I'll go, too," said Jack, jumping
up quickly. "Maybe she would like some
more coffee."

We were not to get off so easily,
however!

Entering Mother's room, we again
realized we were the ones who helped to
put her there. We dropped to our knees
by her bedside, and I begged, "Oh,
Mom, can you ever forgive us for being
so selfish?"

Mom's eyes were wet, and her lips
quivered as she looked at me. Then she
startled us by saying:

"I love you Mother," said rosy Sue,
"I love you much, indeed I do."

It was quite clear Grandma had given
her an early morning preview of that
poem!

Then turning to Jack she continued:

"I love you, Mother," said little Jack,
Then, forgetting his work, he hurried away
To the 'Y' for a swim-
Leaving his mother the eggs to bring.

This was just too much— and we all
burst into laughter. To cap it all, little
Allen sidled in close to us, a piece of
cake tightly clutched in his hand, as he
said, "Me, too, I love you," and he
offered the flattened morsel to Mom.

With a catch in her voice, Mom said,
"There's no doubt about it, you all love
me best!"

Grandma came to the door and, taking
in the situation, said, "Who says poetry
doesn't live?"

Three pairs of happy eyes quickly
agreed! — Selected

13

I

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: ". . . There is none
righteous, no, not one: There is none
that understandeth, there is none that
seeketh after God" (Romans 3:10,11).

THE GRACE OF GOD

(Part 2)

It seems ironic that so many people
are confused as to what the grace of God
does for them. They fail to realize that
man does not seek God but that God
seeks man. Paul declares that "By the
grace of God I am what I am." Because
of man's lost condition he is dead in
trespasses and in sin. A dead person
(physically) is so dead he does not know
it. There is absolutely no life in the grave.
The only way a dead person can live
again is for God to resurrect him from the
dead. Only God can do this. The dead
person cannot come to God, so God will
have to go to him. If God never calls him,
he will never rise. But God will call him
and he will rise from the dead one of
these days. The ungodly will rise from
the dead to be assigned to a devil's hell
in everlasting contempt and join the rank
and file of the tormented forever. The
righteous dead will rise to join God's
people, the redeemed of the Lord, and
will live in perfect peace, joy, and
prosperity forever.

Even so, the spiritually dead have no
power of their own. They cannot seek
God because they are dead. A person
that sins is dead even while he lives. The
grace of God comes in to offer salvation;
and when it does the person revives and
God lets him live. God even supplies the
sinner with faith to believe. He has no
faith of his own— God gives it to him.

God came to Moses in the form of a
burning bush. He came to Samuel in the
still small voice. God can find man and

He can make Himself known. God, in the
person of Jesus Christ, found Matthew
sitting at the receipt of custom. It was
Christ who, after ascension, found Paul
on the Damascus road. There is a time
and a place when God becomes real to
us. When He does, we should believe
Him and surrender our lives unto Him.
Some Christians know when and where
God spoke to them and when they were
saved. There are many who do not know
when or where, nor do they know the
circumstances involved when they were
saved: but they know they have been
born again because God's grace con-
firms it. For example, I know that I am
the son of my physical parents. My
parents know it, the doctor and near
relatives know it, and I bear in my
physical make-up their likeness. I belong
to the family. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is
my witness and I bear in my body the
marks of the Lord Jesus Christ. He
redeemed me and left His mark upon me
and I am God's child! Glory to God! No
one can convince me otherwise.

The grace of God sought me and found
me. When this grace was recognized by
me I succumbed and that is when I
entered the sanctuary of God's grace and
became a new creature in Christ. God's
grace supplies me with all the sanc-
tification, justification, and whatever else
may be needed to make me complete in
Him. There are no more installments, no
more washings or regenerations. I am
just as much saved now as I will ever be.
When I entered the inner sanctum of
God's grace I was baptized in the Holy
Ghost, sanctified, and made absolutely
and completely holy. I am a born-again
Christian and the devil has no more claim
upon me. I am one of God's saints made
holy and pure by the precious blood of
Jesus. This makes me one of His very
own and I am as much a citizen of
heaven now as I will be on the other side
of the grave. This is possible because
God's grace sought me and found me.
Glory to God and hallelujah!

If perchance, you do not have t
assurance, just remember that as
Christian, you have all the riches of G
by His Son at your disposal. Let go a
let God have His wonderful way in yc
life. Let go means to turn away fr
the sinful things of this world, ceasinc
do evil, and declare yourself divorc
from sin. Let God also means to give G
full attention. Let Him dictate to you. t
Him decide what you must or must r
do. Humble yourself, pray, seek Goc
face, and turn from your wicked wa
and He will forgive your sins and hi
your soul. Start to attend worsr
services every time you can. Study Goc
Word under the guidance of the H(
Spirit, pay the tithe, and do benevolen
work among the brethren. Become one
God's helpers in deed and in truth.

There is another way God's grace c
be of great benefit. If, by chance, y
have slipped back into sin, do not pan
God's Word is full of encouragement
the backslider. The grace of God 1
accompany you and will help you
return to the place where you left G
and He will restore you there. 1
restoreth my soul," said David. Only G
through the Holy Spirit can do this
cannot be accomplished by anything y
may do or say. After you sin you can
cleanse yourself. That will be a
complished when you let the Holy Spit
apply God's grace to restore you a
make you whole. However, there is ne
for a bit of warning. It is possible for
Christian to walk away from God I
despise Him to the point that he will r
desire to return to God. Man can i
beyond the point of return and be id
forever. He will have denied the faith ai
will have crucified our Lord and put Hi{
to open shame. The grace of God will r
go beyond this to restore a soul and I
can count on it!

The above books may be purchased at the AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE, 81
North Lee Street, or any of the branch stores at Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson, fc
only 29 cents each.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

CAPE FEAR WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

he Cape Fear District Woman's
iliary Convention met at Mount Olive
ege, Mount Olive, Wednesday, April
The theme for the day was ' 'Take Up
Cross." The Scripture text for the
ne was "... he that taketh not his
ss, and follow after me, is not worthy
ne" (Matthew 10:38).
\/lrs. Joe Gerald of Hope Mills gave the
ning devotion, stressing "total
imitment" to the work of Christ.
Vlrs. Harold Herring, a member of the
ff of Mount Olive College, welcomed
to the convention and the use of the
lities of the college. Mrs. Ben Casey
Goldsboro gave the response to the
come.

"he Mount Olive College Singers
idered special music.
\/lrs. Mary Lou Jackson presided at
meeting. She expressed her ap-
ciation to the ministers, state officers,
trict officers, delegates, and visitors
attendance for their cooperation and
a poem, "The Wrecker"; after
ch she insisted that we be builders in
kingdom's work.

he Rev. L. B. Woodall led the
ivention in prayer, praying God's
ssings upon the Rev. Kemery Ard who
been hospitalized with a heart at-

k.

n the roll call of auxiliaries there were
ee that were recognized as having
ten "A-1 . ' ' They were the auxiliaries at
' ' 'Jinston Union, Palmer Memorial, and
*le's Chapel.

9 jMrs. A. B. Chandler gave a report on
lagmont Assembly. She stated that the

" l|v. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner had been
scured as managers for the summer
(campment.

Mrs. D. W. Hancock, president of the
|rth Carolina Woman's Auxiliary

J 'Invention, gave some brief remarks
Mich included an invitation to the

! invention on May 6, to be held at the

» (lildren ' s Home at Middlesex.

Mrs. Ernestine Norris gave the youth
report, stating that $1,715 had been
raised for the library at Mount Olive
College as their project for the past year.
She announced that superannuation
would be the youth project for the en-
suing year.

Mrs. Bobby Wood, manager of the
Smithfield Bible and Bookstore, gave the
Press Foundation report. She invited
everyone to look at the vacation Bible
school materials and the many teaching
aids available at the bookstores.

The hymn, "Near the Cross," was
sung; after which the worship offering
was taken. The Rev. Taylor Hill prayed
the offertory prayer.

The Cape Fear District officers
presented a drama, "Challenge of the
Cross." The cast included Mrs. Dola
Dudley, Mrs. Ernestine Norris, Mrs.
Bernice Godwin, Mrs. Jane Parker, Mrs.
Joel Gonzalez, Mrs. Mary Lou Jackson,
and Mrs. Grace Barbour. Mrs. R. Y.
Stephenson directed the very in-
spirational play.

After a delicious lunch in the college
cafeteria, Mrs. Earl Glenn gave an
impressive memorial service during
which Sherry Jones and Donald Coates,
students of the college and members of
the Mount Olive Singers, sang "Abide
with Me."

Mr. Sam Weeks brought greetings
from the Children's Home. He also asked
for our support of the Retirement Homes.

Mrs. Dianne Riley represented Mount
Olive College, encouraging us to direct
our youth to the school.

The Rev. Joe Ingram spoke on behalf
of foreign missions saying that there are
now 33 families working under the
auspices of the Original Free Will Baptist
Foreign Mission Board.

The Rev. Taylor Hill asked for our
continual support of home missions and
superannuation.

The business session was entered into
with reports from the resolutions,
finance, and credentials committee being
adopted.

The music throughout the day was a

great blessing. Mrs. Alma Dale and Mrs.
Lillie Mae Sasser from the Western
District provided music for the drama.
The congregational hymns were ac-
companied on the organ by Burke Raper,
son of Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper,
an accomplished organist and a student
at the college.

The convention was truly a good day in
fellowship and spiritual blessing.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruth L. Warrick

FAMILY FIRESIDE

( Continued from Page 6 )
this will, as the most important item
in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus
Christ as my Saviour.

"I also desire to bear witness to the
fact that throughout my life in which
there were the usual joys and
sorrows, I have been wonderfully
sustained by my faith in God through
Jesus Christ. This legacy was left me
by my sacred mother, who was a
woman of strong faith, and to it I
attribute any success I may have
attained during my life." — Power

PRAYER THOUGHT
Many great men attribute their
success to Christian mothers. This
should be a challenge to all mothers.
Are we able to meet this challenge?

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

SPECIAL NOTICE

The annual Home Missions
Banquet will be held Saturday,
May 8, at 11:30 a. m., at the
Barbecue Lodge located on High-
way 95 North, Fayetteville, North
Carolina. All Free Will Baptist
Missions throughout the state are
invited to attend. Also other in-
terested Free Will Baptists are
welcome. The price of the meal will
be $3.65 per plate, including the
drink. If you plan to attend, please
call Director Taylor Hill at 485-
3980, and notify him as to the
number in your group that will be
attending.

?!

'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

1976 Camp Schedule

CRAGMONT
ASSEMBLY, Inc.

Black Mountain, North Carolina

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner, Managers

Cragmont will be opened May 15 through November 1, 1976. The scheduled
conferences are as follows:

JUNE 14-19: GENERAL YOUTH CONFERENCE-The Rev. John Williams, director; the
Rev. L E. Ballard, registrar, 1225 South Washington Street, Greenville, North
Carolina 27834

JUNE 21-26: MINISTERS' CONFERENCE— The Rev. David Charles Hansley, Route 4,
Box 163, LaGrange, North Carolina 28551 , president

JUNE 28-JULY 3: CHRISTIAN CADETS CONFERENCE-The Rev. Rod Jones, director-
registrar, P. 0. Box 1367, New Bern, North Carolina 28560

JULY 5-10: YOUTH FRONTIER CONFERENCE (YFA, ages 13 and up)-Mrs. D. W.
"Ma" Hansley, director-registrar, Route 4, Box 163, LaGrange, North Carolina
28551

JULY 12-17: YOUTH FRONTIER CONFERENCE (AFC, ages 9-12)— Mrs. D. W. "Ma"

Hansley, director-registrar, Route 4, Box 163, LaGrange, North Carolina 28551
AUGUST 2-7: YOUNG PEOPLE'S BIBLE CONFERENCE (all ages)-The Rev. J. B.

Starnes, director-registrar, Route 3, Box 123, Newport, North Carolina 28570
AUGUST 9-14: WOMAN'S AUXILIARY CONFERENCE— Mrs. Dola Dudley and Mrs. Lillie

Mae Sasser, codirectors; Mrs. Lillie Mae Sasser, registrar, Route 2, Box 497,

Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530
AUGUST 16-21: FAMILY WEEK— Manager, director-registrar, Cragmont Assembly,

Inc., 1233 North Fork Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711
OPEN PERIODS: May 1 7— June 1 3; July 18— August 1 ; August 22— November 1 , 1976

The open periods are ideal for church groups to assemble for a Churchwide
Spiritual Life Retreat. Many churches enjoy such retreats each summer! These times are
also wonderful opportunities for our church families to stop by Cragmont on vacations
and get to know more about the facilities we have at Cragmont and what the needs are.

The cost for youth encampments at Cragmont this summer will be $50 (unless a
change is made later). The registration fee is $7 with the remainder due upon boarding
the bus. The Woman's Auxiliary Conference will be $50 per person including the $10
registration fee. Send your name, address, sex, age, and registration fee to the registrar
of the conference you desire to attend. There is no preregistration for the Ministers'
Conference.

Rates: Motel room rates per night: one person, $4; two persons, $6; three per-
sons, $7.50; four or more persons, $9.

Rooms in other buildings: one person, $2; two persons, $4; three
persons, $5; four or more persons, $6.

Meals: adults, breakfast, $1 .50; lunch or dinner, $1 .75.

oui may gu iwi lcqoui i

(Continued from Page 12)
the goal of Christians should be
become well rounded. Our texts to<
show that when we are conformed
Christ, we have consecrated bodies
renewed minds that know the will of G
We also have spiritual gifts for edify
believers and winning the lost, and
have a sympathetic outlook tow
people enmeshed in the sinful wc
system.— Selected

Free Will Baptist

Children's Home

"A Christian Home for

Boys and Girls'

EASTER EGG HUNT

Mrs. Rebecca Worrell and
Business Club of Mount Olive Coll
delighted our children with an Easter
Hunt on Wednesday before Easter,
young people from Mount Olive arri
on campus with 28dozen" real "decorc
eggs and Easter baskets fi
with goodies. Prizes were given for
lucky egg and for the one who found
most eggs. Roy Speight was the win
of the lucky egg. Kim Thick and Dor
Dement tied for finding the most eg
they found 21 eggs each. Roy receive
stuffed Easter bunny, Kim an Ea:
basket, and Donnie a crisp $2 bill.

We appreciate the Business Club i
their willingness to share with others.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPT

the
free
Dill

baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1976

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

DURHAM,

We trip through life and go on our merry way
with nary a serious thought, until
something unpleasant happens; then
we ask "Why?'

' RESCUE •

£ 1 v g

AND WE ASK "WHY?"

As the old adage has it, we trip through life and go our merry way with nary a
serious thought until we are stopped short. Sometimes we fall over our too-fast-
moving feet, our unpathed and aimless ventures into the unknown, our blind
bounding to reaches beyond us— and our stiff-stubborn determination to go where
we want to go, to do what we want to do, daring anyone or anything to deter us or to
slow us down.

We glory in our all-togetherness, our superior skills and incomparable intellects,
our sturdy strengths and abilities to repiece the shattered fragments and make whole
again whatever was broken, and we project quite blantantly that our preconceived
ideas are infallible and that we are the epitome of the well-learned.

We sing the happy songs, insisting that we are happy people, keeping company
with comrades of like interest and persuasion. We talk in babbling tones like the
unyielding brook which travels its way over stones, turning corners with the rugged
course, little caring where that course leads, and caring even less about whom or
how much we may hurt with our prattle. We patter our petitions in repetitive and often
pretentious fashion (cognizant of the fact that we should communicate with God), but
we apply so little sincere effort in our prayers that they become one-sided con-
versations—and still, we expect answers.

We pick all the mature blossoms, disdaining to note the ones which have reached
their peak and have escaped our attention and which are now ill worth a touch of our
fingers or a mere glance. We relish the little undeveloped flowers which promise to
yield their beauty in their time, when we shall again be refreshed and renewed by the
splendor they provide. But in our haste to show off our prizes, we crush (however
inadvertantly) the tenderest buds that need just a little loving care to bloom to their
fullest and most glorious hues. And, these buds might well prove to be the most
beautiful of the flowers, if we but wait.

We preach the loudest of sermons and tie others up in the trident throes of "See
no evil," "Hear no evil," and "Speak no evil," but fail to back up our proud and
grand oratories with what should be our own example of "Do no evil."

We plunge the plow insensitively into our self-appointed fallow ground,
engaging to till the soil as it ought to be tilled (by our standards), allowing no one else
the prerogative to suggest how or when the work should be done. After all, we
contend, we know what is best— and even if our furrows be crooked, we expect the
planted rows to be straight. How foolish, but how true to life!

Yes, we go our merry way with nary a serious thought until we are stopped
short. Then, it happens. "It" is the unexpected. "It" can be sickness (which
causes us to slow down to the point that a reevaluation of our motives and directives
is necessary). "It" can be a tragedy (which causes us to reexamine the
judiciousness of an unwarranted move on our part)— a tragedy which could have
been prevented by a small application of common sense. "It" can be death (which
stops all the wheels of human motion for the one who suffers the demise and slows
for awhile at least, the activities of those left to mourn the loss). "It" can be anything
unpleasant that happens to us— and as surely as we live, something bad must
happen to us sometime; and, as surely as we live, we cannot help but ask "Why?"

"Why," we ask, "do we have to endure a certain sickness that might prove too
serious for mortal treatment?" Surely we thanked God for our health when there was
no indication of illness, didn't we? We would not suggest that illness is a punishment
from God, but it bears remembering that we little appreciate good health until the ill
wind leaves some sickness in its wake.

"Why?" we ask. "Why?" We expect an answer, but most often the answer is
withheld. Oh yes, we trip through life and go our merry way with nary a serious
thought until something unpleasant happens, and then we ask "Why?"

(Continued on Page 16)

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MAY 12, 1976
Volume 91 Number 'i

Edited and published weekly by the FreeVi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North I:
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secoi
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue m
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to {
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: I
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yee
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent disco'
given when local churches send the "Baptist'
the home of every member; names and
dresses to be provided by churches. Churcl
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptis>
are sent to one individual who in turn distribu
these. A 50 percent discount is offered un;
this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily refl
the beliefs or policies of the ed.itor or of I
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for e:
article is given the person whose name appe
under the title or to the person submitting s
article.

Items for publication should be addressee;
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box!
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.
p. m., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9

a. m — 5p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley. President; Fred A. Rivenbc,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secreta
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rotl
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist!
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTISI

SUNDAY, MAY 16
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4 :11

ITS YOU
' f you want to work in the kind of a
church

Like the kind of a church you like,
l|u needn't slip your clothes in a grip
told start on a long, long hike.

"iou'll only find what you left behind,
For there's nothing that's really
f new ;

fl's a knock at yourself when you

knock your church,
»It isn't your church— it's YOU.

'teal churches aren't made by men
I afraid

Lest somebody else go ahead;
^hen everyone works and nobody
j shirks,

|You can raise a church from the
I' dead.

| knd if while you make your personal
i stake

Your neighbor can make one, too.
lour church will be what you want to
see —

lit isn't your church— it's YOU ! ' '

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
} We, in this country, are fortunate,
fe can worship as we wish and can
five a voice in our government. Too
jbtd so few of us do not take advantage
Hhese opportunities.

MONDAY, MAY 17
Scripture Reading— Psalm 27 : 1

DEEP LIVING
We love to spread our branches,
The root-life we neglect;
I We love to shine in public,
And human praise expect ;
While in the inner chamber,
i Where creature voices cease,
We may meet God in silence ,
And breathe in heaven's peace.

The secret of deep living

Lies in the secret place —
Where, time and sense forgotten,

We see God face to face ;
Beyond mere forms and symbols,

Beyond mere words and signs—
Where in that hidden temple

The light eternal shines.

—Max I. Reich

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is not necessary to make a grand
showing of our communications with
God. He hears us in our silent
meditation as well as He hears a
throng of thousands in a large
cathedral.

TUESDAY, MAY 18
Scripture Reading— John 13:1

SAFE EITHER IN LIFE
OR DEATH
"But," I said, "some of your sons
were drowned, for all that you say
about safety." "Well, sir," she an-
swered with a sigh, "I trust they are
none the less safe for that. It would be
a strange thing for an old woman like
me to suppose that safety lay in not
being drowned. What is the bottom of
the sea, sir?" "The hollow of His
hand," I replied, and she said no
more.— King's Business

PRAYER THOUGHT
God wiH take care of us in this world
and the next. We need only to accept
Jesus as our Lord, and to permit His
will to guide us.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
Scripture Reading— Zephaniah 1:18

A POOR HEATHEN
A certain rich man did not approve
of foreign missions. One Sunday at
church, when the offering was being
received, the usher approached the
millionaire and held out the plate. The
millionaire shook his head, "I never
give to missions," he whispered.

"Then take something out of the
plate, Sir," said the usher softly. "The
money is for the heathen." — The
Outlook

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our mission money is for the bet-
terment of heathens — both here and
abroad. Pray that we may change our
pious, miserly manners and become
true followers of Christ.

THURSDAY, MAY 20
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 13:15

HEAP BIG WIND

An Indian had attended services
one Sunday morning. The sermon,
without real spiritual food, had been
very loud in spots. The Indian, a good
Christian, was not impressed.

When asked how he had liked the
sermon, he said: "High wind; big
thunder; no rain! " —Marion County
Mail

PRAYER THOUGHT
So often we seem to think no matter
how insignificant a statement, as long
as it is expressed loudly it is true.

FRIDAY, MAY 21
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 4:18

LOST THEM YESTERDAY
"The little cares that fretted me,

I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,

Among the winds at play.
The foolish fears of what may happen

I cast them all away
Amid the humming of the bees,

Amid the clover-scented hay."

—Elizabeth Barrett Browning

PRAYER THOUGHT
Loss of cares are those losses that
are blessings. Let us praise God and
lose our worries.

SATURDAY, MAY 22
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 3 : 17

DROPPED BY THIS
GENERATION
Our fathers suffered to gain us
freedom of worship. A later
generation heedlessly passes by the
open door of the church. Little Jane
said, "Mother, you know that vase
you said had been handed down from
generation to generation?" "Yes,
dear." "Well, Mother, I'm sorry, but
this generation has dropped
it."— Lookout

PRAYER THOUGHT
This generation, as many preceding
generations, has dropped several
things. Let us pick up the pieces and
mend the broken ties between God
and man.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

OUR LORD-IS ALIVE

by

Mrs. Joyce Tyndall
First Free Will Baptist Church
Kinston, North Carolina

The following message was written and delivered by Mrs. Tyndall as part of the
Pre-Easter services held at the First Free Will Baptist Church of Kinston. Although
Easter is past, the message that our Lord is alive is just as relevant today as it was
then. You will notice that Mrs. Tyndall chose part of her Scripture from The Living
Bible, which is so stated. This article was submitted by Mrs. Tyndall's pastor, the
Rev. Bill Futch, who states that Mrs. Tyndall is a member of the church choir, study
course chairman for the woman's auxiliary, and an assistant Sunday school
teacher.— Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant Editor of Literature

/^) UR Scripture for tonight is taken from John 14:15-21,
^ reading from The Living Bible: "If you love me, obey me;
and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter,
and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who
leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it
isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, for
he lives with you now and some day shall be in you. No, I will
not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm— I will
come to you. In just a little while I will be gone from the world,
but I will still be present with you. For I will live again— and
you will too. When I come back to life again, you will know that
I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. The one who
obeys me is the one who loves me; and because he loves me,
my Father will love him; and I will too, and I will reveal myself
to him."

With the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, swiftly
passing away, where do we turn our thoughts? Is it on material
things of the world or is it on the true meaning of the season?
Easter should be one of the most joyous seasons for the
Christian. It is a time of great awakening, a time for living again
the resurrection. We see so many signs of rebirth this season
of the year— the wayside flowers, the growing plants, the
bursting out of dogwoods and daffodils, farmers beginning to
start their crops for another year. Can you visualize the beauty
of the mountains now— the dark, drab colors turning to bright,
rich colors? This must do something to us. There is a
sacredness about the resurrection story that is too deep and too
beautiful for mere words. As I mentioned, we can see
something of this in everyday life. Why is this true? It has to be
because of our relationship to Him— the Creator of all
things— our Lord.

We know He lives because we are aware of His presence in
our lives, in all nature, and when we worship. Isn't it tragic for
people who miss this? We need not wish that He had placed
His hands on our hearts in blessing, or that He had embraced
us, for we know the presence of His Spirit and the joy of His
smile upon us. In our generation and time, we have every
opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn. We can walk by
His side; we can kneel in His presence in worship, confession,
and prayer; and, we can face life knowing that His eyes are
upon us in love and blessings.

We must never think of Jesus Christ as a figure of the past.
We do not worship a dead Saviour; we worship the risen, living
Christ who sits yonder in heaven, who is the guarantor of our
faith and the surety of our salvation. When strong temptations
come, the Son of God with power makes intercession for us.
When we stumble and fall, the risen Saviour with power

4

restores us with grace and favor.

We can hardly conceive the disappointment of the discip
and how they felt when they knew He was dead and commit'
to the silent tomb. He had been a dear, true Friend whom l\
had loved with all the tenderness of their hearts. Now He w
dead— slain in a most brutal manner. They had failed
remember how again and again He had taught them that i
would die and after death, arise. Aren't we, today, guilty!
failing to remember God's promises and teachings to us? P
tells us that if Christ lives within us, there are certain qualit]
we will possess:

1. We will have compassion for others. Christ had co
passion on people around Him. They needed a Saviour, ji|
as people around us today need one. Sometimes I think
are so busy in our own ways that we blind our eyes to |
Master.

2. We will love the lost. Luke tells us that ". . .the Sonjl
man is come to seek and to save that which was loss
(19:10). Christ came because He loved us. We must kj
the lost also; and if Christ lives within us, we will have!
show that love by the kind of life we live, and live our lifej
the very best of our ability.

3. We will have sympathy for the ones who sorrow. The Bi
relates many instances of Jesus' sympathy for people
sorrow. No one can bring greater comfort in a time of stre
than Jesus Christ.

4. We will seek to please God, for God was very pleased w
the life of His Son. Is He pleased with yours? Is He plea^
with mine? Easter is a great time to show our concern ;
God and others.

5. We will be a source of light. Jesus said, "... I am
light of the world: ..." (John 8:12), meaning He came
bring light to men who were in darkness. If we walk in
light, we will have to light the pathway for others. Isn't t
a privilege that is ours to share today?

6. We have an objective, and that is to glorify God at
times. We will strive to win the lost to Christ, even th
who would persecute us.

If we have these traits, how can we miss the joy and vict
of Easter? It takes out of our lives not only the fear of death,
the fear of defeat. Through our living Lord we have life eten
Easter can be lived! Easter is the essence of everything 1
makes life worth living. It means that truth is more powe
than wrong, giving is more divine than receiving, and lovi
stronger than hate. The Christian has many qualities, but
greatest and most important one is love. When Jesus tra
forms a heart, He places into that heart a greater force tl

THE FREE WILL BAPTI !

hydrogen bomb— love. Human love is the greatest known
wer in everyday living. Friendships are built on love,
triotism, which we hear so much about this bicentennial
Jar, is built on love.

i|The triumph of Easter is the victory of hope over despair, of
th over unbelief, of grief turned to joy, and life over death,
r lives are transformed and filled with the love of the vic-
ious and living Lord. As Easter changed the lives of the early
ciples, so can it change our lives. Our Lord is just as much
ve tonight as He was on that first Easter morning. If we seek
s will, listen to His voice, and obey His word, we can claim all
s promises. Billy Graham once said, "The joy of that first
ster is not a dim memory separated from us by the cen-
ries — it is with us still as bright and new as the sunrise. . . .
d the joy His followers knew when they found that Christ was
en in a present miracle that can happen in our lives. ' '
May I share with you a letter to Mrs. Peter Marshall by a
ung lady who attended Easter services in 1937 when Dr.
rshall preached in the New York Avenue Presbyterian
urch in Washington, D. C. This young person's life was
ttisi Ranged that morning and this is how she describes it: "... It
hi : as Easter Sunday— a rainy, dismal day, throughly in tune
s'lith my spirits. As my friend and I stood in line at the church, I
ui tendered why I was there. I had just about lost any faith I had.
j. . My husband, Sandy, a new Second Lieutenant in the Air

1 corps, stationed at Langley Field, had been killed in a crash
Ji . sur months before. We had had just one glorious year
ifrigether. . . .

t) | "By the time my friend and I got inside the church, there
jere no seats left except the steps in the balcony. I've never
Soijjen a church so crowded. The service began. The music was
Mvely, and I felt myself relaxing. Then the man in the pulpit
sit egan to speak.

ii "How can I put into words what happened to me in the next
lip minutes? It was as if the whole crowd melted away, and
iiere was the Lord and I. As Dr. Marshall spoke of the
;8 1 Insurrection, the full meaning of it came into my heart for the
iplf Srst time. . . .

sin | "And when instead of a benediction, the vast congregation
bse and stood silently while the choir over a hundred strong,

difong 'There Is no Death,' I thought that I could not possibly

eltay in my skin and contain that moment of exultation.

mi "I walked away from the service on air. Out on the sidewalk
Jiy friend said, 'What in the world has happened to you?'

in ISomething wonderful, Virginia. The weight is gone. I'm all

i light now. I can go on Living.'

i,; "But I said nothing more because just in case my new
Mseling of joy might be a passing emotion, I determined to give

: a one year test before I told anyone in detail. Well, the peace
a' hat had crept into my aching heart and healed it that morning
proved to be lasting. A year later, on Easter Sunday, I wrote Dr.

Marshall thanking him for introducing me to the One who had
brought joy back into my life. . . ."—The First Easter by Peter
Marshall and Jesus Loved Them by Sam Patrick and Omar
4arrison

S'j In closing, may we share together an article that has been
«|sed in our auxiliary, but the thought goes so well with our
ervice tonight. The article is entitled, "Him . . . There." "Him
. . there," two short words, but what an eternity of meaning

2 'hey embrace when they refer to Calvary! "And sitting down
Mhey watched him there" (Matthew 27:36). Who? Jesus

Christ, the incarnate Son of God— God's Lamb. Where? On the
altar of sacrifice, the Cross of Golgotha where He "... put
away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26).

Who watched Him there? The callous Roman soldiers who
hammered Him onto that rough scaffold, the Cross, and then
dropped it heavily into a hole in the ground. They joked as they
gambled for His clothing while they stood guard watching Him
there.

Who watched Him there? The ecclesiastical political leaders
of His day— the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees— the religious
hierarchy. To them religion was for personal profit and
aggrandizement. It was their livelihood and their profession.
God was their stock in trade. Christ threatened their monopoly.
Competition had to be eliminated. "... If thou be the Son of
God, come down from the cross" (Matthew 27:40), they
demanded. And so they mocked, watching Him there.

Who watched Him there? His mother Mary, the women, and
some of the disciples. "(Love) beareth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things" (1 Corinthians
13:7). They, too, kept watch at the foot of that Cross.

Who watched Him there? The fickle crowd that lived for
bread and circuses. The crowd with its vulgar curiosity, its
unbelievable mass cruelty, and the crowd that one day could
shout "Hosanna!" And the next, "Crucify Him!" The crowd in
Jerusalem or Athens, Georgia; in Havana or Little Rock; in
Stalingrad or Nuremberg. The crowd of Shakespeare's Julius
Ceasar, of which he could say, "You blocks, you stones, you
worse than senseless things, 0 you hard hearts, you cruel men
of Rome." The crowd— sheep without a shepherd. Men and
women like you and me. People Christ loved. His enemies for
whom He shed His blood and died. They watched Him there.

Who watched Him there? The unseen hosts of hell and
heaven, they watched Him there. Satan, the archenemy of God.
His demon hosts. Satan, the devil, engaged in eternal conflict
with God at Calvary. Myriads of angels in speechless awe and
wonder at the unimaginable mystery of the Holy One of God
upon the Cross they watched Him there. God the Father,
watching His beloved Son, naked upon the Cross of shame,
becoming the sin-bearer. God the Father, judging mankind's
sin, the world's sin in Christ. God the Father, covering His
well-beloved in darkness, turning away His face from Him as
He, the sinless Saviour, became sin for us, and cried in the
agony of separation from His Father, ". . . My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

We, too, may watch Him there. He is always God's sacrificial
Lamb: the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the
Lamb dying in space and time outside Jerusalem nineteen
hundred years ago, the Lamb in the midst of the throne in
heaven. But always the Lamb, bearing in His hands and feet
and side the marks of Calvary. His blood eternally efficacious to
cleanse from sin. We, too, watch Him there bearing our sin's
penalty (yours and mine), dying our death, taking our place,
our substitute— the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself
for us. We must never get away from Calvary. Again and again
we must stand at the foot of the Cross looking up into His face.
It was thus He asked us never to forget Him, and He gave us
the continual reminder of Himself on the Cross— a broken loaf
of bread, His body given; and a cup of wine, His blood shed.
"This do in remembrance of me" So let us never leave the
Cross.— Adapted from The Sunday School Times, March 18,
1961

TUTHE free will baptist

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

Ml

SSIOlY

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P. 0. Box 979
Goldsboro, N. C. 27530

I

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1 207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N. C. 28305

FIELD OF ACTION AND
MINISTRY OF THE FREE WILL

BAPTIST CHURCH OF INDIA

by the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel
M. Lall

Though there is scope for several
organizations in our churches, we have
only three important organizations in
many of our churches: Sunday schools,
adult fellowships, and the woman's
auxiliaries. The woman's auxiliary was
organized by my wife last month. There
is scope and tremendous opportunities
for young adults and men, and some
plans are underway to head up in this
direction.

Adult Fellowships: The adult
fellowships are making good progress in
the churches. Increasing interest is
visible among the adults. When the Rev.
Joe Ingram, mission director, sent us
New Testaments for reaching them in the
homes where there is need, there was a
multitude of adults who pioneered
themselves for the task. Most of them

are in schools, but they find sometime
during the day to serve their church.
Their number in our churches is over
3,000 at the moment. This pertains to
the churches which have so far been
adopted as Free Will Baptist churches.
Yet there are many congregations for
adoption in May, June, and July of this
year, after we complete the training
program for our ministers and deacons of
the churches we have already taken in
our fold as the Free Will Baptist
churches. There is still much more
to be done for and with our young people.
I am sure the plan of the Rev.
Norman Ard, chairman of the mission
board, will come true for the adults
and for the young people, who
are the future pillars of our church.

Sunday Schools: The number of
Sunday schools reported in our last
Council of Ministers on March 6, was
1,044. I hear reports that there is an
increase in number now in the State of

Mr. Pramod March, office secretary of the Free Will Baptist Church of India, is shown talking with Mrs.
Inez Lall, president of the woman's auxiliary work, while she is working in the office. Mr. March receives
support from the North Carolina State Missions Board.

Gujrat which I visited in February. (
ministers and laymen did a real good
to promote Sunday schools which wi
not much in life earlier, owing to lack!
conveyance and communications in 1
rural areas. This was one of the proje*
which took my serious attention in the
days.

Woman's Auxiliaries: This was a r
great job duly accomplished in the I
month. My wife took keen interest a!
devoted much of her time and energy
prepare women to work for the churcr
quite recollect to have attended 1
Woman's Auxiliary Conference
Cragmont, in North Carolina, wh
women as per their program, w<
scheduled "to shopping we go"
some Tuesday! In our country, 1
position is much different. Leave alone
shopping they go, some were seen
the Rev. Norman Ard in the worsl
service to hide their face from 1
husbands as is very traditional w
Indian women. Then to advocate them.!
work at par with men is a real tough jc
However, this has become a functions
the church now and will grow gradual:
The women in the cities are doing a I
good service in the churches. They ne
some sort of vocational training to
taught for their concern for the chur
and thus be made more active and all
to their church responsibilities.

Christian Workers: The Christ
workers in our church at the present til
is 58. Out of them 13 are supported
the mission board, and the rest hs
their own self-dependence, not fr<
their churches all alone, but from th
jobs. Very shortly I am going to adop'
church in Chandigarh, in the State:
Punjab, the most prosperous state in c
country, which keeps a full-time minisj
on a payment of Rs:600.00 per monf
and gives liberally for the support of I
rural churches. I am very much looki
for churches of this standard to join w
us. The above number of workers w
us is very inadequate when we ha
such a vast scope of work and a big fi(
to take care of. We can certainly do |
if we have more workers in (
churches. Let us pray so that 1
Lord may send more laborers to w(
in the field which is ready for harvest.

Seekers in the Church: We have fi
seekers who attend classes eve
evening in the rented office buildin
They are taught by Dr. Lall and the Rf
(Continued on Page 9)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

IC!

Special foments

ar Maggie,

When I was eleven, the church I attended had services at 3 p.m. After lunch on
nday, our family would start walking to church and then be home by 6 p.m. It was
jr miles each way. Every Sunday for five years we did this. My mother wouldn't
ar of us kids not going to church. When it rained, my stepfather would ask a neigh-
r, who had a car, to take us. Those are good memories— all being together for
>se long walks.

The minister's wife was a marvelous influence on my life. My mother was too. At
b age of 12, I knew I wanted to be a Christian and I was baptized. That minister's
e and my mother got me on the right foot early. Early teachings are so important.
I've been married 21 years. My husband had never really accepted Christianity. In
i72, he resigned his job and then he had an operation. Right before surgery, a man
10m we didn't know came into the hospital room. He was the pastor of a local
urch. I remember saying, "Isn't that a coincidence because I'd promised to take
e children there when your new church is finished." Before surgery, he prayed for
husband and we all three talked. My husband told the minister he wasn't a
iristian. After the surgery, the minister still visited us regularly.
In my heart I had always wanted my husband to accept Christ. Finally one day he
id that he wanted to be baptized. Now I feel like that wasn't a coincidence at the
spital at all. God sent that particular minister into our room at just that particular
e— God filled our need. I felt then like my life was really complete because I knew
at once my husband accepted Christ that he could see the way I wanted to live— the
ight way— and to bring up the children in the church. Prior to that experience he'd
"C1. lever seen how really important it was for children to have a church background.
,i Two years ago our daughter (age 1 2) was baptized. She made the decision on her
, wn. Then last November our son (age 14) was converted. A youth minister had
, Jsited in our home several times and one Saturday night he stayed over. The next
horning our son walked into the kitchen and said, "I want to be baptized tonight,
ve decided there's something I really need." Then he went to our phone, called our
■ ■' iiinister, and said that he wanted his father to fill the baptistry. He wanted to be
.'laptized that very night— and he was. He, also made his decision on his own. As
j, arents we never applied pressure to our children. The church relationships were
Wl jood, stable influences, and God working in their hearts helped them see their needs.
H j' These special moments are experiences a mother can hardly explain. Just knowing
jach child made his decision for Christ— the biggest decision in his life— on his own
'ujind that he really understands what it means is so wonderful!

Now our whole family is unified. After that surgery in 1972, my husband began a
lew job, we all began a new life, and our children have made their decisions for
hrist. I feel it all came from my husband's conversion. We are happy! We are at
eace with ourselves and the Lord.

::3

reenville, N.C.

The above testimony is the result of a taped interview with a Christian mother who
'I'ound much joy in sharing several of her family's Christian experiences with the
'polumn. Remember, the column needs your support.

Maggie

| (THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

IN MEMORIAM
THE REV. DAVID POWELL

We humbly submit this in memoriam
in loving memory of our departed pastor,
the Rev. David Powell, who was called
home to be with the Lord on May 14,
1975. Mr. Powell was a dedicated
Christian who loved people. His love
shown others was returned to him
abundantly. He loved his church, his
friends, his family, but most of all, he
loved his Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Though Brother Powell has left us, we
still feel his presence on many occasions
in the church. He loved the youth of the
church with a passion. He was involved
in all their activities, therefore he has
been greatly missed by them.

We, the members of Oak Grove Free
Will Baptist Church of Vanceboro, are
striving to exercise the love Mr. Powell
taught us for one another, and to keep
Jesus in the center of our lives. We feel
sure that he would like for us to do this.

Lovingly submitted,
Oak Grove Church
Vanceboro, N. C.

A TRIBUTE TO A
WONDERFUL GRANDMOTHER

This is a sad occasion, but even
though you are gone from us physically,
you will be forever in our hearts. We
know that you are in heaven and at peace
with God. The Bible tells us that for a
Christian to be absent from the body is to
be present with the Lord.

You were a wonderful and loving
grandmother and always gave of yourself
and your material goods to us. These are
the memories we will keep forever. I
(Continued on Page 16)

jaflj|jljl^^

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE j

GOD AND CAESAR

W. Burkette Raper, President
Mount Olive College

"... Is it lawful for us to give tribute
to Caesar, or not?" the crowd asked.

"... Render to Caesar the things that
are Caesar's, and to God the things that
are God's. . . ." (Mark 1 2:14, 17); thus
spoke Jesus about our responsibilities to
our government and to God.

Would you be willing to give a month's
income to advance God's work on earth?
If you are an average American worker-
taxpayer, all you earned during the
months of January, February, March,
and April will be required to pay your
federal, state, and local taxes for 1976.
Only on May 1 did you begin earning for
yourself, your family, and God's work.
If, however, you are an above average
taxpayer, it may be July or even August
before what you earn is tax free.

That is not all. What you have saved
and acquired after paying income and
other taxes will be taxed again when you
die. After the value of your taxable estate
exceeds $60,000, the federal tax
escalades from 3 percent to 77 percent,
depending upon the size of your estate.
In addition, there are state inheritance
taxes.

The tax laws, however, contain
provisions which encourage taxpayers to
voluntarily support educational in-
stitutions like Mount Olive College.

To enable our friends to benefit from
these provisions, the Mount Olive College
Board of Trustees has adopted one of the
best and most comprehensive programs
of "Planned Gifts" available anywhere.
By utilizing authorized tax advantages,
our friends can make investments in
God's work they never thought possible.

I am not referring to loopholes in the
tax laws nor am I suggesting anything
that is devious. Uncle Sam wants us to
voluntarily invest in private colleges like

8

Mount Olive because these institutions
save tax dollars and they help to make
America a better nation.

If you believe in the kind of education
Mount Olive College is providing, I will be
glad to review with you in confidence
how an investment in our work could be
to your advantage as well as ours. We
have retained competent legal tax
counsel, and you can be sure that any
plan we suggest will comply with the
Internal Revenue Code.

For your convenience, a reply form is
provided with this article. I will be honest
and fair in what I tell you. It may be that
our discussion can show you how to
achieve a goal that will be one of the

greatest joys of your life. If you trt
want to do something good, your rw
step could be returning the confident]
reply form which is provided with 1
article.

RETREAT ON PRAYER
THIS WEEKEND

The Retreat on Prayer to be held tl
Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15,
Eagles Nest, has a few more openings 1
participants. The retreat will begin at
p. m. with the evening meal, and fini]
on Saturday at 3 p. m.

It will include Bible study, silerll
discussion, and writing. This is
spiritual adventure that will be directf
to those who want more from life arj
who seek a deeper, more meaning^
relationship with God.

The cost of the conference will be $1i
which includes meals and lodging. It
important that participants remain forth
entire retreat.

You will need to bring those persor.j
items necessary for an overnight stay
Eagles Nest which include necessa^
linen, blankets, and a pillow if desiret
(Continued on Page 9 )

Confidential Reply Form

Yes, I am interested in the advantages of a planned investment in Mount Olive
College. (I understand that returning this form does not obligate me.)

My Name:
Address _

City state Zip

Phones: Home Office

Date of Birth: Month Day Year

Name of Spouse if Living:

Spouse's Date of Birth: Month Day Year

Comments:

Mail To: President W. Burkette Raper
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'I

/

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
"A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

FOR

11

NEW PROGRAM
CHILDREN

he need for child care has increased
ie area in which a child can live in a
plete family situation. This is a home
re there is a father, a mother, and
or three children. Here the child can
ive more individual training, love,
protection. This is especially needed
children under the age of five and
dren with special problems which we
not able to work with here at the
dren's Home.

ecause of this great need, our
rter has been amended in order to set
a program to operate community
s%d group homes, foster care homes,
fji emergency care centers,
jo set up this program a director of
• immunity based group homes has been
led to our staff. Mr. Jodie Strickland
ve friendship Free Will Baptist Church,
Ifidlesex, has been hired in this
lacity. Some of his duties are to
iBtact families who have an interest in
;<ling for children in their home. After
"■tact has been made, the child care
Igram is explained to them. This
""lljgram is governed by the rules and
flulations set up by the State of North
"Irolina Department of Human
Sources, Division of Social Services,
-ler the home is licensed and a child is
)|ced in it, it is visited and supervised
-i the director of community based
Hup homes. With these visits he works
_jh the foster parents and their family

ijhg with the child and his family.
_ The purpose of this program is to meet
.li needs of the child by providing the
. pessary love, protection, and training,
m whenever possible, to return him to
. i natural parent or parents after the
Pessary adjustments have been made.
We think that this is a step forward for
Home by providing
care and by expanding the
T'piber of services we can offer to
ildren in their time of need.

:| Children's
v9ded

MIDDLESEX BICENTENNIAL
PARADE

On Saturday, May 1, the town of
Middlesex was scheduled to celebrate
our nation's bicentennial with a parade.
Due to rainy weather, only the static part
was held on Saturday with the street
parade being held at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The people attending all the festivities
numbered nearly two thousand. Many of
the children at the Home participated in
various events on both days.

Pictured above is Miss Kim Mills who
is Miss Middlesex for this school year.
We're very proud of Kim because she
makes a very beautiful queen and is most
deserving of that honor.

The Children's Home entered a float in
the parade. The float was made by the
staff and children of the Home. Even
though our float didn't win the first prize,
we think it was very beautiful. There was
much hard work and fun by all who had a
part in this bicentennial parade.

Missions

(Continued from Page 6 )
Soloman Singh. The Rev. Munna Lai also
comes thrice a week to teach them. They
are gaining knowledge of the Lord and
are taking much interest in the work of
the Lord. One Muslim out of them
happened to be the driver for the Revs.
Ingram and Ard, and as he says, these
personalities brought such an impact
upon him that he wants to know the
Christian life.

New Testaments: The New
Testaments sent by the mission board
was the real need of the day in our
country and were very inspiring to our
people. God's Word is reaching where it
is needed, and the real mission of the
church today is being fulfilled by our
denomination.

Training Program: The training
program of our ministers and deacons of
the church was undertaken from March
31 to April 30, for the first time, with the
help of the mission board, with a view to
equip our people with the knowledge
they need in the fields. This proved to be
very helpful to those who participated.

Church Building and Cemetery: There
is a very much growing need to have a
church building and our own cemetery at
Bareilly where the congregation is
reaching the number of 500. Our people
are so anxious to have their marriages
solemnized in church buildings. When I
meet the younger generation, I face the
question, "When will you construct a
church?" At present we have some
arrangements for our burials, but we
need first and foremost our own
graveyard, which is a matter of concern
for all who have come with us. Pray that
this may be provided.

MT. OLIVE

(Continued from Page 8)
You will also need your own towels,
soap, etc.

To insure a place or for more in-
formation, contact the Rev. Frank
Harrison; telephone, office (919) 658-
2502; home, (919)658-9363.

nSWE FREE WILL BAPTIST

//etad and Aided

of Denominational Interest

Ground-Breaking at
Everett Chapel Church

The Everett Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church of Clayton, held a ground-
breaking ceremony Sunday, May 2,
following the morning worship service.
The ceremony marked the beginning of
construction for a 17,275 sq. ft.
fellowship-recreation building. Spades of
earth were turned by William A. Jones,
chairman of the trustees, Ethel Wood and
Earl Underwood, building committee
members, Ralph Godwin, building
coordinator, and Dr. Billy Yawn, pastor.

Left to right: Dr. Billy Yawn, William
Jones, and Ralph Godwin.

In presiding over the occasion, Dr.
Yawn affirmed that a promise made to
the youth of Everett Chapel more than
five years previously was being kept in
constructing the fellowship building. A
tribute was posthumously given Mrs.
Rachel (Granny) Collins, who was a
strong advocate of the building.

Plans for the fellowship building were
drawn by Moore's Drafting Service and
Hunter Engineering of Goldsboro. The
structure is to be fully air-conditioned

and electrically heated. It is designed to
seat 1 ,000 persons and 500 persons for
dining purposes. A library, office,
nursery, and kitchen are included in the
plans. The educational department will
contain eight rooms with phased air-
conditioning and heating. This
arrangement will allow usage of the
building in one-fourth sections.

The high bid for the project was
$340,000, with the selected bid going to
Edward's Construction Company of
Princeton. The main contract has already
been signed and construction is to begin
within seven days. The structure is
expected to be completed within seven
months.

Everett Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church was organized in 1902. The
present congregation numbers two
hundred thirty. Dr. Billy Yawn has
served the church as pastor for the past
eighteen years.

Dilda's Grove to Observe
Fiftieth Anniversary

The Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Macclesfield will observe its
fiftieth anniversary on Sunday, May 23.
The Rev. J. D. Vernelson, a former
pastor, will bring the morning message
at the worship hour.

The pastor, the Rev. Luther Bissette,
and the church membership cordially
invite all former members and friends to
share in this anniversary with them.

Youth and Bicentennial Sunday
At Edgewood Church

Sunday, May 16, the Edgewood Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 1, Mac-
clesfield, will observe Youth and
Bicentennial Sunday. The speaker for the
occasion will be the Honorable L. H.
Fountain, Congressman of the Second
Congressional District of the State of
North Carolina. Mr. Fountain is a native

of the community of Leggett and
Presbyterian elder. He has a perfe
Sunday school attendance record sim
the age of three.

The church is honored to have such
distinguished man to be its guest on th
occasion. During the service the youth
the church will be presenting sped
music and other activities. Each memb
or visitor attending is asked to we
something red, white, or blue, I
combination, such as pins, bracelet1
necklaces, shoes, etc.

Lunch will be served in the fellowsh,
building at the noon hour.

The pastor, the Rev. Swade Benso^
and the church membership are lookir,
forward to this occasion. They extend,
cordial invitation to everyone to worsh,
with them on this occasion.

Rains Cross Roads Church
Homecoming and Memorial Day

The Rains Cross Roads Free V
Baptist Church, Route 1, Kenly, I
observe its annual homecoming a
Memorial Day services on Sunday, M!
16. The day's activities will begin wl
Sunday school at 9:45 a. m., follow
with the message by the interim pastl
the Rev. Frank Ray Harrison, at i]
eleven o'clock worship hour. A pic!
lunch will be served on the chun
grounds at the noon hour. |
singspiration will be held in the J
ternoon.

All friends and former members I
invited to share in this occasion.

Youth Activities at
Robert's Grove Church

The people at Robert's Grove Free Vn
Baptist Church, Route 1, Dunn, h<|
been experiencing many spirit]
blessings from the work their you]
people are doing. On Sunday, April]
the church observed Youth Sunday. l|
directors: Mrs. Jarvis Tew, Mrs. She !
Wrench, Mrs. J. T. Faircloth, and M
Tommy Tyndall, helped to make that i
a blessing to everyone. The young peo
served as officers and teachers in
Sunday school. Pamela Tew served!
song leader, and the speaker for I
eleven o'clock worship service v!
Benjie Bryan, son of the Rev. A. !
Bryan, pastor of the church.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPT

n Tuesday evening, April 20, the
"Tit and their directors, Mrs. Tew and
. Wrench, honored their parents and
o ;r special guests with a "Mother-
ghter, Father-Son Banquet." The
r scheme was red, white, and blue.

fellowship hall was beautifully
orated with red candles and miniature
used on the tables. When everyone
it taken their place at the table,
rgia Tutor gave the invocation,
imy West gave the welcome to all
hers while Ronald Bass welcomed the
ers. The entire group sang "God Is
3ood." A delicious dinner was served
ome of the girls of the church. The
ll consisted of country-fried chicken,
3n beans, potato salad, lettuce,
ato, rolls, and ice tea, with several
js of cake for dessert,
ifter dinner, an inspiring "bicen-
lial program" was given by the AFC.
;ter Jeff Tew sang a special song and
Gary Faircloth sang the "Battle
nn of the Republic." Mrs. Sherrill
nch introduced the groups who
srtained during a singspiration time,
y were the "Six in Christ," members
the YFA who sang seven beautiful
gs, and the "Singing Five," men
ti the chancel choir, who sang six
nbers. This group has just recently
n organized, but they have very good
mony and are really making a hit.

Gary Faircloth delivered a short
monette, challenging the parents to
k their children in their church
ivities and also to take them to church
tfjtead of sending them.
Mrs. Jarvis Tew thanked each one
no gave of their time or materials to
Ike the banquet a success. She also
r ognized the Dunn PCA, the A and P
Ipd Store, Tart's Open-Air Market,
Lffeyette Bank of Fayetteville, George
.Broil Chevrolet, The W. 0. W Insurance
ciety, and others for their contribution
j favors given. The program ended
h Richard Stancil giving the
lediction. A wonderful time of spiritual
lowship was enjoyed by all.

wport Christian Liberty Choir
Concert at Free Union Church

The Newport Christian Liberty Choir,
"'qnposed of 49 choir members in the
iofiwport area, will present a musical
6 V titled , "I Love America," on Sunday
'(ening, May 16, at 7:30, at the Free

hion Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1 ,

Pinetown. The first section, "Patriotism
for America," relates the American's
love for this land and recounts some of
its history. The second section, "Praise
for America," is a musical tribute to
America and its flag. The third and final
section, "Prayer for America, " presents
a plea for the future of the country.

The musical is directed by Mrs.
Connie Reim with Mrs. Ellen Fitzgerald
accompanying on the piano. Soloists are
Derryl Garner, Preston Meares, Dixie
Burge, Jan Garner, and Mamie Adams.
Instrumentalists are Jesse Sunderland
on the flute, Michael Fitzgerald on the
trumpet, and Ruby Chartley on the
tambourine. The narration will be done
by Derryl Garner, Harold Chartley,
Teresa Motes, Gil Pettipas, Mike Scott,
and Rene Ryan.

The pastor of Free Union church, the
Rev. Francis Garner, and the church
membership cordially invite the public to
attend.

DeWayne Eakes Graduates from
Southeastern Baptist Seminary

In commencement ceremonies on the
Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary campus at Wake Forest, on
May 14 and 15, seventy-nine North
Carolinians were awarded degrees.
Southeastern Seminary, celebrating its
twenty-fifth year, graduated one hundred
ninety-three students, the largest in its
history. In ceremonies on the campus,
Dr. Cecil Ray, General Secretary-
Treasurer of the North Carolina Baptist
Convention, gave the commencement
sermon; the charge to the graduates was
given by Dr. Garland A. Hendricks,

Professor of Church-Community
Development.

Among the graduating class is the
Rev. DeWayne Eakes, pastor of the Little
Rock Free Will Baptist Church of
Lucama. Mr. Eakes will be receiving the
degree of Master of Divinity.

WORK WEEK AT CRAGMONT

On May 17, the Rev. Douglas Skinner
will open Cragmont Assembly for the
1976 season of camping.

The next week, May 24-28, has been
designated by the board of directors as
Clean-Up and Fix-Up Week." There are
many things that can be done there, and
if several people would come up and just
give a day or two labor it will help
tremendously.

The chairman of the board of direc-
tors, the Rev. Willis Wilson, will be
there, along with some others who plan
to go with him. We need preachers and
laymen to help with this project.

We need to do some painting,
cleaning, and cutting of the grass. It is
quite a job to get the place ready for the
first week of camp.

Let us show the Skinners how glad we
are to have them with us at Cragmont
this year.

Willis Wilson, Chairman
Board of Directors
Cragmont Assembly, Inc.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Jesse R. Matthis announces
that he will be available for full-time or
part-time pastoral duties as of July 1,
1976. He is presently serving as pastor
of the First Original Free Will Baptist
Church in Wilmington. Mr. Matthis is an
ordained minister in good standing in the
Eastern Conference. He is also available
for revivals. Any church desiring his
services may contact him by writing 600
Cutchin Street, Clinton, North Carolina
28328; telephone, 592-5436.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^)
THE SUNDAY f£

SCHOOL LESSON^*

For May 23 ^

THE PROBLEM OF DRUGS
AND ALCOHOL

Lesson Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

I. INTRODUCTION

Last Sunday we talked about
pressures of the world upon the Christian
family unit. Certainly two of the most
insidious pressures (or evils) that beset
the family today are drug abuse and
beverage alcohol.

We use the expression "drug abuse"
because there are forms of drugs, such
as sedatives, mild tranquilizers, and
different forms of aspirin, that most of us
use quite often. And certainly this is all
right, when used according to our
doctor's advice. But when one takes
these things, and others of a harsher,
stronger nature, simply for unnecessary
stimulation, he abuses them. Such a use
of drugs and narcotics can lead to a
breakdown of mind and body, and many
times to the acts of crime so frequently
seen in our society.

There may be some use of alcohol that
is beneficial to the body, although the
Christian may find it difficult to discover
that benefit; but beverage alcohol has no
place in the life of God's child. It is
condemned in the Bible by God himself.
It is repugnant to the sensitive feelings
of decent people. It makes a fool out of a
man and robs him of his influence and
usefulness in a world where soberness is
needed so badly — The Bible Student
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. A bad situation existed in the
Corinthian church. Paul had heard about
this from several sources. He wrote this
Epistle of 1 Corinthians to the church to
correct these difficulties.

B. Paul wanted the Corinthians and
us to know that God is interested in our
bodies. He is interested in our bodies

because we are saved or lost for eternity
while we are in the body, never after we
leave the body. He is also interested in
our bodies because it is in the body that
we experience spiritual victory or defeat.
Then, too, it is in the bodies of Christians
that the Holy Spirit dwells.

C. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit
is a blessed truth for the Christian for
three good reasons. First, it means that
we have a continual abiding presence
with us. Second, it means that we have
adequate protection. Satan can only do to
a Christian what God permits. Third, it
means that we have ample power to do
the work that God wants us to do. What a
blessed truth!

D. God has a right to expect
Christians to glorify Him in their bodies
because we are His by creation. It is He
who made us and not we ourselves. We
are His by purchase. Paul says that we
are bought with a price. So God has a
right to expect us to glorify Him in our
bodies.

E. How can we glorify God in our
bodies? Negatively, by not using them
for anything that displeases God.
Positively, we can glorify God by giving
praise to Him for what He has done and
is doing for us. Too, we can praise God
by our daily lives in word and deed. Do
you live your life in such a manner that it
glorifies God?

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. This lesson is about drugs and
alcohol, two of the most sinister evils that
have swept across our land today. It is
not easy to write it because the facts are
so terribly sickening. You may not like
some of what you read, but the writer
urges you please to read it carefully. The
next victim of these two evils may very
well be one of your own precious loved
ones.

For this lesson let us look at some

actual statistics from reliable sources
Medical authorities have affirmed thatn
less than fifty percent of those in merit;
hospitals of various kinds suffer fror
alcohol. The National Safety Council ha;
affirmed that no less than fifty percent c
delinquent drivers in fatal accidents ar
alcoholics, and still a larger percentag
drink to some extent. Police record
show that over fifty percent of all polic
arrests are for alcohol-related offenses
In North Carolina in a recent one-yea^
report the state received $45,500 i|
liquor revenue and spent $804,000 t
patch up the bodies and minds broken b
alcohol. This is spending $17.64 (fo
rehabilitation) for every $1.00 in liquo
revenue— The Advanced Quarter!'
(F. W. B.)

B. Today's lesson Scripture center
on some of the sins that plagued thj
church in Corinth. Those sins plague u
yet today. But let us never forget th
splendid resources of resistance that ar
available to us: the Holy Spirit of God i
our hearts; the encouragement, corri
passionate understanding, and counsf
of fellow Christians; the strength of th
example of those who, by God's grace
have encountered and overcome th'
same temptations we face.

We shall help each other far mor,
through a spirit of sympathetic
strengthening and patient assistant^
than through condemnation. One of th
serious and unique purposes of th
church is to mold men and women into
mutually helpful family in which eac,
gives assistance as he is able and eacj
receives assistance as he is in need. Ma(
each of us be understanding and helpft
members of the family of God.

God has designed the home, th
church, and the Christian community t
meet all our needs. Let us accept n
substitutes as we meet the challenges (
everyday life.— Standard Lesso
Commentary

C. A family of Christian believei
ought to do all it can to shield itself ar
protect others against the dangers i
alcoholism and drug abuse. The be
help will come from a positive respons
to what the Scriptures say about tf
misuse of the body. Also helpful are
practical knowledge about the effects
drugs and hearing the experiences
actual drug victims.— Selected

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

STORIES

for our youth

SCOTTY
ROPES A CALF

by Betty Swinford

"?C0TTY and his mother stood
in Dr. Thompson's office. The
vrds of the kindly, gray-haired doctor
Vire the best Scotty had ever heard.

i 'You're well, Scotty. The therapy has
vrked wonders, and your legs are
spng and well again. You can forget
t|t you ever sat in a wheel chair or
vjlked on crutches."

Scotty sighed from way down deep,
"•hanks, Doctor. It sounds just great."

Dr. Thompson cocked his head at
Es. Hanson and Scotty. "You know, I
rye a hunch that you got more help than
yjr mother or I were able to give you. I
tflk Someone much bigger has helped

h"

Scotty grinned. "You don't know how
rlich the Lord helped, sir. He's just the
tst Doctor there is; that's all."

The doctor rose from his chair and
sJook Scotty's hand. "You know
s'neth ing , Scot? I agree with all my
fart."

[The drive back to the ranch was a
Ippy one; and when Danny and Keith
It Scotty by the corral that afternoon,
tjngs looked brighter than ever. How
t'od it was to pull up the leg of his jeans
<d show his friends that his braces
yre gone— gone forever.

"It's super!" Danny cried. "Now
nybe you can enter the calf-roping
flntest over at Linda Vista Ranch . ' '

"I certainly will," Scotty answered.
'Vith a new saddle and bridle as the
1st prize, I wouldn't miss it."

Keith wrinkled his tanned forehead in
.frown. "You think you ought to? I
uan— well, after all, you just took off
'ur braces for good today."

Scotty grinned as Butch came
'lagging up to him, and he stooped to

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

stroke the little dog. "But I'm well. Sure
I'm going to rope. ' '

"Maybe— maybe you ought to at least
put your braces on, though, just for the
contest. It would be awful to hurt your
legs again so soon."

Scotty was frowning too now, but it
was in impatience with Keith. When a
thing is done, it is done, and there's no
sense in doubting it, he thought. Yet it
would be terrible if I hurt my legs again.

Sleep would not come that night.
Keith's words kept running over in
Scotty's mind. Once Scotty got up and
paced to the window, gazing up to the
starlit sky.

"Dear Lord," Scotty whispered, "I
know my legs are well. Please let me
sleep and— and help me in the contest
tomorrow. Help me to rope my calf well,
but— let the best one win."

Morning brought the bright sunshine
and a rattling of pans in the kitchen.

A knock sounded at Scotty's door. He
yawned, stretched his full length in his
bed, and called, "Whoever you are,
come on in."

Susan breezed into the room, ponytail
bouncing behind her. "Hi, Scot. I just
wondered if you needed my help with
your braces this morn—" She broke off
suddenly, then laughed, "But you're all
through with braces, aren't you? That's
one on me." And before Scotty could
answer, Susan was gone again, singing
merrily in the hall.

Scotty sat on the edge of his bed,
biting his lower lip. Was everyone
doubting that his legs were well?
Couldn't they believe what the doctor
had said? He didn't need his braces any
more.

Keith and Danny stopped by for him at
ten sharp. Scotty's parents would drive
over in the station wagon in time for the
roping contest.

"You wore your braces didn't you?"

Keith asked after awhile.

Scotty reined Rocky past a mesquite
limb that hung over the worn cattle trail.
"No." Then he forced a laugh.
"Honest, Keith, you are the worst
worrywart I ever saw. Cut it out, will
you?"

Keith shook his head. "I was just
thinking about how long you couldn't
walk, Scot. I would sure hate to see you
that way again."

Danny roped his calf first. In twenty-
seven seconds, he had it tied so it
couldn't get free. Then Keith had his
turn; but Keith was rather new at this
kind of thing, and it took him thirty-two
seconds. One after another, the boys
roped the calves. So far, Elmer Jansen
was in the lead, with twenty-five
seconds; and Elmer really needed a new
saddle. His parents were poor, and the
saddle he rode on was an oldtime army
saddle that was split down the center.

Now it was Scotty's turn. He
mounted, while his heart was beating
like something that had gone crazy.
Everyone was watching.

Scotty swallowed hard. No, he'd
heard Dr. Thompson's report with his
own ears. He was well. "Help me, Lord
Jesus. I don't ask to win, but let me do
my best."

The calf raced out in front of him, and
Rocky was off like a bullet behind it.
Scotty's arm rose, the coil of rope
whirled, the lasso landed neatly about
the animal's head, and the calf fell to the
ground. Before it could regain its feet,
Scotty was off Rocky's back and flying
over the ground to the little animal.
Rocky backed— backed— keeping the
rope tight so that the calf could not get
up and run.

Scotty whipped another, shorter rope
from his hip pocket, scarcely hearing the
cheers. Then he straddled the calf and
tied the small hoofs together. Seconds
later, he threw up both hands. This
signaled that he was finished.

A judge came over to examine the rope
and make sure everything was just right.
A voice announced, "Timing for Scotty
Hanson— twenty-six seconds. ' '

Scotty sighed. Twenty-six seconds.
That was 0. K. by him; for Elmer had
won the saddle and the bridle. Scotty
would get some sort of prize for coming
in second, but that part didn't really
matter. He could walk, and no one would
ever doubt it again. His braces were
gone forever! - Pilgrim Holiness Advocate

13

Question: Does the Bible teach that a
second work of grace is essential to a
completely dedicated Christian life?

Answer: I do not so understand the
teachings of the Scripture neither do
most dedicated men and women I have
known; however, some fine Christians
that I have fellowshiped with do so
believe. Dr. Reuben A. Torrey believed
this way. He was a matured scholarly
man of a highly moral caliber when he
was saved and began almost instantly in
the teaching and preaching of the Word.
Many souls were saved under his
ministry and services were demanded far
and wide by churches and schools of
high Christian integrity. Then he was
employed by the Moody Bible Institute.

In the midst of this busy, successful
life of love and dedication to God and the
cause of Christ, his much beloved young
daughter was suddenly seized by a fatal
case of diphtheria. During her few days
of high fever and extremely severe illness
the overwhelming Christian joy and
cheerfully dedicated service to his Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ were replaced
by a life of gloom and deep depression.
He walked the streets of Chicago alone,
crying out for his beloved daughter,
having even suicidal tendencies with no
desire to work or even live any longer.
Then one night, God somehow or other
got through to him and spoke once
more to his troubled soul.

His new experience with his Maker
was so overwhelming that he made a
new and complete dedication to Him and
entered into a new life of happiness and
service to the God of all creation. Ever
afterward he believed in what was
already popular in some Christian circles
(the second work of grace). The last time
I heard him speak was not too long
before he went home to be with Jesus.
This all happened before I went to the
Moody Bible Institute. It resulted, I
suppose, in some controversy at Moody.

14

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Anyway, such rumors were still aired out
at Moody by students. This rumor in-
dicated that his changed belief put him at
odds with Dr. James M. Gray and several
members of the faculty on this point of
doctrine that led to his resignation from
the faculty and going to the west coast
where he joined Dr. Evans and others
that served the Lord in a west coast Bible
school.

Anyway, Dr. Torrey was invited
and came to Moody for several years for
a few months each year where he, as a
visiting professor, taught Bible. He was
the only teacher I knew at Moody to
teach that a second work of grace was
necessary in the fully dedicated life and
service of a Christian. When attending his
lectures I had no doubt that he was given
over completely to the Lord and His
cause. I also had the same confidence in
Dr. James M. Gray, then president of
Moody; Dr. Griffith Thomas, a visiting
professor; Dr. P. B. Fitzwater; Dr. John
G. Page; Drs. Gosnell, Jaderquist,
Schaffer, and others that then believed
as I now do in one baptism of the Holy
Spirit which takes place at the time of the
new birth, but with many infil lings as the
Christian needs and subjects himself to
God.

The Rev. R. F. Pittman, under whom I
had most of the Bible I took at the Free
Will Baptist Seminary at Ayden, had this
view and taught concerning the workings
of the Holy Spirit. The dedicated men at
both the Northern Baptist Seminary and
Wheaton College, under whom I studied
several years, were all committed to this
view so far as I know. So in my ex-
perience this view seems more in
keeping with the whole or overall
teaching of the Bible.

In such a day as this, when we read
and hear of so many strong and varied
beliefs and teachings on important
biblical doctrines, we need to give heed
to what we find in the Bible and

remember that the Bible, especially
epistles of the New Testament, warns
against being unstable under si
pressure when questionable teachii
became prevalent enough in the chu
to provoke such admonition. Comp
these verses: "Of these things put th1
in remembrance, charging them bef
the Lord that they strive not about wo
to no profit, but to the subverting of ?
hearers. Study to shew thyself approv
unto God, a workman that needeth no
be ashamed, rightly dividing the wore
truth. But shun profane and v
babblings: for they will increase u
more ungodliness. And their word
eat as doth a canker: of whom
Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who c
cerning the truth have erred, saying t
the resurrection is past already; i
overthrow the faith of some" (2 Timo
2:14-18); "All scripture is given
inspiration of God, and is profitable
doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
instruction in righteousness: that
man of God may be perfect througij
furnished unto all good works"
Timothy 3:16, 17); "Preach the wci
be instant in season, out of seasi
reprove, rebuke, exhort with j
longsuffering and doctrine. For the t
will come when they will not end
sound doctrine; but after their own 1
shall they heap to themselves teachfj
having itching ears; And they shall 1
away their ears from the truth, and s|
be turned unto fables" (2 Tin™
4:2-4); "If any man will do his will
shall know of the doctrine, whether ilji
of God, or whether I speak of mystf
(John 7:17); "... he that soweth to?
flesh shall of the flesh reap corrupts
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall
the Spirit reap life everlastir'
(Galatians 6:8); "This know also, thel
the last days perilous times shall cow
For men shall be lovers of their <|
selves, covetous, boasters, pre
blasphemers, disobedient to pareii
unthankful, unholy, Without nat
affection, trucebreakers, false accusife
incontinent, fierce, despisers
those that are good, Traitors, he<i
highminded, lovers of pleasures rrl
than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:1-4;

For further information on i
question may I suggest that you ri
Page 327 of the George H. Sandisc
book, 1000 Difficult Bible Questi
Answered.

THE FREE WILL BAPT^

i

n April 25, in the Sunday morning
ship hour, the Woman's Auxiliary of
Union Free Will Baptist Church,
Rjte 1, Pinetown, honored its
buevolence chairman, Mrs. Vida
Brett . During the ceremony Mrs.
Brett was presented one dozen long-
jim red roses, and the rest of the day
vis set aside in paying honor and tribute
■his faithful servant of God.
During the morning service, just
lore the roses were presented to Mrs.
Epett, the following tribute was read:
we, at Free Union church, are blessed
vh many wonderful talented Christian
lies who are more than willing to do
$tj job they might be called upon to do.
1 so many of us ladies work that we
I/e very little time to get out and do the
tjngs that need to be done. Therefore,
1 need a leader, someone who loves
(|ng things for others; and we are
[pud to say that we have this lady in the
irson of Mrs. Vida (Monroe) Everett.
i"0n this special day, we, the ladies of
liee Union church, would like to pay
:jecial honor and tribute to one of our
<p who has been a faithful servant in
ijnevolence work, going at times far
ijyond the call to duty. In sickness and
lath, she is the first one there to offer
|r help and assistance. It matters little
her whether the person is one of our
fn or not. This love and compassion
e has for her fellowman started long

FREE WILL BAPTIST

before she became a member of our
church. She has lived her faith and love
for others by helping them. Truly John
15:13 can be applied to her life: 'Greater
love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down his life for a friend.'

"Mrs. Everett has a special way of her
own in taking care of the expenses of the
church without calling on anyone for
financial aid. We read in Luke 12:42 and
Ephesians 6:8, '. . . Who then is that
faithful and wise steward, whom his lord
shall make ruler over his household, to
give them their portion of meat in due
season? . . . Knowing that whatsoever
good thing any man doeth, the same
shall he receive of the Lord, whether he
be bond or free. ' She knows that many of
her friends and co-workers work on jobs
and do not have the time and freedom to
do these things which they would love to
do.

"In her own way, Mrs. Everett makes
up for the others in her visits, calls,
cards, and little gifts that she makes.
She knows that if and when the time
comes to help sit up with the sick or cook
food when there is a death in the
community, she can always make a list
and call on the other ladies for their help.

"Having a husband who is a Christian
has been a great asset to Mrs. Everett in
her work. You can always find him
offering her a helping hand when
needed.

"So many times in life we forget to say
'Thank you,' while the person is living.
So on this day we would like to say a
special 'Thank you' to Vida Everett (Mrs.
Monroe Everett) for her many kind deeds
of mercy as our Lord said in Matthew
25:21, '. . . Well done, thou good and
faithful servant:

Following the evening worship ser-
vice, a social hour was held in the
fellowship building in honor of Mrs.
Everett.

COMING EVENTS. . .

May 14, 15— Prayer Retreat, Eagles
Nest Retreat Center, Dudley, North

arolina

Ma,, 15— Central District Youth
Fellowship, Free Will Baptist
Children's Home, Middlesex, North
Carolina, beginning at 2 P. M. with
Song Service, followed with Picnic

May 22 — Foundeis' Day, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, 10:30 A. M., in
Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Robert
May, Guest Speaker

June 28-30— General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, First Free
Will Baptist Church of Durham, North
Carolina

MR. CRANDELL LISTED
IN WHO'S WHfJ

Congratulations are in order for Mr.
William A. Crandell, Route 1, Stokes,
who was selected to be included in the
publication of Who's Who of Prominent
Citizens of North Carolina for 1976.

Mr. Crandell was born and raised in
Pitt County and is a farmer. He served in
the Air Force during World War II, was
shot down over Germany, and was a
prisoner of war in Stalag Tuft, number 4.

Mr. Crandell has been an active
member of the Stokes Ruritan Club for 26
years and has also been an active
member of the Stokes Fire Department
for a number of years.

He has been an active member of the
Sweet Gum Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Stokes for the past 25
years. He sang in the church choir for a
number of years, and for the past three
years he has taught the Young Men's
Bible Sunday School Class. He has taken
a most active part in church and com-
munity affairs in order that we may have
a better community to live in and to
create goodwill among all citizens in this
community, state, and nation.

Mr. Crandell is married to the former
Elinor Brown of Route 1 , Stokes. He has
been a member of the American Legion,
Post No. 39, for 30 years, and a member
of the Go-Getters Club for 13 years. He is
an active member of the Second Air
Division, 8th Air Force Association, and
holds an honorary life membership of the
Caterpiller Club. He is a member of the
North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation
and has served as an ASCS com-
mitteeman in Pitt County.

He has received a certificate from the

(Continued on Page 16)

15

BIBLE AND YOU (7697-1705)
gives synopses of books of both
Testaments, maps of Biblical
lands, and a timetable of Bible
years. It answers the principal
questions about the origin of
the Bible. It also gives helpful
ideas on how to read the Bible.

HOW THE BIBLE CAME TO
BE (7697-1719) is a unique,
easy way to educate people
about the history of the Bible
-- how it came to be accepted
as the word of God and why
the books that now make up
the Bible were chosen.

ABOUT CHRISTIANITY
(7697-1707) tells what Christ-
ianity is and how it has changed
the world. It describes the
principles of Christianity; and it
discusses the Bible, the early
church, the Reformation and
the beginnings of Protestantism.

ABOUT PRAYER (7697-
1701) explains what prayer is
and why and how people pray.
It suggests conditions for
effective prayer and some kinds
of prayer. It explains how great
men of the Bible illustrate the
power of prayer.

■PIP* 1

J

| \ |

WORLD RELIGIONS (7697-
1706) traces the history,
founders, symbols of 8 major
religions: Buddhism, Christ-
ianity, Confucianism, Hinduism,
Islam, Judaism, Shinto, Taoism.
It explains what religion is and
why it is so important.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
(7697-1722) explains what
religious freedom means, that
it is a basic American freedom,
and that it is up to each indi-
vidual to preserve that freedom
by exercising it.

JESUS CHRIST (7697-1709)
tells the story of Christ as
revealed in the accounts of the
Evangelists. It gives a detailed
map showing locations of major
events in Christ's life. It also
describes the beginnings of
the Christian church.

APOSTLES AND PAUL (7697-
1713) presents biographical
sketches of the Apostles and
Paul that will enable people to
see the relevance to their own
lives of what these men of
the Bible said and did.

The above books may be purchased at the AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE, 811
North Lee Street, or any of the branch stores at Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson, for
only 29 cents each.

MR. CRANDELL LISTED
IN WHO'S WHO

(Continued from Page 15)
Gold Leaf Publishing Company of Atlar
Georgia, stating that the book is be
published and he will receive his c<
sometime in August.

A TRIBUTE TO A
WONDERFUL GRANDMOTHER

(Continued from Page 7)
know if you could speak to us tl
evening, you would say, "Get ready
meet my Saviour, and meet me
heaven."

This tribute was written for Mrs. Ei
Langley of Rocky Mount, who pass
away March 24, 1976.

Respectfully submitte
Irene Langley Pridgen
A loving granddaughti

E d i f o r i a I--

(Continued from Page 2)

Robert Browning Hamilton penn
some simple, but beautiful
meaningful words in the poem, "Alo
the Road" — some words which sum
in a somewhat different (and betti
manner what I have attempted to se
The words preach one of the mij
profound sermons I have ever 6
perienced on paper or from the lips, an
would like to share these words w
you.

"I walked a mile with Pleasure;

She chattered all the way,
But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

"I walked a mile with Sorrow
And ne'er a word said she;

But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!"

And we ask "Why?" Should w
really?

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

To put a new slant on
an old poem, consider
these thoughts:

If thou of heav'nly good bereft
And in thy meager store be left
Two blessings ; share them both,
And in good time, abundant
Happiness will be thine.

baptist

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1976

Cover'Photo by Harold M. Lambert

What We Do Not Have Is Often More Important— Or Is It?

I do not have a million dollars, but usually there is enough money to see me
through. This money doesn't come as a handout too often; rather, it is compensation
for a measure of work (which I hope is adequate for the wages).

I do not own a stately mansion, but the home in which I live (though not my own)
is fairly comfortable and provides a tranquility and solitude that would be wanting in
many a palace.

I do not drive the biggest of luxury cars, but the one I do drive gets me where
I'm going as quickly as is safe and affords me all the transportation I need or want.

I do not have the smartest brain in the world, but the IQ with whicn I have been
blessed has thus far been sufficient for most of the tasks required, and I do not
despair if others seem to have been granted a higher rung on the intellectual ladder.

I do not boast the most common sense of any man, but I have enough to keep my
feet on the ground and am able to discern, to some degree at least, an honest-to-
goodness, level-headed approach to most matters; I am not stupid.

I do not have all the right answers (and I'd be afraid of myself if I thought I did),
but I've "come up" with enough right choices to know that I am not an utter fool.

I do not have the "patience of Job";
Sarah, but I have enough to wait when I
derstand the waiting.

neither have I the patience of Abraham and
must— even though I may not like or un-

I am not the strongest person in existence, spiritually, but I do have enough
spiritual strength to resist most temptations, though I'd be lying to say that I resist
them all as effectively as the Lord would like.

I do not always follow the Lord as closely as I should, but I never lose sight of
Him; and I suffer self-recrimination when I follow sometimes afar and am shamed by
my "distance."

I do not always stay exactly in the center of His will (if indeed such is possible for
anybody, because of our humanness), but I do seek His will daily and pray for His
direction, even though I falter sometimes.

I do not always bridle my tongue (it is a little member which few of us can
control), but I do attempt to guard my words, knowing that they can never be taken
back entirely. Admittedly, I am not always successful with the "reins. ' '

I do not always dwell on the mountaintop, for sometimes I find myself (not to my
liking, however) in the deepest of valleys, but I never forget that the height is there
and He can help me attain it.

I do not always share my bounty (which is little in comparison to that of some
others), but I do not hoard great wealth for myself at the expense of depriving those
whom I love and those who are in greater need.

I do not always read His Word or pray or do deeds for Him and His people to the
extent that is required of me because of the Name I claim, but I do try— I do try.

I do not do anything as well as I should, and I am the first to admit that fact.
Won't you help me? Then, and only then— through mutually-beneficent living,
reaction and interaction— can there be successful Christian living and spiritual unity.

What is it that we lack and need more of? Isn't the answer obvious? If not, God
help us!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

May 19, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free'.
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seed
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue m
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: i
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four ye;
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent disco;
given when local churches send the "Baptist
the home of every member; names and
dresses to be provided by churches. Churc
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptis
are sent to one individual who in turn distribu*
these. A 50 percent discount is offered un^
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refi>
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for e
article is given the person whose name app€
under the title or to the person submitting s
article.

Items for publication should be addressee
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box1
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.
p. m., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenb.
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secreta
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Roll
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist:
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

IN EVERYTHING
GIVE THANKS

by

Mrs. Hersel Bowen
Winterville, North Carolina

S I stood with my oldest son
■ looking through the glass pane
ali hospital nursery window, tears were
King from the depth ot my heart. With
airayer on my lips, I saw my newborn
■ndson. As I looked at this little bundle
O'God's greatness, I also saw my son
biome a man, although to me I still
tt'ught of him as my boy. Yes, he walks
fcer and even looks different; and now
Wis a father.

I know this old world holds a lot of
e(pty guarantees and weak promises,
bit I also know that God is here to lead
rri boy (this young father) and his young
s,i if only they let Him.
(Two months later another one of my
sis became the father of a dear little
II. We had "little Linda" to hold and
le for about two weeks. Then a
nment of fear touched us all as she
tcarne very ill and was rushed to Duke
hspital in Durham. All of us were
laying that God's will be done in this
lecious little life. We placed her in
ijid's hands for our hands seemed
ilpless at the moment. Our pastor,
'.furch family, friends, and Christians
e hardly knew prayed with us, called
;, sent cards, letters, food, and gifts to
fclp carry us over this mountain of
aartbreak. Through all these prayers
pd acts of kindness, God saw fit to let
jtle Linda live, and with His help we
ust she will be with us for a long time to
brie.

! This crisis made me acknowledge that
od is trying to get my attention and
ants me to consider His plan for my life,
m sure there are no accidents when

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

trials come our way. God has a way of
shifting our eyes from one circumstance
to anoher. With faith in God I thank Him
for all the trials that come my way. With
each trial He gives me more courage and
strength to carry on, and I know He'll
keep me in His hands so I'll never be
hurt. In God's Word He tells us to be
cheerful in all situations. Complaints are
really expressions of doubt in God's
wisdom and goodness.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 we read: "In
every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you." I wonder what my Saviour saw in
me to have carried my sins to Calvary; to
have loved me so much to die in my
place. My dear friend, carry your
burdens to God, leave them with Him, for
He is able and willing to carry them for
you.

When I think I am getting the worst of
a thing, God is making the most of it; and
in the end He sees that I get the best of
it. May I say to each of you, "May God
bless and keep you in His loving care."

Your troubles, sorrows, or hurts may
not be the same as mine, but together,
dear Christian friends, I know God has
heard all our prayers and He will answer
them in the manner that He sees fit. I will
accept His answer for I know that He
wants the best for all of us. Whatever
God takes and whatever He gives is by
His precious love for us, if only we trust
His purpose for our lives.

May we as Christians be able to say
with the songwriter, Augustus M.
Toplady, ". . . In my hand no price I
bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling."

1976

J

vcflDDnni/ t

YEARBOOK

V it I

" ' HI

\ ' B

rUn fc^s^f—— i

5 1

ORIGINAL

V 1

FREE WILL BAPTISTS

111

1

of I

NORTH CAROLINA '

: { 1

For the first time in the history of our
denomination we now have a yearbook. It
contains a complete church directory. It
lists the location of your church, name
and address of your pastor, as well as
names and addresses of many of your
officers.

The book contains 288 pages of in-
formation. Its publication was approved
by all the conferences. It is believed you
will consider it as an important book in
your personal or church group library.
The cost is only $2.95

The book also contains the minutes of
our four state bodies, as well as the
minutes of our conferences. It also
presents a calendar of activities for this
year, and a statistical table of our
churches, with important facts and
figures.

This yearbook may be purchased at
the Ayden Bible and Bookstore, 811

North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina
28513, or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson.

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

Malachi's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Columbia, North
Carolina, is in need of a pastor,
beginning in July, 1976. Any minister
who is in good standing with his con-
ference and is interested in serving this
church two Sundays a month, please
contact Mr. Abram Swain, Route 1,
Columbia, North Carolina 27925;
telephone, 796-1091 .

SUNDAY, MAY 23
Scripture Reading— Psalm 121:1, 2

STILL UNDER GOD'S
SKY

A woman who had to leave her
home was traveling to a different part
of the country. She cried when she
remembered what she was leaving
behind her, and her little boy, trying
to comfort her, said: "Why, Mother,
God's sky is over us yet! It's going
right along with us. We shall be all
right now!" Let us lift up our eyes to
God, who will guide us.— Sunday
Circle

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is impossible for us to get out of
God's sight. Regardless of where we
go or what we do His "all-seeing eye"
is with us. May all that He sees in our
lives be pleasing to his sight.

MONDAY, MAY 24
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 4:18

BECAUSE YOU PASSED
MY WAY

My load's a little lighter now,

Because you passed my way—
The sun's a little brighter

And the clouds have passed away.
I've found my Saviour nearer,

And each day He grows still dearer,
And I'm on my way to Glory,

Because you passed my way.

I was lost and no one seemed to care

Until you passed my way,
You saw me, and led me to Christ

Oh, what a happy day !
Now I'm living all for Jesus,

And with Him I'll be some day,
For I found a new beginning,

Because you passed my way.

And when in realms of glory,
I see His precious face,

4

And hear the angel voices
Within that heavenly place ;

I'll remember that sinner,
Who once had gone astray ,

Might not be there in Glory,
Had you not passed my way.

—Eleanor Taylor Rhodes

PRAYER THOUGHT
Have you made someone's life more
pleasant by just passing by or offering
a helping hand? It is the responsibility
of each of us to help his fellowman
whenever the need arises.

TUESDAY, MAY 25
Scripture Reading— Daniel 6

CEDAR CHRISTIANS
Jesus, help me to be for Thee,
Just like a big, strong cedar tree ;
When all the other trees are bare,
The cedar stands so green and fair;
The wind and storm, the ice and cold
Make it more beauty to unfold.
So I would stand in trial and test,
Just trusting You to do what's best,
Though others fail, Lord, keep Thou
me!

May I a cedar Christian be !

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
A true Christian life shows forth its
beauty. May our life ever as the song
states, "Let others see Jesus in
me, ..."

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26
Scripture Reading— 1 Timothy 6 : 12

"DONE FOR!"

A commanding general in flashing
the news of the progress of a battle
during World War I, when 4,000
Frenchmen were flung against 30,000
Germans on Plemone Hill, June 1918,
reported as follows :

"Bombardment began at midnight;

2 : 30 a. m. —Bombardment worse on
our right;

"4:15 a. m.— After repulsing sev-
eral attacks, are surrounded on
our right;

"7:45 a. m.— Right has fallen;

"10 a. m.— Still holding;

"11:45 a. m.— Enemy masses every-
where; still holding;

"12: 05 p. m.— Done for!"

His orders were "Hold the position
to death ! " He obeyed fully !

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
How firm is your Christian Ijl
May we as Christians have the ,1
titude to stand firm whatever I
circumstances might be. Do not*
your courage waver!

THURSDAY, MAY 27
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 1

THE SECRET OF POWER
Spurgeon was once asked
reason of his marvelous power in
ministry. Pointing to the floor of
Metropolitan Tabernacle, he said, 1
the room beneath, you will find thi
hundred praying Christians. Ev|
time I preach they gather there, {1
uphold my hands by continu^
prayer and supplications. It is in |l
room that you find the secret of
blessings. ' ' —Power

PRAYER THOUGHT
All power that man posses
comes from God. Through our cj
tinuous prayer life and the prayers
others, nothing within reason,
impossible for us to accomplish.

FRIDAY, MAY 28
Scripture Reading— Revelation 2

COMPANIED WITH HIM

What can strip the seeming glory i
For the idols of the earth?

Not a sense of right and duty,
But a sight of peerless worth.

'Tis the look that melted Peter,
'Tis the face that Stephen saw,

"Tis the heart that wept with Mary
Can alone from idols draw.

Draw, and win, and fill completelj
Till the cup o'erflows its brim.

What have we to do with idols
Since we've companied with Him

—J. Stuart Hold

PRAYER THOUGHT
The world today has millions o/ii
worshipers. It is our duty
Christians to win them over and shi
them that when they have compan <
with God their cup will be filled ct
will overflow with blessings.

SATURDAY, MAY 29
Scripture Reading— Psalm 37:7

RESTING
Resting on the faithfulness of Chr 1

(Continued on Page 16)

THE FREE WILL BAPTII '

idl

tm

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route J, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

aid Question: Were the years of Adam and
ers that lived before the flood the
ie in length as those in our day?

Uiswer: Yes, I think those years
isisted in about the same number of
is as a year in our time. (For an
eimple of this read Genesis 5.) "And
Gd said, Let there be light: and there
ins light. And God saw the light, that it
llJr rs good : and God divided the light from
3J| darkness. And God called the light
M([j,y, and the darkness he called Night.
k, /d the evening and the morning were
t3 first day" (Genesis 1 :3-5).
If some modernistic theories were true

. Jioch would father children at an early

ion *

Ye— too early! Some claim that these
M vars should have been translated

ipnths. Were this correct we would have
ior)' Ijjoch only 65 months older than his son

Ipthuselah, making him a father at five
h jjjd a half years of age which is too

iiliculously foolish to require any of our

'irious thought or consideration .
w, The same Hebrew term to designate a
[arjfar here is the one used to give

praham's and Sarah's ages. They were
,tei yarded as being too old to become
n 'jirents at 75 and 100 years of age. The

Ible makes clear the fact that divine
Hitftervention was necessary in the birth of
^aac. Man's condition and the garden's

pndition at the time of Adam's creation

ere such that had man remained
o/i:toedient to God he would have lived in
:y pen eternally.

isk I George H. Sandison in answering a
>4milar question gives the following
discussion on Page 92 in his book, 1000
ifficult Bible Questions Answered:
5 "Some of the 'higher critics' claim
fiat the ancient calendar of the an-
7 l&diluvians made the year really a month,
r lunar period. Others, with somewhat
jiore reason, assert that a year was a
Reason of growth equal to three of our
jnonths. Hensler and Hufeland, two

German authorities, claim that the
patriarchal year was three months till
Abraham's time, eight months till
Joseph's time, and thereafter twelve
months. One eminent Bible scholar has
pointed out that if we accept the monthly
year theory, Mahalaleel's sixty-five years
before the birth of his son Jared would
make him a parent at five years and three
months of our reckoning; Enoch would
be the same age when his son
Methuselah was born; and the ages of
the other patriarchs at the birth of their
children would be equally preposterous.
Of course, such conclusions absolutely
condemn the monthly theory. Conditions
among the antediluvians were totally
different from those after the flood. There
had been no rain, and the sun and
planets were not visible; in the moist
atmosphere, growth was greatly
stimulated and all natural conditions
tended to animal and vegetable
longevity, precisely as the Bible in-
dicates. Besides, as that period
produced animal types of giant
proportions, created for strength and
endurance, the analogy of nature would
seem to demand that man should bear
some harmonious proportion to his
surroundings, Genesis 6:4 (first clause)
clearly implies this. Age and stature, not
only human but otherwise, became
greatly diminished after the Flood."

Question: What all does the Bible
require of Christians concerning
forgiving others?

Answer: Jesus taught us to pray: "...
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our
debtors" (Matthew 6:12); "Take heed
to yourselves: If thy brother trespass
against thee, rebuke him; and if he
repent, forgive him. And if he trespass
against thee seven times in a day, and
seven times in a day turn again to thee,
saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him"
(Luke 17:3, 4); ". . . be ye kind one to

another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake
hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32);
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving
one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you,
so also do ye" (Colossians 3:13).
Compare all the above with "... if ye do
not forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive your
trespasses" (Mark 11:26).

When it comes to forgiveness, as in all
Christian regulations, we are called upon
to do as Christ did while here on earth, or
as He would act were He meeting at the
same time and place of testing. Let's all
consider the scriptural fact: ". . . we
have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our in-
firmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin"
(Hebrews 4:15).

Whatever may be the kind of testing or
the temptation, we are taught in God's
Holy Word that Christ has met with and
overcome the same kind of temptation;
also, that He was victorious over Satan in
the victory He gained and that in Him we
may be victorious. He forgave the thief
on the cross who had earlier joined
others in ridiculing Christ. We have often
heard it said, "It is human to err; it is
divine to forgive."

Having in the new birth been brought
in the relationship with God that He
designed for us and requires of us, we
have been made able again to act as
those made in the image and after the
likeness of our Maker. We are God's men
and no longer belong to the devil;
therefore, it behooves us to be like Christ
(the God-man) in all things.

George H. Sandison answers a closely
related question, whose answer may
help us in answering this question, on
Page 325 in, 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered, as follows:

"Our duty is to cultivate a forgiving
disposition. There is no doubt that when
the wrongdoer repents, we ought to
forgive him, even though it be seventy
times that he has offended. Toward the
hardened offender who does not repent,
we ought to feel more pity than
animosity. It may be that for his own
sake forgiveness should be withheld. It
is good for some men that they should be
taught by a sharp lesson that they must
not misbehave. But under all that, the
Christian ought to exercise a kindly
(Continued on Page 15)

i PHE

FREE WILL BAPTIST

C R A,G MONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

HELP WANTED FOR
CRAGMONT!

The week of May 24-28 has
been designated as Cragmont
Work Week. Volunteers are needed
who are willing to clean, scrub,
paint, mow, etc. to go to Cragmont
that week and help get the
assembly ready to open for the
summer. This is a good time to
really learn the needs of Cragmont.

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY, INC.
TREASURER S REPORT FOR
APRIL, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 298,
Oriental, North Carolina 28571 , treasurer
for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black
Mountain, reports as follows for the
month of April, 1976:

Balance Brought Forward
April 1, 1976

2,519.58

Churches
Sunday Schools
Auxiliary
Union Meetings

Receipts

$ 3,953.89
114.29
100.00
38.70

Sunday School Conventions 55.00
Individuals 150.00
Willis Wilson (Sale of Wire) 25.00
Interest Accrued on Savings

Accounts 223.31

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Disbursements

Operational Expenses $ 255.71
Free Will Baptist Press 28.60
Burress Insurance Agency 348.35
First-Citizens Bank

(Transfer of Funds to Main

Building Account) 2,552.69
First-Citizens Bank

(Transfer to General

Savings) 1,280.39
Transfer Interest to

General Savings

Account
Transfer Interest to

Chapel Fund
Transfer Interest to

Swimming Pool

Account

4,660.19
7,179.77

98.49

41.26

3.83

Transfer Interest to
Main Building
Account

Total Disbursements
Balance on Hand May 1 , 1 976

79.73

Earmarked Funds

General Savings Account
Main Building Account
Chapel Fund

Swimming Pool (Transferred
to Main Building Account)
General Fund
Total

4,689.05
2,490.72

$12,253.35
11,028.17
3,339.89

309.90
2.490.72
$29,422.03

NEWS FROM CRAGMONT
Linen Shower: At the Fall Convention
in 1975 the Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention decided to shower
Cragmont at the Spring Convention with
linens. Several churches participated
and Cragmont received the following: 2
sheets, 2 pillow cases, 20 bath towels,
27 bath clothes, 1 face towel, 7 dish
clothes, 9 dish towels, 1 pot holder, 2
throw rugs, 1 5 scrub clothes, and 2 bars
soap. We wish to thank those who gave,
for these items will be a great help.

Whaley's Chapel Has Program on
Cragmont: Whaley's Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church of the Eastern Conference
is observing a Denominational Enterprise
Year during 1976 by having a
representative from each of the
denominational enterprises to speak to
them. On April 4, during the evening
service, Mrs. A. B. Chandler presented a
program on Cragmont. She showed
slides, spoke on what is happening at
Cragmont, its needs, and how Cragmont
relates to our churches. That morning, in
response to a letter from Mrs. Hancock,
the church had taken an offering for
Cragmont in the amount of $150.20.
Whaley's Chapel and its pastor, the Rev.
Andrew Hill, are to be commended for
their interest in denominational work and
for their gift to Cragmont.

Central Youth Fellowship Gives Pool
Money to Main Building Fund:

Sometime ago the Central Youth
Fellowship chose as its project for the
year to give $300 toward a swimming

pool for Cragmont. Realizing that it wou
be a long time before this project cou
be completed and recognizing the neifj
of a new Main Building, the fellowsNi
voted at their Spring Convention |
transfer the money in the pool fund to tlH
Main Building Fund. The fund had drav'i
$9.90 interest, and on April 2
Cragmont's treasurer transferred til
entire amount of $309.90 to the Mai
Building account. The assembly aj
preciates the efforts and gift of these fill
young people.

State Youth Convention Gives Chap!
Money to Main Building Fund: On Ap
24, the State Youth Convention voted >
give the money they have been raisiii
for the last few years on a Chapel 1
Cragmont Project to the Main Buildih
Fund. The New Building will include!1
chapel and we thank our State Youth 1
the part they will play in providing t hi
chapel.

Youth Supports Cragmont: Our Fr

Will Baptist Youth have been active
supporting Cragmont. Several you
groups have undertaken projects to rai
money for Cragmont. Some of the you
groups we have received money frc
during 1976 are as follows: Weste*
District Youth Fellowship (Ma*
Building), $150; Sarecta YFA (Easte
Conference, $2; Sound Side Yl
(Albemarle Conference— Main Building
$120.64; Spring Branch YFA (Centi
Conference), $100; White Oak AFC (P
Dee Association— Main Building), $4
total, $412.64.

We would like to challenge all of o!
youth groups to do something special!
Cragmont. If you wish for your offering
go toward the Main Building Fund,
must be earmarked for that purpose.

Other youth have given to Cragmo
through the leagues and Sund
schools. We wish to thank all of o
youth for their interest and help.

Central District Woman's Auxilia
Convention Adds to "Cragmont Talent
Fund: Atthe Fall Convention in 1975, tl
Central District Woman's Auxilia
Convention adopted a project which w
introduced at Cragmont during tl
Woman's Conference in 1974 by Mr
Mary Lou Jackson. A "penny taleni
was given to each lady who wished
participate. Each was to do something
make her talent "grow," and bring h
talent offering back to the Sprii
Convention. The results were great! T
offerings ranged from a few cents

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

S1C. The total Cragmont Talent Offering
v. more than $1,100. Mrs. Lillie Mae
ijser, director and registrar of the
nan 's Conference at Cragmont,
es to have as much as $10,000 in the
Bit Offering at the close of the
nan's Conference this year,
ven though you may not have been
of the ladies who received a "penny
|nt" you may still participate in the
ect regardless of your district. There
many ways in which you may make
I "penny talent" grow. Some ladies
rive themselves of soda pops (or
rettes) and add the price of them to
r talent. Some redeem their grocery
pons and add the change to their
nt. Some set aside a certain amount
h day for this purpose. Others "fine"
selves a quarter or a dollar for each
nd of weight gained, or, for naughty
ds said or bad habits indulged in.
d your talents earmarked "Cragmont
nt Offering" to your district auxiliary
surer by August 1 , or better yet, take
to the Woman's Conference at
gmont, August 9-14, 1976!
oard Members Respond to
llenge: In the February 10 board
eting, members of the board were
llenged to raise $800 each (or as
ch as they could) on the initial goal of
,000 needed to begin the New
ilding. Velma Morris and members of
church, Juniper Chapel, have raised
1 . Mrs. D. W. Hancock wrote letters
various churches and her letters have
ulted in contributions totaling
19.27. Mrs. A. B. Chandler has raised
10 through the contributions of
nds. If you have been contacted by
y of the board members, please
ember that Cragmont desperately
eds your contribution.
The goal set by the board was to raise
0,000 by September 1, 1976, for the
w Main Building. As of May 10, we
ve a total in the treasury (in general
vings and a Main Building Fund) of
7,100.87. We must raise the balance
$22,899.13, or $5,724.78 a month,
jrthe next four months!
Remember that June is Cragmont
onth and the first Sunday in June is
agmont Sunday. Plan now to do
|)mething special for Cragmont on that
unday or during the month of June.
Pray for Cragmont! Visit Cragmont!
upport Cragmont!

Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer-Promotional Secretary

MISSIOMS

SILENT CHURCH BELL
RINGS AGAIN

We are speaking about the West
Hillsborough Free Will Baptist Church
that had closed its doors and its bell had
become silent on Sunday mornings. It
was a sad experience and it appeared
that the old landmark (house of worship)
was gone forever: However, the Home
Missions and Church Extension
Department heard about what had taken
place and decided to do something about
it. One of the board members, the Rev.
Grayson Spencer, agreed to accept the
challenge to reopen the church doors.

Following our readers will find a letter
from Brother Spencer and testimonies
from two of the senior members of the
church.

Taylor Hill

Secretary-Treasurer

Dear Brother Hill,

There are other oral testimonies like
the one from Sister Elizabeth Jones: "I
had almost given up hope and was in a
lukewarm condition until the West
Hillsborough church was reopened by
the home missions board. Now my hopes
are high and heaven will surely be my
home one day."

Another from Sadie Taylor: "I had no
church home until the West Hillsborough
church was reopened. Now I feel secure
and hope the doors will never close
again."

The neighbors in the westside of town
state: "We may go to other churches,
but it sure sounds good to hear the old
bell ring again at the West Hillsborough
church."

The men who gather on the corner
each Sabbath morning near the church
say, "Preacher, we are glad the church
is reopened and will soon visit inside."
(Some have visited and made
professions.) These men can hear what
is going on inside the church from where
they gather.

The Lordhasshownmywifeandmethat
we are in His blessed will here at West
Hillsborough by the souls we have seen
saved and the older members drawn
closer to Him. He has given us added
strength and support to drive 125 miles
each Sunday to keep this work open for
Him and for the Home Missions and

Church Extension Department of the
Original Free Will Baptists of North
Carolina.

In His service,
Grayson Spencer

"The West Hillsborough church has
done more recently than it has in the last
ten years. It has meant a lot to me. After
twenty some years of being a backslider,
I finally found my way back to the Lord
and now feel capable of teaching a
Sunday school lesson again. I'm glad
that I finally chose the right way again,
and I want to praise the Lord for sending
Preacher Spencer to this little church by
the side of the road. His patience with me
has been regarded by the change that
has been wrought in my life.

"Also, Mrs. Spencer has had a great
hand in helping me and the members.
The church may be small in number, but
it is large in the Spirit."— Robert L.
Tyson

Nannie Tyson, the Rev. Grayson Spencer
(Continued on Page 16

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Special ^Moments

Dear Maggie,

When I was growing up, I remember my mama and daddy always tried to en-
courage me to eat everything on my plate. My daddy even cut out pictures of starving
children in foreign lands to remind me to clean my plate. I could never understand
what good it would do those starving children if I ate everything on my plate. Now
years later as a missionary, I realize what a lesson my parents were trying to teach
me— to be concerned about others and not to be wasteful.

Since I have arrived in the Philippines, I have seen so many doing without even
the necessities of life. I have seen dirty, ragged children scrounging in trash cans for
something to eat or maybe to sell for food. It has made me realize how much the Lord
has blessed me with and how much I have to share with others. I'm so thankful to be
able to share what I have with the people I come in contact with, but most of all, the
gift that Jesus offers— eternal life.

Deborah Hines King
Missionary to the Philippines

It will take only a few minutes of your time to respond to the column. Don't keep
putting it off. Write now.

Maggie

The Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "... by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
works lest any man should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8, 9).

THE GRACE OF GOD

(Part III)

God provided grace for our salvation.
Jesus Christ brought it to us and the Holy

Spirit administers it to us. God's part
was accomplished when He gave His
only begotten Son. The Son's part was
accomplished when He declared, "It is
finished," and when He ascended into
heaven. The Holy Spirit helps us with aid
and comfort and will remain in this world
for any assistance He can give until the
rapture of the church is made. He will
then accompany us to meet the Lord in
the air and thus we will ever be with the
Lord. The Holy Spirit goes with us when
we enter the inner sanctum of God's
grace and He stays in us and makes
residence with us in our very souls. He is
a permanent part of the Christian's
household.

The love of God for us and the sacrifice
of His Son at Calvary for us is not
salvation for us until the Holy Spirit
cleanses us from sin, sets us apart, and
seals us in God's grace. We shall then be
fitted with our proper wardrobe which
includes the wedding gown for the
King's marriage. The sinner can know
this and still never be saved. The

processes of redemption must be worki
out according to God's ordained plal
Man may have a knowledge of the pi
and may be able to eulogize precis*
concerning all the minute advantages!
the redemption plan and still die and
to hell.

After all the knowledge and u
derstanding one must acquire faith. l\i
faith cannot be acquired by hum,
ingenuity or cleverness. Only God a,
put faith to work in us. It is the gift
God and not of works. This gift of fai
brings us in contact with God's grace,
is the only means available and man!i
obliged to resort to and rely complete,
upon faith to enter the divine sanctua
of God's grace. "Let us go for
therefore unto him without the cam,
bearing his reproach" (Hebrews 13:12
The heart has to be established wi]
grace or else we will not be willing
bear His reproach. Many Christians f]
to realize that there is glory in beariiy
the reproaches of Christ. As long
conditions are lovely and the demand
are not objectionable, men go along we
But when they are drawn into abuse at
required to bear the weight of burdei,
and endure the onslaughts of carele
and sinful men, the grace of God is tl
only answer. Man's reaction to this haj
and difficult reproach depends upon h
position in God's grace. This grace |
able to make one able to endure hari
ships even unto death.

Man without God's grace is complete!
and totally depraved. There is no way |
can revive himself. He is wholly witho,
merit, but he can be justified freely L
God's grace. The righteousness of Gu
by faith in Jesus Christ is imputed 9
man can be saved , "For all have sinner
and come short of the glory of Goc
(Romans 3:23); "... the wages of sin
death; but the gift of God is eternal II
through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Roma
6:23). Man is desperately depende
upon the imputed righteousness of Chr
Jesus and this is achieved by grace.

The Apostle Paul was wholly coi
scious of this when he prayed for Isr;
(see Romans 10:1-4). Paul is a go
example of what God is able to do with
man. Paul had every advantage 1
success in this world without God's hel
if such could be possible, which it is n<
He could not reach success or heav
without the help of God, neither c
anyone else. It is impossible. A zeal f
God on our part without a knowledge
God's righteousness cannot save u

s

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

1 ' . . if thou shalt confess with my mouth
''it! Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
': tjart that God hath raised him from the
dad, thou shalt be saved" (Romans
; 19).

c Salvation by grace through faith is the
,.a$wer. The right course of action is
'iterative. The right procedure is
.Mined in 2 Chronicals 7:14, and I
me: "If my people, which are called
; b my name, shall humble themselves,
ajl pray, and seek my face, and turn
frln their wicked ways; then will I hear
frm heaven, and will forgive their sin,

p;al will heal their land."

it!

Humility is a quality difficult to find in
c'tl; character of men. They act as though
0 tl y are self-contained . They do not need
Gp, they do not need other people, and
1st of all, they do not need religion,
"'in in our day is well-fixed in material
e'lti earthly conditions or things. The
wage American makes about fourteen
'tllusand dollars a year. He owns two
" ch, lives in a well-built home with
'njdern appliances and conveniences. A
glat majority of them spend their time
iln]king money or going fishing,
>ptioning, attending sports, movies, or
vh communes in disgraceful conduct.
'•In does not have time to pray or to
ssk God's face. He is not about to turn
f]m his wicked ways and therefore will
,it turn to God and the church. The
' curch does not mean as much to some
r; C ristians as the lodge or club or some
.tier man-made social events or oc-
:c!sions. Therefore, man is selling
tjiself out of God's benefits and is going
cwn the road to fire and brimstone with
,4 devil and all his demons.

1 WHAT JESUS
MEANS TO ME

s i by

Ramey Jo Dickerson

j! the following is the declamation that won first place
, irhe North Carolina State Youth Declamation Contest
'foil recently at the Lucama School during the State
' Vjth Convention. The winner was Ramey Jo
!! Ckerson, a member of the First Free Will Baptist
| C irch of Wilson . Ramey Jo is twelve years old and in
» tlj seventh grade at Winstead School. She is very

f ijlE FREE WILL BAPTIST

active in all phases of youth work, including Sunday
school class officer, leads the singing in the
children's church group, sings in a youth trio called
"The Believers," is a lovely soloist, and serves as
assistant pianist. She is a dedicated Christian and is
indeed a joy wherever she goes.

So many people have requested a copy of her
declamation that I thought perhaps if it could be
published in "The Free Will Baptist" everyone who
has requested a copy might obtain one through this
method.— Mrs. Kathleen P. Pipkin

Z'lSTEN, my friends, and please
try to see what this story
is all about and what Jesus really means
to me. I believe He was born of a virgin
for He has been born in my heart. That's
why I believe He lived a physical life on
earth, suffered death on the Cross, was
resurrected, and in any other way, I
would have no part.

A very real and a very special baby
named Jesus was born many years ago.
How do I know? Because the Bible said
it, and it must be so. As a babe, what
makes Him so special to me? Well, I just
know that when He cried, His mother
comforted Him; and when He smiled, His
mother was very happy. My own mother
must have loved that baby Jesus boy.
Could that be the reason she thinks I'm
her pride and joy? His mother, Mary,
watched over Him with love and ten-
derness and became anxious when He
was out of her sight.

Just like my mother, she must have
tucked Him in at night. It seems I can
hear her softly say, when she watched
Him looking so peaceful, "Son, one day
you're going to be an unusual man
because God has revealed it to me in His
great plan." Oh, how I would like to have
been there and touched His soft, sweet,
face even though I wouldn't have known
that one day He would grow up and by a
special miracle, save me by His grace.
Just like me, Jesus grew in statue, but
so much wisdom He had in store that by
His questions, He stunned the doctors

and lawyers even more.

That is about all Jesus meant to me as
a child. Now I begin to see Him older, but
still gentle, meek, and mild. Jesus loved
and blessed little children while He lived
here on earth. That must be the reason
children now have so much energy, so
much joy, and so much mirth. He went
about teaching people of things that
would come to pass. He was never too
tired to heal the sin-sick or to heal a pain-
filled body among a crowded mass!

My own life was touched by His
healing at the age of three. When I was
suddenly stricken with hyperthes, a
deformed hip, the doctor said that two
years on crutches was the best he could
see for me. But, faith and prayers of
Christians brought wonders by the
score. After seven weeks on crutches, it
happened— I was healed, and celebrated
my happiest birthday at the age of four.

It hurts deeply when I see someone
mistreat those I love. So, when I read
how people were cruel and crucified
Jesus, I was glad that His heavenly
Father took Him to His home above. As a
Christian, I still feel like He really walks
and talks with me. Sometimes it seems
that I can almost touch Him. And, oh,
how like Him I want to be! He is so close
to me when I am joyful, but He is also
close to me when I am sad. He is with me
when I am in danger, and for that I am
especially glad. He watches over me
when I am sick and He watches over me
when I am well. He rebukes me when I
sin, and praises me when I do good. So,
about this one Jesus, there will always
be a story to tell.

I believe in the holy Trinity— God the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as One;
but the Son, Jesus, means more to me
because He was God's only Son.

The good news never ends and the
story never grows old. He still calls His
own to be teachers, preachers, healers
among the chosen few, to win for Him a
soul. Yes, He's still my Jesus, my
Saviour, and my friend. All this and more
is what Jesus means to me, and will until
my life comes to an end. But even more,
He promises that we will be like Him, and
with Him, on that beautiful heavenly
shore. Yes, with my Jesus and your
Jesus forever . . . forever more.

Jesus, I do love you. I want you to
know that I long to be near you wherever
I go. My prayer is to do the best that I
can do, and I just want to tell you,
"Jesus, I do love you!"

9

/Yeatd. and AbJed

of Denominational Interest

Group From Wilson Church Toured Washington, D. C.

A group of 85 young people and adults
from the First Free Will Baptist Church in
Wilson charted two buses and went to
Washington, D. C. on Thursday, April
22.

The group toured the city of
Washington, stopping at various places
of interest, including the Arlington

"The Coming Invasion of Israel"
To Be Shown at Wilson Church

A film entitled, "The Coming Invasion
of Israel", will be shown Sunday night,
May 23, at 7:30, at the First Free Will
Baptist Church in Wilson. This hard

National Cemetary, where they visited
the graves of John F. Kennedy and
Robert Kennedy. They also visited the
Capitol Building and the National Zoo.

It was a long and busy day filled with
plenty of sightseeing and wonderful
fellowship. The Rev. Clyde W. Cox is the
pastor.

hitting film deals with today's headlines
from the Middle East. Using the Bible as
its authority, in Ezekiel 36—39 and
Daniel 1 1 , it reviews God's plan for Israel
as that nation faces grave crises in the
months to come.

One of the phenomenons wl
characterizes the modern world is 1
rapid rise of Russia to the place of onf
the great nations of the world. (|
twenty years ago Russia was a brol
nation, its manpower destroyed, its cij
in ruins, and its industries disorgani;}
Today unquestionably, Russia is on i
the greatest military and political povl
of all history. What does the Bible I
about this great power? How does j
nation fit in God's plan? These and o'i
questions are dealt with in this unuij
film which will be presented.

The pastor, the Rev. Clyde W. (
extends an invitation to all to come
view this film.

Little Rock Church Host
To Western Youth Fellowship

The Western District Youth Fellows]
will meet on Saturday, May 22, with
Little Rock Free Will Baptist Church]
Lucama. The fellowship will begin)
7:30 p. m., and all the youth of
district as well as visitors are invitee;]
attend. The host pastor is the 11
DeWayne Eakes.

Pleasant Grove Church to
Host Western Union

The First Union of the West
Conference will convene with Pleas
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Pikevi
on Saturday, May 29. Following is;
program. The moderator is William 1
The clerk is C. F. Bowen. (No after!
service.)

10:00— Devotional, Joey Crumpler
10:15— Welcome Address, Jan

Lupton, Host Pastor
— Response, Johnny Howell
10:20— Business Session
11:00— News from Denominatio

Enterprises
1 1 : 20 — Report of Committees
11 :30— Morning Worship:

Congregational Singing a

Special Music

Offering forthe Children's Hoi
Sermon, Ashley Turn
Alternate, Rudy Owens
12:30— Adjournment and Lunch

Gospel Sing to Be Held
At Otter's Creek Church

A gospel sing will be held at Otte
Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Route
Macclesfield, Saturday evening, May;
featuring the "Young Christians"

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

5gw Hill. The singing will begin at 7:30

'he pastor, the Rev. Ralph Aycock,
the entire church wish every one
enjoys good singing to come out and
„/ith them on this occassion.

s u' be Fear Union Meets
" h Hopewell Church

The Union Meeting of the Cape Fear
.iference will convene with the
Jewell Free Will Baptist Church, Route
Smithfield, Saturday, May 29, in a
rning session only. The moderator,
Rev. C. M. Coats, will be presiding.
Bcial music will be rendered by the
it church with the church pianist
pjying for the union. The program is as
Mows:

j 00— Hymn, Congregation
1 ! —Devotions, the Rev. Edmundo
Gonzalez
—Welcome, Host Church
5] —Response, H. T. Hinson
!|20— Enrollment of Officers
Ministers

— Recognition of Visitors

— Reading Minutes of Last Union
—Appointment of Committees

— Roll Call of Churches

— Report of Denominational
-■ \ Enterprises

e| —Miscellaneous Business
M15— Hymn, Congregation
;|| —Special Music, Host Church
ijj —Offering and Offertory Prayer
;r-j —Message, the Rev. Luby Tyner
1f:00— Report of Treasurer

— Unfinished Business

— Benediction and Adjournment

— Lunch and Christian Fellowship

and

isberry Revival
progress

Revival services are in progress this
kek at the Hillsberry Free Will Baptist
Sprch, Clinton. Services will continue
Tough Friday evening, May 21, with
I Rev. Lloyd Hargis doing the
■aching . Services are beginning each
3fning at 7:45 with the pastor, the Rev.
Rhnie Parker, assisting. The public is

dially invited to attend the remainder

he services.

Rigious Freedom Day
Dserved at Warsaw Church

'Post 10345 of the Veterans of Foreign
aws of Kenansville held a week-long
teebration of the bicentennial April
I- May 1. Each of the seven days

pHIE FREE WILL BAPTIST

featured a special phase of the Post
10345's activities in the community,
celebrating the 200th anniversary of
America.

The celebration began with "Religious
Freedom Day" on Sunday, April 25, with
a mass attendance of the post at the
Warsaw Free Will Baptist Church in
Warsaw. The pastor of the church, the
Rev. John Raeford Lee, brought a most
inspiring message from Titus 2, taking
his text from Verse 15, "These things
speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. . . ." Mr. Lee stated that a
great God is still blessing a great nation
founded on the freedom of worship. He
welcomed the VFW with remarks about
the struggles of the past 200 years to
maintain independence and freedom to
worship God as one pleases.

During the service the youth choir of
the church rendered special music. The
choir sang "Had It Not Been for Jesus,"
followed with little Carol Benson, six
years old, singing "Hallelujah Square."
The youth choir then sang "The Battle
Hymn of the Republic" and the nation's
national anthem, "The Star-Spangled
Banner."

Following the benediction by the
chairman of the board of deacons, Mr.
Robert Benson, the ladies of the church
served a delicious lunch in the fellowship
hall of the church.

Cragmont Films to Be Shown
At Bethany Church

Youth Weekend Revival
At St. Mary's Church

The youth of Saint Mary's Free Will
Baptist Church of New Bern is spon-
soring a weekend revival Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday, May 21-23. The
theme for the revival will be "Bring Them
In," with the Rev. Howard Scott of Kenly
as the evangelist. Mrs. Diane Riley will
be directing the music for the weekend.

Friday, May 21, will be "Pack-a-
Pew" night; Saturday, May 22, "Bus
Them In" night, with area churches
especially invited. The youth choir from
the Holly Springs Free Will Baptist
Church will bring special music at this
service. On Sunday, May 23, Youth
Sunday will be observed at Saint Mary's
church.

The pastor, the Rev. Rod Jones, along
with the youth and the church mem-
bership as a whole, invites the public to
attend these services.

Wednesday evening, May 19, at 7:30,
Mr. Hulon Whitehead of Kinston will
present films taken of several YFA and
AFC weeks of camp at Cragmont
Assembly, Inc., Black Mountain, at the
Bethany Free Will Baptist Church, Route
1, Winterville. The pastor, the Rev.
Bobby Taylor, and the church mem-
bership cordially invite the public to
attend.

Earl Glenn to Conduct
Living Waters Revival

The Living Waters Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Pikeville, announces
its spring revival for the week of May 24-
28. The Rev. Earl Glenn, pastor of the
First Free Will Baptist Church of
Goldsboro, will be the evangelist for the
services which will begin each evening at
7:30. Assisting Mr. Glenn will be the
pastor of Living Waters church, the Rev.
Jeff Scarborough. Everyone is en-
couraged to attend these services and
enjoy the worship and Christian
fellowship.

li

THE GREATER FAMILY

Lesson Text: Galatians 6:1-10
Memory Verse: Romans 15:1,2

I. INTRODUCTION

At the very beginning of man's life
there was one who asked of the Lord,
"Am I my brother's keeper?" God did
not see fit to reply to this question, but
His actions on this occasion and the plain
teachings of the Scripture on many
occasions, let us know in no uncertain
terms that we must show concern for the
welfare and the well-being of others.

Though we are admonished
throughout the teachings of the gospel to
love our fellowmen, even as we love
ourselves, the love of Christians for
brothers and sisters within the
household of faith is doubly stressed.
Our affection for them should be unique
in that we have a twofold responsibility to
them. We are brothers and sisters to
them in that all of us are members of the
family of man, and we are brothers and
sisters to them in that we are brothers
and sisters in Christ.

The church from its very beginning
recognized its responsibility not only to
save the souls of the lost and minister to
the spiritual needs of the congregation,
but also to help the poor, the needy, and
the unfortunate to find a better life.

The church has long recognized the
importance of the family group to society
and to the progress of the kingdom work,
and thus it has implemented many
programs which encourage family
worship and the strengthening of the ties
which serve to bind family together into a
harmonious group.— The Senior
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Many people seem to think that
the church is an organization of perfect
people, but it is not. The church is an
organization of people who have been
saved by God's grace. They still have
human weaknesses and imperfections
and are trying with God's help to
overcome them. If we fail to realize this

truth we will miss the whole point of this
lesson today.

B. Since we are all imperfect and
have weaknesses and sins in our lives,
we must not feel superior and look down
upon other people. This seems to be one
of the very first requisites for helping
people. We must accept the other person
with his weaknesses and imperfections
before we can help him. We can never
help the other person if we approach his
weakness with a judgmental attitude.

C. It is the will of God that Christians
bear one another's burdens. We can
bear one another's burden in material
help when the need arises. Then we can
bear one another's burden in prayer and
sympathetic understanding. If Christians
would do this for one another the church
would become a healing community
where all could find help.

D. There is a sense in which each
man has to bear his own burden. No one
can be saved for us, and no one can bear
the guilt of our sins. There is an old
saying which some people believe is in
the Bible, but we have not been able to
find it, but it is true: "Every tub shall sit
on its own bottom."

E. After reading the Scripture for
today and studying this lesson each of us
should ask himself this question: "What
is my attitude toward helping other
people to overcome their faults and
weaknesses?"

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. One of the saddest defects of the
Christian church is seen in the
narrowness and bigotry of individual
religious affiliations. Ever since the
Protestant Reformation there have been
sects and denominations that have
asserted the belief that theirs was the
only "true" church. The fact is that
while there may be many such groups,
indeed, hundreds of them, there is only
one family of God— the greater
family— which is composed of all
redeemed Christians, whatever
denomination they belong to.

Justin Martyr, one of the earl
Christian writers, said, "We who o
hated and murdered one another,
who would not enjoy the hearth
common with strangers on account of
difference of our customs, now live
common with them, since the
pearance of Christ; we pray for
enemies; we seek to persuade those \
hate us unjustly, that they may dii
their lives according to the glori
doctrines of Christ, and may share vj
us the joyful hope of enjoying the s<|
privileges from God, the Lord of
things. "—The Advanced Quart
(F. W. B.)

B. In a moving story, The Search
Anna Fisher, the authoress, Flore
Fisher, an adopted child, tells of
quest to locate her real parents, an ef
that occupied many years of her life. '
was obsessed with a desire to find
own roots, to know her true identity !
hereditary background. She fn'
admits that in order to accomplish I
goal she lied occasionally, resorter
deception when necessary, and e
contemplated thievery. The picture j
she paints of herself is, from
viewpoint of Christian ethics, not ag!
one. Yet she who freely admits her \\
errors is hypercritical of her adopj
parents because of the errors they rrr1
in rearing her.

Why her own parents, who gave;
physical birth and then put her up
adoption, should be glamorized w!
those who sacrificed to rear her she
be criticized is difficult to understal
How much better if she could have s|
that her adoptive parents, tho'
fallible, were trying to help her re
maturity. How much better had '
cooperated with them rather than re
them. We suspect that had she lived i
her natural parents she might have io\
some weaknesses in them too.

We Christians can take a lesson,
must recognize that the church,
family of God, is never perfect. It is t
to criticize, to point out the chun
weaknesses. It is more difficult to I
the church improve. A family can be < I
as good as its members want it to
How good do you want your chi
family to be?

God intends for His church on earti
be a beautiful foretaste of the peace
loving scene of heaven. Are you hel|
make it so?— Standard Lesson C
mentary

12

THE FREE WILL BAPT

STORIES

for our youth

i„, A NEW HOME FOR
GRETA

Mi; |

P Joyce Nelms

3JW USTY hugged Greta close to
|1 him. Hot tears dripped down
jjjp her thick brown fur. Maybe it
ijln't grown-up for a ten-year-old boy
j|ry, he thought, but the sting of Dad's
Ijijfds was still ringing in his ears.
or,| J' We 'II have to find a good home for
l(i i ta. She's growing larger everyday,
y,jiJ keeping a German shepherd in an
roIrtment wouldn't be fair to the dog,"
[M had declared.

Jpsty lay across the bed, feeling as if
heart would break. He would never
!(pet the rainy afternoon he had found
" |j|ta huddled by the schoolyard gate,
:fd, wet, and hungry. Rusty tried to find
, h| owner, but there was no reply to his
(jkin the newspaper or to his notice on
;|t school bulletin board. He had been
1(Main Greta was his forever, until Dad's
Element had shattered his hopes.
,i]Kusty liked his apartment home, but
Jilt now, for the first time in his life,
a!jlj3ty wished he lived in a house with the
i,Igest yard in the world. He just
jjildn't give Greta up. What could he
(J| He could pray about it, he finally
Elided. God could give him the courage
Jdo whatever was right, no matter how
'Jjficult.

;, J'Would you take this package over to
3|s. Young?" his mother called to him.
.[here are dresses inside that need
^rations."

', ' / 'Sure, Mom," Rusty replied. "I'll
Me Greta with me. She can use the
le?rcise."

j, jMrs. Young was a widow and sup-
'pfted herself and Tim by sewing. Rusty
.CiJ I d see Tim sitting near the window,
'ta he knew it was useless to wave, for
Tn had been blind from birth. Thinking

about Tim made Rusty realize what a
blessing it was just to be able to see and
enjoy all the wonders of God's creation.

As Rusty entered the cozy living room,
Tim closed the cover of his book. Once
Tim had shown him the Braille book with
all the raised dots and explained how he
could read with the tips of his fingers.

"I was just wishing for company,"
Tim smiled. "Say, Rusty, my aunt sent
me an excellent Braille checker set. How
about a game?"

Rusty's mother had given him per-
mission to stay awhile at Tim's, so he
replied, "Sounds like fun! By the way,
I've brought Greta. Remember the
German shepherd I found a few months
ago?"

Suddenly the smile disappeared from
Tim's face; Rusty was puzzled. He was
certain Tim liked animals, but there was
something about Greta's being there that
upset him.

Something caught Rusty's eye as he
reached for the checkers. He didn't
mean to snoop, but he couldn't help
seeing the title of a book lying there,
King: The Story of a Guide Dog. Did this

book have anything to do with Tim's
strange attitude toward Greta?

When each of the boys had won a
game, Rusty noticed the clock.
"Whoops! It's nearly suppertime. It's
been so much fun, but I must go now. I'll
be seeing you, Tim."

On the way home, Rusty's curiosity
grew until he found himself at the library.
Quickly he found the book he wanted and
read a few pages. A thought was
beginning to grow which he decided to
discuss with his father after supper.

Mom's special chocolate pie finished
the meal; and as Dad reached for the
evening paper, Rusty said, "Dad,
there's something I'd like to talk to you
about."

Laying his paper down, his father
said, "What's on your mind, son?"

"Could Greta be trained as a guide
dog for the blind?" he asked,
swallowing a lump in his throat.

"Why, yes, I suppose so," Dad
nodded. "She's less than a year old,
and a German shepherd. What makes
you ask?"

"Tim Young," Rusty answered,
rubbing Greta behind the ears. "If Tim
had a dog to be his eyes, he could go to
the park just like other boys. The Youngs
have a nice big back yard, and since I
must find a new home for Greta, I'd like
for Greta to be with Tim."

"I'm proud of you, Rusty," Dad
smiled. "Let's go and talk with Mrs.
Young right now."

Rusty would never forget the bright
smile on Tim's face or the tears of joy in
Mrs. Young's eyes.

"It's just what I've been praying
for!" Tim exclaimed. "Now I won't have
to wait any longer. There's such a long
waiting list at the Seeing Eye Dog
Agency, but now there will be no more
waiting for me."

Just as if Greta understood, she
jumped up on Tim and began licking his
face. "I can see right now you two are
going to be a perfect team," Rusty said,
smiling bravely. "And, Greta, you'll
have a nice big yard to play in."

Walking back home, Rusty was
happy, extremely happy. 'You know,
Dad," Rusty smiled as he looked up at
his father, "it surely is wonderful; God
made one dog answer two prayers! ' '

"Yes," his father responded proudly,
"and I'm so glad you were a part of that
answer, too, my son!"— Guide for
Juniors

'cSE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

Ejyitdjpjfu

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

MOU

fr^lrlir^frMfe

GIFTS TO
MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to Moye Library during the month
of April, 1976, totaled $268.50 and are
as follows:

In Memory Of

Mr. Roger R. Ackiss by Mr. and Mrs.
Harold Herring Jr., Mount Olive; Mrs. 0.
E. Willoughby and Miss Sara Willough-
by, Ahoskie; and Marie, Harvey, and
Anita Whitford, Vanceboro.

Mrs. Emma Allen by Mr. and Mrs.
Almond Warrick, Clayton.

Mr. Paul Avera by Mr. and Mrs.
Franklin Baker, Wilson; and Mr. and
Mrs. James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Dr. W. H. Crumpler by Mr. and Mrs.
Doug Connor, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Lelia L Davenport by Dr. and
Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. William Hayward Hardy by Dr. and
Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Kate Lewis by Mrs. Mildred F.
Meacham, Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette
Raper, Mr. and Mrs. Norwood Sutton,
and Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Patterson,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Harry Markley by Dr. and Mrs.
Michael Pelt, Mount Olive.

Mr. Wilbur S. Martin by Mr. and Mrs.
E. C. Armstrong, Trenton; Mr. and Mrs.
G. C. Simmons III, Lenoir; and Mr. and
Mrs. Paul Burroughs, New Bern.

Mrs. Fannie Overman by Mr. and Mrs.
Avery Sasser, Kenly; and Dr. and Mrs.
W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. T. E. Peterson by Mrs. Doris
Kornegay, Mr. and Mrs. Willis A. Brown,
and Mr. and Mrs. Zach D. Cox, Mount
Olive.

Mrs. Arthur B. Price by Miss Thelma
Dilday, Albertson.

Ms. Hazel Raper by Woman's
Auxiliary, Kenly Free Will Baptist
Church, Kenly.

Mrs. Martha Belle Thomas by Mrs.
Helen T. Beaman, Snow Hill.

Miss Pat Walker by Miss Kathy Talton,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Hubert Warwick by Dr. and Mrs.
W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Madybelle Weaver by Pleasant
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Pikeville.

Mr. Thomas H. Wilson by Dr. and
Mrs. W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. Alex Thomas Wise by Mrs. Helen
T. Beaman, Snow Hill.

In Honor Of

Colonel Robert W. Tart by Oak Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Newton Grove.

The Rev. and Mrs. S. A. Smith by Mr.
and Mrs. Robert L. Tripp, Ayden.

MISS COX WINS
PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIP

Miss Vickie Sue Cox won the
President's Scholarship and was
awarded the $100 scholarship at Awards
Day at Mount Olive College on Thursday,
April 29.

Sue is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.
J. Cox of Route 1 , Vanceboro. They attend
Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

The President's Award is given to the
freshman student who has made the
greatest contribution to the enrichment
and improvement of the College during
her or his first year.

The winner is selected by secret ballot
of the student body and has her or his
name engraved on a permanent plaque to
remain on display at the College.

Sue served as freshman class
president, on the Student Government
Council, Dorm Council, and the Christian
Music Festival Committee. She sang in
the "Mount Olive College Chorus" and
with the "New Creations." Sue will be a
counselor at Eagles Nest Summer Camp
this summer.

APPLICATIONS ARE UP
50 PERCENT

Applications for the fall semester are

up 50 percent over the same time
year, Russell Duncan, director of
missions, reported.

"We provided more than $300, Of.
financial aid this year and there will b
increase in tuition for the 1971
year," Duncan said. He added that r
scholarships are available to qual
students and all students atten
Mount Olive or any other private col
or university will receive $200 in <
aid.

However, he said that rooms are
available for both men and women
applications are still being accepted
financial aid available to any stiii
needing it.

Enrollment for the past fall seme
and the present spring semester are
records.

Interested students should cor
Olive College, Mount Olive,
Carolina 28365; telephone, (919)
2502.

SPEAKER ENLIGHTENS
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

by Dr. Michael Pelt

Dr. Lawrence Goodwyn, director o
Oral History Program at Duke Univer
was the guest speaker at the semian
meeting of the Free Will Baptist Histoj
Society on May 3, in the Olive Rooni
the Mount Olive College campus.

In his address, Dr. Goodwyn stre^
the importance of any group in soc
taking charge of their history
preserving and writing it themselvei
Free Will Baptists do not write their i
history, others will do if for them or it
not get done. If others write the histof|
the denomination it will not satisfy;)
needs of Free Will Baptists who ougljj
take control of their own history.

In using the techniques of oral hist
Free Will Baptists can do a better jo
preparing their history than an}
outside the denomination, Good
projected.

They know who the best sources
and can obtain information from tl
sources which even a professi
historian outside the church could
get.

Those inside the church know vi
facts are relevant and would be
likely to follow leads that are urf
portant.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPT

he technique of oral history involves
ojing interviews with persons having
■arch such as the history of a local
Jri-rch or the biography of an individual.
I approach holds considerable
rmise for Free Will Baptists who are in
process of gathering information
It the history of our denomination.

io\&: The Free Will Baptist Historical
ety is sponsoring a pilgrimage to
y Free Will Baptist churches on
day, July 18, 1976. Details on the
■image will be forthcoming. Also,
me interested in joining the Historical
sfilety may obtain more information by
tacting Miss Louise Edgerton, Route
set fikeville, North Carolina 27863.)

ATTENTION
LL MINISTERS AND CHURCHES
3F THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

ince Brothers Bobby Brown and
iam B. Stroud of Newport, while they
e licensed ministers of the Eastern
ference of Original Free Will Baptists,
ated the ordination procedures of the
tern Conference and the "Statement
:aith and Discipline of Original Free
Baptists of North Carolina" by going
the Palmetto Conference in South
; olina and being ordained there, these
v brethren are not recognized by the
li;tern Conference as Free Will Baptist
nisters, and therefore are not ap-
iwed for any ministerial services within
0i| Eastern Conference of its member
^rches.

Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Dudley, Secretary
/ Eastern Conference

Examining Board

: Questions & Answers

J (Continued from Page 5 )

Jing toward the wrongdoer, ought not
ope vindictive, and should be ready to
jjlive when he shows contrition. We
J'jjeve that God loves the sinner while
■np his sin, and we should try to be
1 him in that. We, who have done so
rch for which we hope God will forgive
I can surely afford to forgive those who
we injured us. The man who has done
1 injury and is not penitent is in the
qjater need of forgiveness, though he is
entitled to it. We should pity him."

FTOE free will baptist

MINISTER'S WIDOWS' FUND

Raymond W. Hardison

New Bern

LIST

Lloyd Hargis

The following is

a list

of ministers

Dwight Hawley

Blakely, Ga.

participating in the

Ministers' Widows'

Leslie Hawley
Taylor Hill

Kenly
Fayetteville

Fund as of May 13, 1976.

Any Original

James E. Howard

Merritt

Free Will Baptist

minister of North

Joseph H. Ingram

Goldsboro

Carolina who desires to participate may

Paul Jenkins

Kannapolis

do so by sending ten dollars ($10) to the
Board of Superannuation. For any ad-

James F. Johnson
Joe H. Johnson
Emmitt Jones

Hamlet
Kenly
Mount Olive

ditional information

contact the North

0. B. Jones

Tarboro

Carolina Board of Superannuation, c/o

Marshall Joyner

Winterville

the Rev. Walter Reynolds, P

. 0. Box 474,

James V. Joyner

Kenly

Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

A. Graham Lane
W. 0. Lassiter

New Bern
Four Oaks

R.W. Allman

Saratoga

John R. Lee

Four Oaks

Kemery Ard

Clayton

William L. Littleton

Beulaville

Henry Armstrong

Dunn

James Lupton

Pikeville

J. R. Aycock

Kenly

L. B. Manning

Fountain

Owen K. Arthur Jr.

Aurora

W. A. Martin

Benson

Gary Bailey

Ayden

W. R. Martin

Micro

L. E. Ballard

Greenville

Robert May

Ahoskie

Jimmie L Barfield

Kenly

W. J. Mayo

Winterville

Lloyd Barnette

Kinston

Ed Miles

Goldsboro

W. D. Barrow

Dunn

Hilery Minchew

Kenly

N. D. Beamon

Snow Hill

Rom L. Moore

Clayton

Edgar Benton

Fremont

W. L. Moretz

Swannonoa

Luther Bissette

Sims

E. C. Morris

Walstonburg

Dewey Boling

Clayton

J. B. Narron

Charleston, S. C.

C. F. Bowen

Goldsboro

Billy Nowell

Dunn

W. L. Brickhouse

Columbia

C. H. Overman

Ayden

Franklin Brinson

Stokes

John Owens

Mount Olive

Gene Britt

Clayton

W. C. Overton

Ahoskie

Thomas Brooks

Thomasville

L. L. Parker

Sneads Ferry

Noah Brown

Morehead City

Walton E. Parrish

Kenly

Dallas Bryson

Holly Ridge

C. L. Patrick

Walstonburg

Hubert Burress

Pinetops

Michael Pelt

Mount Olive

Jesse Caton

Raleigh

Jack Phillips Jr.

New Bern

Roy L. Cauley

Dover

Cedric D. Pierce Jr.

Dunn

A. B. Chandler

Oriental

W. M. Pollard

Greenville

F. B. Cherry

Pine Level

Wesley Price

Seven Springs

R. C. Cherry

Micro

W. B. Raper

Mount Olive

CM. Coats

Smithfield

Charles Renfrow

Fremont

Clyde Cox

Kenly

Walter Reynolds

Ayden

M. E. Cox

Durham

Clifton Rice

Kinston

E. F. Crary

Kinston

Fred Rivenbark

Durham

W. L. Dale

Goldsboro

J. E. Rowe

Newport

Wilson Dowdy

Garner

R. T. Sasser

Wilson

Bruce Dudley

Mount Olive

Boyd Shook

Selma

Lester L. Duncan Jr.

Wilson

Floyd Smith

Selma

DeWayne Eakes

Lucama

S. A. Smith

Beulaville

E. E. Edwards

Aurora

Preston Smith

Kenly

Eddie Edwards

Vanceboro

Grayson L. Spencer

Trinity

J. A. Evans

Seven Springs

J. Walter Stanley

Four Oaks

0. B. Everett Sr.

Sneads Ferry

J. B. Starnes

Newport

T. C Farmer

Beaufort

Willie Stilley

New Bern

Graham Faucette

Kenly

Eugene Sumner

Raleigh

Wiley Ferrell

Selma

Ralph Sumner

Bridgeton

Bill Futch

Kinston

Luther Swinson

New Bern

Foy Futrelle

Goldsboro

E. C. Taylor

Benson

Francis Garner

Pinetown

Cooper P. Thompson

Four Oaks

C Felton Godwin

Newton Grove

J. Elmer Thompson

Smithfield

J. B. Godwin

Selma

Bobby Taylor

Winterville

M. E. Godwin

Dunn

Lloyd Vernon

Mount Olive

W. J. Godwin

Clarendon

J. D. Vernelson

Belhaven

Edmundo G. Gonzalez

Smithfield

Levie J. Ward

Tabor City

Donald A. Gray

Deep Run

John R. Williams

Wilson

George Greene

Elm City

W. H.Willis

Kinston

Bobby Harrell

Seven Springs

Willis Wilson

Winterville

C B. Hansley

Newport

L. B. Woodall Jr.

Smithfield

D. W. Hansley

LaGrange

Herman Wooten

Garner

James Hardee

Elizabethtown

Marvin Waters

Pinetown

15

COM,

XJBRABY

DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, WM8

Family Fireside

(Continuned from Page 4)
our Lord :

Resting on the fullness of His own sure
Word:

Resting on His wisdom, on His love

and power :
Resting on His covenant, from hour to

hour.

Resting and believing, let us onward
press,

Resting on Himself; the Lord our

righteousness !
Resting and rejoicing, let the saved

ones sing,
Glory, glory, glory unto Christ our

King.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
The most complete rest to be found
is to rest on the Lord Jesus Christ. If
we take our burdens to Him, and
completely surrender our life to Him,
we will have peace and contentment.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

COMING EVENTS . . .

June 7— Summer School Registration for
the First Session, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

June 20— Eagles Nest Summer Camp
Begins, Located Near Dudley, North

Carolina, and Sponsored by Mot
Olive College, Mount Olive, Noi
Carolina

MISSIONS

(Continued from Page 7)

"It has been a real pleasure i
inspiration to me to have Preacl
Spencer and his wife here to reopen
West Hillsborough church. Through \\
ministry and influence, my son
dedicated his life to the Lord. This
made a great change in our home. Sii
the church reopened under the missk
board I have only missed about four
five Sundays. I will soon be 92 yej
old."— Nannie Tyson

NOTICE

NOTICE

ALL FREE WILL BAPTISTS ARE CORDIALLY
INVITED TO ATTEND
FOUNDERS' DAY
at the

FREE WILL BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME
Middlesex, North Carolina
on

Saturday, May 22, 1976

NOTICE

10:30 A. M.— Worship Service, The Rev. Robert May, Speaker
12:00 A. M.— Lunch (Bring Vegetables, Bread, and Desserts)

1:00 P. M.— Gospel Singing

2:30 P. M.— Tour of Campus and Outdoor Games

BRING YOUR GIFTS AND MOTHER'S DAY OFFERINGS
FOR THE HOME

16

THE FREE WILL BAPT1

I

ihe free Dill baptist

I MAY 27 1976

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 1976

During time of turmoil, unrest, or any type of
discord, talking about Jesus can produce the tranquility
desired.

"Let's Talk About Jesus!"

by the Rev. L. E. Ballard

This writer knows but little about Mrs. Ruth Stapleton, who is an evangelist of
some note in certain groups of religious people, except that she is a sister of Jimmy
Carter, the leading contender at this time for the Democratic nomination for President
of the United States.

Mrs. Stapleton was the featured speaker at a recent interdenominational
conference in the state of New York, and many people attended the meeting, ex-
pecting Mrs. Stapleton to make some use of the occasion to boost the candidacy of
her brother. But to the suprise of all, she did not so much as mention his name. When
questioned later about this, she is said to have replied, "I just talked about Jesus."
This reply suggests a bit of editorializing.

How little we talk about Jesus compared with what we talk about other things!
Even we preachers can get together sometimes and talk for an hour or more without
one mention of the One who, more than anyone or anything else, should occupy our
thoughts and conversations.

In the early days of Cragmont Assembly, one of the most popular songs sang by
those who attended the youth conferences was entitled "Let's Talk About Jesus."
We remember when the General Youth Conference met in 1961— the last session in
which both the North Carolina Convention and the National Association was
represented on the staff— and feelings were running high with some people on both
sides of the denominational controversy trying to propagate their ideas generally
through meetings. We had two consecrated young women on the staff, who were
good friends despite the fact that their families and close friends were on opposite
sides in the controversy. Noting increasing efforts of a few to inject discord into the
group, these girls became distressed and spent a big part of one night in prayer
together. In a meeting in the tabernacle the next morning, the subject of the dif-
ferences was brought up, whereupon the two girls went to the platform and started
singing together, "Let's Talk About Jesus." As they sang, their voices trembled
with emotion, and the emotion spread through the group in the auditorium. Soon
everybody was singing with deep emotion. Over and over the two girls led in the
singing of the song, until the minds of everybody were moved far from the desire to
engage in controversies; and no more during the week was any effort made to get the
young people involved in the denominational dispute. Together the rest of that week,
young people from churches on the verge of withdrawing from the North Carolina
Convention to go with the National Association and young people from churches
having no intention of ever leaving the North Carolina group, worked and prayed
together as though there was no trouble at all, and simply talked about Jesus.

We do not advocate a lot of sometimes confusing chanting of individual in-
terpretations of the things Jesus taught, but why not talk more about the wonderful
Man, Jesus, who "went about doing good," setting examples of helpfulness, love
and friendship among all people? Of course we must never shun an opportunity to
present Him as the Saviour and tell of the wonderful salvation His sacrifice made
possible, but in our associations together as Christians, we need to strengthen one
another with relating our experiences "walking and talking with Jesus" as a dear
friend and companion. It is hard to work criticism of one another and backbiting of a
neighbor into conversation about Jesus.

"Let's talk about Jesus," friend. What do you know about Him that you can tell
me for my edification and encouragement?

(Editor's Note: Please understand that Mr. Ballard, through his editorial or
personal discourse, has no intention to bring to rememberance sad occasions
or to open discussion concerning the dispute of the early sixties. He is showing
that "talking about Jesus" together and in the proper spirit can produce
harmony, even in the heat of discord. )

Cover Photo by Walter Reynolds

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MAY 26, 1976
Volume 91 Numbel

Edited and published weekly by the Free \
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Sacc1
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina;

All materials to be placed in any issue m
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this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily ret
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of I
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for 6j
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under the title or to the person submitting j
article.

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the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbi
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secret
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FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

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Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assis
Editor of Literature; Raymond T Sas
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTI|:

REMINISCING AND
NOTE BURNING

Oak Grove Church
Vanceboro, North Carolina
by Mildred M. Cox

i ASTER Sunday, April 18, was a
II special day for the members of
k Grove Free Will Baptist Church near
anceboro. On this particular day our
anks were twofold: First, this is the
i|y that all Christians worship a living
viour. We know that Christ lives, that
died on the Cross, arose the third
y, and thereby provides redemption for
ery man. This does not mean,
wever, that the whole world is
thomatically saved; no! God's wrath
ides on unbelievers. John states in his
spel, Chapter 3, Verse 36, "He that
llieveth on the Son hath everlasting life:
id he that believeth not the Son shall
t see life; but the wrath of God abideth
I him." Second, this is also the day for
note-burning ceremony and the
[dication of our parsonage to the Lord
id His service.

We felt very humble in our hearts as
k pastor, the Rev. LaWayne Poston,
ad the familiar Scripture from Luke 24.
ien to the surprise of the congregation,
r. Poston asked for the oldest man
esent, the oldest woman, the oldest
farried couple, the youngest married
tuple, the mother with the oldest child,
Id the couple with the youngest child to
Ime forward. He brought out the fact
Jat these were symbolic of how the
lurch was founded and had functioned
pwn through the generations, with the
hunger generation gradually becoming
iie future church.

As we sat there looking at these
pople our minds began to reminisce. We
iimembered many instances that led to
|is day. We have had many wonderful
id dedicated people working as ser-
ants of the Lord throughout the years
nee this writer has been a part of Oak
rove church: people like Heber Cox
jwho was the oldest member today),
ong with Charlie Nobles, Owen Powell,
eber Barrow, Dorcas Barrow, and
,/illiam Manning (all decreased), and
lany more that are still with us today,
es, the church has had many ups and
owns during the years, but God has
een unduly merciful to us, for which we
JSt praise His Holy Name!

P5 iHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Back in 1965, while the Rev. Harry
Jones was our pastor, we had a dream of
building a parsonage. We decided to
make our dream a reality, so on May 2,

1965, a fund was officially begun with
the first donation of $1 being given by
one of our young people, Shirley Barrow.
After this we had many donations,
dinners, etc. to increase our parsonage
fund. Mr. William Manning had a very
important part in making our parsonage a
reality. He acted on behalf of the church
and negotiated to buy a wooded lot about
one mile from our church in March,

1966. Then on Saturday, April 16, 1966,
the church membership and friends
gathered at this wooded lot and began
work. It was most heartwarming to see
these dedicated people as they felled
trees, shrubbed, and piled brush— men,
women, and children alike. For the
noonday meal we gathered back at the
church and enjoyed both fish stew and
fried fish with all the trimmings. It was a
great day of fellowship!

In May, 1968, our dream was
realized. Our parsonage was completed,
and the Rev. Wayne West was our first
pastor to live there. Since then we have
had the Revs. James Howard, Hillary
Gaskins, David Powell, and the present
LaWayne Poston to live in the parsonage.

We have lost two of our dearly beloved
elderly members who played such a
great part in our obtaining the par-
sonage. Sister Dorcas Barrow wanted for
so many years to see a parsonage for our
church, but she died without ever seeing
this realized. So it was only appropriate
that we furnish one of the bedrooms as a
memorial to her. Brother William
Manning passed away in 1972, but not
without making provisions to help us pay
for the parsonage. On June 4, 1972, his
widow presented a check from an in-
surance policy he had made to the
parsonage fund in the amount of $1 ,317.
Oh, for more dedicated people like
Brother Manning!

The Lord's work and His cause should
never cease to move forward. Under the
ministry of the Rev. Hillary Gaskins, the
church decided it needed more land on

which to build a fellowship hall. We
purchased land adjoining the church in
March, 1974, for this purpose.

In June, 1974, the Rev. David Powell
was called to pastor our church.
However, the Lord saw fit for him to
serve us for only a short time. On
Wednesday night, May 14, 1975, during
prayer meeting, Mr. Powell seemed to be
extremely tired, but little did we dream
that in a few hours we would be called to
the parsonage because of his death. Our
beloved pastor had gone to be with the
Lord. He was a great worker with
everyone, but his greatest love was for
the youth and young people of the
church. We, the people at Oak Grove
church, wanted to do something in his
honor, and we knew nothing would
please him more than a fellowship hall for
the young people and the church
membership. His family started a
memorial fund in his name with the
proceeds to be used toward the
fellowship hall. The church voted to
name this building "The David Powell
Fellowship Hall" in honor of our beloved
deceased pastor and all the other
members that were so faithful in the
work of our church.

Today the dream of our parsonage was
fulfilled. After the services at the church
we gathered on the parsonage yard for
the note-burning and dedication ceremony
of this house to the Lord. Under the
guidance and supervision of Mr. Poston,
Mrs. Alice Manning, widow of Brother
William Manning, struck the match and
(Continued on Page 16)

WHAT THE EMPTY
TOMB MEANS

(John 20:11-18; Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20)
by

Mrs. Clara Elmore
First Free Will Baptist Church
Kinston, North Carolina

The following message was written and delivered by Mrs. Elmore on April 1 5. as
part of the Pre-Easter services held at the First Free Will Baptist Church of Kinston .
Although Easter is past, the message of the empty tomb is just as relevant today as
it was a month ago. This article was submitted by the Rev. Bill Futch, pastor of the
Kinston church. He states that Mrs. Elmore is a member of the woman's auxiliary
and a Sunday school teacher.— Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant Editor of Literature

I. Who had been in the tomb and why? Jesus had been

placed in a borrowed tomb by Joseph of Arimathea,
who was a secret disciple of Jesus. He was afraid to
worship Jesus openly because of the Jews. Jesus had
been crucified by a group of Jews and Romans that
were working together to rule Jerusalem.

II. Man was the real reason Jesus was put in the tomb. Let

us look at man:

A. Man was not created to die.

B. He was created by God to live.

C. Man sinned and that brought death.

III. God worked out a plan of salvation whereby man could

be saved from his sins. This plan was that God's only
Son would die on the Cross for the sins of mankind, if
he would confess and repent of his sins and accept
Christ's redeeming love.

IV. Jesus came into the world as a baby.

A. He was God in the flesh— God's only Son.

B. He grew to manhood — teaching, preaching,
healing, and training His disciples so they would be
able to carry on His work after His death.

C. He did not resist death. He avoided death until the
right time. It was necessary that He give Himself that
we might live.

V. Jesus was crucified upon the Cross.

A. He was falsely accused.

B. He was given a mock trail and found guilty by sinful
men.

C. Pilate could find no fault of Him, but the crowd
wanted Him crucified.

D. He was cruelly beaten and spit upon and had a
crown of thorns placed on His head, a scarlet robe put
on Him, and a reed placed in His hand (mockery).

E. He was nailed to the Cross with nails through His
hands and feet. His side was also pierced.

F. All this was done to a sinless man, but He resisted
not because He loved man and came to die for him.
This was a most painful death, as well as a shameful
and humiliating death. Yet, He suffered it all for us.
Are we worthy?

G. After He died, He was placed in a borrowed tomb
and a large stone was rolled at the entrance to seal it
and guards were placed there to guard it.

VI. Christ arose (Matthew 28:1-10).

A. The tomb could not hold God's Son. He had said
that He would arise the third day, but no one seemed
to take Him seriously.

B

VII.

It was women who came to anoint the body and
found the tomb empty.
). If He had not risen, we would still be in our sins.
). If He had not risen, we would have no hope of our
resurrection.

:. It impresses me that a woman was the first person
Jesus spoke to after His resurrection. He spoke to1
Mary, but she did not recognize Him until He spoke
her name (John 20:15, 16). It is significant that
women were the last to leave the Cross, the first to the
empty tomb, and the first to tell the good news that
Jesus was alive. They were the first to know the joy ot
His resurrection.

:. They were literally the first missionaries of the New
Testament era.

Three implications evolved in the fact that our Lord is^
risen from the dead.

\. His diety is attested.

1 . Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God
with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the
resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our
Lord (Revelation 1:1-4).

2. We worship Him as the resurrected Lord, the
Son of God, who left the tomb empty.

'. . . if Christ be not raised, ... ye are yet in your
sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17); "(He) who was
delivered for our offences, and was raised again foi
our justification" (Romans 4:25).
C. We who trust Him are recipients of His resurrectec
life—". . . that like as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we alsc
should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
The empty tomb means:

A. Because of the empty tomb, a person can become;
new creature. "... if any man be in Christ, he is;
new creature. . . ." (2 Corinthians 5:17). All phase;
of his life are new.

Jesus becomes our new standard to pattern our liff
by.

A new hope:

1 . Our hope is based in Christ and His Word, no
on our own strength.

2. He has promised forgiveness of sins, strengtt
to overcome temptations, and eternal life to the faith j
ful.

A new outlook:

1. The worldly outlook is short; it cannot react

B

B

D

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

beyond the grave.

2. In Christ our outlook expands to include all
eternity.

E. A new incentive:

1. To the Christian, a disappointment is only a
delay of blessings hoped for.

2. Our greatest hope lies beyond this world— to
eternal life.

F. A new purpose:

1. A Christian knows that it is more blessed to
give than to receive.

2. Our purpose is to serve and please Him who
loved us enough to die for us.

3. We must give ourself in service to others to
receive His miracles.

G. New rewards are a forgiven life, a transformed life,
eternal life, victory over sin and death, and a home in
heaven. What more could we desire?

The above seven meanings of the empty tomb are gifts or
r/vards. But the last two mean something different. We have
cties and obligations to do to receive these awards.

H. New duties:

1. We are saved to serve— not ourselves— but
others.

2. Attending the house of God.

3. Helping the needy and giving the gospel to
others are some of the duties of a Christian.

I. New obligations:

1 . We owe our Father reverence, loyalty, service,
and love.

2. These duties are to be a joy, not a burden.

What does the empty tomb mean to you?

A. To me, it means everything good, clean, pure, and
holy.

B. It means we are not worshiping an empty tomb— my
Saviour is alive!

C. It means eternal life. He is even now at the right
hand of God interceding in your behalf and my behalf.

D. Once a pastor was preparing his Easter sermon
when the reality of the resurrection of our Lord really
hit him. He jumped up shouting, "Christ is alive!

Christ is alive!" He said Himself, ". . . behold, I am
alive for evermore, . . ." (Revelation 1:18). This
means to me that He is not a dead Christ but a living
Christ.

E. To me it means that in His resurrection there is joy
and life.

F. It means we must be obedient to His command if we
expect the presence of the Lord in an unusual way.

G. It means His Word gives me peace and assurance.

H. I want to say again that it impresses me that Jesus
spoke first to a woman after His resurrection.

1 . What did He tell them to do? He told them to go
and tell the others quickly. ". . . go tell my brethren
that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me"
(Matthew 28:10).

2. They obeyed immediately. Let us obey also.

3. This tells me that Jesus has a place for women
to work and a work for them to do.

4. Praise God for women!

5. Praise God for the empty tomb!

6. Let's get busy and do our best for Him.

7. God has blessed me with many miracles. I want
to do all I can for Him and then it won't be enough.

8. I'm glad I am trusting in a living Saviour. He
has promised me an eternal home with Him.

He commissioned His disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).

A. Jesus had an appointment with the. disciples on a
mountain.

B. Men today still have appointments with Jesus.

C. We have an appointment with Him at the altar of
repentance.

We have an appointment with Him on the field of
service.

We have an appointment with Him in the house of
worship.

Have you kept these appointments with Him?
One day we will all have an appointment with Him in
the judgment.
We will keep this appointment.
We are now all commissioned to carry His Word. We can't all
be foreign missionaries; but we can be missionaries in our
home, in our church, in our community, in our place of work,
and everywhere we go. Let's not fail Jesus. He has done too
much for us.

D.

'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Please explain, "For it
became him, for whom are all things,
and by whom are all things, in bringing
many sons unto glory, to make the
captain of their salvation perfect through
sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10). Was Christ
not perfect before His incarnation?

Answer: Yes, He was God and perfect
as the Deity. He was and still is the
second Person of the Godhead, the
blessed Trinity, and as such was perfect.
But prior to His incarnation He was not
man. He had made man in His own
image. "So God created man in his own
image, in the image of God created he
him; male and female created he them"
(Genesis 1:27). Compare, "Who is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of every creature: For by him were all
things created, that are in heaven, and
that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or powers: all things
were created by him, and for him: And
he is before all things, and by him alJ
things consist. And he is the head of the
body, the church: who is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead; that in all
things he might have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father that in him
should all fulness dwell" (Colossians
1:15-19).

Jesus Christ our Lord became man,
lived as a man and was recongized as a
man by other men, members of the race,
both men and women. The woman at the
well in Samaria recognized Him as being
a Jew. "Then saith the woman of
Samaria unto him, How is it that thou,
being a Jew, askest drink of me, which
am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews
have no dealings with the Samaritans"
(John 4:9).

So you see that even though He was
perfect or complete in heaven, in His
preincarnate state He was not a perfect
man completely fitted for the death He

died on the Cross. Jesus said of Himself:
". . . Thus it is written, and thus it
behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from
the dead the third day" (Luke 24:46).
Compare, "Wherefore in all things it
behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and
faithful high priest in things pertaining to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of
the people" (Hebrews 2:17). (Read
Hebrews 2:9, 10.)

Being God in His preincarnate state,
He could not as man accomplish that
required in our redemption. Adam, the
first head of the race, failed. We all failed
in him. Jesus, the head of a redeemed
race— the second Adam, succeeded; for
wherein Adam, the first man, was
disobedient, we, his descendants, were
of the same quality. The new race
consists of all who have denounced the
way of Adam and embraced Christ in all
His characteristics.

Here is how George H. Sandison
explains it on Page 376 in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered:

"There can be no doubt of Christ
being perfect. His life in the flesh proved
that. But in order that he might be
specially prepared for the work he is now
doing, as the Head of his Church, the
High Priest of his people, he had to
undergo temptation and suffering, that
he might be able to help the tempted and
comfort the sufferer. What they bear,
what their struggles are, he could learn
only from experience. That he did learn,
that he bore all so nobly, was a proof of
his being perfect. The man who has
encountered temptation and has
triumphed belongs to a higher order than
the innocent man who has never been
tested. His holiness has been proved by
his trial. The physician who knows how
to treat yellow fever is better able to deal
with the disease after he has passed
through an epidemic of it than he was

before he put his theories to a practic
test."

Kenneth S. Wuest in Wuest's Wo
Studies, Hebrews, Pages 59, 60, giv
us some details in his explanation th
takes us a step further than Sandison!
explanation, though both follow tl
Scriptures closely in the gaining of thf
conclusion:

"(2:10) Christ (Messiah) crucified
Corinthians 1:23), was a stumblii
block to the Jew. This may have bei
one of the factors which was influencii
these Hebrews in their drift away fro,
their new profession of Messiah, back;
the Levitical sacrifices, The inspin.
writer seeks to justify his bold assertii
of Verse 9. He senses the recoil whii
his readers would have from the thoug
of a suffering Messiah, and he nc;
shows that Jesus' suffering and dea
were according to the divine fitness i
things.

"He says, 'It became Him (namel!
God the Father), for whom are all thing'
and by whom are all things, in bringLj
many sons unto glory, to make tli
captain of their salvation perfect throuc
sufferings. '

"The words, 'it became' are til
translation of prepo, 'to be becomim
seemly, fit. ' It was not a logical necessi
(dei 'ought') as in Verse 1 . It was not a
obligation growing out of circumstance
(opheilen) as in 2:17 (behooved). It wj
an inner fitness in God's dealings. Tf
fact that God the Father decreed that;
must be through the blood of Christ
Cross that the Captain of our salvatk,
would become the Saviour of sinners, I
not find its origin in a divine fiat, but
the very constitution of the nature of Gcj
A holy God cannot look upon sin with I
degree of allowance. A righteous Gil
cannot but require that the demands;
the violated law be satisfied. And a loviij
God cannot but provide the very payme!
of the penalty which His law demand
Thus, the writer shows the swf
reasonableness of the Cross. A
because only God can satisfy t
demands of God, so only the Messi
who is one of the Persons of t
Godhead, could in the great plan
salvation, provide the sacrifice. God t
Father provides the salvation, God t
Son procures it, and God the Holy Spi
applies it.

"The writer speaks of God as the G
for whom (di hon) are all things. I
(Continued on Page 9 )

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIi

SUNDAY, MAY 30
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 6 : 11

THE DANGER OF HIGH
HEADS

Icorn was spread on the ground, and
: net stretched at a certain height
irer the grain to catch some wild
irkeys. The fowls went with their
kads down, picking the corn. But
lihen they tried to return, Instead of
aeping their heads down as when
'ley came in, they lifted up their
sads and were caught in the net. If
bu get into Satan's trap, you cannot
let out with head erect, for God gives
(race only to the humble. — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
If we keep our heads erect we will
Dt be caught in Satan's trap.
\owever, if we are caught we must
pw our head in humbleness to God
nd ask His forgiveness.

MONDAY, MAY 31
Scripture Reading— James 1 : 17

BE LOVELY AND NOT
KNOW IT
|: The supreme height of spiritual
Wellness is to be lovely and not to
(now it. Virtue is so apt to become
(elf-conscious, and so to lose its
ilow.— John Henry Jowett

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we exalt self and not Christ,
'e are no longer lovely in God's sight,
ave you ever heard the expression,
She is pretty but she knows it"?

TUESDAY, JUNE 1
Scripture Reading— John 16 :22

WHERE IS HAPPINESS?
Not in Pleasure —
16 5 Lord Byron, who revelled in
Measure all his days, wrote on his last
)irthday :

' 'My days are in the yellow leaf,
The flowers and fruits of life are
gone,

The worm, the canker, and the grief
Are mine alone."
Not in Power—

The name of Napoleon, the Great,
truly stands prominent for power.
Musing, a lonely prisoner on St.
Helena, he summarized thus:
"Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne,
and myself founded empires. But on
what did we found them? On force!
Jesus Christ alone founded His on
love, and today there are millions who
would die for Him . ' '
' 'Taste for yourself, and you will say :

None other Name for me,
There's love and light, and lasting
joy,

Lord Jesus, found in thee."

—King's Business

PRAYER THOUGHT
Where does your happiness lie?
True happiness cannot be bought; it
can only be obtained through the
love of Jesus Christ in your heart.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2
Scripture Reading— Psalm 97 : 2

SHOW ME YOUR GOD
"Show me your God!" the doubter
cries.

I point him out the smiling skies ;
I show him all the woodland greens ;
I show him peaceful sylvan scenes ;
I show him winter snows and frost;
I show him waters tempest-tossed ;

I show him stars, the moon, the sun;
I show him deeds of kindness done ;
I show him joy, I show him care,
And still he holds his doubting air,
And faithless goes his way, for he
Is blind of soul, and cannot see !

—John Kendrick Bangs

PRAYER THOUGHT
The best place to show our God is in
our lives. We cannot tell others of the
goodness of God unless our lives show
it.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3
Scripture Reading— Psalm 92 : 14

GROW LOVELY GROWING OLD!

"Let me grow lovely growing old,

So many fine things do ;
Silks and ivory and gold,

And laces need not be new.
There is healing in old trees,

Old streets a glamour hold,
Why not I as well as they

Grow lovely , growing old ? "

— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
As we grow older may our lives
show more of the loveliness of God.
However, we do not have to be an
antique to show our love for God.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4
Scripture Reading— Psalm 27:1

SINGING IF YOU CAN
God never would send you the
darkness
If He felt you could bear the light ;
But you would not cling to His guiding
hand

If the way were always bright,
And you would not care to walk by
faith,

Could you always walk by sight.

Then nestle your hand in your
Father's,
And sing, if you can, as you go;
Your song may cheer some one
behind you
Whose courage is sinking low ;
And, well, if your lips do quiver-
God will love you better so.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
It takes a little bit of darkness for us
to appreciate the light. We can always
have a song in our heart if we put our
hand in His.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5
Scripture Reading— Philippians 2:1

"AN UNDERSTANDING SMILE!"
It needs so little sympathy

To cheer a weary way,
Sometimes a little kindliness

Lights up a dreary day ;
A very simple, friendly word

May hope and strength import,
Or just an understanding smile

Revive some fainting heart;
And, like a sudden sunlit ray,

Lighting a darkened room,
A sunny spirit may beguile

The deepest depths of gloom.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
It takes a lot more effort to frown
than to smile. A little kindness and a
friendly smile often drives the gloom
from a broken heart.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

bHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

WOMAN'S AUXILIARY OF
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

Dear Auxiliary Members,

The twelfth annual session of the
Woman's Auxiliary of the General
Conference will convene with the First
Free Will Baptist Church of Durham on
June 28, 29. Things of importance are as
follows:

1. Please pray for our convention,
that God will lead and guide and His will
be done. Please pray!

2. Monday night, June 28— Youth
Convention. Registration will be at
seven, with the convention beginning at
7:30. The theme will be "We Come
Together with Him — Living for Jesus"
(Philippians 1:21). Refreshments and
fellowship following the convention.

3. Tuesday morning, June
29— Woman's Auxiliary Convention.
Registration will be at ten, with the
convention beginning at 10:30 (note
change of time). The theme will be
"Christ's Imminent Return" (1
Thessalonians 4:13-18). Lunch will be
served by the host church.

North Carolina Free Will Baptist Woman's Auxiliary Convention
Treasurer's Report, End of Fourth Quarter, April 30, 1976

Balance in Bank January 31 , 1976

General Fund:

Contritutions

Life Award Fees

Promotional (CSF)

Per Capita Dues

Registration Fees

Interest Posting Correction
Denominational Enterprises

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Conventional Allocations and Expenses
Denominational Enterprises

Total Disbursed

Balance in Bank April 30, 1976

Receipts

23.34
40.00
83.17

718.00
30.00

(35.86)

858.65
8,688.75

Disbursements

665.34
8,688.75

General Fund
Interest
Total

Summary ot Bank Account Balances

$ 3,346.46
482.01
$ 3,828.47

Branch Banking and Trust Co. (Checking)
Atlantic Savings and Loan Association
Total

$ 846.46
2,982.01
$ 3,828.47

13,

4. Convention Message— A playlet,
"The Beginning," written by Nancy
Matthews, and presented by a group of
young people from Christian Chapel Free
Will Baptist Church, Pink Hill. The playlet
will feature Maria Ard as the leading
character.

5. General Mission— Please try to
give over and above your registration fee.
Inflation is everywhere!

Christians, why not make the con-
vention a part of your vacation? May God
bless you!

In His service,
Mrs. Norman Ard
President

Denominational Enterprises Report

Itemize Received

Missions: $
Church Extension (Home Missions)
Foreign (General)
Designated:

India 57.50
Fred Baker 100.60
Mexico 143.79
Surgery for Mexico Missionary's Wife 25.00

State Project (Equally Divided Among
Mrs. Link, Mrs. Timmons, and Mrs. King)

Central Conference Missions

Mount Olive College:

General Fund 67.85

Alice Lupton Scholarship 66.50

J. C. Griffin Scholarship 50.00

State Project (Chapel Carpet) 91 1 .76

Chapel 32.47

Books 10.00

1,109.88
191.91

326.89

970.10
172.36

1,138.58

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

Will Baptist Children's Home:
meral Fund
[lothing

jtate Project (Appliances)

llowance

dopted Child

bod for State Convention

Itrannuation:
nneral Fund

Widows and Ministers Adopted

Cgmont Assembly:
jeneral Fund
luilding Fund

Rlrement Homes, Inc.

L Membership Fees (Cragmont)

A a Phillips Loan Fund

Cip Vandemere

"iristian Service Fund:
j/lissions

■j/lount Olive College
Children's Home
Cragmont
jietirement Homes
~ ^Superannuation

74.90
500.00
,096.27

20.00
110.00

40.00

175.48
3.00

118.51
1,336.97

1,841.17

178.48

1,455.'

303.34
180.00
42.00
30.00

1,841.17

178.48

1,455.

303.34
180.00
42.00
30.00

166.35
166.35
124.75
124.75
83.18
83.18

748.56

Totals

| percent retained for promotional (see receipts $83.17).

8,688 75

748.56

$ 8,688.75

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Treasurer

REPORT BLANK WOMAN'S AUXILIARY CONVENTION
of the

GENERAL CONFERENCE OF FREEWILL BAPTIST

»

Njme of Auxiliary or Convention
Adress

P'sident

legates or Letter.

Address
Address.
Address
Address

ifttor

(Representation: Auxiliaries— one (1 ) delegate for each ten (10) members
fraction thereof; denominational organizations or conventions— one (1)
legate for each fifty (50) members or fraction thereof.) Registration fees sent
tfthis session $ (Please note that each auxiliary or convention is

rfluested to represent with $5.) Contribution to General Conference Woman's
/i xiliary Convention Mission Fund $

Organization

No. on Roll

9/ xiliary
I uth _

(nvention

Please underline any of the following areas in which your auxiliary would
e information: programs, projects organizational, youth, etc.

If you cannot represent by delegation, please return this blank along with
)ur contribution to Mrs. R. H. Jackson, 1010 Raleigh Road, Clinton, North
i rolina, 28328.

CORRECTION, PLEASE!

In regard to the article entitled, History
of Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church,

published in the April 7 and 14 issues of
"The Free Will Baptist," I received a
letter from Mrs. Lyda Cooper of the
Pungo Free Will Baptist Church in
Beaufort County. In my article, I stated
that the Pungo church died out in the
eighteenth century. I received my in-
formation from a documented source: A
History of the Disciples of Christ in North
Carolina by Charles Crossfield Ware, on
Pages 80, 81 .

In the letter I received from Mrs.
Cooper, she stated that the Pungo
church was in existence today. She said
that the church was located on Highway
99, between Pantego and Plymouth.
Mrs. Cooper also stated that the church
was first called Head of Pungo River. For
awhile they had no preaching services,
but then they built a building and called
the church Union Grove. In 1943, the
building was destroyed by a storm and a
new church was built and was called
Trinity.

I would like to thank Mrs. Cooper for
informing me that the church is back into
existence today. I hope this clears up any
misunderstanding concerning the
existence of Pungo Free Will Baptist
Church.

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Joan Wood

Questions & Answers

( Continued from Page 6 )

whom' is literally 'on account of whom,'
that is, for whose sake all things exist.
God is the final reason for all things. 'By
whom' is literally 'through whose
agency' all things came into being.
These two emphasize the idea which the
writer has just given his readers, that of
the sweet reasonableness and fitness of
the fact that the Messiah was to be a
suffering Messiah. ..."

Since Jesus became perfect,
complete, or fitted to act as our High
Priest, our Pascal Lamb, when He had
taken on a body of flesh like the body of
flesh we sinned in, He was tempted in all
points as we are tempted. The dif-
ference, however, was that He did not
sin, so He was complete for His task of
dying on the Cross and carrying our sins
away.

"EE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Jl/etad and AfeJed

of Denominational Interest

Selma Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress t
week at the Selma, North Caroli
Original Free Will Baptist Church, j
will continue through Friday eveni
May 28. Services are beginning e;
evening at 7:30 with the Rev. Gene Bi
pastor of Johnston Union church n
Smithfield, as the evangelist. The pasl
the Rev. Ray Wells, is assisting in
services. He and the church members
extend a cordial invitation to the publii
attend the remainder of the services.

Mother's Day Service at
First Church, Wilson

(Left to right): Mary Cox, Florence
Bass, Lorraine Braxton, Jeane Williams,
Lois Jones, and Sharon Liggon.

A special Mother's Day service was
held during the morning worship service
on Sunday, May 9, at the First Free Will
Baptist Church in Wilson. As a special
tribute to all mothers present, the men's
chorus sang during the service and the
pastor, the Rev. Clyde W. Cox, preached
on "The Christian Family." The girls'
auxiliary honored their mothers with the
presentation of roses; and they also
honored Mrs. Clyde W. Cox as "The
Mother of the Church Family."

Mr. Melvin Beaman presenting

10

"Mother of the Year" award to
Lorraine Braxton.

Roses and certificates were presented
to the following: Mrs. Florence Bass,
oldest mother present: Mrs. Sharon
Liggon and Mrs. Frances Dilda,
youngest mothers present; Mrs. Jeane
Williams, mother with the most children
present; and Mrs. Lois Jones, mother
with the youngest child present.

The Sunday school sponsored a
"Mother of the Year" contest. Winner of
this was Mrs. Lorraine Braxton. Lorraine
is a member of the church's chancel
choir and the fellowship Sunday school
class. She is also a cherub teacher and a
sponsor of the youth fellowship auxiliary.
She was presented a corsage of red
roses and a plaque by the Sunday school
superintendent, Mr. Melvin Beaman.

Friendship Church to Host
Central Layman's League Fellowship

The Layman's League Fellowship of
the Central Conference will be held
Tuesday evening, June 1, at the
Friendship Free Will Baptist Church in
Greene County.

If your church does not have a
layman's league, you are urged to have a
representative attend and make plans to
get a league started in your church. If
your church has a layman's league, you
are also urged to be represented and
bring someone with you. This is a very
important meeting as it is time to elect
officers and your support is needed. The
attendance of the fellowship has been
improving, but there is still room for
more improvement. You can help by
being there yourself. The league has a
very important project it is working on,
and your help is needed.

Don't forget the place: Friendship
church (near Farmville), Greene County;
date: June 1 , 1976; time: 8 p. m.

Fred Rivenbark to Conduct
St. Mary's Grove Revival

The Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark, assis;
pastor of Sherron Acres Free Will Bap
Church of Durham, will be the gil
minister for the revival services at S|
Mary's Grove FWB Church, Route!
Benson, May 31— June 5, beginrf
nightly at 7:45. Mr. Rivenbark I
served 7 churches in his 41 yean!
ministry, has led 26 men into j
ministry, is a member of the Free ,
Baptist Press Foundation Board:
Directors, and is on the Boardi:
Trustees at Mount Olive College.

A prerevival sing will be presents
Saint Mary's Grove on Sunday, May!
at 7:30 p. m., by talent from within
church. The pastor, the Rev. Ed Ta;
will be assisting in the services wi
will feature special singing each eve
by groups from various areas I
churches. Mr. Taylor and the ch
membership extend a warm invitatic
everyone to attend each service and:
your prayers for the success of i
revival.

THE FREE WILL BAPl'"'

Ei ter Homecoming at
S'ny Hill Church

)n Easter Sunday, April 18, the
gregation of Stony Hill Free Will
ikist Church, Route 2, Middlesex,
ahg with the pastor, the Rev. Davie
Snson, and his family, enjoyed a
ncial Easter homecoming meal served
j»the church grounds. The meal was
spared by the ladies of the church,
liryone enjoyed the good fellowship.

Allowing the meal, special singing
1; presented by the Joyf ulaires of the
Int Mary's Free Will Baptist Church of
lily. Everyone present had a wonderful
li e in the services of the Lord.

pahoe Church to Host 5th
issE|tern Sunday School Convention

IIS: the Arapahoe, North Carolina, Free
■U Baptist Church will host the Fifth
atltern District Sunday School Con-
Wjtion, Sunday, May 30, with the Rev.
- 3oby Jones as the host pastor. The
art^ivention theme will be "The Greater
. ;nily." There will not be an afternoon
ini(l|sion. The program is as follows:

el joo — Opening , Charles Mason,
President
Prayer

•Congregational Singing, Mrs.
Annie Mae Moore, Director,
Pilgrim's Home Church
-Welcome, Host Superintendent
-Response, Bobby Harris
-Offering

-Recognition of Delegates,
Officers, and Visitors
-Program, Host Church
:30— Sunday School Lesson, Harold

Stephenson
.00— Business Session:

oar

l:iti5-
1

Minutes of Last Convention
Treasurer's Report
11:1 0 — Program , Dublin Grove Sunday
School

— Denominational Reports:
Camp Vandemere
Mount Olive College

— Adjournment

The convention wishes to offer thanks
to Mount Olive College for furnishing and
preparing the bulletins for the convention
and The Free Will Baptist Press for
publishing this article. If anyone has any
suggestions for presenting the reports or
the program please contact the president
of the convention or the program
committee: Mrs. Robert Williams Jr. and
Mrs. Jack Phillips.

4th Central Union at
Aspen Grove Church

The Fourth Union District of the
Central Conference will convene with the
Aspen Grove Free Will Baptist Church
near Fountain, Sunday, May 30. The
program is as follows:

Morning Session
10:00— Sunday School
1 1 : 00— Hymn, "Bring Them In"
—Welcome, Mrs. Kay Baker

— Response, Mrs. Jasper Beaman
1 1 :1 5— President's Remarks

— News of Mount Olive College

— Greetings from the Children's
Home

— Mission Report

1 1 : 30 — Special Music, Watery Branch
Church

— Sermon, the Rev. Hubert
Burress

—Appointment of Committees
12:15— Lunch

Afternoon Session
1 :1 5— Devotions, Mr. Edward Walston

— Special Music

— Business Period

— Program, Local Church
2:15— Adjournment

|p FREE WILL BAPTIST

Gospel Sing Sponsored
By Friendship Church

A gospel sing will be held at the
Corinth-Holder Elementary Gym located
at the intersection of Highways 96 and
231 near Wendell and Zebulon, Saturday
night, May 29, at 7:30. Featured singers
will be "The Master's Quartet" of Rocky
Mount, "The Four in Christ" of New
Bern, and "The Dixieland Quartet" of

Selma. Tickets are $2 in advance and
$2.50 at the door.

The sing is being sponsored by the
Friendship Free Will Baptist Church,
Johnston County, with the proceeds
going towards the building of an
education building at the church. The
public is invited.

The Miles Family at
Piney Grove Church

The members of Piney Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Greenville,
cordially invite you to a song service
featuring the Miles Family of Pink Hill,
Sunday evening, May 30, at 7:30. B.
Jan Smith, church reporter, states,
"Come and join us as we worship the
Lord through songs. ' '

Piedmont Union Meets
With Old Fashion Church

The Quarterly Union Meeting of the
Piedmont Conference will meet Saturday,
May 29, with the Old Fashion Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Denton. The
guest speaker will be the Rev. Walter
Carter. Each church in the conference is
urged to be represented and visitors are
welcome.

Mount Zion Church to Hold
Series of Revival Services

The Mount Zion Free Will Baptist
Church of Roper will have a series of
revival services with a different speaker
each evening for the week of June 7-12,
beginning each evening at 7:30. The
pastor of the church, the Rev. Charlie
Overton, will be assisting in each ser-
vice. He and the church membership
extend a warm welcome for you to
worship with them during this series of
services. The speakers each evening are
as follows:

Monday Evening, June 7— The Rev.
Robert May, pastor of Hickory Chapel
church near Ahoskie. The junior choir of
his church will render special music for
this service.

Tuesday Evening, June 8— The Rev.
Melvin Moore and his adult choir will be
in charge of this service. Mr. Moore is
pastor of the Saint Paul church in
Elizabeth City.

Wednesday Evening, June 9— Dr. W.
D. Morris and a duet from his church,
Early's Baptist Church near Ahoskie, will

(Continued on Page 16)

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^}
THE SUNDAY

SCHOOL LESSON^

For June 6 '

DAYS OF BEGINNINGS

Lesson Text: Acts 1:1, 2; 2:22-32
Memory Verse: Matthew 16:18

I. INTRODUCTION

Under the general theme "The Bible
and Church History," the lessons in this
quarter focus on the story of the church
from its earliest days through the
Medieval Era to modern times. The study
of church history is always fascinating
and every Christian should engage in it
for at least the following reasons:

A. It gives us a more correct
evaluation of Christ who is the central
figure in church history. We come into a
greater appreciation of Him who gave us
the church.

B. It is designed to promote a
tolerant spirit toward Christians of all
groups. The great religious controversies
of the past help us to see the utter futility
of division and dissension among our
churches.

C. It helps us to understand the
present religious crises by knowing
something of the past.

D. It offers a stabilizing influence,
assuring us that because Christ has been
and still is at the center of the life of the
true church, it will never fail but will
someday be presented to Him as His
bride without spot or blemish "or any
such thing."

The writer's prayer is that these
studies will bring to each of us a deeper
appreciation of and a more constant
devotion to the church of which we are a
part— The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Today we see the birth of the
church. When this statement is made,
we refer to the great invisible church
which is the body of Christ and is made
up of saved people. It is more than an
organization; it is an organism— as a
living being born of God.

B. There is much that we can learn

12

from Peter's sermon at Pentecost. He
gave an example for all Christian
preachers. The first indication that this
was not another Jewish discourse is the
fact that Peter stood up for the sermon.
In the Jewish synagogues, the rabbis
sat down to give their discourses.

C. Peter's sermon may be divided
into two parts. First, there are the claims
of the church — the facts of Christ's
death and resurrection. These are the
very foundation upon which the church
rests. Second, there is the challenge of
the church — a call to accept Christ and
let Him change one's life. Some of us
make more of the claims of the church
than we do the challenge of the church.
Why?

D. It is interesting to observe that
the church was born in a revival. The
disciples were assembled together
praying when the promised Holy Spirit
descended upon them. However, the
Holy Spirit did not come in answer to
prayer. He came according to the
promise that Jesus had given the
disciples. Jesus had gone back to the
Father, and the Holy Spirit came to
indwell believers and to continue the
work of evangelism that Jesus had
started.

E. There are those who deny that the
Apostolic Church had any type of
organization. Because of this, they say
that organization is either wrong or, at
least, unimportant. But in Acts 1:15 we
are told, "And in those days Peter stood
up in the midst of the disciples, and said,
(the number of names together were
about a hundred and twenty,)." If there
were no organization, how did they know
how many they had? The expression
"number of names" indicates that they
must have had some kind of roll.

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. In 1829 two men by the names of
Wilson and Porter were convicted of
robbing the United States mails and
sentenced to death by hanging. Three
weeks before the time set for Wilson's

execution, h'e was pardoned by Preside
Andrew Jackson.

Strangely enough, Wilson refused t
pardon. The case went to the Suprer'
Court, and the court finally handed dov1
its decision: "A pardon is a deed, to II
validity of which delivery is essenti;
and delivery is not complete withe
acceptance. It may then be rejected
the person to whom it is tendered, ana
it is rejected, we have discovered
power in this court to force it upon him.j

The beginning of the church was,
fact, the day that the sovereign Gj
chose to offer full and complete pardon
man, guilty of rebellion against Hii
But, that pardon could become effects
only if it was received by those to whej
it was offered. Some three thousa
accepted God's offer of pardon a
"received" it by being baptized on t
Day of Pentecost.

Most people would agree that Wils
was a fool for rejecting the pard?
granted him, yet thousands daily reje
the pardon God has provided for thfl
through His Son Jesus Christ.
Standard Lesson Commentary

B. The church began with a hand;
of dedicated Christians in an upper ro-j
in Jerusalem. In the power of the HI
Spirit it grew amazingly despite terrii
persecutions— or was it because
them? Today, after nearly 2,000 years';
has spread into all the world and I
influence has kept the world far sa^
than most of us can imagine. Can anyj
us think of any human organization tj
could have endured what the church II
and still survive after all these yea|
The answer is No, because the church
not a human organization; it is divin
instituted and empowered. — C.
Bowen

C. We cannot overestimate
importance of our Christian heritage;
we are indebted to it for the formulae
and the presentation of the gospel'
Jesus. We see from today's lesson I
both the Old and New Testaments pla' :
a very important role in the establishm!
and the growth of the church. We
also to note that the Holy Spirit, ever!
it works in our day, worked even mi
vigorously and intensely to bring
church into existence and to assure!
continuance and growth.— The Sei
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTll

n THE MISSING EARS

by

, : Maxine M . Roberson

j^S Willy North pushed back
".-j the quilts, he sat up on his
"st and let out a loud sneeze. He peeped

U of the window and saw a small figure
'S'ijmpering down a distant hill. He knew

lias his older Sioux brother, James,
i; cfting home from visiting Grandpa Wise
S:0|l. Grandpa lived alone in a cabin on
M other side of that hill. Suddenly
rJ|ies disappeared into the wooded

: lies.

While waiting for James to cross the

vtle field, Willy let out another sneeze.
;; 'I 'Stay under the covers," ordered

Mther with a soft voice as she passed
rbjthe open doorway.
Willy snuggled under the warm

cers. He wished, If only I could run
Klp play like James.
'Minutes later Willy heard James's

hfried footsteps coming into the house

a'j into his room.

^Il/Vhen James stood by his cot, Willy
tli'ked up at him with watery eyes. "Did
:G;indpa ask about me?"
ii' ''Yes," replied James. "And he
Mndered why you didn't come to see
» Hp after school."

"Did you tell him?" Willy's eyes
■f vtiened.

{James nodded yes. "I told him you
vint wading in Curling Creek yesterday
; ad caught cold."

r (Willy's face showed discomfort. "I
jjfjpe you didn't tell him that Mother told
.. rj not to wade in the creek because the
|,.Wter was still cold from the later winter
Jpw."

r jUames didn't answer. He looked down
„.ahis black boots and then said, "I had
/.Well him the truth."
\ Willy didn't like the sound of that.
N he could never go to see Grandpa.

Pl '\m FREE WILL BAPTIST

Grandpa would give him long talks about
disobeying.
Willy asked, "What did he say7"
"Nothing," answered James. "He
didn't talk for a long time. He was deep
in thought. Then I read the Bible to him,
and he explained to me what the words
meant."

James started to go, then paused. He
said quickly, "Oh, yes, Grandpa said he
had a new name for you. But he didn't
tell me what it was."

New name7 thought Willy. What did
Grandpa mean by that? His name was
Willy North. This thought bothered Willy.
It still bothered him the next morning
when he sat at the kitchen table eating
hot oatmeal.

Mother smiled at Willy as she filled his
tall glass with cold milk. "I'm so glad
you're feeling better. Now remember,
Willy, after school, you and James must
go by and see Grandpa Wise Owl. He
gets so lonesome. And it makes him
happy to see his grandsons."

Willy groaned mentally. He could not
face Grandpa. Grandpa lives by Jesus'
teachings, and he wants us to live that
way, too, reflected Willy as an uneasy
feeling began to stir in his stomach.

When they started to school, Mother
called to them, "Don't forget, boys.
Don't go wading in Curling Creek. ' '

After school Willy and James started
for Grandpa Wise Owl's cabin. Willy
walked slowly while James ran on ahead
and disappeared into the thicket. When
Willy came to Curling Creek, he paused.
He watched the muddy water gush over
and around the gray and brown stones.
Then he felt the chilled air, which
reminded him of Mother's words, "You
can go wading in the creek when the air
stays hot."

Willy found a narrow place to cross;
then he climbed the hill and went down it
again into another patch of woods. His

heart jumped when he saw Grandpa's
cabin.

He paused at the door. He could hear
Grandpa's voice as he talked to James.
Opening the door, he went in and sat
down on the quilted bed next to his
brother.

Grandpa sat in a chair before them.
There was a long silence.

Slowly Grandpa's monotone voice
started unraveling stories about his many
boyhood hunts. He told how God had
once protected him from an angry
grizzly bear. Willy's and James's eyes
shone with excitement, even though they
had heard the stories many times before.

Grandpa ended his story by saying,
"My father had taught me to listen to the
sounds of many birds. Every day I
listened until I knew each bird song and I
could imitate it."

He paused and then went on, "Just
like we must imitate Jesus."

"Yes," James agreed eagerly. "He
always did what was right because He
listened to His folks and His Heavenly
Father."

Willy sneaked a guilty look at
Grandpa. Grandpa's stern eyes were on
him. Willy looked quickly and shamefully
down at his black boots. James was
right, thought Willy. Jesus was loving,
kind, and full of wisdom. He always
obeyed.

When Willy returned his eyes to
Grandpa, the old man was still studying
him. Here it comes, worried Willy. Now
I'll get the lashing of the tongue.

Grandpa said, "I told James that I had
a new name for you."

Willy looked puzzled as Grandpa
continued, "If you had lived a long time
ago, our people would have given you the
name 'Missing Ears.' "

Willy felt his ears. They were there.

"You do not listen," said Grandpa.

Willy stared sadly at the floor. Grandpa
was right. He didn't listen to Mother the
other day. And that meant he didn't obey
God. Can't let that happen again, he
thought determinedly, if I want to imitate
Jesus.

Feeling better, Willy looked up to see
Grandpa's smiling face. He asked,
"Grandpa, what would our people call
James?"

They noticed James had disappeared
behind the hill.
Grandpa answered, "Running Feet."
They both laughed. — Selected

13

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

1 rj\\\^lk] Mppemgs

i

MOU

fi

PIPIPIPIfffra

have a meaningful

More than 30 different
courses are available
during the summer sessions
in the following
subjects:

Religion— History-
Economics— Science-
Mathematics— English—
Sociology— Psychology-
Health and Physical
Education

Sessions:

A— June 7-June 25
B— June 28— July 16
C— July 19— August 6

1951—1976
Serving Christ
and His church
for 25 years.

Director of Admissions
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

Mount Olive, N. C. 28365
Please send me further in-
formation on MOC Summer
School.

Address

City State Zip

FREE WILL BAPTISTS IN
GRADUATING CLASS

1976

Pictured at left are a part of the Free
Will Baptist students in the 1976
graduating class at Mount Olive College,
Mount Olive. They are as follows:

First row (left to right): Carolyn
Jackson, Gethsemane church, New
Bern; Marsha Toler, Riverside church,
Princeton; Karen Coates, Bethel church,
Four Oaks; Faith Langley, Aspen Grove
church, Fountain; Cathy Sue Edwards,
Friendship church, Wendell; and, Mrs.
Theretha McLamb, Hillsberry church,

Clinton.

Second row (left to right); Bill Glovf
Union Chapel church, Zebulon; Sus
Snipes, Pleasant Hill church, Princetc
Deborah Pittman, Piney Grove churt
Wilson; Francine Elks, Trinity chun:
Greenville; Terry Ferrell, Little Ro
church, Lucama; and, Betsy Pittnric
Calvary church, Wilson.

Third row (left to right): The R<
Dallas Pinkham, pastor of Pleasant I
church, Kenly; Elwin Lee, Oxen I
church, Maryland; Ronnie Harrisc
Hugo church, Grifton; Burke Raper J
Mount Olive church, Mount Olive; Rat
Casey Jr., Casey's Chapel chun
Goldsboro; and, Gary Mileski, Ra
Cross church, Pikeville.

Fourth row (left to right): La
Higgins, Saint Mary's church, N
Bern; Russell Turner, Whaley's Cha
church, Pink Hill; Charles Hardisi
Rock of Zion church, New Bern; ai
Dennis Frazier, Mount Zion chun
Nashville.

Those not pictured include Tei
Wayne Hinson, Beaverdam chun
Clarendon; Fred and Linda Bak
Everett's Chapel church, Clayton; Ten
Campbell, Snow Hill church, Mo
Olive; Albert Campen, Warden's Gn
church, Lowland; Marsha Gray, Fi
church, Kinston; Teresa Gurgan
Union Chapel church, Plymouth; B;
Mitchell, Bridgeton church, Bridget'
Harper Shackelford, Howell Swa
church, Walstonburg; Teresa Pelt, Piij
Grove church; Donald Whitley, Mer
Island church, Florida; and, Phillip Wo/
Bethlehem church, Chinquapin.

Churches and Minister
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when nee^
for any church that is seeking a pastor aru
any minister who is seeking a church to i|
and would like to give such notice. Please
the necessary information to the editor of
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for
issues only.)

Malachi's Chapel Free Will Bap
Church, Route 1, Columbia, N<
Carolina, is in need of a pas
beginning in July, 1976. Any mini:
who is in good standing with his c
ference and is interested in serving
church two Sundays a month, pie
contact Mr. Abram Swain, Route
Columbia, North Carolina 279
telephone, 796-1091 .

14

THE FREE WILL BAPT1 ■

Free IDill Baptist Children's Borne

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557

"A Christian Home for Boys and Girls' *********

STATE WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
CONVENTION MEETS AT
CHILDREN'S HOME

The State Woman's Auxiliary Con-
ation met in the Memorial Chapel on
tlj campus of the Children's Home on
jfTjrsday, May 6, 1976. Shown in the
pture are some of the persons in at-

to the dining hall to partake of the noon
meal.

Altogether there were about 370
persons in attendance and the Children's
Home was very glad to have each and

dance as they were crossing campus every one of them.

IN MEMORY OF

Mr. Paul A. Avera

■ jlThe following is a tribute to Mr. Paul
/I Avera of Selma, who departed this life
(C March 30, 1976. He was born
f Sptember 27, 1897, the son of the late
\ Jjm and Mary Avera. His stay on earth
v s 78 years, 6 months, and 3 days.

Mr. Avera is survived by his wife, the
ft ner Anna Langdon; seven daughters:
Ns. Linda Helms of Raleigh, Mrs.

Lorine Godwin of Tarboro, Mrs. Peggy
Weaver of Kenly, Mrs. Pauline Godwin of
Goldsboro, Mrs. Doris Brown of Micro,
and Mrs. Lois Narron and Mrs. Mildred
Bunn of Selma; three sons: Vick and
John Avera of Wilson, and James Avera
of Elm City; one sister: Mrs. Nell Morris
of Raleigh; one brother: Walter Avera of
Smithfield; fifteen grandchildren; and
eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Avera was a retired farmer and
businessman, a lifelong resident of

Johnston County, and was thought well
of and respected by all who knew him as
an honorable fellow citizen. He was a
member of the Pleasant Plain Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Selma. He
attended church and Sunday school
regularly as long as he was able. In his
passing, the church has lost another one
of its faithful, longtime members. He was
a man of many Christian qualities,
always willing and ready to do whatever
he could to help those in need or the less
fortunate.

Although Mr. Avera was confined to
his bed for several months prior to his
death, he bore his suffering patiently and
without murmuring.

Funeral services were held at Pleasant
Plain church on April 1 , conducted by the
pastor, the Rev. Raymond Sasser,
assisted by the Rev. J. B. Godwin.
During the service the choir sang
"Amazing Grace" and "Where We'll
Never Grow Old." The Rev. Royster
Martin sang "He Touched Me."

For a number of years Mrs. Bessie
Wall and I shared a pew with Mr. and
Mrs. Avera. We miss them so much as
they always joined in singing with the
congregation and their voices rang out
together. The last stanza of "Amazing
Grace" was plainly stamped on Mr.
Avera's face:

"When we've been there ten thousand
years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we first begun."

The pall bearers were his grandsons:
Larry Godwin, Danny Godwin, Harold
Brown, Jerry Brown, Al Godwin,
Sherwood Godwin, and Gary Weaver.

Mr. Avera was laid to rest in the Selma
Memorial Gardens beneath a beautiful
mound of flowers.

We, as a church body, pray that Mrs.
Avera may be lifted above her grief and
strengthened enough to come back and
worship with us as before the death of
her husband.

Respectfully submitted,
Irene J. Brown

m FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Special1 ^Moments

Dear Maggie.

We owe so much to that body of believers we call the church. Several years ago
a fellow employee and I were lost in the Pee Dee Swamp in Marion County. South
Carolina. Many thoughts ran through our minds that night as we sat in that damp and
dark place. One thought was that we might not make it out alive. With God's help we
walked out the next day. We were deeply moved to discover that many people had
been searching for us. including the National Guard. What a tragedy it would be if we
were lost and no one cared. That was not the case, and we both will be eternally
grateful.

When we are lost spiritually, however, no one sends out search parties to find
us. It is people who are Christians and who are church members that lead us to know
Christ.
HOD

Farmville. N. C.

The column still needs responses.

News and Notes

(Continued from Page 11 )

bring the message from God's Word,
also in song.

Thursday Evening. June 10— The
Rev. Harry A. Jones, pastor of the Hugo
church in Lenoir County, will bring the
message. The ladies quartet from the
host church will render special music for
this service.

Friday Evening, June 11— The Rev.
Taylor Hill and some singers from his
church, the Eastwood church in
Fayetteville, will bring the message and
songs for this service. Mr. Hill is the
director and treasurer of the Home
Missions Board.

Saturday Evening, June 12— The Rev.
Gary Bailey, pastor of Elm Grove church
near Ayden, will be the guest speaker.
This night all young people as well as
adults are urged to be present for Youth
Night. Special music will be rendered by
singers from the Rose of Sharon church,
Route 1. Williamston, the church where

Maggie

Mr. Bailey was a member and accepted
Christ before entering the ministry.

Revival in Progress at
Fellowship Church, Wilson

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Fellowship Free Will Baptist

Church, Corner Ward Boulevard a
Corbett Avenue. Wilson, beginnings
evening at 7:30. Services will contid
through Friday evening. May 28, ■
the Rev. Frank Thompson. Johnson 9
Tennessee, as the visiting evangel!
Mr. Thompson is known as
Walking Bible." Each servicel
featuring special music. The publicj
invited to attend the remainder of tn
services.

Gospel Sing at
Winterville Church

The Winterville. North Carolina. F|
Will Baptist Church will sponsor a gos|
sing Sunday evening. May 30, beginnl
at 7:30. The guest singers for thel
casion will be the Rock of Zion Y«
Choir of Grantsboro. The pastor, the Rs
Jack Mayo, and the church membe
cordially invite the public to attend.

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 3)
Brother Fred Lee. chairman of i
Finance Committee, held the note as»
the members looked on with tears |
humbleness in our eyes and gratitude)
our hearts. (Note picture on Page 3.)

We here at Oak Grove church, h?
made our share of mistakes along tj
way, but God tells us in His Holy Woil
"Repent ye therefore, and be convert*
that your sins may be blotted out, whf
the times of refreshing shall come fro
the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:l|
"If we confess our sins, he is faitra
and just to forgive us our sins, and;
cleanse us from all unrighteousness";
John 1:9).

As we strive in the future and as |i
younger generations begin taking o
the work of our Lord and Saviour hertl
Oak Grove church, our humble prayei
' Not our will but thine, 0 Lord."

COMING EVENTS. . .

June 7— Summer School Registration!
the First Session. Mount 01
College. Mount Olive. North Caroli

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

Awe inspired by the big,
| big world, a little boy is
prompted to ask, in his
childlike manner,
questions that even mature
adults sometimes ponder
but feel ashamed to voice,
because the answers are
supposed to be obvious.
Tradition has it that much
can be learned from the
sincere, searching inquiries
of children. Children are
honest, and they project
openly and unashamedly
their ***** dismay,
disillusionment, and
whatever other sensitives
that are inside. Oh that all
of us could be so
thoroughly willing to admit
our inadequacies! Oh that
all of us could and would
go the way of the child

the
free
Dill
baptist

bUKE. UNIVERSITY

v;

DllRtfAlllL

- - - •

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1976

Cover Photo by HaroldM. Lambi

A Little Boy's Observation

(He is led to ask, "What's ahead for Sis and me?")

His big eyes made words unnecessary, but he pondered anyhow— silently and
audibly.

Oh, it's a big world. There's so much I don't understand: the sky; the clouds
that change shape and move here and there; the hot, hot sun; the wind; the
nighttime; and the moon and the sometimes bright and sometimes dim stars. Most of
all I don't understand the people. Some days they're good; some days they're bad.
And, well, it just confuses me the way they treat each other— and sometimes the one
who seem to be the best act the worst. Why is it that they say that I should act one
way and they act another? Why is it that they preach and teach all the good things but
don't live them? How am I supposed to know what's right?

Is it because I'm not grown-up that I find things hard to understand?

Tell me, Lord. What's ahead for Sis and me?

Will there be peace when we grow up?

Will anybody forget just how much he hates everybody?

Will men be too proud to bend down to help us up if we fall?

Will we be important, Lord, or will we just be lost in the crowd?

Lord, what's ahead for Sis and me?

Will there be joy in grown-up life?

Will anybody smile and show us how to find our way?

Will men be too busy to slow down and give us the hand we need?

Will anyone care about us, Lord, or will we just be two unremembered faces?

Lord, what's ahead for Sis and me?

Will there be more darkness than light?

Will there be any such thing as contentment— and rest?

Will hearts be too hard to ache and eyes too dry to cry?

Will life be too mean to open up to love if it should come?

And what about love? Will there be any for us?

Will we merit notice, Lord, or will we just remain unknown?

Lord, what's ahead for Sis and me?

Will you be there when we grow up— I mean in the lives of people, where we can
see and know?

Will anybody remember how good it was to pray?
Will souls be too stiff to be moved and voices too tired to sing your praises?
Will men help us to find you, Lord, or will we have to search for you on our own?
Lord, what's ahead for Sis and me? I'm so frightened for both of us— and for all

of us!

I look so hard, but still I don't know and
someone— anyone! Doesn't anybody care?

don't understand. Help me,

THE

Oh, Lord, it's such a big world. What's ahead for Sis and me?

FREE WILL BAPTIST

JUNE 2, 1976
Volume91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free \Ni
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secor
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina

All materials to be placed in any issue mu
be in thehandsoftheeditorsix days prior to ti
'publication dateof that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: oi
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four year|
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou
given when local churches send the "Baptist"
the home of every member; names and a
dresses to be provided by churches. Church
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribut
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unc
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refit
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of T
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ea
article is given the person whose name appe.
under the title or to the person submitting S£
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box I
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.
p. m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m — 5 p.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a m, — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenba
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rob
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassf
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

BICENTENNIAL
"OLD CAMP MEETING"
LITTLE CREEK ORIGINAL FREE
WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday, June 6, the Little Creek three oldest churches in the

Original Free Will Baptist Church, Route denomination, even older than the United

1, Ayden, will observe Bicentennial States, with history dating back to 1 730

Sunday. Little Creek church is one of the and possibly back to 1 727.

.... . The theme for the bicentennial
pus; fogram will be "Old Camp Meeting
)ai'\y." The entire program for the day is
m janned for the outdoors, with the ex-
apie pption of Sunday school which will be
*lk jbld inside. The tentative program is as

Morning Session

"!Sp:00— Sunday School

]

50,1 1 :00— Worship Service (come dressed
in old-fashioned clothing, if
p.'l possible)

2:00— Lunch (everything old-
fashioned)

Afternoon Session

1 :30— Special Music, Visiting Groups

1 :50— Speaker, Political Represen-
tative

2:00— Good Old-Fashioned Singing,
Visiting Groups

2:45— Fun and Fellowship (game time:
sack races, relay races, and
many, many more games for the
young and young at heart)

With this kind of program you can be
assured this will be a day you shall never
forget.

The picnic lunch will be served in the
old-fashioned manner, with many dishes
prepared the old-fashioned way. (Please
bring your lawn chairs.)

The Little Creek church is located five
miles west of Ayden, on Highway 102, in
the Scuffleton Community.

David C. Hansley

The pastor, the Rev. David C. Han-
sley, and the church membership
cordially invite former pastors, former
members, and friends to share this day
of worship and Christian fellowship with
them. It is hoped that this program will
help each person to relate his own life to
the church of yesteryear.

[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

SUCCESSFUL HOMECOMING AT
FREE UNION CHURCH

by

Eugene L Gaskill

c~7HE Free Union Free Will Baptist
^/Church, Sealevel, observed its
annual homecoming on Sunday, May 16.
The day's activities began with Sunday
school at 10 a. m., followed by the
presentation of the Flag of the United
States and the Christian Flag to the
church by the Morehead City Chapter of
the Woodmen of the World and received
by the pastor, the Rev. H tilery Gaskins.

The pastor brought the homecoming
message during the worship hour, using
as his subject "The Prodigal Son."
Special music for this service was
provided by the "Young World Singers
Quartet. ' ' A large crowd was present and
they were highly impressed by the
message and the music of this capable
and dedicated group of young Christians.

Although it rained during the worship
service, the rain clouds broke away and
the sun flooded the church grounds so
everyone could enjoy the picnic dinner
served by members and friends of the
church, under a grove of pine and gum
trees. Many friends and former members
shared in this joyful occasion.

After the picnic dinner the group
returned to the sanctuary to be richly
blessed by a program of special gospel
music presented by "The Young World
Singers" of Vanceboro. To their director
and these young people thanks were
extended and prayers offered that God
will richly bless their efforts in winning
souls to Christ.

Though small in number, the Free
Union church has a big heart, and come
August, 1976, it will enjoy its eightieth
birthday. For about three years the
church was without a pastor. Even
during these lean years, Sunday school
was conducted regularly and the church
served as host to the Carteret County
Union Meeting as scheduled. A more
cooperative membership would be
difficult to find.

As a group of believers, we are
eternally grateful that a member of the
State Home Missions Board contacted

the Rev. Hillery Gaskins and asked him if
he would visit our church and see if it
were interested in having a pastor. This
effort resulted in Mr. Gaskins being
called as pastor. The Home Missions
Board agreed to assist with the finances
until the church was financially able to
meet its obligations alone. The church
and its new pastor agreed that they
would have services every Sunday
morning and quarterly conferences on
the last Saturday nights in August,
November, February, and May.

After the first three morning services,
the church became financially
responsible. This was the second
homecoming service for the church since
Mr. Gaskins accepted the call as pastor
fifteen months ago. He has proven to be
a real pastor and has won the love and
respect of the church and community by
loving his members and working har-
moniously with the pastors of other
denominations. He has served the
community well and has worked in the
"Down East Crusade."

During Mr. Gaskins' stay with the
church the membership and friends of
the church have been involved in several
projects and activities; namely, revival
services with five additions to the
church, painting the church exterior,
installation of storm doors and windows,
lighting fixtures for the sanctuary and
Sunday school rooms, interior carpeting
and matching draperies for pulpit
windows, painting and installation of
new furniture, carpeting and curtains for
the primary and junior Sunday school
rooms, and new tables for the picnic and
recreation grounds. All debts are paid
because the members and friends did the
labor required for these improvements.

This church wishes to express its
deep appreciation to the State Home
Missions Board for its new direction and
concern for the weak churches in our
denomination as well as for the
organizing and support of new missions
within the state.

NOTE OF THANKS

I would like to take this metho
to thank my many friends for the nic
cards and gifts I receive
at Christmas and on m
birthday. I would like so much to mentioi
all the persons by name that have beei
so generous and kind to me on all oc
casions, but that would take too mud
space. I will, however, mention thi
churches they are members of. Tfo
churches are Aspen Grove, King's Cros:
Roads, LaGrange, Hickory Grove,
Warsaw, Sandy Plain, Gray Branch
Goldsboro, First, White Oak Grove;
Walnut Creek, Kinston, First, Sain,
Mary's, and Fremont. I am sure I havi
failed to mention all the churches, but |
would like to say from the depths of raj
heart, "Thank all of you, and may Goi
bless you. I shall forever be grateful ti
everyone of you."

I hope I can be a blessing to you II
can be God's will for me to keep n|
health and preach and serve my won
derful Lord who has blessed me durira
my 52 years in the ministry. I have neve
missed many Sundays during thesy
years in the Lord's house and witnessin
for Him who has done so much for mc
Please pray for me and ask God to hei
me serve Him and my fellowman t
many more years to come.

Yours in Chris
L. B. Manninc

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

Question: Does anyone receive benefit
en Christians pray for the salvation of
lose they know are lost?
| Answer: Yes! We always gain from
beying the Bible's instructions and it
lis us: "Ask, and it shall be given you;
tek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
M\ be opened unto you: For every one
II asketh receiveth; and he that
leketh findeth; and to him that
nocketh it shall be opened. Or what
an is there of you, whom if his son ask
fead, will he give him a stone? Or if he
|k a fish, will he give him a serpent? If
i then, being evil, know how to give
pod gifts unto your children, how much
sore shall your Father which is in
kven give good things to them that ask
m? Therefore all things whatsoever ye
iould that men should do to you, do ye
yen so to them: for this is the law and
;ie prophets" (Matthew 7:7-12). Here
' jesus says for us to pray and that our
ifayers are to be answered .

01 jWe pray for Christians and especially
^ r Christian workers in their effort to win
il ms. We also want our Christian friends
^ ') pray for us as we try to win the lost,
id we want other Christians to pray for
1 ur lost loved ones. It is our duty to pray
es! Ir anyone who works in behalf of soul
'r inning. The Holy Spirit inspired James
0 I write: "Confess your faults one to
i!l 'nother, and pray one for another, that
e may be healed. The effectual fervent
;tifi jrayer of a righteous man availeth much
mil . . .Brethren, if any of you do err from
le truth, and one convert him; let him
now, that he which converteth the
^ inner from the error of his way shall
ave a soul from death, and shall hide a
Multitude of sins" (James 5:16, 19, 20).

Mark tells us that when Jesus'
isciples failed to cast a demon out of a
oung man, he was brought to Jesus
/ho cast him out; "... when he was

4 ITHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

come into the house, his disciples asked
him privately, Why could not we cast him
out? And he said unto them, This kind
can come forth by nothing, but by prayer
and fasting" (Mark 9:28, 29).

So it may help us in winning souls to
not only pray, but in some cases to fast,
for it is always a demon that hinders one
from coming to Christ (even the demon of
demons) the devil. None except by the
power of God may be able to win over the
demon possessed.

Paul and Silas preached the Lord
Jesus, the only power to save from sin,
and they were put in prison, beaten, and
made fast by chains and cast into the inner
cell for security; however, they prayed
and sang praises to God at midnight. As
a result an earthquake came that shook
their shackles off them, the prison doors
opened and released them, and they led
the jailer and his whole household to
Christ and baptized them. "... when
they had laid many stripes upon them,
they cast them into prison, charging the
jailor to keep them safely: Who, having
received such a charge, thrust them into
the inner prison, and made their feet fast
in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and
Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God:
and the prisoners heard them. And
suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were
shaken: and immediately all the doors
were opened, and every one's bands
were loosed. . . . Then he called for a
light, and sprang in, and came trem-
bling, and fell down before Paul and
Silas, And brought them out, and said,
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And
they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house. And they spake unto him the
word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house. And he took them the same
hour of the night, and washed their

stripes, and was baptized, he and all his,
straightway" (Acts 16:23-26, 29-33).

There is no doubt but that the singing
and praying by these two Holy Ghost-
filled men, Paul and Silas, were used of
God to bring the jailer and all his loved
ones into a saving knowledge of Christ
our Lord. Perhaps if we should be as
dead serious in our soul winning, pray
and praise God as much as these two
saints did, we might see whole families
join us in prayer and praise to our God as
they are saved.

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question as follows on Page 373 in his
book 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered:

"The most definite Bible passage on
this subject is 1 John 5:16: 'If any man
see his brother sin a sin which is not
unto death, he shall ask, and he shall
give him life.' The words of Paul in Acts
16:31, 'Thou shalt be saved, and thy
house,' probably mean simply that if all
the members of the household believed,
they would be saved. But we have
positive Scripture warrant for praying for
our unconverted friends, and countless
incidents from present day life and
earlier times prove that many hearts have
been won to Christ through prayer. The
assurance may not always come that
those for whom we pray will yield to God,
but sometimes the assurance does come
very definitely. Prayer for others should
be personal, definite, earnest. S. D.
Gordon in his Quiet Talks on Prayer takes
the position that prayer for others, of-
fered in the name of Jesus, has the effect
of driving off evil influences from the
persons for whom the prayer is being
made. It projects the personal influence
fo the one who is praying to the one
prayed for, and clears the spiritual
atmosphere so that the voice of God can
be heard and the power of God felt. Just
as by talking to a person one may be able
to persuade him to listen and yield to
God, so by prayer one may influence
another to submit himself to God. Most
important of all is love. We must love
ardently, steadily, those for whom we
pray. Love will prevent us from doing
things that would mar our influence over
them or spoil their conception of the
religious life. If our friends know that we
love them deeply and constantly our
words and prayers will have an almost
irresistible power."

SUNDAY, JUNE 6
Scripture Reading— James 4:8

WHAT THEY THOUGHT
OF WESLEY
A story has come down to
us from the days of Wesley
concerning his work among the
miners of Cornwall. Whole villages
were transformed from a gambling,
swearing, and Sabbath-breaking
people to men and women of sobriety
and godliness. In every home was to
be found a picture of John Wesley, the
man whom they all loved. One day a
stranger visiting one of these humble
homes seeing John Wesley's picture
on the wall said, "Whose picture is
that?" The old miner reverently lifted
his hat and said, "There was a man
sent from God, whose name was
John."— Serving and Waiting

PRAYER THOUGHT
God tries to send many of us, but
with little results in a great many
instances. Pray that we shall keep our
hearts and minds so attuned with
God's that we shall hear and heed His
call.

MONDAY, JUNE 7
Scripture Reading— 1 Timothy 6:18

MY INFLUENCE
A careful woman I ought to be ;
A little fellow follows me.
I dare not go astray.
For fear he'll go the selfsame way.
Not once can I escape his eyes :
Whate'er he sees me do, he tries.
Like me he says he's going to be —
That little chap who follows me.
He thinks that I am good and fine ;
Believes in every word of mine.
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.

—Selected
PRAYER THOUGHT
Oftentimes we have people who
follow our examples. Sometimes,
completely unknown to ourselves.

God help us that we lead none astray.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
8:21

OCCUPATION UNCHANGED
An infidel was introduced by a
gentleman to a minister with a
remark, "He never attends public
worship." "Ah!" said the minister, "I
hope you are mistaken." "By no
means," said the stranger; "I always
spend Sunday in settling my ac-
counts." "Then, Alas," was the calm
but solemn reply, "you will find, sir,
that the Day of Judgment will be
spent in the same man-
ner."— Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

PRAYER THOUGHT
Live in such a manner that
Judgment Day will not be such an
awesome ordeal. Prepare for a day of
gladness not one of gloomy doom.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9
Scripture Reading— Nehemiah 1:9

THERE IS A TIME !
The conscience may be still at ease,

The spirit light and gay ;
That which is pleasing still may
please,
And care be thrust away.

Oh ! Where is this mysterious line

That may be crossed by men,
Beyond which God himself hath
sworn

That he who goes is lost?

How far may we go on in sin?

How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end? and where
begin

The confines of despair?

The answer from the skies is sent:

Ye who from God depart,
While it is called today, repent

And harden not your heart.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We can never go so far away that
God cannot reach us. Take His hand
of compassion and follow Him
through a life blessed by all His loving
graces.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10
Scripture Reading— Lamentations

3:26

WAIT ON THE LORD!
Not so in haste, my heart;

Have faith in God and wait ;
Although He lingers long,

He never comes too late.

He never comes too late ;

He knoweth what is best;
Vex not thyself in vain ;

Until He cometh, rest.

Until He cometh, rest;

Nor grudge the hours that roll;
The feet that wait for God

Are soonest at the goal.

—Selectee

PRAYER THOUGHT
A servant of the Lord is happy in hu
lowly position and shall be rewardec
according to God's all powerfu
dispensation.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11
Scripture Reading— Psalm 104:24

REFUSING TO READ WILL
NOT CHANGE IT
The COURIER publishes an in
teresting comment from a Palestim
missionary to the effect that thi
Arabs dislike to buy the Bible becausi'
they say it promises to give their lam
to the Jews, and they say that tlv
promise to Abraham still holds good
They are right concerning tht
promise, but their refusal to buy am
read the Bible will not prevent thl
fulfillment of its prophecies
—Prophecy

PRAYER THOUGHT
When a nation of people, such as thl
Arabs, who do not as a rule believe i
Jesus and His salvation, still behev
in His Word, we, as professel
Christians, should certainly pay mon
credence to our Bibles.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Scripture Reading— Psalm 34:18

ART THOU A SEER?
The penitent can see

With more than mortal sight ; I
Earth's wisdom gropes and fails

Like lame men in the night.
To penitents alone

Are heavenly things made clear:
The best of lenses is

A penitential tear.

—Max I. Rei(

PRAYER THOUGHT
Have you ever stopped to consid
that perhaps your prayers we
unanswered because your heart ai
mind were not penitent, but arroga
and demanding?

(Devotions used by permission ?
Knight's Master Book of Nc
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIJ

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

Ml

SSIONS

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P. 0. Box 979
Goldsboro, N. C. 27530

I

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N. C. 28305

PASTOR'S SON INJURED
ON WAY TO CHURCH

On Sunday morning, March 7, the
neteen year old son of the Rev. Jimmy
sarte was seriously injured in an
cident while on the way to church,
mrod Basarte had left home a few
inutes after seven o'clock and was
alking down the road alone toward the
ee Will Baptist church in Puerto
incesa, Palawan. Because of the hot
ijmperatures later on in the day, Sunday
pool would begin early at eight
(clock, to be followed by the morning
[|orship service. Rev. Basarte, in the
psence of his wife who had to be away
j Quezon province on family business
jatters, was getting the younger
jiildren ready for church, and they
iould be coming later on.

As Nimrod walked down the narrow
ad alone toward the church house, the
jtn already was making its daily climb in
jje sky with its rays dazzlingly brilliant
j those early morning hours of the day.
tie road was almost deserted with only
jfi occasional traveler here and there,
jow and then, a tricycle* would pass by
jith one or two passengers riding inside,
j kind of peacefulness prevailed on that
zy Sunday morning— the kind that
bsorbs an individual and allows his
nnd to be filled with many pleasant
loughts.

I Whatever may have been going
irough Nimrod's mind that morning was
uddenly interrupted by the sound of a
ist-moving tricycle, hurriedly moving up
ehind him. He turned to see what was
liappening, only to discover himself in
jie direct path of the vehicle and it
Iready upon him! It was too late for him
j) move, too late for the driver to stop,
taster than one could think, Nimrod was
it and run over by the tricycle!

I When Rev. Basarte arrived at the
hurch, he did not see his son but
fought little of it, supposing him to be
jff nearby with some of the other boys,
'owever, as Sunday school neared its

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

end, the pastor was becoming concerned
because his son still had not arrived. As
he pondered the matter, two men entered
the church and asked for Pastor Basarte.
One of the men spoke, "Please don't be
alarmed, but your son is in the hospital.
He has been hit by a tricycle; come, let's
go see about him. I am the father of the
tricycle driver."

Pastor Basarte calmly took the news,
then shared it with his members and
asked them to pray for Nimrod. When he
arrived at the hospital, he found his son
cut, scraped, and bruised — lying on a
cot and crying in pain. Almost two hours
had passed and the hospital had done
nothing for him! The decision was made
to move him to another hospital and
treatment was given. But X rays revealed
a very severe fracture of the bone in one
of Nimrod's legs and surgery was
required the next day to repair and reset
the fracture. The entire leg was placed in
a cast up to the thigh, and Nimrod was to
begin a stay of two weeks in the hospital
where he would continue to be treated.

The driver of the tricycle was declared
to be at fault in the accident, but ac-
cording to him, he had not seen Nimrod
on the way that morning because of the
blinding rays of the sun against him.
Nimrod has since been dismissed from
the hospital but he will continue to be
treated as an outpatient for some time to
come. A love offering has already been
sent to the Basarte family, through the
mission, to help with Nimrod's medical
expenses; but your prayers are needed
and are requested for the complete
healing of his body.

Rev. Basarte commented, "Some-
times things happen like this that
we cannot understand. We think God is
not with us, but it brings us deeper and
nearer to Him. I am trusting in God; in
everything that happens, God has His
own purpose."

*Tricycle— A motorcycle with a built-
on body and a third wheel added, to
allow the transport of additional
passengers. Normally used as a "for

hire" vehicle in carrying passengers
short distances.

ANOTHER NEW MISSION

The Eastwood Free Will Baptist Church
of Fayetteville has endorsed its pastor,
the Rev. Taylor Hill, and several of its
members to start a new Free Will Baptist
mission. This is the third mission that the
Eastwood church has endorsed since it
was founded 1 2 years ago when the First
Free Will Baptist Church Goldsboro
endorsed Mr. Hill to direct this new
work. Mr. Hill was assisted by John
Adcox in the work of the mission.

The new mission pictured above is
located in Hill's Office Building, 1209
Arsenal Avenue (Haymont Area),
Fayetteville. Mr. Hill states, "Fay-
etteville is the fastest growing area in
North Carolina and we need more
churches located here. "

The new mission held its first service
on May 9, with an attendance of 48. The
offering for this service was $638.80.
Mr. Hill also stated that the new mission
has been endorsed by the State Home
Missions Board, although it is expected
to be self-supporting.

Dean Kennedy has been chosen to
serve as assistant director of the
mission. The group has chosen for its
name the "Happiness Free Will Baptist
Mission."

NORTH CAROLINA WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The North Carolina State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention held its annual
meeting Thursday, May 6, at the Free
Will Baptist Children's Home at Mid-
dlesex, hosted by the Western District.
The convention theme was "Great God,
Our King."

Miss Leah McGlohon directed the
congregation in singing "America,"
with Mrs. Fred Register as organist. This
was followed with the invocation by the
Rev. Joe Ingram.

Mrs. Geneva Wilder gave the morning
devotions with the Rev. Dwight Chapman
offering prayer.

Mrs. James Joyner, president of the
Western District Woman's Auxiliary,
welcomed us to the convention. She
presented Mr. Sam Weeks, superin-
tendent of the Home, who extended the
invitation to use the facilities of the Home
and announced that lunch would be
served in the dining hall. Mrs. Ivery
Daughtry of the Cape Fear District
graciously responded to the welcome.

Mrs. Sterling Duncan, vice-president,
brought greetings and expressed deep
regret that Mrs. D. W. Hancock,
president, was absent due to the illness
of her husband. She thanked everyone
for the good response in exceeding
quotes for denominational enterprises.
She challenged us to do all for the glory
of God. Mrs. Duncan also recognized the
ministers, delegates, district presidents,
and the various enterprises represented.

Following a short business session,
Mrs. Myrtice Cartrett Williams gave a
resume on the life of Mrs. Sterling
Duncan, the vice-president, and on the
behalf of the convention presented her a
life membership award.

Mrs. David W. Hansley, youth
chairman, presented Miss Ramey Jo
Dickerson, AFC winner in the
declamation contest. Her speech, "What
Jesus Means to Me," was very in-
spiring.

Misses Shelley Jones and Jo Clifton

8

read their winning essays. These were
very well done. The chairman announced
that the next year's topics would be
"Freedom in Christ" for the
declamations, and "My Call to Witness"
for the essays.

"0 Worship the King," directed by
Miss Karen Register, was sung as the
offering was taken. Mrs. John Taylor
prayed the offertory prayer.

Mrs. Irene Patton directed the Mount
Olive Singers in a rendition of several
numbers relating to the bicentennial
theme of the convention.

Dr. W. Burkette Raper brought the
sermon, "One Nation Under God,"
which was very informative and
challenging. On motion presented by the
resolutions committee and carried by the
convention, the sermon will be published
in "The Free Will Baptist."

Mrs. Bruce Barrow prayed the
benediction and grace for lunch.

The afternoon devotion was special
music by the Children's Home was very
warm and well received Mr. Weeks also
thanked the convention for over $4,000
contributed for appliances for the
cottages.

Mrs. Lula Daw of the Albemarle
District presented an impressive
memorial service, followed with special
music, "God Understands," by the Rev.
Francis Garner.

The business session included various
reports. The financial report given by
Mrs. Raymond Sasser was the best on
record.

The projects for the ensuing year are
as follows: $3,400 for foreign Missions;
$1,000 each for Mrs. Vance Link, Mrs.
J. E. Timmons, and Mrs. Wayne King;
$500 for the Rev. and Mrs. Fred Baker;
$2,500 for home missions, $3,000 for
the Children's Home to be used for
recreation and playground equipment;
$2,500 for Mount Olive College
designated for dormitory campus
lighting; and $15 per auxiliary for the
Retirement Homes.

Russell Duncan made some brief
remarks for Mount Olive College and the

Rev. Doug Skinner represent*
Cragmont Assembly. Mrs. A. I
Chandler also gave a brief financi
report of the assembly.

Mrs. Lillie Mae Sasser gave the fina
cial report of the Anna Phillips Lo<
Fund. She asked the delegates to publici;
the fact that there are loans availac
for those wishing to apply to further the!
education.

The secretary announced the followir
"A-1" auxiliaries: Cape Fear Distril
— Johnston Union, Palmer Mernori;!
and Tee's Chapel; Eastern Distrij
— Bridgeton, Christian Chapel, Gnj
Branch, First church of Kinston, Hoi)
Springs, Moseley's Creek, RockofZio1!
Sarecta, Juniper Chapel, Davis, and Co
Creek; Western District— Calvarj
Friendship, Pleasant Grove, and S
Mary's.

The 50th session was announced f
May 5, 1977, at Mount Olive College.

The nominating committee's repc
was presented by Mrs. Frank Walsto:
chairman. The following officers wei
elected by acclamation, and Mr
Walston used a "Flower Garden" thel
for the installation of the following: Mr!
Sterling Duncan, president; Mrs. Alb&
Proctor, vice-president; Mrs. V
Burkette Raper, secretary; Mrs. Almori
Warrick, corresponding secretary; Mn
Raymond Sasser, treasurer; Mrs. Fm
Register, study course chairman; Mr
Dola Dudley, missions chairman; Mr
David W. Hansley, youth chairman; Mr
A. B. Chandler, program-pray;
chairman; Mrs. Hattie Bright, fief
worker; and Mrs. Sam Week
benevolence chairman.

Mrs. David W. Hansley was elected'
the Cragmont board and Mrs. Lorraiil!
Sutton to the Anna Phillips loan con'
mittee.

The education committee, a ne
committee selected to help students
vocational guidance, is composed
Mrs. Dianne Riley, Mrs. Marvin Water
and Mrs. Royce Hamm.

Mrs. Dola Dudley prayed t
benediction. There was the large
attendance of ministers, delegates, ai
visitors that I ever remember. Truly,
was a good day in the Lord.

Respectfully submittei
Mrs. Ruth L. Warrick
Corresponding Secret

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

t H H =ac ~bl »

THE CHURCH

by

Mrs. Royce Matthews

In the block of letters above you will find words that are usually associated with
the church. The list of words below may be found spelled vertical, horizontal,
diagonal, backward, or forward. The answers will appear in the next issue of the
"Baptist."

friendship'
Prayer
Strrgmg-
-Sermm.
Mti*i£-

-Biemkogwing

Teacher

Bible

•Minister
Lessuir
G+wrr~
Chor-us-
-Seftf&oak
£rrcte
Worship—
Fettow-strrp
Altar
Auxiliary
Surrday School
Service
Contribution
Musician
Usher
Secretary
Pianist

Superintendent
Deacon
EWct
Family

Sunday, May 22, 1976, Mrs. Vina
Wilson celebrated her ninety-second
birthday. A 1915 charter member of the
LaGrange, North Carolina, First Free Will
Baptist Church, Mrs. Wilson is shown
with her pastor, the Rev. L. B. Manning,
who celebrated his seventy-sixth birth-
day, May 13, 1976. Mr. Manning
pastored the LaGrange church in 1942,
returned to the church as pastor in the
early 1950's, and returned for the third
time September 1, 1973, where he is
continuing to serve.

Cape Fear Youth Rally
At Eagles Nest

The Cape Fear District Youth Rally will
meet Saturday, June 5, at the Eagles
Nest Retreat Center near Dudley. The
rally will begin at 4 p. m. with each
church responsible for special music.
After the rally everyone will spread the
evening meal together. All members of
the Cape Fear District are urged to attend
and visitors are welcome.

10

Dedication Day at
Owens Chapel Church

Sunday, April 25, Owen's Chapel Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 3, Elm City,
held a dedication service for all the
accomplishments of the church during the
past year. During the day the Rev. Edgar
Benton, a former pastor, brought the
morning and evening messages.
Following the morning worship a picnic
lunch was served in the back of the
fellowship hall.

During the past year the church
bought and installed new pews, pulpit
furniture, and carpet. The woman's
auxiliary of the church gave a new piano
and planted shrubbery around the front
of the church and placed rocks around it.
They were helped by all groups of the

church. The AFC gave a cross to 1
church with others giving candleholdi
and candles. The layman's league hai1
steeple put on top of the church a
carpet in the parsonage. The upke
committee installed a rug in the pasto
study. All of these accomplishmei
were dedicated to the Lord and Savk
Jesus Christ during this dedicat
service.

Linda Webb, church reporter, statii
"We thank God for our pastor, the Re
Jack Scarboro, and for the souls tl!
have been saved this year. We pra
God from whom all blessings flow."

Bethel Revival
In Progress

Revival services are in progress t
week at the Bethel Free Will Bap-
Church , Merritt. The services beg"
Sunday evening, May 30, and
continue through Friday evening, Ji
4. The visiting evangelist is the H
David Charles Hansley. He is bel
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Jan
E. Howard. Services are beginning ee
evening at eight o'clock, and speil
music is being rendered each eveniil
The public is cordially invited to attdj
the remainder of the services.

J

NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO RENEW
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

A___J

COMING EVENTS ... 1

June 7— Summer School Registration!
the First Session, Mount 0
College, Mount Olive, North Carol I

June 20— Eagles Nest Summer Ca
Begins, Located Near Dudley, Nci
Carolina, and Sponsored by Mo
Olive College, Mount Olive, Ncl
Carolina

June 28-30— General Conference
Original Free Will Baptists, First F'
Will Baptist Church of Durrrn
North Carolina

THE FREE WILL BAPTll]

of Denominational Interest

Elderly Church Leaders
Celebrate Birthdays

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rone

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
"A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

ELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
APRIL, 1976

Religious contributions to the
ildren 's Home for April, 1976, total
12,396.71 , and were given as follows:
Albemarle Conference

Tabor
Zion

.( arl

Blue Ridge Association

Cape Fear Conference

1

II (idsboro, First
I Inston Union
.J's Chapel
1 I'mer Memorial
I asant Grove
! Mary's Grove
iiithfield, First
Total

Central Conference

/Den Grove
Jen
|f| hany
Ijick Jack
immunity
da's Grove
igewood
J fe Union
endship
senville, First
.msley
:kory Grove
ig's Cross Roads
(tie Creek
mondsville
ter's Creek
ace

ley Grove (Beaufort)
iedy Branch
janoke Rapids
cky Mount, First
iratoga
nterville
Total

Eastern Conference

. tioch
thlehem

46.18
100.00

$ 146.18

$ 24.00

$ 50.00
200.00
650.72
155.11
100.00
55.00
450.00

$1,660.83

$ 184.00
155.00
44.64
38.22
56.00
25.00
402.56
196.35
468.67
10.00
50.00
25.00
100.00
55.00
5.00
81.49
9.00
80.00
115.00
5.00
60.00
50.00
110.00
$2,325.93

$ 100.00
10.00

Bridgeton
Core Creek
Crab Point
Deep Run
Dublin Grove
Folkstone
Friendship
Gethsemane
Hillsberry
Holly Springs
Indian Springs
Lanier's Chapel
May's Chapel
Eula Jones

Third S. S. Convention
New Bethlehem
New Haven
Northeast
Oak Grove
Oriental
Rock of Zion
Sandy Plain
Sarecta

Smith's New Home
Smyrna
Sound View
Warden's Grove
White Hill
Wintergreen
Total

Pee Dee Association

Emerson
Oak Grove
Total

Piedmont Conference

Bethany
Christ

East Rockingham
Durham, First
Total

Toe River Association

Roaring Creek

Western Conference

Barnes Hill
Black Jack Grove
Branch Chapel
Everett's Chapel
Fremont
Friendship
Holly Springs
Kenly

50.00
90.56
15.00
50.00
80.00

100.00
34.79
10.00
20.00

300.00
11.00
20 00
25.00
5.00
30.00
29.57
34.00
93.20

160.00
25.30
34.61

134.00
87.40
12.00
50.00

110.00
25.00
25.00
24.75

,766.18

$ 100.00
. 75.00
$ 175.00

$ 27.47
20.00
76.30
25.00

$ 148.77

$ 45.11

10.00
100.00
146.91
288.30
75.00
15.00
600.00
5.00

r

Little Rock
Living Waters
Marsh Swamp
Micro
Milbournie
Mt. Zion (Wilson)
New Sandy Hill
Northern
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Pleasant Gro»e
Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Plain
Rains Cross Roads
Rosebud
Stancil's Chapel
St. Mary's
Stoney Creek
Union Chapel
Union Grove
Wilson, First
Total

Bim, W. Va.

5.00
500.00

30.00
250.00
133.00

15.00

50.00
800.00

25.00
405.00
407.85

63.13
100.00
100.00
5.00

36.76

95.00
325.00

32.50
126.26
,350.00

Other States

$6,094.71

$ 10.00

pf SHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
APRIL, 1976

Memorial contributions to the
Children's Home for April, 1976, totaled
$72.50, and were given as follows:

J. H. Dail by Virginia Albertson.

L. H. Poole by S. A. Pittman.

Russell Benton by Mr. and Mrs. Deryl O'Briant.

Joe B. Faison by W. S. Williams Jr

Jason Gaskins by George Ipock.

WHICH CHRIST?

A very learned man once said to a
little girl who believed in the Lord
Jesus: "My poor little girl, you don't
know whom you believe in. There
have been many christs. In which of
them do you believe?" "I know which
one I believe in," replied the child. "I
believe in the Christ who rose from
the dead."— Selected

11

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "... by the grace of
God I am what I am: and his grace which
was bestowed upon me was not in vain;
but I laboured more abundantly than they
all: Yet not I, but the grace of God which
was with me. Therefore, whether it were
I or they, so we preach, and so ye
believed" (1 Corinthians 15:10, 11).

THE GRACE OF GOD

(Part IV)

Paul declares that it pleased God to
call him by His grace, to reveal His Son
in him, so that he could effectively
preach the gospel among the heathen.
God reached out for the life of Paul and
Paul became obedient and willing to
present his body a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God. He denied the
world and all its grandeur, riches, and
pleasure so that God could transform
him, renew his mind, and prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will
of God.

The road of humility is a broad road in
that it does away with all habits,
customs, and worldly things and
prepares the heart for new pursuits,
endeavors, and achievements. It is
impossible for man to take material
things with him in the grave. It is im-
possible also for man to benefit from
God's grace unless he gets rid of the ties
he has with the world. God will not equip
us with the advantages of His grace, nor
will He allow us the use of these riches
and benefits until we humble ourselves
and present our bodies living sacrifices,
holy and acceptable unto Him.

For a better understanding of how
God's grace fits and empowers us we
need to take into consideration His holy

requirements. A study of the act of God
in establishing the priesthood, beginning
with Aaron, will reveal how important it is
for us to do exactly what God requires.
Aaron and others who were appointed
priests were required to wash them-
selves clean, this being a symbol of
spiritual cleanliness before God. The
soul must be washed and made clean
from all sinful conformity and con-
tamination of the world before God issues
righteous garments (the robes and
adornments, frills and fringes) which
God allows are for His glory, not ours!
Notice how God gave detailed description
of the priest's wardrobe and gave in-
struction as to how these items were
made— even the fringes, tassels,
stitchings, etc. — how they must appear
on the garments. Likewise, the person
acquiring God's grace must be willing to
adorn himself with the items of dress in
keeping with God's design and order.

Another good example of God's
requirements for spiritual dress is
reflected in our modern times. Man has
come a long way toward desegregation.
God is not pleased with the mixing of
blood and the ending of race iden-
tifications through mixed marriages. But
the world is doing this through satanic
manipulations of our society. Man is
trying to build a citizenship made from
mixed, mongrel races to populate the
world. Satan has also created another
conspiracy to break down and mix the
sexes so as to create world citizens
without sexual identification. Satanic
interests are making a play to remove all
sexual privacy by making everyone
appear to be a person rather than a man
or a woman. Some have gone so far as to
advocate the mixing of men's and
women's lounges, rest rooms, etc. All of
these satanic efforts are designed to
converge upon our society and break
down the holy estate of womanhood and
manhood. Women demand that they be
given equal rights in all work, sports,
and social and educational activities.
Men are cooperating for obvious
reasons. More on this subject could be
said, but it is the opinion of this writer
that enough has been said to cause the
reader to do some research and study. I
will quote from Deuteronomy 22:5, "The
woman shall not wear that which per-
taineth unto a man, neither shall a man
put on a woman's garment: for all that do
so are abomination unto the LORD thy
God."

Finally, God's grace is sufficient
we need to be fitted to support
kingdom work at any cost. Whatever
requires of us His grace empowers
fits us to do it. This means that we will
able to ". . . grow in grace, and in
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jel
Christ. . . ." (2 Peter 3:18). After al
is the goal and the worthy aspiratioi]
every sincere Christian to improve!
obedience and service as long as he cf
Let us, then, be mindful of God's gr|
and fit ourselves in the pattern wrj
gives us a healthy, godly, spiritual,
fruitful Christian life. Amen.

IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Henrietta Dixon

Mrs. Henrietta Dixon was born
September 14, 1923, and was call
home on October 30, 1975. Mrs. Di>
was always ready and willing to p
ticipate in any activities which were*
progress in the church, auxilic
Sunday school, or her community. £
always contributed her time and
financial support toward any Christ)
endeavor which was undertaken in l!
neighborhood. We miss her gnj
personality and her sweet smile as
endeavor to perform our duties in H
various activities of the church. Her h|
and presence are greatly missed whl
benevolence work is in progress in t
community because she could always ?
counted on to support any work whi
was in Christ's name.

Mrs. Glennie Kite

Mrs. Glennie Kite was born Augu
14, 1899, and was called home
September 18, 1975. Mrs. Kite suffer;
for many years but she patiently endur
her afflictions. She was interested in o
auxiliary and enjoyed fellowshiping w
each one who visited her during I
extended illness. She was faithful
keep up her financial obligations in h
auxiliary work, although her heal
hindered her and prevented her beii
present much of the time. We miss h
very much and there will always be
vacancy in our midst which was filled I
her love and kindness while she w;
here.

Lovingly submitted,

Oak Grove Woman's Auxilia

Vanceboro, N. C.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

f

THE CHURCH ORGANIZES

son Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
nory Verse: Ephesians 4:11, 12

INTRODUCTION

[he Christian church had its
h inning on Pentecost when Peter and
r other disciples preached to the
Altitude of people who were assembled
ierusalem to observe the feast. We are
.firmed that as a result of the Spirit-
'. lid preaching of that day about three
tiisand converts were won over to the
se of Christ and associated them-
es with the body of disciples.

i the earliest days of church
ory the apostles served as bishops
overseers, but as the body of
evers grew and the work of the
rch embraced things other than the
aching of the gospel, it was deemed
essary to ordain deacons to assist in
work. Thus we see that there were
ordained officers present in the Early
rch. The bishops, whom we now
w as ministers or preachers, were
ained to proclaim the Word of God, to
r prayers and supplications and to
rcise general oversight over the
ngelistic efforts and spiritual growth
:he church body. The deacons, who
still called by that name, were to be
istants to the pastor. It became their
to serve at the Lord's Table, to
tribute the benevolent gifts of the
iirch, and to exercise leadership over
• tfjse facets of the church work that
if w li Id give the ministers more time for
pyer and the preaching of the word.
-The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

1 HINTS THAT HELP

K. In last Sunday's lesson we saw
tl birth of the church as a living being,
aorganism; in this lesson today we see
tl beginning of the church as an
o anization. It is important to see that
tl church is both an organism and an
ojianization.

p. There are some who deny that the

Apostolic Church had any type of
organization. Some of these people who
claim that they do not believe in
organization have formed themselves
into organizations to fight organization.
Just as the church must be an organism
and have the life of God; it must also be
an organization and be equipped to
function in a business-like manner in this
world.

C. A church usually has many
officers and committees, but there are
only two officers that are or-
dained—deacons and pastors. Why do
you suppose that God set these two apart
in a special way? Does this mean that the
church should have no other officers?
We believe that it is because of the
importance of these two officers that God
showed us that they should be ordained.

D. The pastor is the leader of the
church. A church can rise no higher than
its leader is capable of taking it. So it
seems important that churches be
careful of the persons they select as
pastors. Much more is required of a
pastor than that he be able to preach.
Does he have character? Is he qualified
educationally and emotionally? He must
be the kind of person that will lead the
local church in the way that it should go.
Churches should be careful in their
selection of pastors.

E. How do most of our churches
select their deacons? Some select them
without any consideration except that
someone nominated them in a meeting.
Deacons are as important as the pastor;
therefore, they should be prayed about,
and much thought given to their
selection. When a church fails to do this,
it is asking for trouble.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. A farmer broke his arm in an
accident. The doctor set it, put a cast on
it, and told the man not to use it. It took
longer than usual to heal. When the
doctor finally was able to remove the

cast, the farmer nearly fainted at the
sight of his arm. It had decreased in size
and was shriveled and pale. He could
barely lift it. The doctor said, "We have
here a classic case of atrophy. The only
way to get that arm back to normal size
and function is slow but steady use."

Atrophy means a wasting away from
disuse. Every member of the church
must find a job to do or become
atrophied. The Lord intends for every
saved person to be a functioning member
of the body. Church leaders must involve
all the members of the Lord's body in the
work of ministering (see Ephesians 4:11,
12).

In this lesson we have learned of the
wonderful provision of God for the
protection and development of the
congregation by setting up two special
functions to care for the welfare of the
flock. But we have also seen what
happens when men are motivated by
greed and ambition rather than by the
revelation of Heaven. — Standard Lesson
Commentary

B. "As a football coach, I have had a
chance to see some things that the crowd
seldom notices. The crowd sees the
touchdown and the man carrying the
ball; perhaps only the coach notices the
tackle who takes care of his assignment,
and then picks himself up to throw the
extra block that clears the way for the
ball carrier. And the coach knows that
even the scrubs, the managers, and the
water boys are necessary. The work is
one. So I think that God knows that the
work of His Kingdom is one.

"It takes much real work to meet the
needs of men. The farmer sows the grain
and harvests it. The trains do the
transporting; the mills grind the flour.
The merchants take it from the trucks.
The housewives knead the dough, and
bake the bread . . . The work is one. And
every workman may show the character
of God when he can say at the end of the
day with the Creator: 'And God saw that
it was good.'

"Why do so many of us expect the
pastor to do it all? We have no right to
expect more of him than of our-
selves—and the requirements laid on
him as a leader of Christian effort should
be laid equally on us if this is to be a
team on which everyone does what he is
expected to do."— Tarbell's Teacher's
Guide (1964)

1|IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

CAMP ROBBER

by

Betty Steele Everett

ANDY tlung his bag on-
to the bunk, then he looked
around the cabin to see who his buddies
would be at Bible camp this year.

"I'm Chuck Halstrom," a big, blond
boy introduced himself. He gestured to
each of the others, naming each one. "A
couple aren't here yet," he ended,
nodding atthe empty bunks, "and one is
going to surprise you. Have you ever
seen a boy just out of reform school?"

There was a moment of silence, then
excited voices rose, urging Chuck to tell
them more.

"His name is Les Walters," Chuck
said, "and he was in reform school for
stealing from lockers at school. The
chaplain is a friend of Dad's, and he
thought that Les was close to making a
decision for the Lord. He also thought
that it would help Les if he could come
here to see Christian fellows have as
much fun as his old gang."

In the silence, the screen door
banged, and a tall, thin boy came in. He
glanced around, then he shrugged his
shoulders and threw his new bag onto an
empty bunk.
"Les Walters?" someone asked.
"That's me. Oh, I forgot my can-
teen." He left, slamming the door again.

"He doesn't look like a crook, does
he?" Chuck asked in a whisper.

"He isn't!" Randy said. "He has paid
for whatever he has done, and by the end
of the week he may be a Christian, too. "

Chuck shrugged. "I doubt it. I don't
trust him, and I'm keeping an eye on my
stuff— and on him!"

Les came back in. "What kind of bird
is that outside? It's big and gray, and
it's eating scraps."

14

"It's a Canadian jay," Randy said,
introducing himself. "They're all over
these north woods, and they'll eat
anything. Come on and meet the gang."

The boys answered the introduction
politely, and a minute later the counselor
came in. "Get your Bibles, boys! It's
time for the first meeting."

As Randy pulled his Bible from the
duffel bag, something fell out.

"What's that?" Chuck asked.

"A cross I designed and made myself.
It's aluminum, but it looks like silver. I
usually carry it in my pocket. ' '

"What's that in the center?" Les
asked, coming over to look at it.

"It's a mustard seed. Christ said that
the kingdom of heaven is like that. And
He also said that if we had faith the size
of this little seed, we could move
mountains."

"I wish I had one," Les said.

"Maybe we could make some in
crafts," Randy said. "But we should get
to class now!"

In the Bible class it was obvious that
Les had never had any church
background. He couldn't answer even
the easiest questions.

"I'm pretty stupid when it comes to
Bible knowledge," Les admitted to
Randy as they walked to lunch.

"Come on the hike to Gospel Hill this
afternoon. There'll be a good chance to
talk."

"0. K.," Les said, "but I wish I had
something concrete like that cross of
yours. I'm going to make one."

The boys were ready to leave on the
trail to Gospel Hill when Chuck came
running up. "Lend me your cross,
Randy. Mr. Robbins in the craft shop
wants to see it."

Randy handed* over his cross, and
then he started up the trail with Les and
the others. As they climbed, Randy tried
to explain what being a Christian meant

to him. Les listened, but he hesita
when Randy asked about his o,
commitment.

"I'll see," was all Les said.

After the hike, the boys joined
softball game. Randy was on first b<
when Chuck appeared behind third ba:|
waving the cross.

"Put it on the log," Randy called
"I'll get it when I come around."

But the next two batters flied out, ar
disappointed, Randy forgot the cross,
was dressing for dinner when
remembered it.

"I'm a host tonight; I don't have tir
to go for it," he told Chuck.

"I'll bring it."

Later in the dining hall, howevi|i
Chuck shook his head. "It wasn't thei
Someone must have picked it up aj
forgotten to give it to you. Make
announcement!"

But after Randy described the croJ
and where it had been placed, there w»;
no response.

Walking back to the cabin, Chuil
said, "Anyone who picked it up for yl
would have said so— except one pel
son." i

Randy stopped walking. Chuck mea
Les! "But Les wouldn't take it!" Rand
declared.

' 'He has said a couple of times that I
would like to have it. And he was playin
ball this afternoon."

"But the cross isn't worth anythirj
except to a Christian," Randy argued
"and a Christian wouldn't steal!"

"He probably only thought about ho;
much he wanted it. He wasn't in refon
school for nothing!"

"I don't believe it!" Randy saic
"Maybe it fell off the stump."

"I looked! I tell you, Les has to be th
one! There's no one else! I say w
should come right out and demand
back. If we let him get away with this
there's no telling what he'll take befor
camp is over!"

Randy shook his head. "We can
accuse him when we're not sure!"

Chuck sighed. "0. K., but we ca
watch him! And hunt for the cross, too!'

Randy didn't ask what Chuck mean
but the next afternoon, when he com
back to the cabin early from th
swimming pool, he found Chuck goin
through Les's things.

"I'm looking for your cross!" Chuc
defended. "He must have
somewhere!"

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

'■Put his stuff back!" Randy ordered,
iegan replacing some things himself.
HWhat are you fellows doing?"
Jiey jumped as Les came angrily
|iugh the door.

«We were— " Randy sputtered.
*|Going through my stuff!" Les
lipped. "Why? I don't have anything
fjn taking."
rah, no?" Chuck asked. "What
it Randy's cross?"
The one he lost? But I didn't find

No, you didn't 'find it," Chuck
his voice shaking, "you stole it!"
js's face went pale. "Do you know
it me?" he asked in a low voice,
ey promised—"

Being in reform school doesn't
er to us," Randy said, finding his
e. "Honest!"

Yeah!" Les barked. "You're not
ching anyone else's stuff! You knew
is in reform school, so as soon as
ething was lost, you thought I stole
should have known you were all

e whirled, and the door slammed
nd him.

andy rushed outside, but Les had
ppeared, and by evening he was still

3.

I wonder where he is," Randy said
ey stood in line for dinner.
Probably thinking up a good alibi,"
ck said.

But the cross wasn't in his things,"
dy reminded him.

huck started to answer, but another
came up, grinning and waving
lething.

My cross!" Randy said. "Where did
get it?"

lYou won't believe it! On our nature
, a Canadian jay flew over with
aclething shiny in his mouth. We held
ai bread, and he came down. He
rJrbped what he was carrying— your
ass!"

landy stared. "The book I read said
ttil: some people call these jays 'camp
rcbers' because they'll take any kind of
ftti or anything small enough to carry!
M cross would shine in the sun on the
* Tip, and it's light enough for him to
Cil'y!"

A bird took it?" Chuck asked. "Not
Li?"

'Come on!" Randy said, forgetting
d ner as he thought of Les. "We've got
tcfind him! And when we do, we're

going to beg him to forgive us and to give
us the second chance we didn't give
him!"

He leaped down the dining hall steps,
heading for the trail to Gospel Hill. And
with every step, Randy was praying
harder than he had ever prayed
before. — Selected

WHERE IS GOD?

by Hazel Casey

(These are some of the thoughts inside
the heart of a primary child.)

My daddy says He is everywhere;

My mother tells me that He sees
everything that I do;

My Sunday school teacher says that God

made the whole world;
But just how could He do all of that?

Do you think He had some help— maybe

some volunteer workers?
That seems to me a lot of work for one

man to do.

My preacher tells me that I must trust
Him because He gave His Son,
Jesus, to die on the Cross that I
might be saved.

That sure was a big thing He gave to the
world— His son— to die for us.

My preacher also said that I must repent
of my sins, and ask the Lord to come
into my life, and save my soul.

I will do just that right now.

Please God, take all the ugly, mean
things out of my life, and make me so
I will not desire that part of the world
that I should not.

Help me to do good, and not bad things.
I receive you, dear God.
Now— I see you God;
I see you in my daddy's smile;
I see you in the way my mother cares for
me;

I see you in the way my Sunday school

teacher teaches me, and shows me

that she loves me;
I see you, God, in my preacher;
I see you in every tree, flower, bird,

hillside, and also in the sunshine and

in the rain.
Yes, now I really know you, God.
Thank you for saving my soul!

"LET FREEDOM RING"

Carrying forth the bicentennial theme,
as a continuation of the one featured at
the State League Convention this year,
"Let Freedom Ring" will be the theme of
the Christian Cadets' Conference, June
28— July 3, at Cragmont Assembly. The
emphasis of this theme is "Freedom
from Sin," with the classes of the week
covering the facets of "Freedom Is."

These classes will be taught by the
staff as follows: Patrick Henry, the Rev.
Tommy Evans; Thomas Jefferson, Mr.
Barry Chambers; Marquis de LeFayette,
Mr. Lonnie Mann; Paul Revere, the Rev.
Dwight Chatman; Martha Washington,
Mrs. Grace Jones; Abigail Adams, Mrs.
Janice Mann; and Rebecca Boone, Mrs.
Sandy Chatman. In charge of the music
will be Dolly Madison, Mrs. Dianne Riley;
and Betsy R^ss, Mrs. Linda Chambers.

George Washington, the Rev. Rod
Jones, will serve again this year as the
cadets' director. A lovely plaque was
presented Mr. Jones during the con-
ference last year at a camp fire
testimonial service for his nine years of
service to the Christian Cadets' Con-
ference.

Registrations for the conference are to
be sent to the Rev. Rod Jones, 300 Fleet
Street, New Bern, North Carolina 28560.

To the Readers of
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST:

Please accept my love to you for all
your kind responses to the editorials
which I prepared during the illness of our
beloved editor, Tommy Manning. Even
though my writings can never reach the
heights and depths of inspiration of those
of Mr. Manning, I agreed to try to assist
him in the editorial area during the time
when his ear surgery was impending,
the time of his hospitalization, and the
period following.

Again, it was good to walk with you in
thought and ideas through the editorials.
Now let us continue to walk together as
we share our lives in love and prayer for
Mr. Manning's continuing recovery and
for One another. Joyce Proctor Beaman

(Editor's Note: My sincere thanks to Mrs. Beaman
for her most unselfish assistance! Even with an
activity calendar overfilled with necessary duties and
commitments, she very graciously consents to serve
in any capacity to help her fellowman and to advance
the cause of our Lord. Her guest editorials
have met with excellent favor, as commendations
have come to my office via phone and personal
conversation. Those who have read Mrs. Beaman's
editorials will readily agree with me that she is much
too modest in her self-appraisal.)

T E FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

CHURCH IT

WAKE FOBBW

GENERAL CONFERENCE OF
ORIGINAL FREE WILL
BAPTISTS

(June 28— 30, 1976)
The annual session of the
General Conference of Original Free
Will Baptists will begin Monday
evening, June 28, in the First Free
Will Baptist Church, 225 Chandler
Road, Durham, with the annual
Youth Conference. This is to be
followed on Tuesday, June 29,
with the annual Woman's Auxiliary
Convention.

Tuesday afternoon, at 4 p. m.,
the Board of Directors of the
General Conference will hold its
annual meeting. This will be
followed with the conference's
evangelistic service Tuesday
evening, at 7:30, in the sanctuary
of the church.

The Wednesday session of the
conference will be held in the
Memorial Auditorium, Fayetteville

AMERICA'S MOST
EXCITING EVANGE

LIST

THE CHAPLAIN OF
BOURBON STREET

Street, Raleigh. The program on
Wednesday will be a first for the
General Conference in that a well-

I plan to attend the dinner. There will be (number)
Name

in my party.

Address

known evangelist, the Rev. Bot
Harrington of New Orleans
Louisiania, will bring the message
from God's Word and greetings ir
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. \

Please make your plans now to:
attend this special bicentennial
year conference. A complete
program of the conference will
appear in a later issue of ' 'The Free'
Will Baptist." We look forward to;
seeing you and having a rejoicing
good time in the Lord at this annual;
conference. To all Christian!
friends we say, "Welcome in the
name of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ."

For the pastors who plan to*
attend the "Pastor-Wife Dinner,
please fill in the following form and'
return to the Rev. M. E. Cox, 421,;
Idlewood Drive, Durham, North!
Carolina 27703, no later than June
21 . Thecostofthemeal will be$3.50:
per person and is being catered by
Wilbur's of Goldsboro.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Harry A. Jones
Secretary

RKLEJGM

E. SOOTH ST

MEMCCiAl--
AODITOftiJM

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

the free Dill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 1976

"But Daddy, you're already famous in my heart." How
beautiful the sound of those words! And how
great a challenge : to live up to that faith
and confidence. God help us to fill
the shoes he expects
us to wear!

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lam

Famous in the Heart

Some little insignificant honor had come the father's way, and quite by accident
the little boy learned of it. He was thrilled to know that one of his daddy's literary
efforts had merited inclusion in a book that would soon come off the presses.

The little boy knew about books and things, because such were (and are) his
father's business (or at least writing and editing are his occupation). The father
played down as much as possible what the little boy considered a great honor; but
certainly, he was appreciative of the child's esteem and equally appreciative of the
literary board's selection of a poem which he had authored. Nevertheless, knowing
how disproportionately immature minds can view events, the father tried (almost in
vain) to diminish the child's high appraisal of what he considered "one of the
greatest happenings in the world."

The whole weekend together was thrilling for both father and son, as they
enjoyed each other's almost constant companionship: visiting with relatives,
shopping, going to restaurants, going to a pancake house with friends, riding in the
car; and then the very special event on Sunday: going to Sunday school and church
together. During the church service, the father occupied the organ bench as usual,
and the little boy held the usual seat for him on the front pew, advising those who sat
down sometimes too near that he was "saving that seat" for his daddy.

After the choir had finished their selection, the father took his seat beside his
son. The son sighed, as if to say: "At long last you're here!" He snuggled close to
the father— almost too close, but the father didn't discourage the loving gestures: the
touches, the clasping of hands, the looking of big eyes into older but smaller eyes,
the hugs, the little soft whispers of "I love you, Daddy" and "I'm proud of you,
Daddy" and "You're the best daddy in the world." Even during a worship service,
who could chastise a child for open honesty and sincerity? After all, thought the
father, "of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Church being over, father and son walked to the car together, the son as close
as ever to that "big man" in his eyes. Inside the car, the little boy again positioned
himself as close as possible to his father's side— again without any rebuke on the
father's part. Constantly talking about whatever interests little boys: baseball,
swimming, and other sports (as well as what had been learned in Sunday school and
church), about halfway home, the little boy fingered his church bulletin pensively and
then looked directly into the father's face, clasping his hand in the process. "Daddy,
someday you're going to be famous!"

Quite taken by the remark, the father swallowed a few times and responded:
"Oh, F don't know about that, son. I'm not really that important. I doubt that I'll ever
be famous." A hug was imminent and a closeness that was oh, much more than
physical. Two hearts were beating together an emotional and spiritual refrain.

"But, Daddy, you're already famous in my heart."

The father swallowed again, and this time a tear wet his left cheek. He quickly
wiped away the dampness and responded with a smile, looking away from his son,
but nonetheless affirming his gratitude. "Well, son, that's the greatest reward I
could ever have."

No more words were necessary. Both father and son were satisfied, and the
father will never cease to praise his Lord for that manifestation of childish wisdom.

"But, Daddy, you're already famous in my heart." How beautiful the sound of
those words! And how great a challenge: to live up to that faith and confidence!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST I

JUNE 9, 1976
Volume 91 Numb'

Edited and published weekly by the Fre'
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 NortS
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Ss
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolirj

All materials to be placed in any issues
be in the hands of the editor six days priori]
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four )\
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent diS'
given when local churches send the "Bapti
the home of every member; names am
dresses to be provided by churches. Chu
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Bap
are sent to one individual who in turn distri
these. A 50 percent discount is offered
this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily r
the beliefs or policies of the 'editor or o
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for
article is given the person whose name ap
under the title or to the person submittint
article.

Items for publication should be address
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Bo
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. rj
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson,

a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Riven
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secre
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, R
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mam
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assi
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sa
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPT

OPPORTUNITY TO CHIME IN
ON BICENTENNIAL

. . . With Liberty Bell Scriptures
from ABS

r HEN the Liberty Bell rings in
the third century of these
d States, the words of the Bible will
fcte to the sound. Circling the crown
|te beloved bell are words from the Old
■ament: "... proclaim liberty
righout all the land unto all the
I- bitants thereof: . . ." (Leviticus
■ 0).

m

\t precisely 2 p

kiday, July 4,
■6, church bells
lover the country
I proclaim one of
| most religiously
liificant, as well
I historically im-
utant, events this
deration of Amer-
jps will ever wit-
s. To com-
orate this great
nt, and to pro-
the nation's
rches and syn-
f,gues with a
raningful mo-
ffnto of this his-
cal occasion, the
erican Bible So-
y has pub-
ed a 5 by 5
inch natu-
copper-colored
tographic like-
s of the Liber-
y Bell , die-cut in
r exact shape of
\ bell and its

itngs. The scrip-
Mi words are
hnselves printed
easy-to-read
vie lettering
it ve the bell itself.

w jn the reverse
if is a Scripture

JE FREE WILL BAPTIST

(EDT),

passage from Isaiah 61:1-4. which is
particularly relevant as well as for the
new century of independence, especially
in the phrase: ". . . they shall build the
old wastes, they shall raise up the former
desolations, and they shall repair the
waste cities, the desolation of many
generations" (v. 4).

Churches and synagogues and other
community organizations throughout the
United States can distribute these
Liberty Bell selections as spiritual

reminders to the nation on this great bell-
ringing occasion.

Television and radio will play a major
role, with stations all over the country
ringing bells over the airwaves at the
designated hour for two minutes— and
many of them enclosing this ABS Liberty
Bell selection in tneir bicentennial
promotions.

Also, as part of the bicentennial
program for this particular happening,

the American Bi-
ble Society will
have available— up-
on request— two
bicentennial one-
minute radio spots,
one of them re-
corded by John
Warner, head of the
Bicentennial Admin-
istration in Wash-
ington. D. C: and
one related di-
rectly to the Amer-
ican Bible Society
program . Some tele-
vision stations plan
to use this tape
as voice-over for
appropriate bicen-
tennial scenes.

These Liberty
Bell Scripture se-
lections can be
ordered from the
American Bible
Society. 1 865 Broad-
way. New York
City. N. Y. 10023.
at S2.46 per 100
unit. The one-minute
spots can be ordered
from the same
address for S1 for
each spot for place-
ment on your local
radio or tele-
vision station.

IN MEMORIAM
Mrs. Dora Joyner

PRESS RECEIVES
SAFETY AWARD

The Free Will Baptist Press Foun-
dation, Inc. was one of fifty-four
business firms to be granted safety
awards at the annual Pitt County Safety
Awards Banquet, which was held
Tuesday, June 1, 7 p. m., at the
Greenville Moose Lodge. The banquet
was sponsored by the Greenville
Chamber of Commerce and Merchants
Association, Inc., in cooperation with the
North Carolina Department of Labor.

Serving as master of ceremonies for
the program was Mr. Spencer Hill,
member of the Industrial Committee of
the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and
Merchants Association. Invocation was
offered by Editor Tommy Manning of the
Press; and Mr. Tom Reese, chairman of
the Safety Committee of Union Carbide
Corporation, introduced the guest
speaker, the Honorable T. Avery Nye
Jr., commissioner, North Carolina
Department of Labor.

Mr. Nye's theme, "Safety Is a Team
Effort," compelled the attention of the
approximately two hundred fifty persons
in attendance. Among his many poignant
and thought-provoking statements was
the affirmation that "No safety program
is effective unless it has the interest and
enthusiasm of the employees of an
institution." He emphasized that
"service to humanity is the best creed of
life" and further stated that "we are
indeed our brother's keeper."

"The real purpose of this gathering,"
said Mr. Nye, "is to honor you . . . for
what each of you has done in oc-
cupational safety," which has allowed
for "the difference in mediocre and

outstanding safety in North Carolina.
With enthusiasm and dedication," he
added, "you can accomplish anything."

Stressing the fact that "voluntary
compliance" to safety standards has
been one of the aims of the Department of
Labor, Nye reminded those in attendance
that "government should return to
realism," and that the cure for
"bigness" in government is the in-
dividual's going an extra mile to make
government restriction and control
unnecessary. Alluding to a famous
quotation, Mr. Nye stated that govern-
ment is best when it governs least,
confirming the belief that dictatorial,
regulatory coercion toward any end is
unfavorable, if not damaging to the
democratic process.

Tommy Manning received the safety
award on behalf of the Press, and at-
tending the banquet with him and
representing the Press also were two
colleagues: the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser,
comptroller; and the Rev. Jack Mayo,
office manager.

The Rev. Walter Reynolds, general
manager of the Press Foundation, makes
the following statement in regard to the
award: "I feel that the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation, Inc. is fortunate
indeed to have been among those
business firms of Pitt County which
received safety awards this year. It was
made possible through the diligent
efforts and cooperation of our employees.
I want to express my appreciation and
congratulations to them for making such
a fine safety record in 1975."

The Woman's Auxiliary of the
Free Will Baptist Church of Durham t
in humble submission to the Hea\
Father's will in the life of Sister
Joyner, knowing ". . . that all th
work together for good to them that;
God, ..." (Romans 8:28).

On May 2, 1976, Sister Dora
killed in an automobile accident, and
daughter, Mable Gibbs, was serioi
injured. "Aunt Dora," as so many I
her, was called home to be with her ij
on her eighty-fifth birthday. She wi
charter member of the former Edgen!
Free Will Baptist Church of Durll
which is now the First Free Will Ba|
Church of Durham.

Her life has been an inspiration t<
who labored with her in this portio!
God's vineyard. The auxiliary cc;
portray her life so beautifully: S!
symbolizes the genuine quality of
redemptive experience with Christ,
work in the auxiliary was proof of
sincerity. Royal Blue represents '
Kingship of our Saviour and our heav<;
destination. We are reminded of <!
constant service to God even thought!
had slowed her activities down, but
was faithful in her fellowship with
praying and encouraging us along.
Blue reminds us of the unlimited f
her life has reached out to both the yo
and the old.

Yes, "Aunt Dora," we will missy:
but we know that you were ready w
the Master said, "Come home, my cf]
Heaven will be much sweeter and m
dearer now that you are here." As i
rest from your labors and await
reunion with those that mourn )
leaving, we shall endeavor to do as
would have us do— women wort1
together in the service of our Lord. I
watchword will always be, "I can 60
things through Christ wM
strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13],

"Lead On, 0 King Eternal" in merr!
of our dear sister and colaboreri
Christ— Dora Joyner.

Lovingly submitted,
Maxine Cox

Woman's Auxiliary Presid

THE FREE WILL BAPT|

:

CRA.GMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

ATTENTION
CRAGMONT WOMEN!

e Woman's Conference at Cragmont
mbly, Inc., Black Mountain, is just
id the corner. The date is August 9-
ind registration time is here. Please
your $10 registration fee to me,
Lillie Mae Sasser, Route 2, Box
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530,
don't delay! We need to know just
many to plan for.

is year we will be able to use a
on of the "Main Building" for the
time, as demolishment of the
ing will begin in October. Also
mber your "talent" challenge and
rally to the need of the finances that
to be supplied before the new
ing can actually begin,
im watching eagerly each day for the
looking to see your registration for
onference. I am also looking forward
eeing you at Cragmont August 9, or
ng you on the bus on the way up.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Lille Mae Sasser, Registrar

CRAGMONT OPENS FOR
THE SUMMER

agmont Assembly has officially
ed for the camping season of 1976.
arrived on Monday, May 17, ac-
fcfpanied by Franklin Vester and Mrs.
y Tripp. Shortly afterward Mr. and
. Bill Davenport arrived to help us get
rited. We had a very busy week just
kg to get opened up

n Sunday, May 23, the Rev. Willis
.Ifon and Mr. Kevin Little from Win-
eille, arrived for the "work week."
m were joined on Tuesday by the Rev.
irj Mrs. Dan Beaman. Through their
:cibined efforts a great deal of work
' done including painting, cleaning,
numerous repairs. All of this was
e to make Cragmont a better place to
cip.

At this time we wish to thank all who
came to Cragmont to help us get oriented
and to help work. We would never have
made such progress without their
assistance.

We invite the people of our churches to
visit Cragmont this summer. Come to see
what your camp is really like. We are
anxious to serve our denomination.
Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work through
Cragmont.

In His service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

JUNE IS CRAGMONT
MONTH

We would like to remind all churches
and organizations that June is Cragmont
month and urge you to do something
special for Cragmont and the "Main
Building Fund" during the month.

Even though you may have already
given the amount allowed in your church
budget, we need an extra offering in
order to raise the $50,000 needed to
begin the "New Main Building" in
October. You will notice in the
treasurer's report in this issue that we
are short $22,799.13 of our goal
(providing we do not have any
emergencies that would require using
money from the general savings fund).
We must raise this amount of $7,566.37
each month for the next three months if
we are to begin the new building on
schedule.

Pray for Cragmont! Visit Cragmont!
Support Cragmont!

In His service,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer-Promotional Secretary

CALLING ALL YOUNG
PEOPLE!

Time is swiftly flying by and you must
hurry if you want to get your name on the
list to board the bus for the Cragmont
Assembly Youth Frontier Conference
(YFA, age 13 and up) the week of July 5-
10.

We still have some room left for the
Youth Frontier Conference (AFC, ages 9-
12) forthe week of July 12-17.

We have a special treat in store for all
young people, so don't miss the
fellowship, fun, and inspiration planned
for all of you. Let's get away from it all
and go to the mountains for a closer walk
with God.

Please send your name, address,
church, age, sex, and $7 fee for either
the YFA conference or the AFC con-
ference to the address below.

Mrs. David W. Hansley, Registrar
Route 4, Box 163
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Before you give someone a piece of
your mind, be sure you have enough to
spare.

Listed in
WHO'S WHO Volume

A number of Free Will Baptist
ministers and denominational leaders
have merited listing in the first edition of
Marquis' WHO'S WHO IN RELIGION. It is
impossible to offer a complete listing of
their names in the "Baptist," inasmuch
as the names are alphabetized in the
volume, and it is likely that some names
would be excluded inadvertantly.
Nonetheless, congratulations are in order
for those selected for inclusion.

The WHO'S WHO editions are among
the most widely-used reference volumes
in the world, and are contained in all
major libraries and reference centers,
including high schools, colleges,
universities, and national and in-
ternational information depositories.

WE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

SUNDAY, JUNE 13
Scripture Reading— Job 16:21

TEACH ME, LORD,
TO INTERCEDE!
Lord, I see my friends and neighbors
In a death march toward the grave ;
Not one thought of Christ, who bought
them,

Nor the priceless gift He gave ;
Then I feel my own undoneness

Viewing thus this crying need,
And I cry with heartfelt anguish,

"Teach me, Lord, to intercede."

—Anna Van Buren Prat

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our attitudes have a great deal to
do with our abilities to attract and
influence people. May God instill in us
a loving Christian faith.

MONDAY, JUNE 14
Scripture Reading— John 3 : 16

WHO IS THE MAN?
A few years ago the principal of the
English Mission College at Cairo,
Egypt, received a letter from a
Japanese Buddhist of the city whose
children were attending his school.
"Who is John three sixteen? My
children are always talking about
him?"

The principal sent a note back
saying that "John three sixteen" was
not a person but a verse out of a book.

He promptly received another
letter from the man. "Can you supply
me with a copy of the book?

A copy was sent and although the
man was then leaving Cairo, the
principal soon received word that the
father and all members of the family
had become Christians. — Wesleyan
Methodist

PRAYER THOUGHT
A life filled daily with the words and
actions of Jesus brings the Bible to
life for us and those around us.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 5:2

CHRIST'S LAST WILL
AND TESTAMENT:
He left His purse to Judas ; His body
to Joseph of Arimathea; His mother
to John; His clothes to the soldiers;
His peace to His disciples; His supper
to His followers; Himself as an
example and as a servant; His Gospel
to the world; His presence always
with God's children! — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus has given His all to us and for
us and yet we are doubt-ridden and
steeped in sin. Reread the life of Jesus
and relieve your soul of its contrition.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16
Scripture Reading— Psalm 133:1

PROGRAMME FOR PEACE
Lord make me the instrument of Your
peace,

Where there is hatred may I bring
love,

Where there is malice, pardon,
Where there is discord, harmony,
Where there is error, truth,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, Your light,
Where there is sadness may I bring
joy.

Oh Master may I seek not so much,

To be comforted as to comfort,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love,

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in losing our lives that we shall

find them,
It is in forgiving that we shall be

forgiven,

It is in dying that we shall rise up to
eternal life.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Let us strive for perfection in our
Christian lives. We shall never ac-
complish perfection but the pleasures
that are derived from a life dedicated
to our Lord is well worth the effort.

THURSDAY, JUNE 17
Scripture Reading— Acts 26:20

REPENT AND TURN
Repent and turn ! God calls today ;
Oh, do not close thine ear, I pray !
Listen! It is the Voice of love —
Grieve not that tender heart above.

Repent and turn ! Now is the hour,
The time of God's redeeming power;

Tomorrow it may be too late.
Just now wide open is the gate.

—Kingdom Tidi

PRAYER THOUGHT
Ignored opportunities have a wa
not returning again. Answer G<
becoming call in an affirma
manner. He may not call again.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18
Scripture Reading— Psalm 37:16

ONLY A DAD
"Only a dad with a tired face,
Coming home from the daily race,
Bringing little of gold or fame,
To show how well he has played i
game,

But glad in his heart that his c
rejoice,

To see him come home and hearj
voice.

"Only a dad, neither rich nor proud
Merely one of the surging crowd,
Toiling, striving, from day to day,
Facing whatever may come his wa;
Silent whenever the harsh condemr
And bearing it all for the love of the

' 'Only a dad, but he gives his all,
To smooth the way for his child)
small,

Doing with courage stern and grim
The deeds that his father did for hin
This is the line that for him I pen:
Only a dad, BUT THE BEST i
MEN!"

—Edgar A. Gu

PRAYER THOUGHT
The adoration in your little on
eyes makes life worth the living c
sacrifices worth the giving.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 2:21

"HAVE I EVER SEEN
A CHRISTIAN?"
A father was one day teaching
little boy what manner of mar
Christian is. When the lesson v
finished, the father got the stab of
life, when the boy asked, "Fath
have I ever seen a Christiai
-W.B.K.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Do our lives measure up to l
definition of Christian? Check up c
measure up today, tomorrow may
too late!

(Devotions used by permission
Knight's Master Book of N
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

2peciaC foments

Mr Maggie,

-ve had waited six years for our son and nearly lost him before birth from many
■plications. While looking at this precious sleeping baby, when he was two weeks
iti I asked God never to take him from me. Immediately I realized my total
tjishness. With tears pouring down my cheeks, I knelt beside the little bassinet and
fled, "Forgive me, God! I dedicate my son to you. Use him for your glory and
or." It was a sacred moment!
At the age of six, our son made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He is not
enough to vote yet, but he is maturing. We know God has a plan for his life. As his
her, I watch in faith.
lytUne Withheld

God wants us to share our experiences in Christian faith.

Maggie

COMING EVENTS . . .

June 20— Eagles Nest Summer Camp
Begins, Located Near Dudley, North
Carolina, and Sponsored by Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina

June 28-30— General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists, First Free
Will Baptist Church of Durham,
North Carolina

An old Spanish proverb says, "To
return evil for good is devilish; to return
good for good is human; but to return
good for evil is Godlike.

CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE

for

BICENTENNIAL SUNDAY

| July 4, 1976

Now Available!

at

The Press and Its Branch Bookstores

Suggested Uses:

An attendance builder for this once-in-a-lifetime Sunday— July 4,
1 976— the two-hundredth birthday of our country.

A bulletin insert, with spaces provided for the name of the church and
pastor.

A memento or keepsake for those attending church (and/or Sunday
school) on Independence Day.

A special bicentennial celebration or observance: a rally or prayer
service held on this Sunday (July 4, 1976).

And individual uses, in accord with individual churches and their
congregations.

(Price: 5 cents each or $3.50 per 100)

H HUE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Certificate of Attendance
Bicentennial Sunday

attended church

July 4, 1976, at.

I have a goodly heritage" Psalm 16 Kb

200 Years of Religious Freedom
1776 — 1976

These attractive certificates
are printed in

the patriotic colors.

Order
yours

today!

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE |

I MOU.
jillilMiiPPPPP

TWO MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
WOMEN TIE FOR WOMAN
OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mrs. Lorelle Martin, chairman of the
College Science Department, and Dr.
Hilda Owens, Dean of Students, were
both recognized as "Women of the
Year" in Mount Olive. Mrs. Martin and
Dr. Owens tied for the first Woman of the

Year award which was presented by the
Mount Olive Business and Professional
Woman's Club.

The award which will be given an-
nually by the Club, recognizes a woman
of outstanding achievement.

The Rev. Tony Gurganus (middle), pastor of the First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, presented the Woman
of the Year awards to Mrs. Lorelle Martin, left, and Dr. Hilda Owens, right, after they tied for the Woman of the
Year award presented by the Mount Olive Business and Professional Woman 's Club.

Mrs. Martin joined the College faculty
in 1957. She is very active in community
affairs and serves as advisor to the
Baptist Student Union and Henderson
Science Club on campus. She is
responsible for the numerous plants and
flowers that cover the lobbies of the
Henderson Building.

Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of
Mount Olive College, was quoted as

saying that Mrs. Martin is "... a master
teacher par excellent who has the
highest respect of her students, fellow
faculty members, and administrators.
Her counsel is frequently asked and is
valued by persons of all capacities. ' '

Dr. Owens joined the College staff in
1965 as a residence counselor. After
receiving her doctorate in 1973, from
Florida State University, Dr. Owens

returned to Mount Olive to serve as I
of Students.

She is a member of the Mount (|
Free Will Baptist Church. Dr. Owerj
very active in state and natij
professional organizations.

She was instrumental in forming
Business and Professional Worn;
Club and is serving as its president.

I,

NINETY-ONE
RECEIVE DEGREES

Ninety-one Mount Olive Coll
graduates received degrees in Rod(
Chapel after rain forced the over!
crowd inside Friday, May 7.

Dr. Roland Pelt, son of the late F
Daniel F. Pelt, a Free Will Bap
minister after which a classroom
scholarship fund are named, brought
commencement message.

He emphasized the importance
personal charcter and faith in Godi
essential in "being a winner."

Dr. Roland Pelt, vice-presidents
CIBA-GEIGY Corporation in Ardsley, h
York, was introduced by Dr. Mien!
Pelt, the speaker's uncle i
chairman of the religion department!
Mount Olive.

The annual Jordan Award, present
to the student who has exhibited s
most citizenship and leadership as vol
by his class, was given to Mike V\|
stead, a methodist ministerial studij
from Winston-Salem.

The Martin Award for the highij
academic average over the two y|
period was presented to Teresa Pj
daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pi
and Jenny Wall, daughter of Mr. s
Mrs. E. D. Wall, both of Mount Olive, 2
both with perfect 4.0's.

The Perrett Award for the high
academic average for the freshman yil
of study at Mount Olive went to Co
Benton of Fremont and Pam Norris
Swansboro who tied for the highest gra
average. They will serve as marsh
their sophomore year, along with Rand
Beamon, Jo Barwick Brown, Don.
Stephanie Jo Barwick Brown, Don;
Coates, and Sherry Jones, all 1
outstanding academic records.

Randall Beamon is from Free Uni
church and son of Mr. and Mrs. H.
Beamon of Snow Hill. Mrs. Stephai
Brown attends Northeast church and
the wife of Sgt. Cecil Brown a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Barwi

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTII

if (Mount Olive. Donald Coates is from
jijt Smithfield church and is the son of
and Mrs. L. J. Coates of Smithfield.
jrry Jones attends Hopewell church
is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
|es of Smithfield.

:EW FACET IN MOUNT OLIVE
lLEGE'S DEVELOPMENT PLAN

m

; J.

5 part of the 25th anniversary

ram, Mount Olive College has
ched a planned-giving program to
in the future development of the
II.

i Investments Advisory Committee to
hsel College administration personnel
nanaging investments of trusts and
ffowments was announced.

fee committee is composed of
t|/ers, accountants, tax specialists,
tf businessmen.

Members of the advisory committee
niude: Craven Brewer of Wallace,
liipment and motor dealer and former
Inker; Byron Bryan of Mount Olive,
Btsident of Calypso Plywood Company;
lies Crone of Goldsboro, an ac-
Intant; Elmon Lindsay of Clinton, a
■pry chain executive; Cecil Merritt of
Ijdsboro, an attorney, Dale Warner of
fildsboro, a stock broker with Interstate
Ifurities; and James Woodard of
Sfithfield, Clerk of Superior Court in
inston County.

pollege personnel who will serve on
I committee are Charles Harrell,
ftiness manager and treasurer of the
Ciege; and W. Nathan Reynolds,
ajistant to the president. Mr. Reynolds
llso director of the program.

I"he committee met with the board of
triptees, Monday, May 17, when Phillip
TJTemple, a partner in the New York law
m of Prerau and Teitell, spoke to the
|rd.

M'ln many cases, substantial gifts to
tl College can be programmed in such a
vjy as to result in little or no actual cost
tfhe donor when provisions of the tax

laws are properly applied," Temple told
the board. "More than $100,000 has
already been contracted in the planned-
giving program," Mr. Reynolds
reported.

The College also retained the law firm
of Prerau and Teitell for advice and
preparation of contracts in connection
with various charitable remainder trusts
and annuities between the College and
its donors.

The

Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Examine your-
selves, whether ye be in the faith; prove
your own selves. Know ye not your own
selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corin-
thians 13:5).

THE CHRISTIAN'S
SELF-EXAMINATION

A reprobate is a person abandoned in
sin. He has been living in sin so long that
his relatives and close friends, even
some shallow Christians, have given him
up. He is also a person who has lost all
sense of duty and is utterly depraved.
Paul, in writing the Holy Spirit's
message to the Corinthians, admonishes
them to take a good look at their lives to
see if they are really living by faith and to
prove to themselves that Christ is Lord
and Master of their lives.

It is the commanded duty of every
Christian to examine himself so that he
may take stock and rightly assess and
evaluate his knowledge of God, his ability
to perform as a Christian under
pressures, and to determine the quality
of his Christian experiences and per-

formances. Self-examination will lessen
the danger of self-deception and it is
necessary for the believer's comfort. A
person needs assurances from God that
he is moving out in the will of God and
that he feels comfortable and pleased
with his Christian attitudes and per-
formances.

The Christian is obligated to consider
the evidences of being in the faith (or

out). If he is in the faith, he will not
participate in the same excess of riot or
foolhardy aggressiveness with others.
He is able to discipline himself in ex-
tremes—like his hairstyle, his manner
of dress, his appetite, his business
ventures, or his social prowls. Those
who allow themselves to go to extremes
are usually putting emphasis upon
themselves. They are saying, "Look at
me, I'm the greatest." I had rather be a
fool for Christ's sake than a fool for
myself. A fool is a person who does
foolish things.

The Christian is also a person zealous
of good works. There are some people
who have not learned that good works
apply to what they do for others and not
necessarily what they do for thesmelves.
People who think only of themselves or
their own kin are selfish, and selfishness
is not a mark of the Christian's character
or of his behavior. This goes to show that
those who are in the faith will have
peculiar views of sin. They will learn how
ugly and degrading obscene and per-
verted materials (literature, movies, etc.)
can be. On the other side, the Christian
will have peculiar views of the Redeemer.
To be in the faith means that the
Christian will look for ways and means to
exalt the Saviour. He will settle upon the
idea that "The Lord, He is the God!"
He knows that Jesus Christ is Lord of all
or He is not Lord at all. The Lord is not
merely a quest in the Christian home, He
is an established member of the
household and has permanent residence.
He is enthroned upon the throne of our
hearts. He is at the head of the table; he
is a Counselor in all our affairs and
directs us in all business and social
endeavors. He rules and reigns as King
of our lives (good or bad) and is
responsible for our conduct and well-
being. Praise God! Yes, one should put
the case into God's hands. When God
runs our lives we are not likely to run out
of gas, and we will arrive at the
destination in due time!

1lE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

JPetod and AaJed

of Denominational Interest

30th Annual Ministers'
Conference, Cragmont

The annual Free Will Baptist
Minister's Conference of North Carolina
will be held at Cragmont Assembly, Inc.,
Black Mountain, the week of June 21-
24, with the president, the Rev. David C.
Hansley, presiding. Music director for
the conference will be the Rev. Buddy
Sasser with the Rev. Everette Harper at
the piano. Director for the ladies program
will be Mrs. Mildred Hansley. The
week's program is as follows:

Monday, June 21
(Evening Session)

5:30— Evening Meal
7:30— Opening, the Rev. Gene B. Britt,
Secretary

— Remarks, the Rev. David C.
Hansley, President

— Sermon, the Rev. J. B. Starnes,
President of the General
Conference

Tuesday, June 22
(Morning Session)

8:00— Breakfast

9:45— Seminar, "Why Free Will
Baptists Are Arminian," Dr.
Michael R. Pelt, Head of
Department of Religion, Mount
Olive College
10:45— Break Time

11 :00— Worship Service, the Rev. Eddie

Edwards, Speaker
12:00— Lunch (Afternoon Free)

(Evening Session)

5:30— Evening Meal

7:30— Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, June 23
(Morning Session)

8:00— Breakfast

9:45— Continued Seminar, Dr. Pelt
10:45— Break Time

11 :00— Worship Service, the Rev. Foy

Futrelle, Speaker
12:00— Lunch (Afternoon Free)

(Evening Session)

5:30— Evening Meal

7:30— Report of Obituary Committee,

the Rev. Melvin Everington,

Chairman

7:45— Annual Communion Service and
Washing of the Saints' Feet, the
Rev. Gary Bailey, Director

Thursday, June 24
(Morning Session)

8:00— Breakfast

9:00— Closing Remarks, the President

Spring Branch Church
Salutes Bicentennial

On Saturday, May 22, a salute to the
bicentennial year was observed at Spring
Branch Free Will Baptist Church near
Walstonburg. An afternoon of fun and
games for all ages began at 2 p. m.
Special guests of the day were the YFA,
their sponsors, and their pastor, the Rev.
N. D. Wiggs Jr., of the Sound Side Free
Will Baptist Church, Columbia. A bar-
becue picnic dinner with all the trim-
mings was enjoyed by everyone at 5
p. m.

The guests for the day presented a
special bicentennial program in songs
and readings at 7 p. m., which was a
blessing to all who attended.

Rains Cross Roads
Revival, June 14-18

Revival services are scheduled to be
held at the Rains Cross Roads Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Kenly, for the
week of June 14-18, beginning each

evening at eight o'clock. The evangiL
will be the Rev. C. L. Patrick p
Walstonburg. The interim pastor, J
Rev. Frank R. Harrison, and the chijj
membership invite all friends, relativj
and former members to attend.

Pleasant Hill Church to
Honor Mrs. Hettie Sasser

The members of the Pleasant Hill f)
Will Baptist Church, Pikeville, plan
honor Mrs. Hettie Sasser and all sen
citizens on Sunday, June 13. A regi
service is planned with a picnic lur
served on the church grounds at
noon hour.

Mrs. Sasser will be 88 years old I
June 22. She has been a member
Pleasant Hill church since 1903. 1
pastor, the Rev. Dallas Pinkham, and'
members at Pleasant Hill invite you
join them on this occasion.

Kenneth Forehand New
Pastor, Unity Church

The Rev. Kenneth Forehand h

assumed the full-time pastorate of Un
Free Will Baptist Church, Pervis Roa
Durham. Mr. Forehand is a native
Durham, residing with his wife, Barbar
and children, Roger, Kendra, and Kan
at 91 4 Danbury Drive. He is a member
the Sherron Acres Free Will Bapti
Church of Durham, taught the Adi
Sunday School Class there for sevi
years, served as treasurer of the chun
for ten years, was rest home minister f
two years, and has held several oth
offices in the church. He has attend*

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Ilege for three years and at present is
rolled in the Carolina Bible Institute
der the direction of the Rev. Floyd B.
lerry.

Mrs. Lewis L. White, church reporter,
ites: "We feel very fortunate in having
ch an outstanding Christian minister to
irk with us. We ask that you keep him
I his family, along with our church,
er on your prayer list. We invite
eryone to come and fellowship with us
lenever you are in our area. We have
mday school each Sunday at 9:45
m., morning worship services each
nday at 1 1 a. m., and evening worship
rvices each Sunday at 7. We also have
dweek prayer services at 7:30 each
;dnesday evening."

endly Chapel to
serve Homecoming

The Friendly Chapel Free Will Baptist
Hjurch, Route 10, Greensboro, will
tserve its annual homecoming on
iinday , June 13. The day's services will
■gin with Sunday school at 10 a. m.,
■lowed with the worship service at
Iven. The pastor, the Rev. James L.
i/ett, will bring the homecoming
iiessage. Lunch will be served on the
Jurch grounds at the noon hour.

I

1

At 1:30 p. m. an afternoon service of
ing will be held. Special singers for
! occasion will be the "Christianiers
o" from Farmer and "The Glad
Kings" from Greensboro. Everyone is
S'ited to worship with the church on this
casion and enjoy the worship and
Uristian fellowship. Your prayers are
o coveted for the church.

CORRECTION PLEASE!

|ln the June 2 issue of the "Baptist"
tsre were two errors on the Woman's
/jxiliary page. In the article, North
irolina Woman's Auxiliary Convention,

i was stated that the project for foreign
rssions was $3,400; this should have
r|d $3,500. The article also stated that
f Its. David W. Hansley was elected to
tfi Cragmont board; this should have
rad Mrs. D. W. Hancock. We apologize
f these errors.— Ralph A. Bowen,
distant Editor

"UNTIL

TOMORROW

COMES"

Tomorrow came on April 28, 1976, for
a very special person, Mr. S. Q.
Edwards, after a three-year brave and
courageous battle with a terminal
illness— cancer. He learned to live with
his condition in such an extraordinary
manner that his family, friends, doctors,
and visiting pastors, attempting to cheer
or comfort him with visits and con-
versation, oftentimes remarked what a
blessing they had received! He was that
kind of individual— losing himself and
his cares in the thoughts and love of
others— having learned to live one
grateful day at a time and making every
day count. He realized that people in life-
threatening situations could help one
another. Often he mentioned that instead
of flowers, he'd like for donations be
made to the American Cancer Society for
research, hopeful for advancements in
coming generations.

S. Q. was a member of Friendship
Free Will Baptist Church in Johnston
County and served as a trustee. Every
Sunday and more if his health allowed,
he could be seen in church propped with
a pillow to his back. When he was not
able to go, he thoroughly enjoyed tapes
of the worship services and visits by his
pastor, the Rev. Dwight Chapman, who
was a constant inspiration to him.

Orville Kelly of Burlington, Iowa, has
offered Ten Suggestions to Help Live
with a Terminal Illness which were so
very typical of S. Q.'s way of life and
belief:

1. Talk about the illness. If it is
cancer, call it cancer. You can't make
life normal again by trying to hide what is
wrong.

2. Accept death as a part of life— it

is.

3. Consider each day as another day
of life: a gift from God to be enjoyed as
fully as possible.

4. Realize that life is never going to

be perfect. It wasn't before and it won't
be now.

5. Pray. It isn't a sign of weakness;
it is your strength.

6. Learn to live with your illness
instead of considering yourself dying
from it. We are all dying in some manner.

7. Put your friends and relatives at
ease yourself. If you don't want pity,
don't ask for it.

8. Make all practical arrangements
for funerals, wills, etc., and make
certain that your family understands
them.

9. Set new goals; realize your
limitations. Sometimes the simple things
of life become the most enjoyable.

10. Discuss your problems with your
family as they occur— include the
children if possible. After all, your
problem is not an individual one.

With love, respect, and appreciation
for a friend "that truly stuck closer than
a brother," which he was and whose
memories shall long live on in our hearts,
we submit this in memoriam.

Mr. and Mrs. Odell Edwards

THE CHURCH

by

Mrs. Royce Matthews

& H

In the block of letters above we have
circled the words in last week's puzzle
which are usually associated with the
church. As you can see these words
were spelled vertical, horizontal,
diagonal, backward, or forward. Were
you able to locate all of them?

I 'jffi FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAStf)
THE SUNDAY a ^

SCHOOL LESSONS

STRUGGLE AND GROWTH

Printed Text: Galatians 2:11-16; Acts

11:11-18
Memory Verse: Acts 11:18

I. INTRODUCTION

The growth of the Early Church was
not without struggle, both from without
and within. From without the struggle
was in the form of persecutions which
began spasmodically under Nero about
the middle of the first century and
continued in an organized fashion until
the close of the fourth century when
Christianity was declared the official
religion of the Roman Empire.

From within the struggle took the form
of heresy and false teaching which tore
at the heart of the infant church for
centuries. The very ones for whom Christ
gave His life became the vanguard of
heresy. Outstanding among these
heresies were three: (1) Legalism, which
was led by the converted Jews them-
selves who declared that the law taught
that all men should be circumcised, even
those saved by grace. (2) Gnosticism,
which taught that matter was evil and
therefore Christ, being matter, was evil.
They preferred to think of Him only as
spirit and therefore could not have
existed as a man. (3) Arianism,
promoted by Aries of Alexandria which
taught that Christ was less than God, a
heresy that finds its counterpart even
today in the teaching that Christ was just
a good man and could not have been
born of the Virgin Mary.

We cannot deny that these terrible
struggles hurt the church but we happily
recognize that the church, instead of
dying because of them, abounded so that
by the end of the second century there
were an estimated 2,000,000 Christians,
and at the end of the fourth, about
10,000,000. The gates of hell did not
prevail!— The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. It is difficult to understand how
God can use a thing so ugly as division
and strife in the church, but history
bears out the fact that through these
struggles God causes His church to
grow. This is not to say that we should
seek for strife, but it is to say that we
should not be discouraged when it comes
in spite of our efforts to avoid it. God can
and often does use it for His glory and
the growth of the church.

B. One of the greatest heresies of all
time was present in the churches of
Galatia. It was this heresy that caused
Paul to write the Galatian Epistle.
Judaizing teachers were saying that men
needed not only the gospel of Christ to be
saved, but that they also needed the law
and circumcision. The Jerusalem Council
exonerated Paul's position and said that
men are saved by grace through faith in
Jesus Christ.

C. The story which we study today
from Acts 1 1 shows how the gospel was
given to the Gentiles. It shows how that
when they received the gospel for the
first time they had the same experience
that the Jews had had in Acts 2 and that
the Samaritans had had in Acts 8. After
these believers had received the gospel
they were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Today believers receive the Holy Spirit
when they are saved.

D. When men say that they cannot
win souls to Christ, they are telling the
truth. All we can do is witness. It is God
who does the work. The story of Peter
and Cornelius gives witness to that truth.
While God was working with Peter, He
was also working with Cornelius. God
works at both ends of the line.

-The Bible Teacher (F.W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. R. T. Bennet was a brilliant
superior court judge in the southern
United States a number of years ago. A
black man was being tried before him,
and in closing his charge to the jury he

said, "You are not to allow any preji
to affect you because Almighty Goc
seen fit to carve His image in the pris
at the bar in ebony instead of in ivory

The color of a man's skin, his s
background, or his ethnic origin, pe
has nothing to do with his guilt o
nocence. Neither do such th
disqualify him from a place in
kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we have seen in today's lesson
Christians in the early church faced
problem of racial and culll
prejudice— even among some of
apostles themselves. It required a dij
revelation to break down tr|
prejudices.

Intelligent and consistent Bib1
teaching and living is the best mean
dispelling prejudice in the world toda\

Even the best of men may be temfj
to do that which will discredit Godf
showing partiality. Just as the aposj
were men of the flesh, although bear
the message of God's wonderful gra,
so we are still subject to the temptat]
created by tradition and the fear of w|
men will think or say about us. We m
be careful to defend the truth of Heav|
but we also must be alert lest we confi
our prejudices with the truth God ||
revealed— Standard Lesson C
mentary

B. Prejudice is as old as the hum
race. Haven't you seen people 1
refused to have anything to do with ot:
people because they were poor, cripple
ugly, from a foreign country, or becai^
their skin was of a different cole
Prejudice sometimes sets individu
against each other, families agaif
families, races against races, a
nations against nations. Prejudice fi
done untold harm to Christianity. Wefi
many examples of it even in the Bible.

Prejudice is not of God. Christians i
to be kind and friendly to everyo
because God loves others as much as I
does us. When we are tempted to she
prejudice toward others, let us rememb
Jesus' words, "As much as you ha'
done it unto the least of these, you ha'
done it unto me. " Instead of just talkii
about love, we should practice lovir
others as Jesus said, and thus remo*
prejudice. The writer, James, denouncf
prejudice even among church membe
when he said, "Don't ever attempt
combine snobbery with faith in oi
glorious Lord Jesus Christ."

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTK

ARILEE stood just inside the
yard fence watching. She
|p watching an old man hobble past.

kept tapping along the edge of the
ipwalk with a white cane. At the corner
held out his cane, and the cars
terftpped. Then he walked across the
iet.

/larilee ran to Mother who was sitting
the porch. She leaned against the
sh swing. Mother's needle flew in
out of the stocking she was darning .

'Why did that old man have a cane,
her?" Marilee asked.

lother looked up. She looked all
Und. "Which old man?" she
idered.

'He went across the street. You can't
him now," Marilee explained. "He
a white cane. When he held it out,
cars stopped. Then he crossed the

'Oh, I know," Mother said. "The
is blind, Marilee. He can't see.
en people see his white cane, they
w he is blind. Everyone stops so that
:an cross the street.

Oh, Marilee, come quick!"
Iflrilee's brother Andy came racing
Mind the corner of the house. "The
l|y chicks are hatching!" he cried.

Mfrilee ran to the garage with Andy.
ir|ne corner stood a box. In the box sat
ajack and white hen.

[Put your ear close!" Andy said.

larilee put her ear close. She could
hir a faint peep, peep, peep. Then a
iit? yellow head poked out from under
Mnma Hen's wing.

"Oh, isn't it dear?" Marilee held the
yellow ball of down in her hand.

"I am going to make a pen for them,"
Andy said. He walked away feeling very
grown-up and important.

Marilee stayed in the garage, holding
the baby chick in her hand. She was
thinking of the poor blind man.

He can feel how soft they are and hear
their little "peep, peep, peep," but he
can never see any little yellow chicks,
Marilee thought.

"Marilee!" Mother called. "Please
pick some sweet peas for the supper
table."

Marilee carefully tucked the baby
chick under Mamma Hen's wing. Then
she took the garden shears from its hook
on the wall. She went out to the sweet
peas growing along the fence.

Marilee's shears went snip, snip,
snip, among the sweet peas. Her nose
went sniff, sniff, sniff among the sweet
peas. She held one against her cheek.
How smooth it was! The sweet peas were
lovely to look at, too. There were so many
shades of lavender and rose and yellow.

Marilee stood for a moment, holding
her bouquet in her hands. She was
thinking of the blind man.

He can smell the sweet peas, or feel
how smooth they are, but he can never
see their lovely colors, Marilee thought.

Just then a car drove in. Daddy
jumped out of the car. Marilee took the
flowers to Mother. Then she ran out to
Daddy.

"How's my big girl?" Daddy asked as
he lifted her to his shoulder.

Marilee laughed and grabbed Daddy's
head to steady herself. Daddy rubbed his
face against her arm. Then he pulled her
head down for a kiss.

"Wait here while I bring the
groceries," Daddy said as he put Marilee
down on the porch. "Then you can open
the^ door for me. ' '

Marilee stood on the porch waiting.
She was thinking of the poor blind man.

He can hear his family talk, and he can
feel their kisses, but he can never see
their faces at all, Marilee thought.

Marilee held the door wide open for
Daddy. Then she followed him in. She
stood in the middle of the kitchen and
looked all around.

She said, "I am going to pray, 'God
bless that poor blind man' every
evening, And I am going to say, 'Thank
you, God for eyes to see' every
day! " — Beams of Light

S TORIES

for
our

youth

T E FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

FOREIGN
MISSIONS

MISSION

0

HOME
MISSIONS

Joseph Ingram
Director-Treasurer

P. 0. Box 979
Goldsboro, N. C. 27530

l

T

Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville, N. C. 28305

HOME MISSIONS BANQUET

Pictured above is the group that attended the annual Home Missions Banquet

held Saturday, May 8, in Fayetteville. The guest speaker for the occasion was the
Rev. Floyd B. Cherry.

CATALPA MISSION
OBSERVES
SECOND HOMECOMING

worked hard in providing for themselves
and have contributed much to the
community and the Kingdom of God.
Many souls have been won and blessed
through the efforts of the Catalpa
mission.

The Catalpa Free Will Baptist Mission
of Fayetteville held its second
homecoming on Sunday, May 30, with
visitors from the Eastwood church, Faith
church, First church, Goldsboro, Daley's
Chapel church, Happiness mission, and
the Victory mission. The visiting speaker
for the occasion was the Rev. Walter
Stanley, assisted by the director of the
mission, the Rev. Alton Howard. There
was plenty of good food, fellowship, and
testimonies; also singing in the af-
ternoon.

The Catalpa mission has done very
good in every way. The members have

A YOUTH TREAT

On Easter Sunday a group of our
young people from the Lighthouse Free
Will Baptist Church, Eagle Pass, Texas,
met at the Retama Rest Home to visit with
the patients there.

The group went from hall to hall
greeting each member of the home
personally and giving each one an Easter
card written either in Spanish or in
English, depending on which language
they spoke.

How pleased and surprised the
patients were to see the young people
and to listen to the hymns and gospel
songs they sung.

It was exciting for our youth as they
had opportunities to use the Spanish
language and to see how much joy and
happiness their visit had brought. They

had worked on the cards for sel
weeks, preparing them for this occa:'n
(Vance had printed them and S
teenagers colored them.) The conten
the cards read:

"For God loved the world so much]
That He gave His only Son—
That anyone who believes in Him
Shall not perish but have eternal HI
May the joys of Easter,

As we celebrate the divine
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Be real in your life!"

I am sure that Easter and the hop;
Christ was made more precious toi
young people because of
willingness to share with others.

Yours in Christ,
Mattie Lou Link
Missionary to Me>;

AN OPEN LETTER
FROM HOME MISSIONS

Dear Brethren,

I will not bore you with a hi
repetitious letter. There are just th
single points that I would like to make:|

1 . We have an increasing need
your prayers and support as we grow
this work.

2. Our convention's fiscal year en
June 30 and we would like for yc
church to have a good showing in 1
annual contributions for home mission;

3. Please be liberal toward hoi
missions in making up your budget
the coming fiscal year.

I am sure that you will agree that
good strong home mission and chur
extension program is vital for t
strength of our denomination and woi
evanglism; it undergirds every phase
our work.

We must place this work high on o
list of priorities.

In Christian servic
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurei

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Free mill Baptist Children's Borne

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
"A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

BUDGET TIME

Imost four years have passed by
e I came here to serve as
usrintendent of the Children's Home.
Hut this time each year I have written
|iach church asking that you include
' Children's Home in your church
get for the next church year. Most of
churches have responded to my
lest and, consequently, your gifts
3 arrived at regular intervals and in
dequate amount.

uring the preparation of the Home's
jet for next year (July 1976— June
7), I found that it will take $7 per
xh member to meet our operational
Bnses. It is important that each of you
ze that our Free Will Baptist
firches are our primary source of
jf|me and we fully depend upon God
;l|king through you to provide us with
Is necessities.

Iso this year I'd like for you to in-
i|e the Free Will Baptist Retirement
Vies in your budget. In order for this
(ingram to become operational and for
(Mo continue to build at a reasonable
I, we're asking each church to give
■ per church member for the next
■rch year. Incidently, we're planning
wave a dedication service and an open
Ise for the first duplex apartment the
ijpr part of July,
iihumbly and sincerely appeal to you
mi to read and forget this article, but to
□fzealous in your Christian duties and
w|ire that action is taken on this matter
mijour own church. I believe in the work
■he Children's Home and, further, I
Neve that it is God's will that we, His
foowers, share our blessings with those
fe| fortunate than we. I am confident
ttj God will continue to work through
Fje Will Baptist people in providing our
rulds.

lease continue to remember us in
ycr prayers and remember to include $7
at $2 per church member in your
bijget for the Children's Home and

i!e free will baptist

Retirement Homes, respectively. Thanks
to each of you for your faithful support
and may God bless you is our constant,
earnest prayer.

In His service,
Sam Weeks
Executive Director
Children's Home
and

Retirement Homes

NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

We wish each of you could visit the
Children's Home campus and witness
the laughter, fun, and fellowship as the
children play together on the new
playground equipment provided for them
by the woman's auxiliaries across the
state.

The 10-foot ladder provides much fun
and a lot of good healthy exercise.

The gym set has 4 swings, 2 seesaws,
and a joint 20-foot slide.

The Giant Wave is especially enjoyed
by the older children.

The equipment pictured here is built
exclusively for schools, parks, and
institutions. Its superb quality and
construction will provide many years of
service to the children at the Home.

The State Woman's Auxiliary Con-
vention that convened May 6 at the
Children's Home accepted for their state
project the challenge of raising $3,000 to
purchase playground and recreation
equipment for the Children's Home.

The equipment pictured here was
purchased at a total of $1,325. Each
auxiliary is asked to send their $20
toward our state project as soon as
possible. Please mail it to your district
treasurer, earmarked "State Project for
Children's Home."

We sincerely thank you ladies for your
love and devotion to the Children's Home
through past years and we also thank
you for the many wonderful things that
we know we can expect you to do for our
children in the future. We pray that the
Lord will bless each of you for your
devotion to this ministry.

Sam Weeks,
Superintendent

' ' He who cannot forgive others breaks
the bridge over which he himself must
pass."

15

BvKE UNIVERSITY

MINISTERS HAVE THE
NOBLEST OF CALLINGS.

THEY SHOULD BE
HONORED AND SUPPORTED.

The third Sunday in June, Father's Day, has
been designated by the State Convention
as "Superannuation Day" in our
Free Will Baptist churches.

DO YOUR PART BY OBSERVING

"SUPERANNUATION DAY"
June 20, 1976
in

Your Church

YOU MAY SUPPORT YOUR SUPERANNUATION PROGRAM IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS

1 . Receive a Special Offering on Father's Day, or

2. Send a Special Gift from Your Treasurer, or

3. Urge Special Individual Gifts; and

4. Remember to Support the Program with Your
Prayers and Gifts Throughout the Year.

SEND YOUR GIFTS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF j
SUPERANNUATION

P. 0. BOX 474
AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28513

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

the free Dill baptist

g AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 1976 . ,

1<2 I 'i>

gx ^?UILD me a son, 0 Lord, who will be strong enough to

know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself
j when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in
2 honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

If

| B UILD me a son whose wishes will not take the place of

I deeds; a son who will know thee— and that to know himself is

fp> the foundation stone of knowledge.

1

EAD him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
yk> but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
| Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn
| compassion from those who fail.

to n

% ^5 UILD me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will

I be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to
master other men, one who will reach into the future, yet never
forget the past.

| ^ND after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough

W of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet

\ never take himself too seriously. Give him humility so that he

| may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the

^ open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength.

J J7hen, I, his father, will dare to whisper, "I have not lived

^ in vain."

(General Douglas MacArthur wrote this prayer to his son in the Philippines during t^e
early days of the Pacific Wars. The family included this credo many times in their
morning devotions. Published by the MacArthur Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia. All
rights reserved. Used by permission.)

Daddy Does the Lights

by Joyce Proctor Beaman
When I complimented a group of students from our school on their
production of "Yankee Doodle," a young man, with eyes sparkling, said, "You
didn't see me, but I helped, too. I was behind the curtains. I did the lights."

How much this is like fathers, I thought. They often stay behind the scenes
and do the lights !

There is something sacred about the word "father." William Wordsworth
said : "Father ! —to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ' '

When I think of an ideal mother, I recall verses from Proverbs 31. When I
think of an appropriate tribute to an ideal father, I turn first of all to Psalm 1 :
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in
the law of the LORD ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he
shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in
his season; his leaf also snail not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3).

A few years ago, the National Father's Day Committee suggested these
guideposts for fathers: "A wise father encourages respect for other nations
gives a child confidence through a happy home, teaches a child that he is no
better than others, and is quick to offer a helping hand in time of trouble."
Further, the committee suggested that a good father "school his child in good
sportsmanship and fair play, gain respect and love of his child not by force but
through companionship and wisdom, teach his child the value of good
citizenship and instill in him a respect for law and order, teach him that in-
tolerance and ignorance are alien to a world of peace, and above all, through
spiritual guidance, emphasize that greatness and goodness go hand in hand."

Because so many of us have fathers who work with the soil, the following
poem by Katherine Edelman seems appropriate :

My father has love of land :

He often would reach his lean, brown hand,

Curving his fingers to form a cup

And draw a handful of rich soil up.

I still can hear him, pride in his tone,
"Be rightfully proud of the land you own."

Then, with brown earth from his fingers spilled,
Downward to furrows carefully tilled,
He would say, his own wide fields in view :
"Keep the land, and the land will keep you."

George Eliot wrote: "There are debts we can't pay like we pay money
debts." Such are the debts we owe to our dad. We can pay and repay only in
part. Perhaps the only thing we can truly do is to reach forth to others and
upward to God to perpetuate those good and worthy things which our dad
taught by word and example.

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: "That man is a success who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men
and the love of children, who leaves the world better than he found it, and
looked for the best in others as he gave the best he had." Most of all, that dad
has not lived in vain who has, through a child's life, stood in the background or
behind the scenes and "done the lights."

(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JUNE 16, 1976
Volume 91 Number 24

Edited and published weekly by the Free WH
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lei
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconc
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th*
■publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years!
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoun^
given when local churches send the "Baptist" tfi
the home of every member; names and ad»
dresses to be provided by churches. Churcher
are billed quarterly. j

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists',
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute;
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th<
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacf
article is given the person whose name appear;
under the title or to the person submitting saic
article.

Items for publication should be addressed tc
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— !
p. m., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3!
a m. — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rober
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

THE CRAGMONT STORY"

Q will lift up mine eyes unto
f the hills, from whence
tmeth my help" (Psalm 121:1), the
nmorable words known to all Cragmont
(;mpers.

And so it is, every summer hundreds
t young people, their counselors,
«onsors, and other workers congregate
i the midst of God's creation to
ibapture the spirit of Christian
tjlowship found at Cragmont. As special
;| those times are, one individual from
f® First Free Will Baptist Church in
Inston unselfishly spends much of his
bek while at camp capturing the fun
nes and tender moments in order that
ley not be forgotten. This individual is
iilon Whitehead, a man who has come
1 mean a great deal to me. Hulon's
. inistry is merely an outward gift to both
jbd and man which he uses as a means
jj bear witness of what God has done
jjithin his life. For many years Hulon did
bt and could not enjoy life as freely as
jany of us, but this did not embitter his
part for surely the sweetness of his
jstimony makes all who meet him
iiickly become his friend. God has richly
ilessed Hulon and Hulon loves to praise
jid thank his Lord for all He has done
jithin his life.

The films which Hulon photograpns

I

| Deborah King is holding here in her
jiands a beautiful black and white, 80-
putton Yamaha accordion which she will
;be using in her music ministry to the
Philippines. The purchase of this musical
instrument was made possible through
the gifts of Christian friends from Sandy
Plain, Deep Run, Living Waters, and
Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Churches.
For these dear friends whose hearts the
Lord touched and for this gift which they
made possible, we humbly praise and
thank the Lord.

This particular accordion is a
professional model of intermediate size,
and it was chosen because its particular
weight and size are best suited for use
by women. Some models have as few as
48 buttons and some as many as 120.
Yet, this particular model has a beautiful

'the free will baptist

by Janie Jones Sowers

are taken during Youth Frontier Con-
ference which is directed by Mrs. D. W.
(Ma) Hansley, and are entitled, "The
Cragmont Story." Youth Frontier
Conference is a week of unbelievable
experiences. There never seems to be a
dull moment as shaving cream fights,
kangaroo courts, singing for meals,
decorating the ' ' Massey, ' ' and echoes of
"let's get the counselors" resound the

Missions

tonal quality and combines some of the

very best features for musical versatility
and sound.
One of the advantages of a musical

camp grounds. More importantly are
those precious moments of spiritual
renewal spent with those who are so dear
to us all— our Cragmont brothers and
sisters. Never do our hearts feel so, as
when we leave Cragmont after a week of
camp, where we spend a week with so
many young people whom we have
grown to love. Our tear-filled eyes
promulgate as we realize we may not see
those young people again until next year;
but our cups run over upon the
.realization of how God has blessed us
during the week.

Much of this Hulon has recorded and
would love to share with interested
groups. This ministry is a blessing to all
who have the opportunity to see it. If you
would like to have Hulon share his films
with your church or group, contact him
by writing Hulon Whitehead, Washington
Street, Kinston, North Carolina 28501.
Likewise,' if you would like to join "Ma,"
Hulon, and the rest of us at Cragmont
this summer, send your $7 registration
fee to Mrs. D. W. Hansley, Route 4,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551. The
Youth Frontier Conference is scheduled
for July 5-10 this year.

In conclusion let me say, "I thank God
for places like Cragmont and friends like
Hulon."

instrument of this type on the mission
field is that it is portable and can be
carried from place to place easily
enough. And it is just about the next
substitute for a piano or an organ.

Although Deborah has played the
piano for years and truly loves it, the
accordion will be something new and
somewhat strange for her, at least for a
while anyway, until she learns how to
play it. Accordion lessons, which she
hopes to begin taking soon, should help
out a lot.

Music is so much a part of living in the
Philippines and so important in Christian
worship. This accordion which God has
given through faithful Free Will Baptists
should prove to be a great blessing in the
work here. Once again, we sincerely
thank the Lord and those who made ii
possible.

3

THANK YOU FOR THE ACCORDION

SUNDAY, JUNE 20
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 3:1, 2

MY LAD

You're growing big and strong my lad
And that's so pleasing to your dad,
But I'll admit, through coming days,
I'll miss your simple childish ways.
When first you walked by daddy's
side,

How small you were, how short your
stride ;

But now— O how the years flit by!
You're most as tall and strong as I.
And now when we go for a walk,
You step right up with me and talk
As man to man, not as a child,
And thus are many hours beguiled.
No more you'll ride on daddy's back,
Nor stride my foot and trot and rack,
And in the dark when fear alarms,
No more you'll cuddle in my arms.
But though you're growing up so fast,
I want that simple love to last,
That child-like trust in me my lad,
Will always comfort your old dad.

-C. G. Spindler

PRAYER THOUGHT
How rewarding to look at one's
children and see that they have grown
into upstanding, God-fearing men and
women. To be rewarded thusly is truly
wealth untold.

MONDAY, JUNE 21
Scripture Reading— Romans 2:6, 7

TWO EPITAPHS
In Warwickshire, England, near an
ivy-grown church, may be found a
stone on which is the following in-
scription:

"Here lies a miser who lived for
himself

And cared for nothing but gathering
pelf,

Now where he is or how he fares,
Nobody knows and nobody cares."

The other epitaph is in St. Paul's
Cathedral, London. It is a simple and
plain monument. Beneath a figure are
these words :

"Sacred to the memory of Charles
George Gordon, who at all times and
everywhere gave his strength to the
weak, his substance to the poor, his
sympathy to the suffering, his heart to
God." — Teacher's Lesson Quarterly

PRAYER THOUGHT
Quite often we feel we are so self-
sufficient. We have no need of the love
or help of our fellowmen or God. The
higher we rise in self-glory, the
harder we fall in self-esteem.

TUESDAY, JUNE 22
Scripture Reading— Exodus 15:2

MAN'S WORK COMPARED
TO GOD'S GRACE

Longfellow could take a worthless
sheet of paper, write a poem on it, and
make it worth $6,000— that's genius.

Rockefeller could sign his name to a
piece of paper and make it worth a
million dollars— that's capital.

Uncle Sam can take gold, stamp an
eagle on it, and make it worth
$20.00— that's money.

A mechanic can take material that
is worth only $5.00 and make it worth
$50.00— that's skill.

An artist can take a fifty-cent piece
of canvas, paint a picture on it, and
make it worth $1,000— that's art.

God can take a worthless, sinful
life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put
His Spirit in it, and make it a blessing
to humanity— that's salvation.
— Christian Digest

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our Saviour's salvation for us is
made up of soul, atonement, love,
valor, abasement, tears, idealism,
omnipotence, and nobility.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 28:5

GO FORWARD!
Up, then, and linger not, thou saint of
God!

Fling from thy shoulders each im-
peding load ;

Be brave and wise, shake off earth's
soil and sin,

That with the Bridegroom thou
mayest enter in!

Oh, watch and pray!

Gird on thy armor, face ea <

weaponed foe,
Deal with the sword of Heaven t|

deadly blow ;
Forward, still forward, in the fig

Divine ;

Slack not the warfare till the field
thine.

Win thou the crown !

— Horatius Bon,

PRAYER THOUGHT
A crown on high.
May be our reward,
If our lives are nigh
To the Lord's Holy Word.

I

THURSDAY, JUNE 24
Scripture Reading— Malachi 4:6

HER UNEXPECTED NEIGHBOR
Margaret Applegarth tells of !
young girl leaving Northfield with '
desire to do a beautiful piece of sei'
vice. Upon reaching home she aske
her pastor for the name of a lonel
person to whom she could bring chee
and happiness. The next day thi
minister handed her a folded slip o
paper and when she opened it, sh
found written there the name of he
own father.— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We spend much of our time seeking
unusual places and people to bring t<
God, and ignore those near and dea,
to us who are in dire need of God',
saving grace.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25
Scripture Reading— Psalm 91 : 11, 12,

BEARS IN THE BOOK

An old couple quarreled so
frequently that the whole village
knew it. Suddenly they ceased their
bickering.

One neighbor approached them to
ask what had happened.

"Two bears did it," said the wife.

"Two bears? We thought two bears
caused all the trouble."

"Ah," said the husband, "but these
are two new bears, which we found in
the Bible. 'Bear ye one another's
burdens' and 'Forbearing one another
in love.' " — Sunday

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we learn to forbear and
forgive one another we will be closer
to our goals in Heaven and happier in
our roles here on earth.

(Continued on Page 11)

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLASf) \ \

<^Vk\ \
the sunday &z$£>

SCHOOL LESSON^

For June 27 ^^§^1^

THE CHURCH AND
CIVIL AUTHORITIES

inted Text: Romans 13:1-10
lemory Verse: Acts 5:29

, INTRODUCTION

\ One of our greatest religious freedoms
B( the concept of separation of church
c, pd state. The first article of our famous
vii. till of Rights states: "Congress shall
if. ake no law respecting an establishment
a; f religion, or prohibiting the free
is: xercise thereof ..." This means that
k he state cannot govern the church or
i Iterfere in its life in any way as long as

pe rights of others are not in question.
\ jhis freedom is most precious to Free
lf vill Baptists, as well as to all other

jlberty- loving Christians. We must never

sk losing that freedom granted to us by
* ur founding fathers,
'ill

„' But Christians have not always had
J ifeedom of religion. Even in the
beginning Christians were persecuted
because they were misunderstood. For
ver three hundred years the church was
1 jested and tried by civil powers until
hese powers saw they could not keep
he church under duress. Seeing this the
)overnment "joined the church" by the
;nd of the fourth century and Christianity
became the offical religion of the Roman
Empire —The Bible Student (F. W. B.)

I. HINTS THAT HELP

A. This is an important lesson. We
< iihould try to get the full meaning of the
1 pcriptures because we are living in days

when respect for law and order has fallen
4 :o an all-time low. If there is any
organization that should lead in restoring
confidence in government and respect
for law and order, it ought to be the
church.

B. Sometimes it is difficult to
jfetermine whether some of the things
j)ur government does is right or wrong.

Perhaps, the best attitude for us is to
obey except in cases where we are sure
that the Bible expressly forbids us to do
so. No man has a right to decide on a
personal basis whether he will obey the
law or not. This attitude could destroy
our whole system of government.

C. Why should one obey the civil
authorities? (1) Because we are com-
manded in the Bible to do so. (2)
Because of the power they have over us.
(3) Because we cannot have a good
conscience and violate the laws of the
country. (4) Because of our influence
over others to do bad or good.

D. An example of one time that we
should not obey the laws of our
government would be if they forbid us to
preach the Word of God. We have an
example of this in the Book of Acts.
When told that they must not preach any
more the disciples said, "We ought to
obey God rather than men."

E. Our responsibility to our
fellowman is comprehended in the law of
love. If we love him, we will not want to
steal from him, or kill him, or covet his
property, or do any of the other things
that we have commandments against in
the Law of Moses. Love comprehends all
of these.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. In A. D. 312 the Roman emperor
Constantine claimed to have seen a
shining cross in the sky bearing the
motto, "By this sign thou shalt
conquer." This spurred his soldiers on to
victory and began the move to unite the
church and the Roman Empire. In A. D.
380 Emperor Theodosius I issued the
edict that made Christianity the exclusive
religion of the empire. He outlawed and
persecuted pagan religions in the name
of Christianity.

History shows us that when religion
and state are united, even the Christian
religion and the state, the results are
religious persecution and violation of
human liberties.

Christianity does not survive on force
or at the expense of human liberty. No
Christian has a right to use political
power to enforce the tenets of
Christianity upon citizens of any nation.
The Bible upholds the fundamental
principle that men must be free to make
personal choice in matters of religion.
Any state or church or alliance of church
and state violating those liberties is
disobeying God.— Standard Lesson
Commentary

B. Revolutionaries in our day cite the
American Revolution and the "Boston
Tea Party" as proof that we may employ
violence in defiance of government.
These overlook one thing. The American
Revolution began because the people
were being taxed without being;
represented directly in the British
Parliament from which laws were handed
down and rates and levies fixed. If
representation had been allowed, the
colonists would have used the legislative
process and the court of ap-
peals.—Selected

C. God demonstrated His will for
man to replenish, or fill the earth, at the
very outset of creation. But when sin
entered the world with its frightful train
of ills, it became necessary both to
restrain the wicked and to reform the
social climate. To fulfill His ultimate
purpose, God had to provide for
redemption. To achieve these goals three
divinely authorized institutions were
ordained. The first was marriage, which
was intended to procreate and thus
perpetuate the species in a world where
the specter of death was ever present.
The second was civil government, which
was meant to protect mankind. The third
was the church, which was designed to
perfect mankind by preparing for the
resumption of the divine-human
relationship, which had been rudely
shattered by sin —Selected

Answer to Father's Day Puzzle: "A

fool despiseth his father's instruction"
(Proverbs 15:5).

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

6

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557
h*^^h^ "A Christian Home for Boys and Girls ' '-^«^»-^*'

Sam Weeks, Superintendent
Drawer E Middlesex, N. C. 27557 ,

1976 CHILDREN'S HOME
GRADUATES

Pictured trom left to right: Kay Hill,
Cliff Garris, Sammy Mansour, and Terry
Faircloth, 1976 graduates.

We are proud of our four young people
who graduated from Southern Nash
Senior High School on June 8, 1976.

Kay plans to enter Mount Olive College

in the fall, Sammy Mansour will be going
to Wilson Tech, and Terry Faircloth will
be joining his brothers at Atlantic
Christian College in Wilson. Cliff Garris
has a job awaiting him in Englehard,
North Carolina.

the Free Will Baptist Children's Home. |

The observance of this day began wit'
a worship service at 10:30 a. m. SpeciJ
music was presented by the Memoriiji
Chapel Quartet, the Booster Band, an.
the Junior and Senior Choirs, all from th
Children's Home. Certificates of an
preciation were presented to forme
superintendents for their faithful ana
dedicated service to the Home. The guesi
speaker was the Rev. Robert May, pastcjj
of Hickory Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Albemarle Conference, ami
president of our State Convention. Mr,]
May delivered a most inspiring message
to those in attendance.

A delicious buffet lunch was servei
during the noon hour. After lunch gospe;
music was provided by the Memorial
Chapel Quartet, Donna Glisson of thti
Children's Home, and the Thorpt
Children of Unity Free Will Baptis'
Church, Wilson.

After the gospel sing, the campus was!
open for tours of the grounds and
facilities. Games, such as egg toss, three'
legged race, sack race, water balloor
toss, bike races, and others were'
provided for the children.

Everyone had a wonderful time as we'
were able to fellowship together and1
share our Home with others for the!
day.— Sam Lane, Director of Family
Services

FIRST CHILDREN ADMITTED
INTO NEW GROUP CHILD
CARE HOME

Mr. Jodie Strickland, Director of
Community Based Group Homes, reports
that two children were placed in our.
Community Based Group Home on June'
5, 1976. The Children's Home does not
own this property, it is owned by Mr. and,
Mrs. Richard Glisson, the foster parents
who have an agreement to care forj
children who are under school age. Mr.
and Mrs. Glisson live at Stokes, North
Carolina, and are members of the Sweet
Gum Grove Free Will Baptist Church.

The two children now living in the
home are brother and sister, ages 5 and
4. They are very happy and are making
the necessary adjustments to their new
home. Mr. and Mrs. Glisson have reared
three children of their own and a
nephew. We feel that they have had the
experience and are well qualified for
child care. In a foster home such as the
Glisson's, a child can receive more

FOUNDERS' DAY SERVICES AT
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST
CHILDREN'S HOME

Saturday, May 22, 1976, marked the fifty-sixth anniversary of the founding of

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

dividual love and attention which a
lild under six years of age needs.

We are sure this is a step forward for
ur denomination and a sign of progress
our Child Care and Family Service
rograms at the Children's Home.

We are looking forward to expanding
le Community Based Group Home
rogram to include other homes where a
imily has the extra space and a great
ive and concern for children who for
ome reason are not able to remain in
leir own homes. This program can
iclude a child over six years of age that
as a special problem which needs
idividual attention or may not be able to
djust to cottage life here on the
hildren's Home campus.

We want to provide the very best for a
jhild coming to live with us here at the
children's Home and the Community
Jased Group home is a service which we
jan offer to a child with special needs.

Each Community Based Group Home is
inder the supervision and direction of
tie Children's Home, but is owned by
he foster parents. We are able to work
;ery closely with the foster parents and
heir family along with the child and his
amily with our primary interest focused
in the child.

CRAGMONT TIME

! Again this summer we would like to
3ive our children the opportunity to
spend a week at Cragmont. Thirty-six
children would like to go and it will cost
b,000 to send them.

1 We are asking churches, woman's
kixiliaries, men's groups, Sunday
ichool classes, Youth groups, and
individuals to provide a week of spiritual
'plessings at Cragmont for one or more of
our children.

We believe God will richly bless you for
sharing through this ministry. We will
leed $55 per child. Checks should be
nade payable to the "Children's Home"
and earmarked for Cragmont.

Someone has said that modern life can
be spelled in three words: "hurry,
worry, bury."

The
Unmitigated

TRUTH

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "I therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye
are called" (Ephesians 4:1 ).

THE CHRISTIAN'S CALLING

Every born-again Christian has had
two births: a physical birth and a
spiritual birth. Twice-born people are the
only ones saved. Saved people are
committed to Heaven and unsaved
people are committed to hell. The dif-
ference then is from Heaven to hell. The
departed spirits of people are classified
and are destined either to Heaven or hell.

God calls every person to repentance
but only a very few of them answer the
call. Many pretend to answer the call but
then when the real showdown comes and
the real problems become heavy they
fade out to leave the duty and respon-
sibility to the more faithful and dedicated
Christians. There is a real difference in
sons of God and mere sons of men. Sons
of men who labor as Christians are like
some hirelings— they are not dedicated
and will not risk their lives for the
church. Born-again Christians will keep
going for God regardless of the dangers
and hardships involved. Christians give
of their time, energy, means, and even
their lives in support of this holy calling.

The nature of a Christian's calling is
holy, it is honorable, and, because it
serves an honorable Master, it is
profitable. "Who hath saved us, and
called us with an holy calling, not ac-
cording to our works, but according to
his own purpose and grace, which was
given us in Christ Jesus before the world
began" (2 Timothy 1:9). A Christian's
call is profitable in that the person who
responds opens the way of salvation and
a saved person will enjoy many won-
derful and glorious benefits. The most
profitable benefit of all after salvation is
the right or title to eternal life. Other
benefits may be too numerous to list but
here are a few you might consider: There

will be no sickness or sorrow, no hunger
or limitation on the things which might
contribute to your complete satisfaction
and happiness. All the best things you
have wanted could never make you as
happy as the things the Father has
provided for you.

The obligations of the Christian's
calling must include serious study of the
principles of our calling. The reason God
calls you is that He loves you
and He desires to give you the spirit of
wisdom and a knowledge of Him through
revelation. When we know the truth there
will be an eagerness to claim the
privileges of the calling and we will
cultivate a spirit of reverence and
determination to perform in all the duties
of our calling.

The performances will register in our
civil lives— the areas of public relations
and citizenship. It will be very effective
in your domestic life and human relations
in society and business. It will be most
effective in your religious life because
you will "... be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; And that ye put on the new
man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness"
(Ephesians 4:23, 24).

Add to the above the dignity and the
object of your calling and you will shout
for joy. Amen!

RETIREMENT HOMES NOTICE

The first duplex apartment of the
Retirement Homes program is going to be
completed towards the end of July.

The first one was supposed to be
reserved for ministers and their wives;
however, because we do not have
ministers making application, it was
decided during the last board meeting
that we would run a notice in The Free
Will Baptist stating that this would be
open for 30 days, and at the end of that
30-day period, which begins the date this
notice appears in The Free Will Baptist,
we would start receiving applications
from the laity and move them into this
first duplex.

If any minister is interested in making
application to reside in our first duplex or
if you know of anyone, application should
be made before the end of this 30-day
period. Application can be made by
writing to«Mie Executive Director, Free
Will Baptist Retirement Homes, P. 0. Box
249, Middlesex, North Carolina
27557.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

CbtA,

MOTHER-DAUGHTER BANQUET
ST. MARY'S CHURCH

For the regular May meeting of St.
Mary's Woman's Auxiliary, New Bern,
the women of the church sponsored their
annual Mother-Daughter Banquet.
Approximately 70 mothers and daughters
gathered in the church fellowship hall to
enjoy a covered-dish supper. The ladies
were dressed in the traditional colonial
costumes in keeping with the Spirit of
76 decorating theme.

Members of the decorating committee
carried out the bicentennial theme
beautifully with the flower arrangements,
wreaths, and unusual individual place
settings.

Mrs. Barry Chambers, of the Unity
Free Will Baptist Church in Durham, was
the guest speaker for the occasion. She
presented an inspiring devotion entitled,
"Today's Happy Christian Woman."
She challenged the women of St.
Mary's, as well as all Christian women,
to commit all areas of Christianity,
motherhood, and daily routine to the
leadership of the Holy Spirit, in the love
of Christ, to fulfill their greatest potential.
Mrs. Chambers is the daughter of the
Rev. and Mrs. Rod Jones, the pastor of
St. Mary's church.

The program featured Mrs. Ed Baldree'
as the mistress of ceremonies. The
invocation was given by Mrs. Lonnie
Mann and Mrs. Rod Jones welcomed all
the guests. Miss Pamela Mann
responded to the welcome by praising!
the Lord for all mothers, and especially
those who had put forth the effort to1
show their love in this manner. Mrs.
Durward Hancock was in charge of
"Woman of the Year Award." This
award was presented to Mrs. Hancock's
mother, Mrs. Ellis Hall, who has been a
dedicated member of St. Mary's since I
1911. She was presented a life mem-
bership certificate and pin.

Mrs. Rod Jones recited the poem by
Frank Norkus, "None Like a Mother,"
after which Miss Susan Hill rendered
special music.

Further entertainment under the
direction of Mrs. Jones consisted of
skits: "Matrimonial Bumps," by Mrs.
W. J. Gaskins Jr. and Mrs. Fred Mills;
"The Gossipers," by Mrs. Alfred
Broome and Mrs. Make Miller; "Three
Phases of Married Life," by Mrs. Warren
Waters, Mrs. Buddy Lewis, and Mrs.
Lonnie Mann. The program concluded
with Mrs. Jones singing "Lament of a
Preacher's Wife."

The benediction was prayed by Mrs.
Amos Howard.

WOMAN'S AUXILIARY CONVENTION
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

The Woman's Auxiliary Convention of
the General Conference will meet in its
twelfth session with the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Durham, Monday and
Tuesday, June 28 and 29. The con-
vention theme will be "The Imminent
Return of Christ," with Scripture taken
from 1 Thessalonians 5:13-18. The
president, Mrs. Norman Ard, will
preside. Mrs. Charlotte Griffin will serve
as song leader with Miss Maria Ard at
the piano. The scheduled program is as
follows:

Monday Evening, June 28

7:00— Registration

7:30— "We Come Together with
Him— Living for Jesus"
(Philippians 1 :1)

— Bible Bowl Quiz Runoff

— Refreshment, Host Church

Tuesday Morning, June 29

10:00— Registration

10:30— Hymn, "I Wish We'd All Been
Ready"

— Devotions and Prayer, Mrs.
Rachel Duncan

— Opening of Convention, Mrs. R.
H. Jackson

— Special Music, Ladies Quartet
from Host Church

— Recognition of Officers,
Delegates, and Ministers

— President's Remarks

— Business Session

— Hymn

—Special Music, Griffin Famil
from Host Church

— Offering

— Message, a Drama, "Thi
Beginning"

—Appointment of Committees

— Lunch, Served by Host Church I

Tuesday Afternoon Session

1:30-Hymn "I Wish We'd All Beeil
Ready"

— Prayer

— Final Business Session

— Report of Committees

— Devotion in Song

— Hymn and Testimony Time

— Dedication Service and Prayer,
Altar Service

— Benediction

AUXILIARY BEGINS

NEW CONCEPT
IN MISSION WORK

The Woman's Auxiliary of the Firs'
Free Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro
has begun a new concept in mission
work in the community through the
adoption of a ministry to prisoners. The
auxiliary has bought Bibles, collected
religious magazines and tracts, and has
begun a visitation program to the Wayne
County jail meeting each prisoner on a
personal basis. Through this program
each prisoner is given a Bible, religious
magazines and tracts, and words of
encouragement. He is also assured that
the church does care what happens to
him.

The auxiliary got the inspiration to
begin this ministry from the following
Scripture: " . . .I was an hunger, and ye
gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave
me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took
me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was
sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison,
and ye came unto me" (Matthew 25:35,
36).

The prisoners have been very
receptive to the visits and interest shown
them through this ministry, and it is
hoped that souls may be saved among
these people who seem to have gotten
into the wrong path. It really is a
challenge to us (on the outside of
prison), for we see more and more every
day that Christ is the answer to our
problems— in prison or out.

Respectfully submitted,

Hazel Casey

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

gjrgy|[2jji[=]jfij

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

EAGLES NEST CAMP
OPEN JUNE 20

Eagles Nest is a 50-acre camp located around a five-acre lake and within an
hour's drive of Raleigh and New Bern.

agles Nest Summer Camp will open
Jfie 20, for the first week of Christian
cihnping for youngsters between the
<es of 9 and 17. There will be six in-
aidual one-week sessions held,
tginning the week of June 20-25 and
rding the last week of July 25-30.
]The week's activities include wor-
iping in an outdoor setting, swimming,
king, boating, crafts, sports, a talent
ow, a campfire commitment service,
d much more.

The cost for resident campers will be
♦0 per week and day campers $20. The
|st of camp includes all meals, in-
jrance coverage to and from Eagles
3st, and insurance protection while at

camp.

Resident campers should arrive
between 4 and 5 p. m. on Sunday, the
first day of camp, and should be picked
up between 11 and 12 a. m. on Friday,
the last day of the camping week.

Day campers should arrive by 9 a. m.,
Monday-Friday, and be picked up by 5
p. m. daily, except on Friday between 1 1
and 12 a. m.

Eagles Nest is about 10 miles outside
of Mount Olive, on a five acre lake in a
beautiful wooded setting. For more
information contact Miss Caroline
Castelloe by calling 735-5848 or 658-
4933.

FREE WILL BAPTIST
STUDENTS
ON DEAN'S LIST

Twenty-six Free Will Baptist students
were named to the Mount Olive College
Dean's List for the spring semester,
1976.

To qualify for the list at the completion
of each semester, a student must be
attending on a full-time basis, have
achieved a quality point average of 3.2 or
higher in the subjects of the semester
just ended, and must have not received a
grade below "C" in any subject for the
semester.

Alphabetically, the students are as
follows: Randall Patrick Beaman of Free
Union church, Snow Hill; Mrs. Stephanie
Jo Barwick Brown of Northeast church,
Mount Olive; Donald Albert Coates of
First Smithfield church, Smithfield;
Karen Lynn Coates of Bethel church near
Four Oaks; Vickie Sue Cox of Oak Grove
church, Vanceboro; Cathy Sue Edwards
of Friendship church, Wendell; Russell
Edward Elmore of Deep Run church,
Deep Run.

Terry Ruth Ferrell of Little Rock
church, Lucama; Jan Arlene Glenn of
First Goldsboro church, Goldsboro;
Deborah Ann Gonzalez of Hopewell
church, Smithfield; Ashley Hilliard Hale
Jr. of First Tarboro church, Tarboro;
Sherry Jo Jones of Hopewell church,
Smithfield; Alice Faith Langley of Aspen
Grove church, Fountain; Kimberlee Jo
McKinney of Grace church, Greenville;
Robert Wayne Phelps of Mount Tabor
church, Creswell.

Deborah Faye Pittman of Piney Grove
church, Kenly; William Burkette Raper
Jr. of Mount Olive church, Mount Olive;
the Rev. Charles Linwood Renfrow of
Fremont church, Fremont; Michael Dean
Reynolds of Sound Side church,
Columbia; Sylvia Elaine Sasser of Piney
Grove church, Kenly; Susan Denise
Snipes of Pleasant Hill church near
Princeton; Susan Denise Still of Zion
church, Blakely, Georgia; Sarah Denise
Stocks of First Washington church,
Washington; Marcia Lane Toler of
Riverside church, Princeton; Stuart Keith
Wilson of Saint Mary's church, Kenly;
and Valerie Joan Wood of Grimsley
church, Ayden.

FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Weekend Revival at
Otter's Creek Church

A weekend revival will be held at
Otter's Creek Free Will Baptist Church
near Macclesfield, the weekend of June
25-27. The Revs. Keith Cobb and Rex
Edwards will be the guest speakers,
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Ralph
Aycock. Services will begin each evening
at 7:45 and at 11 a. m. on Sunday. The
public is cordially invited to attend.

Mother-Daughter— Father-Son
Banquet, First Church, Wilson

The Girls' Auxiliary and Boys'
Auxiliary of the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Wilson hosted a Mother-
Daughter— Father-Son Banquet on
Saturday night May 29, at 6:30 p. m., in
the fellowship hall. A red, white, and
blue color scheme was used throughout
the hall.

G. A. president, Amanda Sullivan,
welcomed everyone and introduced the
special guests. Following the meal, the
Rev. Clyde Cox, the church pastor,
spoke to the group. B. A. president,
Randy Starling, introduced the special
music which was presented by the

"Believers Quartet" and the "Girls'
Trio."

Approximately 65 people attended the
banquet. Sponsors of the hosting groups
are Mrs. Harold Davis, Mrs. Howard
Whitely, and Mr. and Mrs. Chip Boykin.

Gospel Concert at
Pleasant Hill Church

The Melotones of Kinston, formally the
Harmony Quartet, will present a gospel
concert at Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist
Church located on Highway 43, near
Calico Crossroads, Saturday evening,
June 19, from eight to ten o'clock. The
pastor, the Rev. W. H. Willis, and the
church congregation invite all who enjoy
good gospel music to attend.

Graduates of the Carolina
Bible Institute, Pine Level

The graduates of the Carolina Bible
Institute who received diplomas in the
school's first graduation exercise held
Thursday evening, May 27, in the Pine
Level, North Carolina, Free Will Baptist
Church, are as follows: First row (left to
right): The Rev. Davie Gray Brinson,
Middlesex; the Rev. Barry Lynn Gardner,
Rocky Mount; Mr. Charles E. Jackson,
Wilson; the Rev. F. Maurice Owens,

Wilson; and Mr. Harold Lloyd Jack:
Wilson. The second row (left to rig
The Revs. Floyd B. Cherry and Ce|
Pierce Jr., instructors in the school,
graduation message was brought by]
Rev. Bobby Bazen of the Black Jack
Will Baptist Church near Greenville.

The institute will have a two-v^
summer session from July 12-
Classes will be held each even
Monday through Friday, with the
ception of Wednesday evenings.

WHY SEND MY CHILD
TO CAMP VANDEMERE?

Camp Vandemere offers a uni
camping experience! Camp VandeiT'
is a nonprofit organization, owned
operated by the Eastern Conference
Free Will Baptists.

The camp exists only because it of
a program that will meet the needs
your child. We believe that a camp
experience can offer opportunities;!
growth and development that the chur
school, community programs, and ||
the home, cannot offer.

Camp Vandemere's goal is to strivr
help your child grow ment
physically, emotionally, and spiritual
This is done through a carefully plani
and highly active program.

Let your child pick the week he or i
wishes to attend and send the applicat
along with a $5 deposit to the directoi
that particular week. The balance of 3;
due on arrival. Information is listed in
camp schedule.

1976 Camp Schedule

June 14-19: Chris Singleton, direct;
P. 0. Box 162, Beulaville, I
28518

July 28— July 3: Bill Futch, director, 6
Carey Road, Kinston, N.
28501

July 5-10: Eastern District Womai
Auxiliary Convention, M
Happy Taylor, director, Route
Deep Run, N. C. 28525

July 19-24: Open

July 26-31: Rod Jones, director, 3l

Fleet Street, New Bern, N.

28560
August 2-7: Open
August 9-14: Scott Sowers, direct

(YFA), Grantsboro, N. C. 285!
August 16-21: Owen Arthur, directc

Route 1, Box 280-A, Auror

N. C. 27806

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

R A,G MONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

Black Mountain, North Carolina

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY, INC.
TREASURER'S REPORT FOR
MAY, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, P. 0. Box 298, Oriental, North Carolina 28571,
njsurer for Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black Mountain, reports as follows for
ihimonth of May, 1976:

Jiknce Brought Forward May 1 , 1976

Receipts

rches: Sherron Acres
Milbournie

Pleasant Hill (Pikeville)
May's Chapel
Holly Springs (Newport)
Hopewell
Gray Branch
Riverside
Rose of Sharon
if Apiaries: Spring Branch

Tee's Chapel (and Prayermeeters)
: Sring Branch YFA
Viite Oak AFC

e NjC. Woman's Auxiliary Convention
kU. and Mrs. Rex Wainright
cBrress Insurance Agency (refund on
I j rewriting policy)
c ffotal Receipts
Total for Which to Account

Disbursements

Gerational Expenses

Cuglas Skinner (to open Cragmont)

Cuglas Skinner (repairs on van, tractor,

I and miscellaneous)
V E. Stewart and Sons (turning on

I water and repairs)
Ijrress Insurance Agency
"ansferto Main Building Account

ansferto General Fund

Total Disbursements

lance on Hand June 1 , 1976

41.50

23.00
100.00

50.00
1,615.62

35.39

50.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

79.00
100.00

40.00
1,760.23

10.00

40.00

$ 185.96
1,000.00

1,000.00

205.06
234.20
3,102.59
816.76

Earmarked Funds

eneral Savings
Sain Building Fund
hapel Fund
eneral Fund
Total

$ 2,490.72

4,244.74
6,735.46

6,544.57
$ 190.89

$13,070.11
14,130.76
3,339.89
190.89
$30,731.65

MINISTERS' WIDOWS' FUND LIST

The following is an addition to the list
of ministers participating in the
Ministers' Widows' Fund from May 13,
1976 through June 10, 1976. Any
Original Free Will Baptist minister of
North Carolina who desires to participate
may do so by sending ten dollars ($10) to
the Board of Superannuation. For any
additional information contact the North
Carolina Board of Superannuation, c/o
the Rev. Walter Reynolds, P. 0. Box 474,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

J. T. Bailey Sr.
Joe Barrow
J. P. Barrow
N. B. Barrow
Lloyd Childres
Frank R. Harrison
R. N.Hinnant
Eddie Jordan
Wayne King
Robert Langley
Maurice Owens
Ronnie Parker
James E. Timmons
L. L. Therrell
Donald Venable

Wadesboro
Texas
LaGrange
Snow Hill
Rockingham

Mount Olive

Louisiana

High Point

Philippines

Middlesex

Wilson

Clinton

Texas

Kannapolis

Cove City

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 4)

SATURDAY, JUNE 26
Scripture Reading— Psalm 118:24

WELL SPENT!
"A Sabbath Day well spent
Brings a week of content,
And strength for the toil of the

morrow,
But a Sabbath profaned,
Whatever may be gained,
Is a sure forerunner of sorrow."

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
A Sabbath well-spent indeed gives
us a good foundation for a better
week. It instills in us a tranquil, loving
attitude that will see us through a
trying week.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

taE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Question: Is it possible for one to
become a Christian without some kind of
an emotional experience or sudden
conviction of sin? Is not something of
this nature to be expected if one is
converted?

Answer: I hardly think you will find the
combined teachings of the Bible sup-
porting this view. It just simply teaches:
"He that believeth on the Son hath
everlasting life: and he that believeth not
the Son shall not see life; but the wrath
of God abideth on him" (John 3:36);
". . . if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For
with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. For
the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth
on him shall not be ashamed" (Romans
10:9-11).

I have heard the famed evangelist,
Billy Graham, tell of his conversion. It
seems that he heard the gospel preached
by the late Mordecai Ham and felt the
need of salvation. He went foreward,
confessed Christ, and went home feeling
little change, but having Christ as his
Saviour. He, it seems, felt little different
for some time. Then there are people
brought up in Christian homes, under
good influence, that get saved apparently
at an early age, but do not realize just
what happened. When such a person
grows cold and indifferent and under
conviction that he gets from reading
God's Word, he reviews his vows and
comes into a warmer fellowship again.
He could, after several such ex-
periences, make a public confession of
his sins and be baptized and become a
member of a church. This hypothetic
person could be referred to as having
been converted when he publicly came

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

out for Christ; however, in reality he
would have been saved all the time since
he made his first commitment to Christ.

Then I have heard of people that did
not exercise faith even though they
became convicted under the preaching of
the gospel, were baptized, and im-
pressed many people in the emotions
expressed while under conviction; but
because the activities did not produce
saving faith the subject went back
further into the world. In a later ex-
perience, however, the person was
actually saved and began living a
dedicated life. Salvation comes by the
subject's exercising faith in Christ,
God's only begotten Son, as his Saviour,
and in no other. The following Scriptures
bear witness of this: "Therefore we
conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the deeds of the law" (Romans
3:28); "Therefore being justified by
faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ; By whom also we
have access by faith into this grace
wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God" (Romans 5:1, 2); "For
by grace are ye saved through faith-; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: Not of works, lest any man should
boast. For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we
should walk in them .... But now in
Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far
off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
. . . And are built upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner
stone" (Ephesians 2:8-10, 13, 20);
"Who hath saved us, and called us with
an holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose
and grace, which was given us in Christ
Jesus before the world began" (2
Timothy 1:9).

George H. Sandison says something

helpful in answering this question w
he answers a similar question on F
311 in 1000 Difficult Bible Quest
Answered:

"Sorrow over sin and an effori
amend are Christian duties, but do
make a person a Christian. Neither
the sudden conviction of sin I
emotional change, though they ii
accompany, or precede, the new bi
by which a person becomes a Christ!
As you will see by Christ's own
planation to Nicodemus (John 3:3-2
the new birth is the work of the H
Spirit, which is given freely to all v
seek. When a person ardently desire* i
become a Christian he asks Christ i
save him, not only from future puni
ment, but from present sin. He sho
believe in Christ's power to do so, «
should confidently place his case
Christ's hands as he would place
case in the hands of a physician if j
were sick. The effort to amend will!
take new shape, because Christ's
and strength will be imparted and victu
assured. Christ promises to dwell intt
heart of any who desire his presence ai
will yield themselves to him. With Chrf
in the heart there will be new life, and f
union with him the person becomes?,
Christian."

COMING EVENTS . . .

June 20— Eagles Nest Summer Carri
Begins, Located Near Dudlei
North Carolina, and Sponsors
by Mount Olive College, Mou
Olive, North Carolina

June 28— Summer School Registratic
for the Second Session, Mow
Olive College, Mount Olivi
North Carolina

June 28-30— General Conference
Original Free Will Baptists, Fir
Free Will Baptist Church i
Durham, North Carolina

July 11 — Homecoming and Alum
Association Meeting, Free W
Baptist Children's Homi
Middlesex, North Carolina, wil
the Rev. James A. Evans i
Guest Speaker. Services Begi
at 10:30 A. M.

July 12-23— Two-Week Summi
Session of the Carolina Bib
Institute, Pine Level Free W
Baptist Church, Pine Leve
North Carolina, Each Monday
Tuesday, Thursday, and Frida
Evenings

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

IMMY BRENT'S birthday par-
r, ty was going to be held at his house
»i|aturday afternoon.
If Oh, what a pretty invitation Jimmy
ft me!" said Sally Craine, as she
<wlked home with Esther Turner. It was
lay afternoon. Other girls and boys
wiked and skipped along the sidewalks,
eri&ying the warm spring air and the
tolht sunshine.

Esther didn't enjoy much of anything,
jdi then. She looked at the colorful
irltation Sally had received to attend
Jiimy's party. There was a picture of a
ftViy clown and many different-colored
bjons on the card.

'We can go to the birthday party
tdjether," Sally said as the two girls
sod in front of her house.

I'm not going to that silly party,"
E her said crossly. Esther didn't tell her
f md that Jimmy hadn't invited her.
All ttie rest of the way home, Esther
tiught about the birthday celebration.
€p knew how much fun the other
cjlldren would have playing games,
fling ice cream and cake, and watching
"imy open his presents.
By the time Esther walked into her
use, twin teardrops were trickling
(jwn her cheeks and more shiny tears
Te swimming in her wide brown eyes.
Esther was as angry as she was sad.
e told Mother that she just didn't care
out going to Jimmy Brent's birthday
rty.

There must be some reason why you
'^ren't asked," Mother said gently.
Perhaps Jimmy just forgot to invite you,

k"

"No! He didn't invite me because he
!he free will baptist

doesn't like me!" Esther cried, using
her handkerchief to brush away her
tears. "I always win the spelling
contests at school, and Jimmy is jealous
because he can't spell at all!"

I IiIsMfI I I I IrHsI

J. Benny Tweter

<^7HE Bible stresses the importance
-J of our honoring our parents. See
what the Bible has to say about one who
does not know this! To solve this puzzle:
spell out on a sheet of paper the name of
the object drawn. Then use any of the
letters you have spelled out to fill in the
empty spaces below. Some of the spaces
are already filled in. When the right
letters have been added to the spaces,
the message will be clear.

Answer to be found elsewhere in this
issue of the "Baptist."

"That doesn't seem like a reason for
Jimmy not to like you," Mother said,
taking Esther's hand. Mother led Esther
to the living-room sofa, and they sat

"Oh, I laugh at Jimmy, sometimes,"
Esther admitted. "He makes so many
silly mistakes!"

Mother's brown eyes became serious.
"Do you think that Jesus would approve
of your laughing at others?" she asked
softly.

Esther was quiet as she sat thinking
about what Mother had just asked. Then
she sighed, shaking her golden curls.
"No, I shouldn't laugh or tease Jimmy
because he makes mistakes," Esther
said. "I forgot what I learned at Sunday
school. We all make mistakes, don't we,
Mother?"

Mother nodded. She patted Esther's
shoulder.

Jimmy Brent was sitting on the front
porch steps when Esther walked along
the sidewalk toward his house, carrying
a nicely wrapped birthday gift.

"I hope you will have- a very happy
birthday tomorrow," said Esther,
smiling as she gave Jimmy the package.
"And I'm sorry that I laughed at you. If
you'll forgive me, I would like to be your
friend, Jimmy," she added.

Jimmy frowned. "Wait here a
minute," he told Esther. Esther watched
the dark-haired boy race up the porch
steps and hurry inside the house.

When Jimmy returned, he handed
Esther a pretty card. There was a picture
of a funny clown and many different-
colored balloons on the card. "Oh! It's
an invitation to your party!" Esther cried
happily.

"All my friends will be at my party,"
Jimmy said, grinning at Esther. "I want
you to be here, too!" — Selected

Due to the fact that the source from
which we have been selecting the stories
for our youth has been copyrighted, we
are forced to discontinue this page
unless some of our readers will submit
stories that are suitable for this page.
This will be the last issue of the
"Baptist" that will carry this section
unless someone sees fit to submit the
stories. Only typewritten, double-spaced
submittals will be accepted.— Ralph A.
Bowen, Assistant Editor

13

GENERAL CONFERENCE
OF ORIGINAL
FREEWILL BAPTISTS

The 1976 session of the General
Conference of Original Free Will Baptists
will convene with the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Durham, Tuesday
afternoon, June 29, and at the Memorial
Auditorium, Raleigh, Wednesday, June
30. The conference theme will be "We
Come Together in Him," with Scripture
taken from Acts 17:28, "For in him we
live, and move, and have our being;
. . ."The president, the Rev. J. B.Starnes,
will preside, assisted by the secretary,
the Rev. Harry A. Jones. The Rev. M. E.
Cox, host pastor, will serve as music
director. The conference is being hosted
by the Piedmont Conference. The
program is as follows:

Tuesday Afternoon, June 29

4:00— General Board Meeting
6:00— Registration, Credentials Com
mittee

Evening Session

7:30— Song Service, the Rev. M. E.

Cox, Director
7:45— Greetings, Mr. Cox, Host Pastor

— Conference Opening, the Rev.
Harry A. Jones, Secretary

— Business Session
—Appointment of Committees,

Announcements, Etc.
8:15— Offering

8:20— Special Music, Host Church
8:30— Sermon, the Rev. Floyd B.
Cherry

— Partial Report of Credentials
Committee

— Hymn

— Benediction

Wednesday Morning, June 30

9:00— Registration
9:30— Song Service

— Devotions, the Rev. Robert May
9:45— President's Message

10:05— Song Service

— Recognition of Personalities

— Special Music

— Sermon, the Rev. Bob
Harrington

—Altar Invitation

— Hymn

— Benediction

— Lunch

14

5:00 P. M. — Dinner for Pastors and
Their Wives, Guest Speaker,
Mr. Harrington

Evening Session

7:30— Song Service

—Welcome, the President
—Special Music
—Sermon, Mr. Harrington
—Altar Invitation

— Hymn

— Benediction

REPORT BLANK TO THE

GENERAL CONFERENCE OF ORIGINAL FREE WILL BAPTISi

Name of Church or Organization-

Address

Pastor ,

Address

Clerk .

Address

Delegate(s) to the General Conference _

(Representation: Churches — one (1) delegate for each one hundred (100) members or fraction thereof,
nominational organizations — one (1) delegate for each two hundred (200) members or fraction thereof.) |

Donations (registration fees, etc.) sent to the General Conference: $

(Please note that registration fees are $5.00 per delegate and $2.00 per minister)

Please furnish the following information about your church:

Organization No. on Roll Average Attendan

Church .... ,

Sunday School . — ....

F. W. B. Leagues ....

Layman's League ....

Woman's Auxiliary ....

Cherub Auxiliary ....

Ambassadors for Christ ....

Youth Fellowship Auxiliary . — .... ,

Others:

Please list below the Free Will Baptist Denominational Enterprises which your church supports:

Other Comments:

Note: If your church cannot represent by delegation please return this blank along with your church's donation I
the secretary.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

Special ^Moments

Pi

■Maggie,

■When I was 14 years old, I attended the funeral of an older relative. Sometime
■ to the body being taken to the church, his widow stepped to the casket. Ten-
flj she lifted the veil and she kissed the one who had been her Christian helpmate,
ijy she said, "Oh, Fred, I loved you so; but God didn't put us into the world
Ifher and we cannot go out together! ' '

Ir following years were spent in the service of a Christian life. At the age of 87,
■purchased a new automobile and passed her driving test. She praised God's
m all her days and met Him face to face in her ninety-fifth year.

)

liville, N. C.

Editorial

(Continued from Page 2)

Thank you, Daddy,
for food, raiment,

and shelter,
for pennies, nickles,

dimes, and dollars,
for fishing trips, for

toys, for quiet walks

and talks,
for medicine, sleepless

nights, and your hand

upon my forehead

when I was ill.

Thank you, Daddy,
for life, for love,
for labor;

for pain, for sacrifice,

for prayers,

for living a good, godly

life— and teaching me

to do the same.

Thank you, Daddy,
for all you have done
and been,
and patiently,
willingly,
unfalteringly
given—
All for me !

—Joyce Proctor Beaman

3E FREE WILL BAPTIST

Not What, But Whom?

James I ng lis was a graduate of
Edinburgh University, learned and
eloquent. He became the most popular
preacher in Detroit, Mich. Eager listeners
filled -his church to overflowing. One day
when he was preparing sermons for the
following Sunday, it seemed a voice said
to him, "James Inglis, whom are you
pleaching?" Startled, he answered, "I
am preaching good theology." "I did not
ask what you are preaching, but whom
you are preaching?" Inglis answered, "I
am preaching the Gospel." Again the
voice said, "I did not ask you what you
are preaching; I asked whom you are
preaching?" Silent, with bowed head,
for a long time sat the preacher. Then
rousing himself, he cried: "0 my God, I
am preaching James Inglis. But hence-
forth I will preach Christ and Him
crucified." Inglis went to a chest of
drawers in his study, took his eloquent
sermons from the files, and burned them
one by one. From that day he turned his
oack upon popularity, and gave himself
wholly, by life and testimony, to the task
of lifting Christ before men. And God
honored his consecration in giving him
ever-widening influence.

— Moody Monthly

The Flowers Came Too Late

L. 0. Dawson, in his autobiography,
tells of an interesting service in a church
that had just buried its pastor. On the
following Sunday a memorial was held in
his honor. A large congregation over-
flowed the house. One speaker told of his
worth as a preacher, another told of his
tender ministrations as a pastor, others
spoke of him as a citizen, some thought
of him as a neighbor, or father, and so on
to the end. When it came his turn to
speak, Brother Dawson spoke as follows:
"All you have said of my dead brother is
true. He was a man out of the ordinary
and gave of his remarkable powers tc
your service without stint or reserve. But
if you had, while he was yet alive, filled
these pews as you have today, he would
not now be dead. Empty pews broke his
heart, and he did not know of the love of
which you have been speaking. He died
for the lack of the things you have today
so beautifully said and done."

More preachers die from broken
hearts than from swelled heads!

—The Clarion

15

EAGLES NEST SUMMER CAMP

GROWING IN A CHRISTIAN LIFE BY LIVING IT

Each Camp Encludes:
BIBLE STUDY
WORSHIP

SHARING OUR FAITH
CREATIVE CRAFTS
NATURE STUDIES
TALENT SHOW
SWIMMING
CANOEING
SPORTS
OTHERS

Six Weeks to Choose From:

Camp A, June 20-25 Camp C, July 4-9
Camp B, June 27— July 2 Camp D, July 11-16

REGISTRATION CARD: Please mail with $1 0 Registration Fee to:

Miss Caroline Castelloe, Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, N. C. 28365

Camp E, July 18-23
Camp F, July 25-30

Name

Boy

Girl

Age

Birth Date

Address
City

Church

Zip

Are You a Member? Yes-

No

Home Telephone No.
Day Camper

Grade You Will Enter Next Fall

Resident Camper

Please put (1 ) after the Camp you wish to attend. If this is the only camp you can attend, circle it.
If you can attend another camp, please put (2) after your second choice.

CAMP A (Date)
CAMP B (Date)

16

CAMP C (Date)
CAMP D (Date)

Signature of Parent

CAMP E (Date)
CAMP F (Date)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Reflections of a Person

(Applicable to Everyone)

l am an individual; thus, I am different in some respects from others— but not
too different.

I may at times seem strange to those who have only a speaking acquaintance
with me, but I am no more strange than the average person.

I may desire recognition and admit it quite freely, but I don't demand any more
than I am willing to give. If so, I need to examine myself more closely.

I may appear selfish at times, wanting to be by myself, to do things my way, and
to be left entirely alone with my thoughts, feelings, or whatever. Still, I afford such a
privilege to others when they, too, prefer personal solitude. All people need some
time for themselves.

I may act a little authoritative at times, but this "display" is no indication that I
know it all; it is merely an effort on my part to show that I possess at least a small
measure of self-confidence. Isn't everyone entitled to a portion of acknowledged
wisdom?

I may seem gorged with too much self-esteem at times; but, really, self-respect
is all that some people have; and, certainly, no one should try to take that away.
Certainly, not I.

I may be hurt by slights as well as unintentionally-inflicted injustices and
wounds, because I'm human. But I afford to other persons the right to be human too;
and, in that respect, I strive to treat other persons as I want to be treated— despite
the so-called "sloppy" emotionalism sometimes associated with such a feeling.

I may leave a lot of things undone which cry out for some attention, but I do not
•neglect anything or anyone purposefully; rather, an oversight on my part is
sometimes the cause for the delay or negligence. And, as I expect others to un-
derstand such a failure in me, I grant to them the same "freedom" of failure. Still, all
persons need to strive toward a budgeting of time and a rescheduling of activities.

I may speak sharply sometimes, out of desperation, because of fatigue, or
because of "pure and simple" anger (if there is any such thing); but, I'm always
sorry for my ill words. And I try to be aware of the perplexities which may prompt
others to be sometimes curt and abrupt and indignant.

I may forget an important occasion which requires my presence (or at least my
"regrets"), because there are so many things on my mind and so little time to do all
I'm supposed to do or am expected to do. But I don't condemn others if they, too, fall
snort in the same area. If I do cast unfavorable reflections upon others for their faults
(which are similar to mine), then I am a little person indeed.

I may not walk an extra mile each day to do a good deed for a needy neighbor,
because I am "tired" or just "don't feel up to it"; but if the time ever comes when
"the shoe is on the other foot," then I shall not despair. I must remember how it was
back "when."

All in all, I may not serve my God as well as I should. In fact, I cannot; for Satan
still tempts me daily and is forever placing obstacles in my way. Yet, I rest on the
Scripture which teaches that if I resist the devil, he will flee from me. Thus, if others
fall sometimes by the wayside, I do not condemn; I try to lift them up and set them
aright. And, certainly, I want the same treatment.

I am an individual. So is everyone. Love and honor and forgiveness are qualities
• each individual should possess— one for the other and the other for one!

Should anyone expect more than he's willing to give? Indeed not! In fact, isn't
that the thesis on which the whole of the gospel is built— to do unto others as one
would have others do unto him? Overstated? Perhaps so, but surely not overlived!
Sad, isn't it?

2

Small Photo by Harold M. Lambe
Large Photo by Johnny Taylor

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JUNE 23, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free |
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North li
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Sec§t
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.!

All materials to be placed in any issue mi
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to!
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: c
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yea
$1 2.00 ; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discot
given when local churches send the "Baptist':
the home of every member; names and ;
dresses to be provided by churches. Churcf
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptis
are sent to one individual who in turn distribu:
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unil
this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily refl^
the beliefs or policies of the ed,itor or of T
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for e<
article is given the person whose name appe:
under the title or to the person submitting s
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Boxt
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m-
p. m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. i
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a. m.-5p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenba
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secreta
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rob1
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannir
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assists
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass>
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAP'S

GOD'S LAUNDRY

by

The Rev. Graham Faucette
Kenly, N. C.

He household laundry has always
been a necessary chore in
ily life. When I was just a small boy,
^mother would scrub her clothes on a
/mhboard and then boil them in a smut-
, k pot in our backyard. Then she
Kid add lye soap to the boiling water
HI keep stirring with a long smooth
tk.

low different the automatic washers
in the modern age, which we only
■e to flip a switch or push a button.

■ we still must use the soaps and
d^rgents in order to produce a snow-
lite wash.

| pd's laundry is different. God does
■use soap and water, but washes our
By garments in the precious blood of

■ own Son, making them whiter than
aft thing on earth could possibly wash
In, No matter how filthy or stained
m may be, God cleans them as white
aisnow. "... and the blood of Jesus
list his Son cleanseth us from all sin"
Bonn 1:7); " . . . though your sins be
njiscarlet, they shall be as white as
■fw; though they be red like crimson,
Wiy shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1 :18).

[Some refer to this as a
laughterhouse" religion and discredit
j efficacy of Christ's atoning blood. We
d in Matthew 26:27, 28: "... he

t(k the cup, and gave thanks, and gave

ito them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For
3 is my blood of the new testament,

wich is shed for many for the remission

ojsins."

There is no worry about the price of
bjng made clean in God's laundry as
tl re is in our earthly laundries. This is
bbause Jesus Christ bought our pardon
Kb paid the price in full on Calvary some
tp thousand years ago. Jesus paid the
dee of redemption that we may have
e rnal life, and He is also "... able to
Hep that which I have committed unto
ni against that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).

We should avoid the wringing process
of God's laundry. When we are pressed
down by sickness, or other distresses of
this life, our souls cry out in despair, and
we are comforted by that still small voice
that whispers, "... Be of good cheer,
... Let not your heart be troubled: . . .
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness"
(Acts 23:11; John 14:1; 2 Corinthians
12:9). We should say with Paul, ". . .
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

After the wringing process there are
always some garments that need to be
starched. Some weak characters have
wishbones where their backbones ought
to be. They are tossed to and fro with
every wind of doctrine, and are unstable
in their ways. But through God's grace,
weak characters can be made strong,
doubts can be turned into beliefs, and
faith can be increased. "Who art thou
that judgest another man's servant? to
his own master he standeth or falleth.
Yea, ye shall be holden up: for God is
able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).

We must bear up under the painful
process of ironing. Persecution of some
kind will come, for "... all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer per-
secutions" (2 Timothy 3:12).

When the searing heat of persecutions
bears down upon us, we need not fear,
for the Lord also will be a refuge for the
oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble,
and a help in the time of need.

Jesus said, "Blessed are ye, when
men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and shall say all manner of evil against
you falsely, for my name sake. Rejoice,
and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they
the prophets which were before you"
(Matthew 5:11, 12).

THE ACT
OF BAPTISM

by

Mrs. Martha Pittman
Stantonsburg, N. C.

The spring months in our part of the
world unfolds numerous symbols of
resurrection: the renewing of foliage, the
upturning of the earth, the appearance of
tender plants pushing their way into a
new life; but the ultimate of symbolic
resurrection is the act of baptism.

"John did baptize in the wilderness,
and preach the baptism of repentance for
the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4). A
baptism is an occasion of joy, always;
but a special joy when this occasion
spans two or three generations. On May
18, when the spring of resurrection was
in its prime, the church family of the
Saratoga, North Carolina, Free Will
Baptist Church rejoiced in the baptism of
three sisters and one brother in Christ:
Mrs. Billie Faye Pipkin, Mrs. Minnie
Flora Windham, Mr. Joe Lemmons, and
Miss Arlene Page.

Mrs. Windham is 74 years old and will
be celebrating her seventh-fifth birthday
in August. She has lived in the Saratoga
area all of her adult life. She is the
mother of seven children and has been a
widow for 21 years. Mrs. Pipkin is a
young bride who has lived in our
community about a year. Mr. Lemmons
is a 75-year-old retired farmer, car-
penter, and lumberman. He, too, has
lived in the community practically all of
his life. Beside him at this grand event
was his young granddaughter, Miss
Arlene Page, who has lived in this state
and in her grandfather's household only
for the past year or two.

Paul stated in Galatians 3:27, "... as
many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ." So we, the
church family of the Saratoga church,
welcome these newborn Christians into
our midst.

The baptism was held in the Friend-
ship Free Will Baptist Church near
Farmville, with its pastor, the Rev.
Walter Reynolds, preaching the
message, and the Rev. Ray Allman
baptizing the candidates.

"Beginning from the baptism of John,
. . . must one be ordained to be a witness
with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:22)?

FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

PLEASANT PLAIN CHURCH

IN ACTION

FOR THE LORD

/? OTH the young people and adults
of Pleasant Plain Free Will Bap-
tist Church, Route 2, Selma, have been
busy in recent weeks in service to the
Lord and their church. They realize that
busy people are happy people and that
there is no better way of training the
youth of the church than to keep them
busy in His service.

In even the adult activities, the leaders
try as much as possible to involve the
youth, realizing that it is through their
interest and involvement now that they
will be better fitted to become leaders
themselves in the future.

The following are articles with pictures
of some of the more recent activities of
the youth and adults of Pleasant Plain
church.

Pre-Easter Banquet

The Woman's Auxiliary of Pleasant
Plain Free Will Baptist Church sponsored
a Pre-Easter Banquet on April 10, at
6:30 p. m. The women of the auxiliary
were challenged by the program-prayer
chairman, Mrs. Letha Burgess, to give
$10 each to be applied on making
payments on the church's fellowship
hall. The night of the banquet it was
announced that the ladies of the auxiliary
had given 100 percent to this cause.

The men of the church, not to be
outdone by the ladies, also contributed to
this worthy cause and made a
presentation at the banquet.

The total offering on this occasion
exceeded $1,200, more than one year's
payment on the building.

Mr. Roland Hatcher, church treasurer (second from
left), accepts a check from Mrs. Gladys Hartly,
treasurer of the auxiliary, and the men's check from
Mr. Dortch Helms (second from right), while the
pastor, the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser, looks on.

The main courses of the meal were
chicken pastry and baked ham, with
several choices of vegetables and
desserts, all prepared by the ladies of
the auxiliary. The beverages served
were tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

Following the meal a skit w;
presented by some members of the H
and Cherub groups, who also served
ushers, waiters, and waitresses fori
occasion.

After the skit, Mrs. Hilda Sasser, wj
of the pastor, presented a very inspirii
message. Those attending we
dismissed with prayer.

The members of Pleasant Plain chur.
realize that without God's help a
guidance the banquet could not ha
been a success and the money could r
have been raised for such a wort
project.

A Walk for Foreign Missions

Enjoying the banquet in the new fellowship hall.

Just before the Walk-A-Thon began. Those |
tured (from left to right) front row: Letty Best, 1
Parker, and Jamie Jones; second row: Patricia B
Tammy Jones, Wendy Parker, Bonnie Carroll,
Burgess, and Fonda Jones; third row: Peggy Jor
Shelly Jones, Susan Lee, Charles Brown, D.
Jones, and Wade Pace; fourth row: Derward Jor
Letha Burgess, Annie Taylor, and David Jones,
pictured were Mrs. Lois Jones and Mrs. F
Parker.

On May 23, the YFA of Pleasant Pin

THE FREE WILL BAPTJil

cflrch sponsored a Walk-A-Thon for
fofign missions. On this date, at 3
pirn . , approximately 20 YFA members
ar adults started out on an eight-mile
v.k. Each person walking had received
stages for ten cents and up for each
if walked. About halfway the distance
I walkers took a few minutes break
irj enjoyed refreshments in the yard of
I. Lois Jones, assistant youth director
3f ne church. Mrs. Annie Taylor, youth
Jijctor, and Mrs. Faye Parker served
h refreshments which were donated by
jrerent members of the church.

he church is proud to announce that
aji person completed the walk, and
*iyed it so much that they would like to
we another Walk-A-Thon in the near
•j re.

'The Walk-A-Thon in action.

hose participating in the Walk-A-
rt raised a total of $225 for foreign
ions. The group expressed its
ks to everyone who contributed and
e this walk possible. They stated,
e hope those on the foreign mission
s enjoy using this money as much as

we enjoyed walking for it. We would also
like to thank each person who con-
tributed to this worthy cause. ' '

YFA State Essay Winner

Miss Shelly Jones of Pleasant Plain
church was named the State YFA Essay
Winner for 1976. This was an essay
contest sponsored by the State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention. The title for the
essay was "Why Jesus for Today's
Youth?"

On May 16, Shelly was honored by her
church during the morning worship
hour. The local auxiliary presented to
Miss Jones a sterling silver pendant
necklace engraved with her name and
YFA State Essay Winner for 1976. The
presentation was made by her pastor,
the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser.

The Rev. Raymond T. Sasser presenting Miss
Shelly Jones with a gitt for being named the State YFA
Essay Winner for 1976.

The members of Pleasant Plain church
are very proud of Shelly and commend

her for her achievement of bringing this
honor to herself and her church.

1976 Graduates Honored

One Sunday morning, June 6, during
the morning worship service, the
students who are members of Pleasant
Plain church who were graduating from
high school and college were honored.
Wearing their caps and gowns, they
marched in processional and were
ushered into their reserved pew by
Deacon of the Week, Treat Brown.

At the appointed time in the service
the high school graduates, D. G. Jones
Jr. and Wade Pace, were presented
Bibles, gifts from the church. The college
graduates, Mrs. Joy Foster Vaughn,
Wake Technical Institute; and Charles C.
Brown, North Carolina State University,
were also presented gifts. However, their
gifts were not Bibles as they had
received these in the past upon
graduating from high school.

Mrs. Vaughn received high honors
from" Wake Technical Institute, among
which was her being listed in Who's Who
in American Colleges and Universities.

The pastor challenged each of these
students to play this game of life and play
it well, reminding them that it is one long
game with no substitutions and no time
out. He stated, "God is the Referee and
final Judge and we must meet His
standards rather than those of man."

These are a few of the current hap-
pening at Pleasant Plain church of which
the members are very proud. They
request your prayers as they continue to
strive in the Lord's work.

Many old-time
favorite hymns,
known and loved
throughout
America's history,
are included in
this new collection.
Easy-to-read type
and music — larger
than in most
hymnals — make it
especially useful.

Easy-to-Read Edition

107 favorite hymns such as these are
included . . .

"Marching to Zion"

"Bringing in the Sheaves"

"In the Garden"

"Revive Us Again"

"The Old Rugged Cross"

"Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us"

"Amazing Grace"

"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
"Abide with Me,"
"Faith of Our Fathers"

It will provide \.
hours of pleasure
for worship,
devotion, study, or
just the sheer joy
of singing.

Spiral binding.
128 pages. 9"xl2".

$3.95

■HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, JUNE 27
Scripture Reading— Romans 12:1, 2

RELIGION AND INSANITY
Because an insane person in-
coherently dwells on religious
questions, unthinking persons jump to
the conclusion that often religion
is responsible for mental un-
balance. Someone wrote Dr. A. B.
Richardson, superintendent of an
insane asylum in Ohio, for in-
formation, perhaps to get con-
firmation of the notion. Dr. Rich-
ardson's answer is worth quoting:
"You have asked me an easy
question. I have tested that matter
thoroughly. There are only two
patients in the hospital whose insanity
has any relation to religion, and I
think from their predisposition to
insanity that they would probably
have become insane on some other
subject if they had not on religion.
Now if you had asked me how many
people in Ohio are kept by religion
from insanity, you would have given
me a question hard to answer, for
they are a multitude. The good cheer,
bright hopes, rich consolations, good
tempers, regular habits, and glad
songs of religion are such an antidote
for the causes of insanity, that
thousands of people are preserved,
from insanity by them. But for the
beneficial influence of religion, Ohio
would have to double the capacity
of her hospitals in order to
accommodate her insane

patients."— Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
We create our own problems in this
life. God loves us and will help us
through our many and various
situations.

MONDAY, JUNE 28
Scripture Reading— 2 Peter 1:5, 6
BLESSING BROUGHT
BY DIFFICULTY
Lord Kelvin on one occasion when

he was lecturing to his students and
an experiment failed to "come off"
said, "Gentlemen, when you are face
to face with a difficulty, you are up
against a discovery." This ob-
servation has pertinence quite as
much in the spiritual realm as in the
scientific field.— Moody Monthly
PRAYER THOUGHT
Few worthwhile things in life
are accomplished without difficulty.
God grants us the patience and
perseverance to see us through.

TUESDAY, JUNE 29
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 10:22
WALKING WITH GOD
Who walks with God must take His
way

Across far distances and gray
To goals that others do not see,
Where others do not care to be.
Who walks with God must have no
fear

When danger and defeat appear,
Nor stop when every hope seems
gone,

For God, our God, moves ever on.

Who walks with God must press
ahead

When sun or cloud is overhead,
When all the waiting thousands cheer,
Or when they only stop to sneer;
When all the challenge leaves the
hours

And naught is left but jaded powers.
But he will some day reach the dawn,
For God, our God, moves ever on.

— Western Christian Advocate
PRAYER THOUGHT
God is not asleep nor dead; He is all
around us, everpresent, always ac-
tive.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
Scripture Reading— Psalm 127:2
DON'T QUIT
When things go wrong as they

sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems
all uphill,

When funds are low and debts are
high,

And you want to smile but you have to
sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

— Baptist and Reflector
PRAYER THOUGHT
Have you ever stopped to think just
what you would do if you stopped
doing anything at all? All our efforts
may be exhaustive, but to quit would
be exacerbative.

THURSDAY, JULY 1
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 27 : 1

DO IT NOW
He was going to be all that a mort

should be — Tomorrow ;
No one should be kinder or brav

than he— Tomorrow.
A friend who was troubled and wea

he knew,

Who'd be glad of a lift, and w

needed it, too;
On him he would call and see what '.

could do— Tomorrow.

The greatest of workers this mj

woud have been— Tomorrow
The world would have known him hi

he ever seen— Tomorrow.
But the fact is, he died, and he fadii

from view,
And all that he left when living wi

through

Was a mountain of things he i
tended to do— Tomorrow.

—On the Lin

PRAYER THOUGHT
We don't fool God with promises. 1
knows what is in our hearts a\
judges accordingly. Don't put off
tomorrow what you can do today!

FRIDAY, JULY 2
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 55 : 6, 7 i

THINK IT OVER:
' 'True repentance is never too latfl
but late repentance is seldo|
true ! ' ' —Matthew Henry

PRAYER THOUGHT
// mortal man can see throu^
another's vain sincerity, how mu<
more perceptive is our Lord?

SATURDAY, JULY 3
Scripture Reading— Matthew 6:201

OUT OF THIS LIFE
Out of this life I shall never take
Things of silver and gold I make.

All that I cherish and hoard away
After I leave, on the earth must stay}

Though I call it mine and I boast
worth

I must give it up when I quit the eart

And I wonder often what I shall own
In that other life, when I pass alone.

Or shall at the last it be mine to find
That all I had worked for I'd 1<
behind?

—Edgar A. Gu<

PRAYER THOUGHT
Hoard spiritual treasures that w
insure a home with God a
worldly treasure will not suffice.

(Devotions used by permission I
Knight's Master Book of No1
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTlf

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

uestion: When did the Christian
rch begin?

nswer: Some of the leaders in two or
e of the denominations claim that
n the first disciple of Christ was
tized in the water the church began,
e people say the Day of Pentecost is
birthday of the Christian church,
tor Wheaton Taft, a late president of
Northern Baptist Seminary, taught in
lass, "The History of Preaching,"
It the church existed in embryo form
re the Day of Pentecost and even
ile Christ was on the earth prior to His
ith and resurrection. He quoted his
iphers under whom he studied in
oSjigate Seminary in defense of his
dfption.

[Dr. Henry C. Thiessen, late head of
fr| graduate school of Wheaton College
'<*! professor of Systematic Theology,
'tfes the following on Pages 409, 410, in
h book Lectures in Systematic
Tiology:

'The Time of Its Founding. There is
i:,tch confusion at this point. Those who
hd that the church is but the 'spiritual
lijael' of the New Testament, i. e., a
cjitinuation of the 0. T. Israel, believe,
onecessity , that the Church was begun
llr! Old Testament times. We have
I'lteady shown the error of this view and
n'id not repeat the arguments here.
*S(ne hold that it began with John the
»Bf)tist. He was the apostle of a new
ndjpensation, and therefore the Church
,bpan with him. Kramer holds that 'the
jCjristian Church' began with the
sjiding out of the twelve Apostles. Fred
TiKramer, Jesus the Light of the World
(@w York: Fleming H. Revell Co.,
133), p. 58. He says: 'This small band
missionaries in their work was a
nhiature of the great, universal
Curch.' Ibid. Some hold that it began
vih Christ.

1 T'But all these positions are shown to
t; unscriptural on the basis of Christ's

* 'He free will baptist

i o

own statement. He declared at Caesarea
Philippi in His fourth and last withdrawal
from Galilee, that the Church was still
future. 'On this rock I will build my
church' (Matthew 16:18). Those who
hold that Peter is the 'rock' will have to
admit that the Church did not come into
existence in the Old Testament; and so
also those who hoid that the 'rock' is
Peter's confession of Jesus as the
Christ, the Son of the living God. It
seems difficult to believe that Jesus
merely meant that He would make a new
beginning in the development of the
'Church' for He is dealing with the
founding, not the rebuilding of it. Other
Scriptures will be presented later on that
show the same thing. The Word teaches
that the Church was founded on the Day
of Pentecost (Acts 2), but hyper-
dispensationalism holds that there was a
'Church' for the period of Acts that is not
the 'Church' of today. It holds that the
present Christian Church began when
the Book of Acts closed (Acts 28:23-31 ).
More recently some are teaching that it
began when Paul said at Antioch of
Pisidia, 'Lo, we turn to the Gentiles'
(Acts 13:45-49). The falseness of these
various theories will appear as we
consider the Scripture teaching con-
cerning this subject.

"That the Church, both universal and
local, was founded on the Day of Pen-
tecost (Acts 2), is clear from a number of
things. We must go back to the
statement concerning the manner in
which the Church was to be founded.
Paul expresses it succinctly when he
says, 'By one Spirit were we all baptized
into one body, whether Jews or Greeks'
(1 Corinthians 12:13). By the body he
means the Church (v. 28; Ephesians
1 :22, 23); and whether we translate the
Greek preposition (eis) 'into' or 'unto' it
is clear that the baptism of the Spirit
makes the believers into the Church.
This 'baptism' is mentioned seven times

in the New Testament (not counting
Ephesians 4:5, a much disputed
passage), as follows: Matthew 3:11 (and
fire); Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16 (and fire);
John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 1 Corin-
thians 12:13. The four references in the
Gospels are practically the same,
namely, a promise of the coming bap-
tism. In Acts 1:4, 5 Jesus repeats this
promise and says that it will be fulfilled in
a few days; and in Acts 11:15-17 Peter
refers back to Pentecost for the
fulfillment. First Corinthians 12:13 refers
to the baptism as a past experience.
Thus it is evident that the baptism of the
Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost
and that the Church was founded on that
day. This same conclusion is made
necessary by the fact that the Church
would not have been possible before the
ascension and exaltation of Christ
(Ephesians 1:19-23).

"The local Church was founded at
the same time. We read that there were
120 waiting for the promise of the Spirit
when the Day of Pentecost came. These
120 were the first ones to be baptized
with the Spirit, and they became
the charter members of the Jeru-
salem church. In response to the
preaching of Peter and the other
Apostles, 3,000 'received the word
gladly,' were baptized, and added unto
them 'that day' (Acts 2:14, 41). A little
later this local church had grown to
5,000 (Acts 4:4). It is clear that the
believers acted as a corporate unit. They
had a definite doctrinal standard (Acts
2:42); they had fellowship with one
another as believers (Ibid); they ob-
served the ordinances of baptism and the
Lord's Supper (vv. 42, 47); they met for
public worship (v. 46); and they con-
tributed to the support of the needy (vv.
44, 45). Surely, we have here the marks
of an organized local church, even if the
organization was only loose as yet."

Dr. Ralph Earle has this to say on
Page 175 in Peloubet's Notes, 1974-
1975:

"Pentecost is often spoken of as
the birthday of the church. One would
have to say that it was born very much
alive! The Spirit-filled disciples won
three thousand converts the first day.
Truly these 120 who came out of the
upper room were 'an empowered
people.' "

Jesus seems to say that the church
is to be built in the future in Matthew
(Continued on Page 13)

Jl/etad and AfoJed

of Denominational Interest

church members have already learnei
love.

Friendship Hosted Central
Conference Layman's League

The Layman's League of the Cen
Conference met in its quarterly meet]
with the Friendship Free Will Bap
Church near Farmville, Tuesday eveniij
June 1. During the meeting some v|
good singing was rendered along wit jj
very inspiring message by the pastor |
the church, the Rev. Walter Reynold
His subject was "Who Is a Wise Man
There were four ministers present fori
meeting.

During the business session 1
following officers were electi
president, Curtiss Worthington; vh
president, Rex Wainwright; a
secretary-treasurer, Fred Wainwrig
After the meeting refreshments wi
served along with a period of go
fellowship.

The next district meeting will be h:
at Gum Swamp Free Will Baptist Chun
Belvoir, on September 6. Henry
Beaman reports, "We have a I
important project we are working on a)
need all laymen to get involved. Why
plan now to attend the next meeting!
September. Your help is needed and"1
assure you that you will enjoy 1
Christian fellowship."

Rosebud Church Honors

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner

On Sunday, May 23, the Rev. and
Mrs. Douglas Skinner were honored at
an afternoon social and were presented a
plaque for their devotion, faithfulness,
and dedicated Christian service they
have given to Rosebud Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 4, Wilson.

Even though Doug is young and this
was his first pastorate, he took the
church in a very difficult time. Rosebud
is a small church and at this time it was
in the process of moving to a new
location. It took several months before it
was ready for the first service in the new
location. In the meantime services were
held in the Grange building in Elm City.

Under the leadership of Doug, the
church saw souls saved and members
rededicating their lives. However, he
would never take credit for this. He
always let the members know that what
the church was and would come to be
came from God and the help of all the
Christians and their leader. He would
say, "If we want our church to continue
and be a soul winner for God, we must
put our all on the altar, ask God for
guidance, and then put action behind our
words; for God helps active churches,
not lazy ones."

8

Doug and Virginia became very active
in all church activities from the very
beginning. He made a beautiful cross for
the sanctuary and helped the YFA build a
church sign out front. He was also one of
the YFA leaders. Virginia was one of the
YFA and AFC leaders also. She also
served as church pianist. She even gave
piano lessons to some of the youth in the
church. These are only a few things that
Doug and Virginia did for the Rosebud
church. Their stay was short, but the
church came to love them and they
seemed to love the church. Even though
God knew they would be missed, He had
other plans for them.

God has led the Skinners to the Free
Will Baptist Youth Camp, Cragmont
Assembly, Black Mountain, as
managers. He knows that Doug and
Virginia love all people and want to win
them to Christ. What better time and
place to start training them than in their
youth and with the youth of the
denomination? The Scriptures says,
"Train up a child in the way he should
go: and when he is old, he will not depart
from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Yes, God
knows that Doug and Virginia are young,
and what better place to send them than
Cragmont? There they will be able to be
used of God the way He would have them
used. As long as they continue to feel as
they do about God, wherever they go you
will see souls saved and Christians
rededicating their lives. Even though
they are missed at Rosebud church, the
members are sure their hearts' desire is
at Cragmont. So God has opened the
doors at Cragmont for this young couple,
and what God does, no one should
question. The church prays God's
blessings on Doug and Virginia as they
keep up the good work.

However, God did not leave the people
at Rosebud like sheep to go astray; He
sent them a man of God, the Rev. Jack
Burnett, and his family, whom the

COMING EVENTS . . .

June 28— Summer School Registrati(f
for the Second Session, Mount Olr!
College, Mount Olive, North Carolin

June 28-30— General Conference
Original Free Will Baptists, First Fr
Will Baptist Church of Durham, Nor
Carolina

July 11 — Homecoming and Alum
Association Meeting, Free W
Baptist Children's Home, Middlese
North Carolina, with the Rev. Jam
A. Evans Guest Speaker. ServiC'
Begin at 10:30 A. M.

July 12-23— Two-Week Summ
Session of the Carolina Bib
Institute, Pine Level Free Will Bapti
Church, Pine Level, North Carolin
Each Monday, Tuesday, Thursda
and Friday Evenings

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

MRS. BASS
PRESENTED
AUXILIARY LIFE AWARD

rs. Pearl Bass a member of the
Ipant Hill Free Will Baptist Church,
lie 2, Pikeville, was honored recently
i|ie woman's auxiliary of the church
liig a monthly meeting which met in
ipome of Mrs. Bass. During the
.Ming Mrs. Bass was presented the
Man's Auxiliary Pin and Life Mem-
Whip Certificate as a token of ap-
piation for her loyal and devoted
fHce to the church and auxiliary.

Irs. Bass who is 85 years old is now
lined to her home in a wheelchair
«ause of a broken hip. Until this
Opened she was a very active member
'•the church and auxiliary. However she
minues active now in her own way.
I now spends her time visiting with
ijmany who call, cherring them, and
King handmade tatting. Most every
iljily in the church and many others in
:hlcommunity are proud possessors of
stie of "Mrs. Bass' tatting." Since her
refinement four years ago, she has
mie enough tatting for 152 pairs of
piawcases, and has sewed most of it on
1 cases. Most of these have been given
tohends and relatives. Some of these in
tun have given her thread and money.
Tl thread she turns into more tatting

and the money she gives to the church
and auxiliary.

In the picture above Mrs. Bass is
shown holding her Life Membership
Certificate. Mrs. Brenda Rollins,
president of the auxiliary, in presenting
the award, said, "She is still giving
much of herself and her love. Through
her love of life, love of people, love of
God, and her love for her church, Mrs.
Bass is reaching many for much good."

The Rev. Dallas Pinkham of Mount
Olive is pastor of the Pleasant Hill
church.

MRS. EDMUNDO GONZALEZ

HONORED

The Woman's Auxiliary of the
Hopewell Free Will Baptist Church, Route
1, Smithfield, held its monthly meeting
Thursday night, June 10, at 8 p. m. Mrs.
James C. Barbour presided at the
meeting. She read a tribute to their
pastor's wife, Mrs. Edmundo Gonzalez,
who with her husband, will be moving
soon to New Jersey where Mr. Gonzalez
will be entering Princeton University. The
local auxiliary presented her with an
auxiliary pin.

Mrs. Carl Dudley, field worker of the
Cape Fear District, on behalf of the Cape
Fear Woman's Auxiliary Executive
Committee, presented Mrs. Gonzalez
with a Life Membership Award. Mrs.
Gonzalez has served as mission
chairman of the Cape Fear District for
several years.

The host auxiliary served refresh-
ments consisting of punch, assorted
cookies, sandwiches, and nuts to the
honoree, the members of the executive
committee, the visitors, and the
members in attendance.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruth L. Warrick

youth Sunday May 30, 1976, through
the efforts of the young woman's
auxiliary of the church.

Mr. Kenneth Cobb directed the
services and Miss Susan Beamon served
as pianist.

The Rev. and Mrs. Walter Reynolds
were presented the flowers in the
sanctuary by the auxiliary as a token of
their love and appreciation for the
Reynolds' dedicated work in the church.

"Three Questions Teenagers Ask
Most" was the topic of the inspirational
devotional given by Lorraine Moore,
which she followed with prayer.

Special singing was presented by the
youth choir, under the direction of
Johnny Lewis. Ellen Beamon, Ken Cobb,
Trina Holloman, Pam, Jackie, and Susan
Beamon also rendered special music
during the services. Young children of
the church sang a few selections under
the leadership of Gladys Oakley.

Mr. I. Z. (Bud) Cobb, teacher of the
young adult Sunday school class,
presented Mrs. Edna Cobb, pianist of the
church, an orchid corsage for the years
of willing service she has so freely given.
Teresa Cobb, treasurer of the class,
pinned the corsage on Mrs. Cobb.

Ushers for the service were Ray
Brock, Billy Craft, Jeff Shirley, and
Luther Walston.

YOUNG WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
SPONSORS YOUTH SUNDAY

The Friendship Free Will Baptist
Church, located in Greene County, held a

ATTENTION,
WOMEN OF
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!

The week of July 5-10 is going to be a
wonderful time of Christian fellowship,
Bible study, crafts, and recreation at
Camp Vandemere. The first Vandemere
Woman's Conference will be convening
on the morning of July 5. Outstanding
ministers from the Eastern Conference
will be bringing inspirational messages
each evening.

Mrs. Fred Register Jr. will be in
charge of the music and Mrs. John
(Happy) Taylor, president of the Eastern
Auxiliary Convention, will be camp
director.

Prayers and a great deal of planning
have gone into the program for the
conference; but we need you for our
conference to be a real blessing and
success. The goal for the conference is
that God will be glorified and our women
will be brought into a closer relationship
with Him.

(Continued on Page 15)

9

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE CLAS^f)

THE SUNDAY a
SCHOOL LESSON^

For July 4 ' '

is:

THE SPREAD OF THE CHURCH

Lesson Text: Acts 1:6-8; 2 Corinthians
5:16-20

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20

I. INTRODUCTION

The last message Jesus had for His
disciples while He was still with them
was a missionary message. He had given
His life that all who would believe on Him
might be saved, not just the Jews. The
Jews later found it difficult to believe that
others were included in the divine plan of
salvation.

Jesus never intended that His
followers remain in Jerusalem and simply
enjoy being saved; He meant for them to
spread out with the gospel to the regions
beyond. In Verse 4 of Acts 1 He had said
that "they should not depart from
Jerusalem," but He also said that their
wait was to extend only to the coming of
"the promise of the Father," which was
the Holy Spirit. When He came they
would be empowered to go out with the
gospel.

Unfortunately the disciples failed to
grasp the meaning of His words quickly
enough, so God allowed persecutions to
spread them out. When Saul began his
campaign of persecution, "Therefore
they that were scattered abroad went
every where preaching the word" (Acts
8:4). This was the way God intended it to
be. Precious months had been spent in
Jerusalem but now the church was
spreading out. There would be no end to
its outreach. By the end of the fourth
century there were an estimated
10,000,000 Christians; by the tenth
century, 50,000,000; by the fifteenth,
100,000,000. While we cannot vouch for
the absolute accuracy of these figures,
we do know that the church's growth
was due to the spread of the gospel of
Christ —The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Our Lord has given us the

10

command to spread the church; fur-
thermore, He has given us everything
that we need for the task: the promise of
power and the plan for the work. The
history of the church bears out the fact
that when the church has gone with the
message as our Lord commanded, the
church has grown; but when the church
has failed to go with the message, the
growth of the church has been hindered.
Are we doing all that we should do as a
church today for the spread of the gospel
and the growth of the church?

B. Paul tells us that the work of the
church is the work of reconciliation. Man
is alienated from God, from other men,
and even from himself, because of sin.
Paul goes on to tell us how wonderful this
work of reconciliation is because it
makes men new creatures. No one has
ever been able to describe adequately
what the grace of God does in the heart of
a man. Human language cannot tell it; it
has to be experienced.

C. The Lord not only talks about the
wonder of reconciliation, but He also,
through Paul, tells us about the word of
reconciliation. The word of reconciliation
is the gospel of Christ. The power is in
the Word, not in us. Paul tells us in
Romans 1:16 that the gospel is the
power of God unto salvation unto every
one that believeth. The world will not be
changed by sociology or philosophy but
by the preaching of the gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Here is the word of
reconciliation.

D. Our Lord then goes on to tell us
more about this work of reconciliation
through the Apostle Paul. He tells us that
we are ambassadors for Christ. This
means that we are to represent Him in
this world. This means that all of His
resources are at our disposal. How can
we fail in the work of God if the power of
God and all of God's resources are
available to us?

E. We are not only ambassadors for
Christ, but we are also colaborers with

Christ. If you had to select someone in a
the world to be a partner with you in thi
work of reconciliation, could you find
better partner? He is a partner wh
knows about the work. He is a partne
who has ability and will share thti
wisdom and strength with us because w
are His partners.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.l

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. On this, the two hundredt;
anniversary of the signing of th|
Declaration of Independence, we do we
to look back, if only briefly, at on'
founding fathers to see if we can deriv
from them anything that will guide us ii
the future. Manifestly evident was thei,
belief in and commitment to God and th.
Scriptures as the revelation of His will fo:
men. Just a few passing notices wi;
suffice:

The Jamestown, Virginia, settlemer
of 1607, one of the first colonies of ou
forefathers in America, declared one c
its purposes was "Propagating th
Christian religion."

In 1646 Harvard College adopter
"Rules and Precepts" for its students.
These words are contained in it: "Everj
one shall consider the main end of his lif
and studies to know God and Jesu
Christ which is eternal life .... Ever,
one shall . . . exercise himself in reading
the Scriptures twice a day. ' '

The first Continental Congress im
ported twenty-thousand Bibles fo
distribution, and appropriated money t
evangelize the Indians.

John Jay, the first chief justice of th
Supreme Court, prayed, acknowledging
complete and humble dependence upoi
God.

Our nation is strong because it
"founding fathers" believed the Bibl
and applied its principles in the furl
damental areas of social life— home
education, government. It will remaii
strong only as its citizens today be
lieve and practice biblical prin
ciples. — Standard Lesson Commentary

B. When the late Dr. F. B. Meye
was asked at the end of his tour of Indi;
to define India's need, he said, "Were
a young man again I would go to India
find twelve young men, live with them
pray with them, teach them the Bible
inspire them, and send them out ti
evangelize India. ' ' "And what would yoi
do then?" "I would find twelve more,'
was the reply.— Selected

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

This oft-used story needs telling
Am. It is imagined that Jesus returned
tneaven after His resurrection and told
tt angels all that had happened while
H was on earth and how He had left the
tek of evangelizing the world with His
dciples.

'But, Master," said one of the
ajiels, "you have trusted the success of
yur mission to these poor, weak human
fngs. What if they fail?"
If they fail," He replied, "then I will
e failed. But," He added, "I am
tisting them not to fail!" — C. F. Bowen

SPECIAL INVITATION TO
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

"he Piedmont Conference and the First
e Will Baptist Church of Durham
end to you a special invitation to
;nd the General Conference which
cWenes with us June 28-30. It is our
p^ilege to host the conference and we
h^e to make every convenience possible
your comfort and spiritual uplift.
:or the Wednesday's session, June
the Piedmont Conference has rented
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium to
pwide plenty of space for all who desire
tijhear the Rev. Bob Harrington, the
Cjaplain of Bourbon Street, preach.
Because of the many inquiries and the
It that we left out some important
iibrmation in the article on the back
doe of the "Baptist" two weeks ago
chcerning motels, etc., we deem it
rbessary to print the following con-
cning motel accommodations. These
rtels have been alerted to expect
rlervations.

The Carolina-Duke Motor Inn, located
Highways 1-85 and Guess Road, has
) rooms. (This is our choice; a
ristian owner and extra nice, with

riuced rates), telephone (919) 286-

171.

Howard Johnson, telephone (919)
47-7381 .
ICricket
49.

Holiday
51.

All these motels are in easy reach of
I'p First church, Durham, and the
lemorial Auditorium in Raleigh.
Also, we are in need of more church
ijoirs to participate in the combined
oir for the conference.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. M. E. Cox
General Conference Board
Moderator of Piedmont Conference

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Inn, telephone (919) 383-
Inn, telephone (919) 383-

The

Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "... it is good to be
zealously affected always in a good
thing, and not only when I am present
with you" (Galatians 4:18).

THE
CHRISTIAN'S
ZEAL

It goes without saying that Paul was
having the same kind of trouble with the
Galatian Christians as our modern-day
pastors are having with their con-
stituents. This does not mean, however,
that nothing should be done to correct
this situation. People are easy victims of
laziness, carelessness, and inactivity.
There are many people who are very
zealous but not in the good things. It is
good to be zealously affected in good
things. Christian zeal may be defined as
the heat or fervor of the mind. This being
true, the mind reaches a stage of en-
thusiastic devotion, a committed ardor
for anything which tends toward the
good. Christian zeal springs from
Christian motives. It is displayed in a
Christian manner and is used for
Christian ends. The true object of
Christian zeal is to spread the religion
(gospel) of Jesus Christ.

The nature of Christian zeal is of divine
origin— a spiritual principle, divinely
established. The Christian principle
recognizes and believes that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God and that
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the
Christ is born of God: and every one
that loveth him that begat loveth him also
that is begotten of him" (1 John 5:1).

The Christian principle is spiritual and
it is also intellectual— the result of
knowledge and the exercise of wisdom.
This modest and humble, constant and
active principle reaches for a particular
object: the Christian zeal inspired by
the Holy Spirit. The spiritual Christian
will work toward securing the greatest
amount of good and much of this will be
accomplished by Christian discipline.
Christian principle guarantees good
habits and behavior becoming to the
children of God.

A person's actions speak louder than
his words. If a person poses as a
Christian, but behaves as the devil, he is
a hypocrite, and is not a child of God.
For example, I once had a man in a
church I was serving as pastor many
years ago who came from a deeply
religious family. This man was a good
singer and sang in our church choir. He
was used in the church for many things
and could pray a pretty prayer. I found
out later that this man, and certain other
men from nearby, met in a secret place
down in the woods every Sunday
afternoon to play poker. This was the
gambling kind of poker where the stakes
were for keeps— "winner take all" as
the saying goes. Gambling is not a
Christian virtue and is forbidden by
Christian principle.

What I am saying may be summarized
in the following verses: "If we say that
fellowship with him, and walk in
darkness, we live, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1
John 1:6, 7). Christians are not zealots
in that they do not serve God just to be
popular or for the praise and admiration
of men. They serve God with zeal and
could care less for all the pomp and
circumstance. Neither do Christians
who are zealous become fanatics over
their endeavors. I knew a man once who
loved his church (the local organization
and building) better than he loved Jesus
Christ. He thought a man was paying him
a compliment when this man said of him,
"Brother Blank loves his church better
than he loves his Lord." Let us
remember that Jesus Christ is the
greatest. There is nothing over Him or
above Him. All our interest and concerns
should ultimately reach out toward
honoring and praising our blessed Lord.

li

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

MOU

DR. WILEY SELECTED
DEAN OF MOUNT OLIVE
COLLEGE

12

Drs. Wiley and Raper

f

anointment in administration that
psents full challenge to lead in im-
pitant institution of good reputation
sijh as Mount Olive. I am
, fjbosophically attuned to the kind of
:8ijironment prevading a Christian
cqege and I could lend my full energies
m enthusiasm to achieving its ob-
il ijives."

e will assume his new post at the
■Jjege sometime between mid-July and
j,f -August.

,. jr. Wiley is married to the former
"..'Mjiel Brown of Roanoke, Virginia. Mrs.

JVjy is a guidance counselor with
gingham County Schools (Virginia).

Fly have one child, Stephen
, iljistopher, age one.

side from his studies in Scotland, Dr.

Nsy has traveled in 13 foreign

sentries. <

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

ummer School Session "B" begins
day, June 28, for anyone interested
king a course for credit or interest,
ourses are available in Economics,
igion, English, Math, History,
Sliiology, Psychology, and Health and
Pjsical Education.

[he three-week session is designed
fdcomplete concentration on the course
brig taken. Small classes allow
rriximum communication between
silent and professor.
For more information contact Russell
I Duncan or Dianne Riley, 'Mount Olive
Cilege, Mount Olive, North Carolina
;2{65; phone (919) 658-2502.

iagles Nest Summer Camp is open for
fj| more weeks of Christian camping for
iflth, ages 9-17. Resident camping is
"$jD per week, and day-camping is $20
pi week. Each camping week begins
Snday afternoon at 5 p. m. and ends
Fpay noon. The final camping week
e|s Friday, July 30. All activities are
irividually supervised by an adult
Eder.

j:or more information contact Charles

Hlrell, Mount Olive College, Mount

Oje, North Carolina 28365; phone

(!|9) 658-4933.
iagles Nest Conference Center is open

t church groups for recreation and
O'jrnight camping. To make
aiingements, contact Charles Harrell at
<trj address as above.
|)ther Mount Olive College facilities are
amiable to churches, church groups,
ai| conventions upon request.

1 E FREE WILL BAPTIST

Dear Maggie,

Once our six-year-old daughter was confined to bed because she had rheumatic
fever. Our pastor dropped by to see her. When he left, my daughter and I talked about
her name being called in the prayer service that night. She was grateful. I asked my
little one if she were praying that she would soon be well. Her reply was, "Oh, no! I
have too many others to pray for! ' '

She is a mature Christian today and the mother of two little girls. She continues
to pray for others.
ED

Farmville, N. C.

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray,
and notto faint" (Luke 18:1).

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

The worst is over! That fear in an-
ticipation of our very first campers is
behind us at last. However we realize
that it has only just begun.

During the weekend of June 4-6, we
hosted a group of 40 people from the Elm
Grove Free Will Baptist Church near
Ayden, pastored by the Rev. Gary Bailey.
They were a very nice first group to
serve. They certainly did their best in
trying to calm our nervous, butterfly
stomachs. We all had a fine time. We
also want to thank the gracious ladies
who helped in the kitchen. We are very
grateful for their assistance.

The camp is still undergoing
numerous repairs. We can find so much
to do but not enough time to do it all. We
are thankful for the arrival of our workers
two weeks ago. Pray that they will use
their strength and abilities to serve God
in a mighty way while working at
Cragmont.

Continue to pray for us and for God's
work at Cragmont.

In His service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

Questions & Answers

(Continued from Page 7)

16:18, 19. The gospel is represented as
"the power of God unto salvation" in
Romans 1:16, and as having quickening
or making alive power in Hebrews 4:12.
So evidently the gospel the church
members are commissioned with in Acts
1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20; and other
Scriptures is the key we use by which to
get men into the true church and into
Heaven. The Bible says, "He that
believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall
not see life; but the wrath of God abideth
on him" (John 3:36).

CLOSED FOR
INVENTORY

The Ayden Bible and Bookstore, along
with its branch stores at Smithfield, New
Bern, and Wilson, will be closed Tuesday
and Wednesday, June 29, 30, for in-
ventory. They will open Thursday, July
1, at the usual hours.

13

Free Dill Baptist Children's Rome

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA 27557

Drawer E

'A Christian Home for Boys and Girls'

Sam Weeks, Superintendent

Middlesex, N. C. 27557,

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS

King's Cross Road

1,090.04

Mav 1Q7R
IVI ay , 13/u

LaGrange
Little Creek

20.00
75.00

TOTALED $23,099.58

Marlboro

20.00

Albemarle Conference

Auxiliary Convention

43.82

Free Union

$ 188.00

Youth Fellowship

110.00

Hickory Chapel

o7n nn
M U.UU

Ormondsville

25.00

Mol^phi'c Phenol
IVIdldLIII b Olldpcl

1 1 r nn

nttpr't; Prppk

VJUGI o \j\ CCI\

Of c.oD

Mt. Tabor

60.00

Owen's r.hanpl

I u .uu

Auxiliary oonveniion

1 1 *a nn
1 1 o.UU

Peace

172.00

S. S. Convention

37.00

Plpa^ant Hill

r icaoal ll n III

Rc;n nn
oou.uu

Plymouth

150.00

Reedy Branch

120.00

Shiloh

60.00

Roanoke Rapids

5.00

St. Paul

135.30

Rocky Mount, First

25.00

Trinity

150.00

Rose Hill

50.00

Union Chapel

1 QC QO
1 OO.Oc

Rose of Sharon

250.00

Total

$1,465.62

OQ< OIUUQ

997

Blue Ridge Association

Spring Branch

151.13

Cedar Hill

$ 60.00

OWCCl UUIII UlUVc

7n nn
/U.UU

Tarboro, First

125.00

oape rear bonicicncc

VA/intor\/illp
vviii ic i vine

1 Id 71

Casey's Chapel

$ 268.72

Tntal

1 Uldl

<C7 one RA

Faith Mission

150.00

Goldsboro, First

240.00

Eastern Conference

Hopewell

177.84

Arapahoe
Bethel

$ 20.00
419.00

Johnston Union

20.00

Lee's Chapel
Auxiliary Convention
Oak Grove

930.00
50.81
317.83

Bethlehem
Bridgeton
British Chapel
Core Creek

400.00
20.00
12.00
92.93

Palmer Memorial

20.00

Crab Point
Croatan

15.00
100.00

Powhatan

170.00

Riverside

100.00

Saint Mary's Grove
Shady Grove

5.00
85.35

Deep Run
Dublin Grove

4.00
25.00

Tee's Chapel
Victory Mission

513.87
5.00

Folkstone
Friendship

25.00
27.98

West Clinton

50.00

Gray Branch

320.00

Wooten's Chapel
Total

211.70
$3,316.12

Hillsberry
Holly Springs
Indian Springs

60.00
50.00
60.00

Central Conference

Juniper Chapel

43.81

Aspen Grove

$ 216.00

Kinston, First

5.00

Ayden

311.00

Lanier's Chapel

110.00

Bethany

64.98

Macedonia

112.00

Black Jack

739.16

May's Chapel

450.00

Community

53.00

Moseley's Creek

165.00

Daniels Chapel

315.00

Mt. Olive

25.00

Dilda's Grove

22.25

Mt. Pleasant

100.00

Edgewood

44.00

Miscellaneous

5.00

Elm Grove

130.00

Auxiliary District

30.00

Free Union

222.07

Fifth Union

60.00

Friendship

382.52

New Bethlehem

144.06

Greenville, First

10.00

New Haven

131.43

Grimsley

155.83

Northeast

55.40

Gum Swamp

20.00

Oriental

23.33

Harrell's Chapel

610.00

Otway

30.00

Hickory Grove

152.30

Pearsall's Chapel

219.77

Howell Swamp

51.00

Pilgrim's Rest

25.00

Hugo

27.70

Piney Grove.

36.41

Hull Road

30.85

Reunion Chapel

100.00

Rock of Zion
Rooty Branch '
Saint's Delight
Sneads Ferry
Sound View
Spring Hope
St. Mary's
Vanceboro
Verona

Warden's Grove
Warsaw
Welcome Home
Whaley's Chapel
Total

Pee Dee Association

Auxiliary Convention
Oak Grove
White Oak
Total

Piedmont Conference

East Rockingham
Durham
Mt. Olive
Old Fashion
Total

Mt. Moriah

Rockfish Conference

Western Conference

Barnes Hill
Branch Chapel
Calvary

Everett's Chapel
Flood's Chapel
Free Union
Fremont
Friendship
Holly Springs
Kenly
Little Rock
Marsh Swamp
Memorial Chapel
Micro
Milbournie
Mt. Zion (Nash)
Mt. Zion (Wilson)
Auxiliary District
New Sandy Hill
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Piney Grove
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Road
Pleasant Plain
Rock Springs
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Spring Hill
Stancil's Chapel
St. Mary's
Stony Hill
Stoney Creek
Trinity

Union Chapel
Union Grove
Wilson, First
Total

Statewide Bodies

Loose Offering Founder's Day

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

Other States

M Michigan
Jw. Va.
hify, Ohio
tal

$ 60.00
10.00

25. 00
$ 95.00

WINS AWARD

Sandra Anderson proudly displays her
trophy which she was awarded by
Southern Nash Junior High School for
"Most Outstanding Female Athlete" for
the 1975-76 school year. She par-
ticipated in volleyball and basketball. We
are proud of Sandra for her ac-
complishment in the sports program as
well as being a straight "A" academic
student.

CHURCH AUXILIARIES

(Continued from Page 9)

The retreat atmosphere is yours to
experience at Camp Vandemere as you
reverently stand on the banks of the Bay
River or sit under the canopy of pine
trees, seeing God's handiwork and
feeling God's holy presence.

We promise that you will have a
unique worship experience and the
opportunity for relaxation, recreation,
and fellowship.

Conference fee is $35. Send your $5
deposit with your registration now, don't
put it off, and pay the balance of $30 on
arrival at camp.

Get your reservation in and have a part
in this first Vandemere Woman's
Conference. You'll be happy that you
did!

Send registration to Mrs. Happy
Taylor, Route 1, Deep Run, North
Carolina 28525.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. John (Happy) Taylor

! CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE
I BICENTENNIAL SUNDAY

I July 4, 1976

Now Available!
at

The Press and Its Branch Bookstores
Suggested Uses:

I An attendance builder tor this once-in-a-lifetime Sunday— July 4,
1976— the two-hundredth birthday of our country.
A bulletin insert, with spaces provided for the name of the church and
pastor.

3! A memento or keepsake for those attending church (and/or Sunday
school) on Independence Day.

A special bicentennial celebration or observance: a rally or prayer
service held on this Sunday (July 4, 1976).
And individual uses, in accord with individual churches and their
congregations.

(Price: 5 cents each or $3.50 per 100)

1|IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Certificate of Attendance
Bicentennial Sunday

attended church

July 4, 1976, at.

"/hai-t>a£oodIyhcrira£<>"Psalm Iti Sb

200 Years of Religious Freedom
1776 — 1976

These attractive certificates
are printed in
the patriotic colors.

Order
yours
today!

15

COM

LIBRARY

PUKE UNIVERSITY

Nelson Deluxe Award Bibles

King James • Red Letter

Special Features:

• 12 Full-color Holy Land Photos

• 32-page Illustrated Dictionary-Concordance

• 6-page Harmony of the Gospels

• 5-page Section on the Parables and Miracles
of the Bible

• Full-color Endsheets with Frontispiece,
Presentation Page, and Maps

1088 Pages. Size: 5 1/8x7 9/16 x 1 in. thin.

• Extra clear, Self-pronouncing Type

• 32-page Reading Guide including:

The Story of God and Man
The Life of Jesus
Life in Bible Times
What the Bible Is All About
Bible Time Chart

Stock Numbers:

Order

Page

No.

Price

Color

Binding

Edging

Style

Shrink-wrapped with self-service label

253

595

Black

Leatherflex

Velva-Gold

limp

253B

5.95

Blue

Leatherflex

Velva Gold

limp

253Br

595

Brown

Leatherflex

Velva Gold

limp

253R

595

Red

Leatherflex

Velva-Gold

limp

253W

5.95

White

Leatherflex

Velva-Gold

limp

SPECIAL PRICE, $4.95, WITH NAME IMPRINT

Order From
Ayden Bible and Bookstore

811 North Lee Street
Ayden, North Carolina 28513

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

tut \

liHliif

PrT

uinimiiiniiiiin'n**]11

J

s w o a n 1

k>1

ill

) I

o

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF"
EVIDENT* THAT WjJmEN ARE CREATED
EQUAL, THAT THEY AR E ENPOWEDBY TW EIR
CREATOR VITH CERTAIN INALIENABLE
RICHTS. AMONG THESE ARE LIFE. LIBERTY
AN^THE PURSUIT OF HAPP1 N ESS. T^AT
TO SECURE THESE RICHTS GOVERNMENTS
ARE INSTITUTED AMONG MEN. WE---
SOLEMNLY fUBLISH AND DECLARE. THAI
THESE COLONIES ARE AND OF RIGHT
OUCHTTO BE FREE AN D INDEPENDENT
STATES -"AND FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS
DECLARATION, WITH A FIRM RELIANCE
ONlTHE PROTECTION OF DIVlNE
PROVIDENCE. WE MUTUALLY PLEDGE
OUR LIVES. CUR. FORTUNES AND OUR
SACRED HONOUR.

During this bicentennial
year:

Can we rearrange our
thoughts, remotivate
our hearts, and reevaluate
our intentions so that
such reordering seems
natural and comes not
out of desperation but
out of genuine
concern— not only
for our betterment but
also for the betterment
of those who walk
with us, sometimes close
and sometimes afar?

the free mill baptist

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 1976

Cover Photo by Luoma

Can We Reconstruct— Or Is It Too Late?

During this bicentennial year:

Can we take the brokenness of a sick land and heal her of her wounds and
cancerous growths of scandal?

Can we make Old Glory again float upon the breeze, unfurled and proud, the
symbol of a nation unequalled in opportunity, fair play, and the democratic process?

Can we cause hearts once more to beat faster at the sound of the national an-
them and the hymns of our forefathers which until recently have been representative
of a nation under grace?

Can we undo what has been done in the name of justice, and create anew, trust
and honor and integrity?

Can we remove the hatred of multiplied thousands and convert their curses to
prayers and soothe their indignant attitudes until tolerance again is the "order of the
day"?

Can we brighten the torch of freedom to its former brilliance and make liberty
what liberty is supposed to be: not permissive indiscretion but alleviation from op-
pressiveness, whatever form that oppressiveness happens to take?

Can we soften the blows that beat down the land once loved and revered by all
and elevate to a newer and loftier height the beacon that shows the way to prosperity
and plenty?

Can we remove the want of hungry bodies and souls and provide physical and
spiritual food for those hungering and thirsting for satisfaction and fulfillment?

Can we rearrange our thoughts, remotivate our hearts, and reevaluate our in-
tentions so that such reordering seems natural and comes not out of desperation but
out of genuine concern— not only for our betterment but also for the betterment of
those who walk with us, sometimes close and sometimes afar?

Can we manifest the benefits of gifts received to the point that we are willing to
share and share— even until what we have left may be a "meager store," knowing
that for a while at least we can make someone a little happier?

Can we empty the prisons of innocent victims, being careful to make amends for
the wrongs done unto them, and, at the same time, reduce the possibility of im-
prisoning others who are innocent; and more importantly, can we free the sin-bound
and give them hope after they have walked through the open gate?

Can we prevent future Watergates, physical and character assassinations, and
reestablish "law and order" throughout the land, more especially within the ranks of
those legislative bodies which hand down mandates for our proper behavior?

Can we again enjoy the dignity of a "more perfect union" which places em-
phasis on uprightness, faith, and noble ideals, at the exclusion of all known
corruption?

Can we, as did the First Lady, rise calmly to our feet during a time of tragedy,
and lead a large, mixed gathering in sincere prayer for a solitary soul whose physical
body was being grasped by the hands of death?

Can we, with all our prejudices, mixed emotions, stubbornnesses, join hands tc
form a circle of love which will encompass all humanity (because of need and desire),
with the removal of self from the center?

Can we, during this bicentennial, lift our hearts in praise for what we have, yield
ourselves to better service, and dedicate ourselves to the general welfare of everyone,
so that harmony is more than a pleasant blending of sound?

Can we, during this bicentennial, ". . . in the course of human events . . . hold
these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, . . . endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, . . . Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Hap-
piness ..." and build from possible nothingness something of which we can be
proud— a new America?

With God we can!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

JUNE 30, 1976
Volume 91 Numbe

Edited and published weekly by the Free^
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seco
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina

All materials to be placed in any issue m
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance:
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four ye;
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent disco:
given when local churches send the "Baptist
the home of every member; names and
dresses to be provided by churches. Churo
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptis
are sent to one individual who in turn distribt
these. A 50 percent discount is offered up
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily ref
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for e
article is given the person whose name appc
under the title or to the person submitting s
article.

Items for publication should be addressei
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box1
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a. m . — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, president ; Fred A. Rivenb
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secrete
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rol
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manni
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTI I

f

ROSE OF SHARON CHURCH
CHOOSES "MOTHER OF THE YEAR"

/WAY 9 was a special day
if for mothers all over the
cuntry, and the Woman's Auxiliary of
fjse of Sharon Free Will Baptist Church
rar Robersonville made the day
tpecially memorable for Mrs. Jeannett
V/nne, a member of the church who
rlides at Route 4, Williamston.
Mrs. Wynne was chosen the "Mother
cthe Year" by the local auxiliary. Mrs.
fymond T. Sasser, treasurer of the
Sate Woman's Auxiliary Convention and
vie of the pastor, presented a check of
Slo to Mrs. Wynne from the auxiliary,
|er making appropriate remarks
(instituting a most fitting declaration of
ifs. Wynne's exceptional kind of
rkherhood.

;The following are two of the poems
t;jt were chosen by Mrs. Sasser to use
iiher presentation:

A Perfect Mother

, It takes so many, many things
\ To make a perfect mother;
; It takes a warmth and cheerfulness
From one day to another . . .

It takes a world of patience
And a faith that's deep and strong,
A gentle sympathy at times
When everything goes wrong . . .

It takes a sense of humor
And an understanding heart,
But most of all, a bond of love
That time can never part.

— Lucille Boesken

Mother Is
God's Masterpiece

Good took the fragrance of a flower,

The majesty of a tree,

The gentleness of morning dew,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The beauty of the twilight hour,

The soul of a starry night.

The laughter of tne rippling brook,

BE FREE WELL BAPTIST

submitted by Mrs. Maehue Bailey

The grace of a bird in flight,
The tender care of an angel,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family's need-
Then God fashioned from these
A creation like no other,
And when His masterpiece was through
He called it simply— MOTHER.

—Author Unknown

Mrs. Wynne, the honored mother, has
two children: Joseph and John Jr.; and
no other children ever received more
devotion than these. Joseph, a sixteen-
year-old, attends Bear Grass High
School, and is a member of the Rose of
Sharon church. John Jr. is a special
child, in that he was born with cerebral
palsy six years ago; and the prognosis
from the beginning was that his chances
for survival were slim indeed. Mrs.
Wynne refused to listen to this kind of
conversation; she steadfastly went about
her daily chores, making a home for her
husband and children which was the
envy of her friends and neighbors. The
grounds, house, clothing, children, and
every aspect of her surroundings shone
with gleaming cleanliness. She did all
that was required (and more); and the
daily, round-the-clock she gave to her
youngest child would exhaust anyone;
but one never heard her complain.

Even with the extra work that comes
with the constant care of "Little John,"
as he is affectionately called by
everyone, Mrs. Wynne has continued her
church work, serving as a Sunday school
and Bible school teacher each year. She
has held various offices in the woman's
auxiliary, and is now serving her third
year as secretary. She is an auxiliary
member of Martin General Hospital,
devoting several hours each week to
spreading joy to the lives of patients
there. She is a Home Extension Club
member and participates in all activities
associated with the club.

She has worked for many years as a
den mother for the Boy Scouts in Bear

Grass and was leader of a Brownie troop
for two years— even though she has no
daughters. She actively supports all
endeavors of the local school and
community.

Mrs. Wynne works along with her
husband, John Sr., as they tend the
family farm; raising tobacco, peanuts,
soybeans, and corn. She drives tractors,
harvesters, and can handle any of the
duties associated with farming.

Pictured left to right: Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser,
Mrs. Jeannett Wynne, and "Little John."

Mrs. Sasser read a most fitting poem
entitled "Heaven's Very Special Child"
during the service, and we feel that it
could have been written solely for Mrs.
Wynne.

Heaven's Very
Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth.
It's time again for another birth;
The angels said to the Lord above,
This dear little child will need much love.

His progress on earth may be quite slow,
Accomplishments great he may not show
And he will require some extra care
From the folks he meets on earth down
there.

He may never run or laugh or play;

His thoughts may seem odd and faraway,

In various ways he won't adapt,

And he will be known as handicapped.

Please, Lord, find some parents for this
child

Who'll do this good work as unto You.
They'll not understand it right away—
(Continued on Page A)

THE CHURCH: INTRODUCTION

(Parti)

by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 4)

The difficult role You'd have them play;

But with this dear child sent from above
Comes strength and new faith and richer
love.

And soon they will know the privilege
given

To care for this gift that's straight from
Heaven.

This precious young charge so meek and
mild

Will always remain Thy special child!

— Author Unknown

Mrs. Wynne has surpassed all ex-
pectations in bringing "Little John"
through the many dark hours
of sickness, hopelessness, and
helplessness, into a smiling, laughing
little boy, even though he is confined to
a wheelchair and attends classes every
day in a special school in Greenville, 25
miles away from home.

"Little John" may never learn, walk,
talk, or do any of the things little boys
normally do; but he will never lack for
anything that a loving mother can fur-
nish. It is fitting, therefore that this
tribute be made to Mrs. Jeannett Wynne.

AMERICA, I LOVE YOU

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

America, why do I love you?
You are young; you are not perfect;
You are still having growing pains;
So, why do I love you?

I love you because

You have done more to feed the world
Than any nation under the sun.

I love you because

You have taken refugees

From the down-trodden masses

And given them hope

And a chance to make it on their own.

America, I love you because

You are searching for cures >

For cancer, heart disease, birth defects,

And many, many more.

I love you because

You give a person a second chance.

If you fall on your face,

You may rise and try again.

Most of all, America, I love you

Because you let me be

An individual—

An American.

^HIS week begins a 16-part
*-/ series of articles on the
church. Because this is such a lengthly
and important series, I think it ap-
propriate to devote the first article to an
introduction.

Introductions are usually the last thing
to be written in a book. This makes them
very important because the author, after
he has completed his work, gets a
chance to explain to the reader what he
has tried to do.

I too am writing this introduction after
having completed the whole series. I
consider this perhaps the most important
article because I want to explain here
several important things I hope the
reader will keep in mind during the next
four months.

I want to begin by explaining how this
study came about. I have been going to
church all my life and until a couple of
years ago figured I knew all there was to
know about the church. But one day in
my ignorance I was confronted with
some new (at least new to me) ideas
about the church. I did not know what to
do with them and that got me both
concerned and interested. They were
strange and different, yet somehow they
had the ring of truth. For many years
now I have held a great respect for the
authority of God's Word; so I decided to
check these new ideas out with the Word
of God and see if they be so.

In my spare time I read through the
New Testament. I have read the New
Testament before but this time I took
particular note of everything that I felt
said anything about the church. I took
careful notes as I read, and although I'm
sure I missed some relevant passages, I
hope I got the general thrust of the New
Testament teaching about the church .

I want to tell you that as I read I got
more and more excited by what I found.
The church came alive to me personally.
I saw the body of Christ as it ideally
should be, and the excitment of that
vision has not yet worn thin.

This reading and extensive note taki
on the New Testament is the basis fort
upcoming series on the church; and yi
this is not an exhaustive study. By thi:
mean I do not attempt to cover coil
pletely every single aspect of the churct.
I do hope I have not missed any oft
more important concepts of the chun
as found in the New Testament.

Briefly, the things we will deal wi?
include community fellowship, worship
leadership, and outreach. I want to beg
next week with a beginning article i
tradition in the church.

God's Word must always be applied
life situations and I have tried to do thi
A basic rule of biblical interpretation is;
first seek to discover what the Bib
says; and only when this has been don
do we apply it. In my reading I sincere
sought to discover what the Bible sa
about the church. I tried to refrain fror
being influenced by the way we do thint
today, the way that seems best, or n
own prejudices. Only after I struggle
with the biblical teaching did I begin
write these articles and relate the biblic
message to our churches today.

Constructive Criticism

I must warn the reader that the articl
are not just pats on the back to make ]
feel good, secure, content, and hap^
about our churches. Rather, I ha|
earnestly tried to bring the truth of God
bear. This means criticism, but plea;
understand that I desire it to be coj
structive criticism. Too many, not only
our churches, but in our country, simd
criticize to tear down. My desire is
criticize to build up. There is plenty
room for criticism if it is meant to
constructive, positive, and uplifting; ai
I can assure you this is the kind I ha
set out to have.

I want you to know right off that I a
for the church. I go to church, work
the church, love the church. I am n
trying to tear down or destroy tl
church. I myself am a part of the chun

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTI!

d I am trying to improve, uplift, and
tip make more biblical, godly, and
iritual a church that I love and have
voted my life to.

|l am not a prophet nor am I a
pphet's son. I do not have all the
aswers. This series is not the final word

0 the church. I think it reflects
tunings which square with the biblical
cctrine of the church, but I must
ejphasize that many of the ideas talked
aput are somewhat new to me. I may
ijd out tomorrow that some things I
hl/e said are wrong but for now I stand
tthem.

: offer these discussions in love and
til the edification of the body of Christ
gj I hope you will take them in like
njnner. I offer them with the un-
til standing that you may not see things
eftly as I do, and I hope you will receive
tim in that way also.

: I do ask and encourage you to search
:tl| Scriptures to see if these things be
s| Take from the articles what is
hpul, useful, and most of all, biblical,
dk leave the rest.

1 ' Convincing you that I am right about
tl! things I will say is not near as im-
: phant as encouraging you, by my
:i tf'cussions , to seek the truth of the

1 ■Sriptures on these matters for yourself.
' lib think they are important matters and

dectly affect all of us who go by the
nine Christian. So if you cannot accept
rrl thoughts, then discover truth for
yyrself under the leadership of the Holy
Irit.

I encourage response to these articles.
Visit till you read them all or respond
alpr one or two, but I would like to know
p our people feel. If you write please
1 honest. If you have questions ask
tlm. If you think I have interpreted the
Shpture wrong, by all means say so. If
y*j think all this is a bunch of
fiSlishness, I want to know this also.
F;haps you have been seeing these
tlihgs for a long time— they may not be
rt|/v ideas to you. If so I would enjoy
hiring about it. I encourage response
an will look forward to communicating
vh you on a more personal basis. My
apress is 439 Stadium Road, Wake
nest, North Carolina 27587.

Finally, I would like to be more
Keltic about the sources used in
P|paration for this series. As indicated
bjore, I first read the New Testament
ad tried to lift the basic principles of the

church from the Scripture.

A second source was several books I
checked out from the library on the
biblical doctrine of the church. I used
these in part to judge my own in-
terpretation and to check if I had missed
any major passage or teaching in the
Scripture.

A third source was some recently
published books by men concerned that
the church— be biblical, spiritual, or
godly. I would like to suggest three of
them for your consideration. The main
one, especially for pastors, is Brethren,
Hang Loose (1972: Zondervan), by
Robert G. Girard. Every pastor will not
agree with everything Girard says, but I
do think any pastor concerned about his
people will identify with many of the
frustrations and questions this pastor
had. For pastors or laymen wanting to
read an interesting, enlightening book on
the things I will be talking about I
suggest you read this story about a
pastor and his church.

For deeper digging I suggest a second
book: A New Face for the Church (1970:
Zondervan), by Lawrence 0. Richards.
Finally, you might want to look at a book
by an author well known to many, The
Normal Christian "Church" Life (order
from International Students, Inc., P. 0.
Box C. Colorado Springs, Colorado
80901), by Watchman Nee.

A final and most important source for
this series has been my own experience
in the church, my talking to other
Christians about these matters, and
various tapes and magazines.

May God bless as we come and reason
together.

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

PRESS AND BOOKSTORES
CLOSED

The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
and bookstores at Ayden, Smithfield,
New Bern, and Wilson will be closed
Monday, July 5, in observance of
Independence Day. They will all open
Tuesday, July 6, at the usual hours.

Black Mountain,
North Carolina

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

We are pleased to report that our staff
has all finally arrived. We believe we will
have a very fine group of workers this
year. They already seem to be very hard
workers and sincere Christians.

We have seven girls and two young
men helping us this summer. They are as
follows: Ann and Monty Wiggs from
Kinston, Sheryll Eason and Shelby
Bradshaw from Farmville, Cheryl Ann
Eubanks from Grifton, Wanda Sweat
from Roanoke Rapids, Sharon Porch from
Weldon, Ed Skinner from Wilson, and Al
Lamm from Lucama. We are also very
happy to have Mr. Franklin Vester from
Wilson as our assistant manager. For the
first two weeks of camp we are privileged
to have Mrs. Pluma Sullivan from
Pi kevi lie helping in the kitchen. She has
already proven to be a great asset to the
camp.

We had our first conference during the
week of June 14. This was the General
Youth Conference with the Rev. John
Williams as the director. The following
week we were to host the Ministers'
Conference.

We have a request. Whenever
churches send in a donation to
Cragmont, please "earmark" your
donation: "general fund," "building
fund," "chapel fund," etc. We have
already received several donations but
were not sure what to do with them.

Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work at Cragmont.

In His service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

1|IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

FOREIGN | l^viVl^ HOME

missioms ply | ^ | y ^ J yy \

T

Joseph Ingram I Taylor Hill

Director-Treasurer Director-Treasurer

P.O. Box 979 J 1 207 Arsenal Ave

Goldsboro, N. C. 27530 * Fayelteville, N . C. 28305

WALK-A-THON
IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

It was a cool, cloudy Saturday
morning and a crowd began to gather at
the Gray Branch Free Will Baptist Church
near Deep Run. The people were asking
questions about the activities of the day,
but no one seemed to have the answers.
Then someone said, "There she is
now!" The one referred to was Mrs.
Adeline Gray from the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Kinston, who is
chairman of missions in the Eastern
District Woman's Auxiliary Convention.

Mrs. Gray, along with her pastor, the
Rev. Bill Futch , and several other pastors
and youth leaders, had been working
hard to organize a Walk-A-Thon for
foreign missions. Eleven churches were
involved including Bethlehem, Deep Run,
Rock of Zion, Moseley's Creek, Snow
Hill, Pilgrim's Home, Gray Branch,
Smith's New Home, Whaley's Chapel,
Piney Grove, and First Church of Kin-
ston, all of which are in the Eastern
Conference.

6

Confusion seemed to be the order of
the day in the beginning, but soon 145
young people and adults were gathered
on the porch of Gray Branch church
where announcements were made and
devotions given. Then the leader an-
nounced that it was time to begin the
nine-mile Walk-A-Thon. Very orderly the
young people left the church two by two
and the procession was led by a group of
Boys Scouts from Snow Hill Free Will
Baptist Church. The sheriff who was to
escort the group seemed rather nervous,
but a group of 145 children and adults
like this would make anyone nervous.

The group made the walk without any
difficulty with the exception of some
minor problems such as tired feet and
legs, blisters, and a few other things. At
the end of the walk a group of adults had
provided for a weiner roast and this was
a welcomed sight! By the way the young
people ate, one could see they were
hungry and very grateful. We do want to
express our thanks again for those who
were thoughtful to plan this time of
refreshment.

This delightful Walk-A-Thon will yield
about $1,200 for the cause of foreign
missions. As soon as the exact amount is
known it will be announced. For the
cooperation of all who supported and
helped with this program we say a big
"Thank you!"

If the young people of your church
would like to sponsor a Walk-A-Thon for
foreign missions please contact our
foreign mission director, the Rev. Joseph
Ingram, P. 0. Box 979, Goldsboro, North
Carolina 27530, or call (919) 734-5946.
He will be glad to send instructions on
such a Walk-A-Thon.

AN APPEAL
TO OUR FRIENDS
IN NORTH CAROLINA

Of late, it has been experienced that
our friends, fellow believers, and
concerned individuals, who are in
prayers for the work of our Lord in this

great country of India, correspond with I
us to inquire about our welfare and that
of the work, and to communicate to us
that they are in prayers for us. Indeed,
such messages are very inspiring to our
souls and make us to feel of the great
concern for the work of God though miles
apart. It is the joy of sharing which the
Lord Jesus Christ had commended to His
disciples.

However, in view of the fact that ours
is a very small office, covering the whole
country, I keep awfully busy and very
often not able to reply to letters and as
such cause embarrassment to many.

Therefore, in conformity with the
discipline of the Board of Foreign
Missions of North Caroliina, it has been
decided that such inquires be made to
the board in Goldsboro. In case of letters
received by us, they will be replied to
through the mission board. It is,
therefore, requested that all cor-
respondence be made to us through
the board and gifts, if any, be also sent
through this channel. This will be
facilitating at both ends.

The Rev. Emmanuel M. Lall, D. D.

Director in India

CAPE COLONY MISSION MOVES
AHEAD

An unquestionable expression of
pleasure is shown in the faces of the
Revs. Johnnie Sexton and Taylor Hill
(pictured below) as they stand in front of
a beautiful church site that was pur-
chased recently by the Cape Colony Free
Will Baptist Mission near Edenton.

Mr. Hill, secretary-treasurer of the
Home Missions Department, visited the
mission and its pastor, the Rev. Johnnie
Sexton, recently and was very impressed
with the progress being shown there.
The mission has already become very

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

well known in the community and has a
well-rounded and total church program
going. The pastor states that souls are
being saved and enthusiasm is on the
increase. Mr. Hill states: "We can
expect to see many good things coming
out of the Cape Colony work under the
direction of Mr. Sexton."

On this visit Mr. Hill also visited the
Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church at
nearby Roper.

FREE SPIRIT MISSION BURNS
NOTE

The Free Spirit Free Will Baptist
Mission of Wilson is continuing to show
good progress under the leadership of
the Rev. Dale Albertson and his wife,
Jasmine.

Pictured above are Mr. Albertson and
the members of the mission burning the
note on their mobile unit sanctuary.

The mission has also started a bus
ministry as pictured above. This ministry
is being carried on by Mr. and Mrs. Pete
Jacobs and Mrs. Jean Griffin. The
denomination should be very proud of
this mission and the devotej service of
its members.

SHERRY SPROUSE
GOES TO MEXICO

New experiences are brought about
daily to all; but I never thought that one

of my new experiences would be a
summer of service across the country!

I'm Sharon Sprouse, known to most
as Sherry. I'm a rising junior at Columbia
Bible College in Greenville, South
Carolina, and will be working with the
Rev. and Mrs. Vance Link in Mexico
during the first six weeks of the summer.

I have a few prayer requests. Number
one is that God will provide the money for
my living expenses while in Texas. And
second, that God will work through me
and make Himself real to the children I'll
be teaching.

My verse for the summer is: "Being
confident of this very thing, that he who
began a good work in you (me) will
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"
(Philippians 1 :6).

In His service,
Sherry

FROM MURMURING
TO PRAISE

by

The Rev. Graham Faucette
Kenly, N. C.

When we consider the trials the
Israelites brought upon themselves, we
often think that the worship of idols
caused their punishment. Eventually
idolatry did bring the destruction of
Jerusalem and banishment into captivity.
But this was not the first step: the first
step away from God was murmuring.
Today we call it complaining.

In spite of the miracles that released
them from Egyptian bondage; in spite of
God's guiding presence in the pillar of
cloud and the pillar of fire, the Israelites
complained when they came up against
their very first trial. They whined to
Moses that he had brought them out of
Egypt to die at the Red Sea.

Moses prayed— God acted. Pharaoh's
army was destroyed and the Israelites
did not even get their feet wet. One
would think this experience would have
taught them to praise and trust the Lord
forever. But only weeks later they
whined about the food supply, and God
provided manna abundantly. Next they
growled about the lack of water. Then
God showed the rock to Moses, he
struck it obediently, and water gushed
out. Later, with plenty of manna and

water, they whined and complained
because they did not have any meat.
Then, and only then, did God begin to
teach them with punishment, showing
them what they could not or would not
learn through His patience.

"How foolish of them," we say.
"How utterly stupid! Why couldn't they
learn?" But do we? Have we learned
even yet? With their experience to guide
us and the whole Bible freely available for
our searching, have we learned?

The lives of the Israelites were in peril,
and they knew it. But how often do we
complain over the very smallest of
things!

Let's consider what might be a typical
day in the life of a family:

The alarm buzzes— "Oh, that old
alarm; I wish I didn't have to get up
yet."

It's breakfast time— "The coffee is
kind of weak this morning, isn'i it? You
know I like my toast darker than that.
How come the eggs are fried instead of
scrambled? Why don't we ever have
biscuits anymore? Ugh! What's the
matter with the orange juice? It's bit-
ter."

Now comes the exodus to work and
school— "Where's my book? I wish
people would leave my things alone. ' '

Back to the old jalopy— "Wish I could
afford a decent car to drive to work like
the other guys."

House chores galore— "Oh, dear, it's
Monday! I hate wash day, and especially
with my old machine. It's so noisy.
Windy again! Why can't we have a nice
day once in awhile? Look at this house!
Won't you kids ever learn to pick up your
things? I got up with a headache again.
Wonder what it would be like to feel good
again for a change?"

Thus it can go on and on throughout
the day and the next. And each complaint
makes everyone feel just a little more
miserable. Murmuring can become a
habit so that we complain almost con-
stantly without realizing how much we
are hurting ourselves and others.

How all this must grieve our Heavenly
Father who "maketh all things richly"
for us to enjoy! He has blessed
Americans with freedom, wealth, food,
water, and almost every blessing
imaginable. We should be singing and
speaking His praises all day long instead
of allowing little difficulties and
discomforts to upset us.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Question: Please tell me what is the
biblical teaching on justification?

Answer: Justification is a judicial act
of God when He declares and recognizes
the justified sinner as if he had never
been separated from God by sin. As one
of my beloved professors, Dr. P. B.
Fitzwater, used to put it: "It is that time
and place when God looks upon the
saved sinner just as if he had never
sinned." So when a man is regenerated,
born again, saved, and sanctified, at the
same time he is justified.

God forgives the person who is saved
and purposely forgets his sins. ". . .
thou wilt cast all their sins into the
depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19); "As
far as the east is from the west, so far
hath he removed our transgressions from
us" (Psalm 103:12). The Lord says
through the Prophet Jeremiah, "... I
will forgive their iniquity, and I will
remember their sin no more" (Jeremiah
31:34).

Dr. William Evans says in Great
Doctrines of the Bible on Pages 1 56, 1 57
as follows:

"(1 ) It is a change in a man's relation
or standing before God. It has to do with
relations that have been disturbed by
sin, and these relations are personal. It
is a change from guilt and condemnation
to acquittal and acceptance. Re-
generation has to do with the change
of the believer's nature; Justification,
with the change of his standing before
God. Regeneration is subjective;
Justification is objective. The former has
to do with man's state; the latter, with
his standing.

"(2) According to Deuteronomy 25:1
it means to declare, or to cause to appear
innocent or righteous; Romans 4:2-8: to
reckon righteous; Psalm 32:2: not to
impute iniquity. One thing at least is
clear from these verses, and that is, that
to justify does not mean to make one

QUESTIONS

and

ANSWERS

Conducted by J. P. BARROW
Route 1, Box 475,
LaGrange, North Carolina 28551

righteous. Neither the Hebrew nor Greek
words will bear such meaning. To justify
means to set forth as righteous; to
declare righteous in a legal sense; to put
a person in a right relation. It does not
deal, at least not directly, with character
or conduct; it is a question of
relationship. Of course both character
and conduct will be conditioned and
controlled by this relationship. No real
righteousness on the part of the person
justified is to be asserted, but that
person is declared to be righteous and is
treated as such. Strictly speaking then,
Justification is the judicial act of God
whereby those who put faith in Christ are
declared righteous in His eyes, and free
from guilt and punishment.

"(3) Forgiveness may be considered
as the cessation of the moral anger and
resentment of God against sin; or as a
release from the guilt of sin which op-
presses the conscience; or, again, as a
remission of the punishment of sin,
which is eternal death. In Justification,
then, all our sins are forgiven, and the
guilt and punishment thereof removed
(Acts 13:38, 39; Romans 8:1)."

George H. Sandison, in answering a
similar question, gives Scriptures and
makes comments helpful in the solution
of your problem, on Page 289 in 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered as
follows:

"Justification was promised in Christ
by the prophet Isaiah when he said
(Isaiah 45:25); 'In the Lord shall all the
seed of Israel be justified and shall
glory,' and is the act of God (Romans
8:33). Justification was necessary
because there was required perfect
obedience, which man cannot attain
(Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5; Job 9:2,
3, 30; Psalm 130:3). Thus some other
way had to be found. It is of grace by the
imputation of Christ's righteousness
earned by the shedding of his blood and

sealed by his resurrection. This'
righteousness we may only take as our
own by faith, not by our works, or by j;
faith and works united, but purely by
grace through faith (Acts 13:39; 15:1-
29; John 5:24; Romans 3:24; 1
Corinthians 6:11; Isaiah 61:10; Romans
5:18; 5:9; 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17).
The blessedness of justification is ap- j
parent when we consider that it frees
from condemnation, entitles to an
inheritance, and assures glorification I
(Psalm 32:1, 2; Isaiah 50:8, 9; Titus
3:7; Romans 8:30)."

I repeat what has been said by several
writers: "Justification, salvation, !
sanctification, the new birth, re-
generation, and all the Bible says is
necessary for one's being restored to the ;
favor of God which comes at one and the
same time." Jesus just simply taught I
"He that believeth on the Son hath!
everlasting life: and he that believeth not
the Son shall not see life; but the wrath
of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

According to the teaching found in the
Book of Hebrews, we are to go on to
perfection and not to neglect our
salvation as we fulfill Christ's purpose in
our new life and relationship with God.
We are perfectly justified before God the
instant we appropriate Christ as our Lord
and Saviour. We, however, need to grow
in grace and in knowledge through a
diligent use of God's Word that our
activities may conform more and more to
those of Christ as found in a sufficient
knowledge of His Word and the personal
fellowship gained in the proper use of the
Word as we study, meditate, and identify
with Christ.

COMING EVENTS. . .

July 1 1 — Homecoming and Alumni
Association Meeting, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, with the Rev. James
A. Evans Guest Speaker. Services
Begin at 10:30 A. M.

July 12-23— Two-Week Summer
Session of the Carolina Bible
Institute, Pine Level Free Will Baptist
Church, Pine Level, North Carolina,
Each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday Evenings

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

m

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

MM

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE WANTS TO SERVE
YOU THIS SUMMER

Pictured above is Rodgers Chapel on a
summer day. Mount Olive College would
like to remind you that your church may
use the chapel and other facilities of the
College for your church activities this

BICENTENNIAL PILGRIMAGE
SET FOR JULY

A Bicentennial Pilgrimage to four of the
oldest Free Will Baptist churches still in
existence is scheduled for Sunday, July
18, sponsored by the Free Will Baptist
Historical Society.

The pilgrimage will begin at 3 p. m. at
Gum Swamp Free Will Baptist Church
near Greenville. The group will stop at
Little Creek and Grimsley churches in
Greene County and at Wheat Swamp,
now a Christian church, in Lenoir

summer. For more information contact

Charles Harrell, Mount Olive College,
Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365;
phone (919) 658-4933.

County.

The pilgrimage will end at the grave of
Joseph Parker, one of the founders of the
Free Will Baptist denomination, near
Wheat Swamp church.

Plans for the pilgrimage are being
finalized by a committee composed of
Ken Dilda, chairman; Dr. Michael Pelt;
and the Rev. Bruce Barrow.

These churches selected for the
pilgrimage are thought to be the oldest
standing Free Will Baptist churches in
North Carolina, and are located in an area

which has the heaviest membership of
Free Will Baptists.

Plans call for a 30-minute stop at each
church with a 15-minute program on the
history of the church.

GIFTS TO
MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, during the month of May, 1976,
totaled $1 23.50 and are as follows:

In Memory Of

Mr. Roger R. Ackiss by Dr. and Mrs.
W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. Johnny Brewer by Mr. and Mrs.
Bob Williams and Belinda, Bill, and Jerry
Hill, Mount Olive.

Mr. John Lee Crawford by Mr. and
Mrs. Johnnie G. Howell and Union Grove
Free Will Baptist Church Young Married
Class, Pikeville.

Mr. S. Q. Edwards by Friendship Free
Will Baptist Church Sunday School,
Middlesex; the Rev. and Mrs. Sheldon
Howard and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Richard Huggins by Mr. Tommy
Tripp, Grifton.

Dr. Cecil Johnson by Mr. and Mrs.
Ray Warwick, Newton Grove; and Mr.
Lyman J. Worthington, Princeton.

Mrs. Kate Lewis by Mrs. Sophia H.
Potts, Mount Olive.

Mr. Wilbur S. Martin by Mrs. Janie
DeBruhl and Miss Marice DeBruhl, New
Bern.

In Honor Of

Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Gurganus by the
Low Intermediate Sunday School Class,
Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church,
Newport.

Phillip and Mary Gurganus by the
Cherubs Youth, Holly Springs Free Will
Baptist Church, Newport.

Heather Dawn Sapp by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Michael Shane Sapp by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

The Rev. and Mrs. J. B. Starnes by
the Cherubs and Low Intermediate
Sunday School Class, Holly Springs Free
Will Baptist Church, Newport.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

ST. CLAIRE BIBLE
THE SUNDAY fC

SCHOOL LESSON^

For July 11 "

VARIETY OF LIFE-STYLE

Lesson Text: Matthew 19:16-30
Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:6

I. INTRODUCTION

Every age and every culture has a life-
style of its own, and it is often necessary
for this to be. There are customs and
manners of dress that are the norm in
certain parts of the world that would be
considered not only inappropriate, but
even vulgar in others parts of the world.

In present-day America we see the
emergence of many life-styles and
manners of dress that seem peculiarly
strange and out of place to the older
generation. Some of these, no doubt, are
expressions of rebellion against out-
moded thought and customs that have
become so crystallized in the minds of
their adherents as to make them resist all
change as though change itself were
sinful.

Methods of recreation and manners of
dress have changed continually with the
passing of time, and none of these
changes have constituted any definite
threat to the welfare and the well-being
of the church; but it must be admitted
that most of them were resisted by the
church as though the devil himself were
their advocate.

If Jesus taught us anything, and most
of us must admit that He taught us
much, it is this: This true measure of a
man's life is determined by what lies
within him, what motives inspire him to
work, and what attitudes determine the
course of his life.— The Senior Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. In the last few years the word
"life-style" has come into general use.
The word refers to the pattern of living
that a person habitually follows.
Obviously, there are many different life-
styles. It may be be an over-
simplification, but in this lesson we will
divide all life-styles into Christian and

non-Christian. There are some things
that all Christians have in common— the
experience of regeneration, the belief in
Jesus Christ, and the daily practices that
a Christian follows.

B. In this lesson a rich, young ruler
came to Jesus with a question about
eternal life. His life-style was obviously
different from that of the apostles. This
man had many things to commend him,
but he was not willing to put God first in
his life. It has been expressed in this
way: "We crown Him Lord of all, or we
do not crown Him Lord at all."

C. Why did this young man go away
from Jesus? He went away for the very
same reason that men today go away
from Him. He loved his wealth more than
he loved God. He was not willing to
change his life-style. He was not willing
to put God ahead of his wealth. Is there
something in your life that keeps you
from making a complete surrender to
God?

D. After seeing the young man go
away from Jesus because of his great
wealth, Peter asked Jesus a good
question: What do we get out of following
you? What does a Christian get for
following Jesus? He gets to become a
member of the family of God and has
many friends and relatives in Christ; he
gets to share the glory of Christ; and he
will inherit eternal life when this life is
over. Is it worth it?

E. In the very last verse in the
lesson, Jesus makes the point that there
will be many surprises in the judgment.
Some who depended upon what they
could do will be surprised to find that
they are not saved after all. Perhaps, the
best surprise of all will be the one that
comes when we get so much more than
we expected.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)
III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Autumn had arrived and a lady
was bringing her plants indoors. Some
had hardly grown and had produced no
bloom. They had just lived, and that was
about all. Others had done well— they

had grown strong and beautiful and had 4
repaid her care with abundant blossoms. ■ J

The plants that had produced no
blooms were taken in and put in obscure
places with little regard or use. Those
plants that had blossomed beautifully
were taken to grace the rooms and
windows of the house.

So it is with people in God's garden.
No matter what kind of plant we may be
we must give every ounce of energy and
potential we have and produce lovely
blossoms and fruit in our lives. In turn
God will reward us with opportunities in
this world and the next to glorify and
beautify His domain.

J. Hudson Taylor, great missionary
to China, said, "God has given me a
thousand fathers and mothers, sis-
ters and brothers, friends and
homes— everything that I ever left for
Him. ... All the choice and the noble,
and all the beautiful and the good, the
grand and the faithful are ours."

The more we give of self in the service
of Christ the more room we have to
receive the rewards He is able to bestow
upon us.— Standard Lesson Com-
mentary

B. The need for a change in our life-
styles may be seen in the way we treat
our pets. Many Christians spend more
for pet food and comforts than they give
to the Lord. One woman reportedly
spends $10 a day on her beautiful
Pekingese spaniel. Another spent over
$1 ,000 to bury her precious dog in a pet
cemetery. Still another decorated a room
in her home for her cats at the cost of
over $30,000. Somewhere along the way
we have lost sight of something
valuable— The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W. B.)

C. Though it is freely admitted by all
that Christians are in the world, but not
of the world, this is not to be taken to
mean that Christians can only maintain a
right relationship to Christ by retiring
from the world, by living in poverty, and
refusing to participate in any civic ac-
tivities. If we would be true to the charge
of our Lord, we will not retire from the
world, but we will by our activities
conquer the world for Christ. Like Paul in
his generation, we will be instant in
season and out of season; we will take
advantage of every opportunity in work
and play to promote the cause of our Lord
and bring all men into His wonderful
fellowship.— Selected

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, JULY 4
Scripture Reading— Psalm 122:7

"BREATHES THERE A MAN?"
"Breathes there a man with soul so
dead,

Who never to himself hath said ;
'This is my own, my native land ! '
Whose heart hath ne'er within him
burned,

As home his footsteps he hath turned,
From wandering on a foreign strand?
If such there breathe, go, mark him
well;

For him no minstrel raptures swell ;
High though his titles, proud his
name,

Boundless his wealth as wish can
claim ;

Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentered all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he
sprung,

Unwept, unhonored, and unsung! "

—Sir Walter Scott

PRAYER THOUGHT
Pride in country is a precious
feeling. To know that one has a home,
a heritage, creates a secure and
serene atmosphere.

MONDAY, JULY 5
Scripture Reading— 1 Thes-
salonians 5 : 17

KEEP ON PRAYING!
"Though the foe of right oppress,

Keep on praying;
God is ever near to bless,

Keep on praying;

Let not fear your heart appall,
Naught of evil can befall,
Stronger is your God than all.
Keep on praying.

"Christian, has your faith grown
weak?
Keep on praying,

Do the tears roll down your cheek?

Keep on praying,
Soon you nevermore will sigh,
Tears no more shall dim your eye,
Pray to Him who's ever nigh,

Keep on praying. ' '

— R. A. Smith

PRAYER THOUGHT
Prayer is a consolation in time of
trouble, an outlet in time of need, and
an opportunity to pour your heart out
to someone who loves you and cares.

TUESDAY, JULY 6
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
16:13

ANSWERING THE PROBLEM
A lecturer was once asked by a
member of his audience, "If a ship
was wrecked in midocean, and only a
single boat was available, and if there
were twenty young, strong, able men
on board, and twenty weakly women,
would it not pay best, and be best for
the world, to save the stronger
capable men, and let the rest
drown?" And he answered, amid the
loud applause of the meeting, "What
possible good could twenty such men
as that be to the world?"— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We have heard of brawn and no
brain. Well strength without sym-
pathy would be just as incompatible.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7
Scripture Reading— Philippians 2:3

HOW TO BE MISERABLE
Think about yourself.
Talk about yourself.
Use "I" as often as possible.
Mirror yourself continually in the

opinion of others.
Listen greedily to what people say

about you.
Be suspicious.
Expect to be appreciated.
Be jealous and envious.
Be sensitive to slights.
Never forgive a criticism.
Trust nobody but yourself.
Insist on consideration and the proper

respect.

Demand agreement with your own

views on everything.
Sulk if people are not grateful to you

for favors shown them.
Never forget a service you may have

rendered.
Be on the lookout for a good time for

yourself.
Shirk your duties if you can.

Do as little as possible for others.
Love yourself supremely.
Be selfish.

This recipe is guaranteed to be in-
fallible.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We can be happy and contend. It
would not be any more difficult than
being miserable and making those
around us feel the same.

THURSDAY, JULY 8
Scripture Reading— Hosea 8:7

MOSTLY HIDDEN
It is computed that only from one-
tenth to one-eighth of an iceberg is
visible above the water line. A London
preacher said, "When you are
tempted to judge sin from its
superficial appearance, and to judge
it leniently, remember that sins are
like icebergs— the greater part of
them is out of sight! "—Moody
Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
We are all familiar with the slang
phrase "out of sight." Let us be very
careful about sin because it is a
surety that hell is "out of sight" and
let's keep it that way.

FRIDAY, JULY 9
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4 : 32

SIMPLE, LITTLE THINGS
It's the little things we do and say
That mean so much as we go our way.
A kindly deed can lift a load
From weary shoulders on the road,
Or a gentle word, like summer rain,
May soothe some heart and banish
pain.

What joy or sadness often springs
From just the simple little things !

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Gentle words and kind actions do
have a tendency to wash away
troubles and worries. The price is low
but the pay is priceless.

SATURDAY, JULY 10
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 20:1

THE FIRST FIRST LADY
WHO REFUSED
The first "First Lady" to go counter
to the social custom of serving
champange and other wines at formal
White House functions was the wife of
President Rutherford B. Hayes, who,
(Continued on Page 14)

, THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

of Denominational Interest

"Hettie Sasser Day"
At Pleasant Hill Church

Seated, Mrs. Hettie Sasser; standing, Mrs.
Clarence Bunn

June 13 was observed as "Hettie
Sasser Day" at Pleasant Hill Free Will
Baptist Church near Pikeville. A special
tribute was paid to all senior citizens of
the church and especially to the eighty-
eight-year-old Mrs. Sasser. Flowers
were in honor of the senior citizens and
special pews were designated for them.
The central theme throughout the day
was one of appreciation of our heritage.

During the welcome, the pastor, the
Rev. Dallas Pinkham, expressed ap-
preciation on behalf of the church to the
senior members for many years of
dedicated service. He also noted that
Mrs. Sasser, the oldest living member,
had united with the church in August,
1903.

Three persons paid special tribute to
Mrs. Sasser. The first, Mrs. Clarence
Bunn, recalled the time when Mrs.
Sasser helped to gather information for
the church history and many other
occasions when she had been of service
to the church and community. She
presented Mrs. Sasser a gift and a

corsage from the church as a small token
of love and appreciation.

Mrs. Carol Stone, a close neighbor,
recalled the many times Mrs. Sasser had
helped her neighbors in times of
sickness and whenever anything needed
to be done. She mentioned the many
children who had loved Mrs. Hettie and
enjoyed her famous tea cakes.

Oland Peele spoke on behalf of the
people of Nahunta Friends church,
where Mrs. Sasser had a perfect at-
tendance in Sunday school for sixteen
consecutive years. He stated that she
was well loved and appreciated by all the
Nahunta people and that nothing bad
could ever be said about Mrs. Hettie. He
said that perhaps what he remembered
most was that Mrs. Hettie had raised half
the children in the Nahunta Community.

After these had spoken, Mrs. Sasser
gave her testimony, telling how dearly
she loved the Lord and how He had been
her constant companion for many years.
She concluded by adding that she
wished she were able to sing as her
testimony, "He Grows Sweeter Every
Day."

The church choir concluded the tribute
by singing "Onward Christian
Soldiers."

In the morning message, the pastor
took his text from 2 Timothy 4:7, 8, and
challenged each member of the
congregation to be able to have a
testimony similar to that of Paul when he
said, "I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness, ..."

Following the church service, a picnic
lunch was enjoyed in the fellowship hall.
Mrs. Jimmy Bunn presented Mrs.
Sasser with a birthday cake and the
group sang "Happy Birthday."

Florida Minister Receives -
Spirit of 76 Pin

The Rev. Arnold Woodlief of Marianna,
Florida, recently received a Spirit of 76
Pin from the Americanism Committee of
the Marianna Elks Lodge, number 1516,
to wear in recognition of America's two-
hundredth birthday. The award was
presented to Mr. Woodlief for his having
exemplified "The Spirit of America" in
his accomplishments as a minister. Upon
the reception of the pin, Mr. Woodlief
stated, "As religious principles and
activities have helped in the developing
and growth of America, may they do the
same again for the coming century. ' '

Homecoming and Sing at
New Sandy Hill Church

The New Sandy Hill Free Will Baptist
Church located two miles south of Bailey,
on Highway 581 , will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, July 4. The
day's services will begin with Sunday
school at 9:45 a. m., followed with the
worship service at eleven. The pastor,
the Rev. Joe Johnson, will bring the
homecoming message. Lunch will be
spread on the church grounds at the
noon hour.

At 1 :30 p. m., an afternoon service of
singing will be held. Special singers for
the occasion will be "The Misty Trio,"
"The Joyfulairs," "The Gospelites,"
"The Messengers," and others.
Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy
the worship and Christian fellowship on
this occasion.

Eastwood Church Honors
Graduates of '76

Sunday, May 30, during the morning
worship service, the Eastwood Free Will
Baptist Church of Fayetteville honored
three teenage church members upon
their graduating from high school. Those
honored were Kenneth Anthony Ad-
cox, Susan Diane Atwood, and
Raymond David Miller. Each graduate
was presented a personal engraved Bible
on behalf of the church by Martha
Parsons, youth director. After the
presentation the three knelt at the altar
as the Rev. Billy Nowell, supply minister
for the day, prayed God's blessings upon
each one.

Gospel Singing Concert
At Daniels Chapel Church

"The Redeemed," a gospel singing

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

j group from Winnabow, will be at Daniels
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Route
3, Wilson, Sunday night, July 4, for a
concert of gospel music. The singing will
begin at seven o'clock with everyone
cordially invited to come and hear this
fine group.

This singing group is presently under
the management of the Rev. Everette
Harper of Deep Run, and are on the
Gospel Sunshine Recording Label.

"What a wonderful way to end the
celebration of the bicentennial birth-
day!" states Frank Galloway, a
member of the church.

The

Unmitigated

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

i|j Scriptural basis: "... Christ is all,
inland in all" (Colossians 3:11). (Read
j Colossians 3:9-1 1 .)

THE SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN

The spiritual man is one who has " . . .
put off the old man with his deeds; And
have put on the new man, which is
I renewed in knowledge after the image of
( him that created him" (Colossians 3:9,
10). The spiritual man is one who has
'crucified self and has cut the ties with
lithe sinful life he lived before he was
! saved. He did, in fact, meet the Christ of
! Calvary who died for everyone's sinful
desires, habits, and connections. After
Calvary and self-denial, he took up his
cross and is now a new person in Christ.
I Old things are passed away and new
things are in focus.

The spiritual renewal in Christ is of
divine origin. God provided it, Jesus
I Christ brought it to us, and the Holy
Spirit administered it. The Holy Spirit is
j the one who deals with the spiritual man.

Indeed, He is the only one who can keep
the Christian renewed in faith. He is what
every Christian needs to be, a manly,
healthy, and prosperous man. Just as all
vegetation must have an ample supply of
water, sunshine, temperature, and
nourishment to survive, so does the
Christian need these ingredients to be a
spiritual and fruitful Christian. The Holy
Spirit is his source for all of these needs.

The glorious response is progressive
"after the image of him" who made us
and gave us the liberty to grow in His
grace and knowledge so that we may be
"renewed into knowledge" day after
day. The fact that "Christ is all, and in
all" should furnish us a goal worthy of
our best spiritual aspirations. This puts
Christ in the driver's seat for all our
goings and comings, He is all and ni all.
(See Colossians 3:9-1 1 .)

One good thing to remember is that
human distinctions and advantages are
to no avail. The nationality of the person
makes no difference. God now reaches
out to all alike. There was a time when
God favored the Jews only, but this is not
true anymore. "Whosoever will" is the
good news of the New Testament. In
fact, the Jew has to be saved and made
spiritual in exactly the same way as any
other person in the whole world. The
Gentile does not need to become a Jew,
neither does the Jew need to become a
Gentile. Ritual, political, and social
distinctions have no advantages.

To the spiritual Christian Christ is
everything. In fact, the spiritual Christian
is the only real Christian. It is the work of
God in the Holy Spirit that makes us
Christian. The so-called Christians who
are not spiritual are not really Christians
at all. They are a people who have joined
the rank and file of people who unite with
churches and go through rituals and
ceremonies pretending to know the
Lord— they are only hypocrites and they
are carnal. For example, I know many
people who lived loose, careless lives
who are posing as Christians. But one
day they saw the light and they saw
themselves wretched and poor and
miserable sinners. Then they turned to
Jesus and were saved— I mean really
saved— and now their Christian activities
have meaning and they have respect to
Christ and His church to the end that
they have become dedicated and spiritual
in their sincere support of the religious
way of life. They no more run out on
Sundays on the least excuse or excuse

themselves on Wednesday nights for
selfish reasons. They are "Johnny on
the spot" for service to Christ, and the
minister of their church can depend on
them!

CHILDREN'S HOME

MOST VALUABLE
CHEERLEADER

Linda Mills displays her trophy

awarded to her by the Spauiding Middle
School for "Most Valuable Cheerleader"
for the 1975-76 school year.

Linda is 13 years old and will be in the
eighth grade next year.

She is also a member of the Memorial
Chapel Quartet. We are very proud of
Linda and her accomplishments on the
cheerleading team as well as in other
areas.

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 11)

in fact, refused to serve any kind of
alcoholic beverages.

"I have young sons," she said,
"who have never tasted liquor. They
shall not receive, from my hand, or
with the sanction that its use in my
family would give, their taste of what
might prove their ruin. What I wish
for my own sons, I must do for the
sons of other mothers, ' ' —Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We can learn a lesson from Mrs.
Hayes. People do not have to conform
to popular convention whether they
are in high stations of society or low.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

[ THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

ATTENTION,
CAMP VANDEMERE WOMEN!

The Woman's Conference at Camp

Vandemere is just around the corner.
This is the first time that a Woman's
Conference has been planned for the
camp and I am getting excited as our
final plans are being made.

Please send your $5 registration fee in
as soon as possible because we need to
know how many to plan for. You may pay
the balance of $30 upon arrival at the
camp. The date for the conference is July
5-10, so you see our time is swiftly
passing by. Let me hear from you soon.

Please pray, visit, and support Camp
Vandemere. I am looking forward to
seeing you at camp on July 5.

Please use the registration form below
if you do not already have one.

In His Service,

Mrs. John (Happy) Taylor

GIVING THANKS FOR A 1
NOBLE HERITAGE

by

Evangelist Arnold Woodlief

(These remarks were delivered by Mr.
Woodlief to hundreds of people who lined
the streets in Marianna, Florida, for a
Liberty Bell Parade on Saturday, March
20,1976.)

The American Revolution Bicentennial
is a chance to step outside the routines of
daily living and remember, evaluate, and
preserve the liberty which gives our
nation of America and its people identity.
Let us remember with gratitude our
freedoms, our form of government, and
the founding fathers as we celebrate the
present-day America and its culture and
traditions. Patriotism should gain new
meaning and importance during the
bicentennial. Real patriotism is knowing
and appreciating what it is to be an
American.

It has been by the mercies of God that
we have been preserved as a free society
for the past 200 years. It is very urgent
that we reestablish our identity as one
nation under God with liberty and justice
for all. Few nations can boast of freedom
from fear, freedom from want, freedom of
speech, freedom of worship, freedom of
press, and freedom of assembly.

In addition to honoring America as far
as its past is concerned and celebrating
the present-day America, let us mold the
future and improve the quality of life for
the third century. Who knows better than
believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that He
alone gives quality to life. It is still true
that righteousness exalts a nation, and
we citizens ought to beckon for a return
to this great truth today more than we
ever have, praying that it will prevail in
our nation. The leaders of the American
colonies read and believed the Bible,
and the Bible breathes a democratic
spirit throughout America today. All
citizens of our republic must constantly
be reminded that our American heritage
is a biblical heritage.

Two hundred years of dramatic ad-
vance, exciting change, tragedy and
triumph, dashed hopes, and fulfilled
dreams is the heritage we are celebrating
during the bicentennial this year of 1 976.
As we submit to the Lordship of Christ
this year, may we commit ourselves to
(Continued on Page 15)

REGISTRATION FORM

WOMAN'S CONFERENCE, CAMP VANDEMERE, VANDEMERE, N. C,

JULY 5-10, 1976

Conference Theme: "0 Send Out Thy Light and Thy Truth"

Fill out and mail to Mrs. John (Happy) Taylor, Director-Registrar, Route 1, Box
109, Deep Run, North Carolina 28525

Camp fee is $35 per week which covers tuition, insurance, meals, and lodging. A
$5 deposit is required along with this registration form, the balance to be paid upon
arrival. Checks are to be made payable to Camp Vandemere, Inc.

Name of Camper

Phone No. , Age

Address: Street or Route

City

State Zip

Check in time is 10 a. m., Monday; check out time is 9 a. m., Saturday.
For Day Campers Only: Days planned to attend

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE SEVENS OF
REVELATION

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1. Churches (1:4)

2. Spirits (1:4)

3. Golden Candlesticks (1:12)

4. Stars (1:1 6)

5. Lamps of Fire (4:5)

6. Seals (5:1)

7. Horn (5:6)

8. Eyes (5:6)

9. Angels (8:2)

10. Trumpets (8:2)

11. Thunders (10:3)

12. Thousand (11:13)

13. Heads (12:3)

14. Crowns (12:3)

15. Last Plagues (15:1)

16. Golden Vials (15:7)

17. Mountains (17:9)

18. Kings (17:10)

In the block of letters are

some of the "sevens" that are men-
tioned in the Book of Revelation. These

Special (Jiom6nf.s

Dear Maggie,

Do you ever feel sorry for yourself? I do. One day while I was standing over a
sink full of dirty dishes, I couldn't help asking myself, "What am I doing here?"
Everybody else in my family was out "doing his thing." Doing dishes certainly was
not my idea of "doing my thing!"

God must give an extra special wisdom to little ones, i suddenly realized that my
five-year-old son was standing in the doorway watching me. I didn't say anything to
him. Finally he said, "Mama, everything you do is good." Bless his heart! I could
have squeezed him.

Somehow doing the dishes suddenly became "my thing." As I finished up, my
mind turned to a verse from Psalm 34: "0 taste and see that the LORD is good: ..."
(v. 8). Everything that God does is good. If I had not been feeling so sorry for myself,
I could have been using the dishwashing time to meditate and praise God and to
thank Him for all the blessings He has given to me and my family.

I'm not saying I won't ever feel sorry for myself again while I am doing the
dishes because I probably will. But I believe I am more aware now of just how good
God is!
LMM

Chesapeake, Va.

It would take only a few minutes for you to response to the column.

Maggie

sevens may be spelled vertical,
horizontal, diagonal, backward, or
forward. These will be circled for you in
the next issue of the ' ' Baptist. ' '

It does not matter what pressures the
world may bring to bear on a man if his
life is placed in the mold cast for him by
God.

GIVING THANKS . . .

(Continued from Page 14)

bringing Christians into a new and more
meaningful understanding of freedom in
Christ through proclamation of the
glorious gospel of Christ throughout the
bicentennial period. May the bicentennial

assume rich meanings for you this year
of 1976.

IF I KNEW YOU

If I knew you and you knew me,
If both of us could clearly see,
And with an inner sight divine,
The meaning of your heart and
mine,

I'm sure that we would differ less,
And clasp our hands in friendliness,
Our thoughts would pleasantly
agree,

If I knew you and you knew me.

—Author Unknown

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Tiornmg s

reflected, now
tream:

Star-spangled
may it

he free,
f the

</(nd the rockets'
the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the
night that our flag was
still there.

0 say, does that Star-
spangled Banner yet
wave

O'er the land of the free,
and the home of the
brave?

On the shore, dimly seen
through the mist of the
deep,

Where the foe's haughty
host in dread silence re-
poses,

What is that which the
breeze, o'er the towering
steep,

As it fitfully blows, half
conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam

Bless with

peace, may our heavTP
cued land

Praise the Power that
hath made and preserved
us a nation!

Then conquer we must, for
our cause it is just —

And this be our motto: "In
God is our trust!"

And the Star-spangled
Banner in triumph shall
wave

O'er the land of the free,
and the home of the
brave.

—Francis Scott Key

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert |

Does God Live Next Door?

Question heard on radio: "Does God seem further away than He used to?
Pause. . . .

Another question to startle us into serious thinking: "Well, who do you
think moved?" The answer is obvious, for God never moves. We do. God is
stable, but we are not. God is never wishy-washy, but we are— so much so that
it's little wonder that some people haven't real confidence in us when we boast
about our relationship to Him.

God never wants to be far from us, but we force Him out of our busy lives.
We crowd Him out with secular activities, good causes, this or that drive; and
when we do manage to salvage enough time for Him, it's usually accompanied
by a sigh, "God help me." He will help us, to be sure, but such phrases uttered
in desperation very seldom accomplish the good we desire. Such phrases ut-
tered insincerely could be akin to taking the Lord's name in vain.

How close are you to God? Close enough to carry on a personal con-
versation without having to stumble around for the right words? Close enough
to meet Him anywhere, anytime, without fear of blushing at your composure at
that particular time or having to erase certain thoughts that just drifted by
your conscience? Close enough to call Him "Father"? Close enough to have
Him forever by your side— during good times as well as bad times? Again:
How close are you to God?

Every day of our lives we need God close to us. He is not just a bad-times'
partner. He should be as much a part of our lives when the sun is shining.
Storm clouds should not have to threaten before He is beckoned. His Spirit
should be with us continuously ; we should not have to "pray Him up" when we
need Him !

True is the fact that God is just a prayer away— unless we haven't prayed
lately. God is ever by our side— unless we have turned our back to Him. God is
still holding our hand— unless we have let go of His. God is still guiding
us— unless we have strayed from His course.

Where is God? Everywhere, but not anywhere. He can't be found in a place
that is contrary to His divine nature. He can be summoned by the sincere
heart, but He does not abide in places of sin. Should we not, then, be careful
about the places we frequent? The sincere heart may indeed find the Lord
through fervent searching and praying— anywhere— but He is easier found
when He isn't fogged out by the darkness of iniquity.

It is a known fact that God never forces Himself upon us. He yearns for us,
certainly; but He will not come into our house unless invited. If we turn the
living room over to Him, that is good. It is better still to give Him control of the
whole house !

Again: Does God seem further away than He used to? This question
probably only applies to the Christian, for it could be said that the non-
Christian never has been really close to God— except when the Spirit was
striving with the lost soul.

And, as odd as it appears, some poor souls seem satisfied that God isn't
close to them— until some crisis comes along. Then you never saw so much
weeping and wailing and praying! God becomes the most wonderful, the most
sought-after Source of comfort! But He's a fair-weather God too and doesn't
want to be just an ' 'umbrella. ' '

Each step we take is a step nearer the grave. Each step we take should
take us closer home and to God ; if not, it is obvious that we are moving away
from Him. If we move so faraway that we lose sight of Him, more than a
lifetime might be required to find Him again. It is a miserable soul indeed who
finds himself looking for God and is unable to find Him.

Those of us who live close to the Father should not be so content to stay
inside. We need to look out at least once in awhile to see whether or not God is
still living next door. Those of us who live close to Him should not be content tc
live close to Him only— we should want to live with Him. To be safe about it all,
let's make sure that He moves in with us. He will, if we invite Him !

Tommy Manning
Editor

the

free
baptis-

JULY 7, 1976

Volume 91 Number 27

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
■publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years,
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appears,
under the title or to the person submitting said
article.

Items for publication should be addressed tc
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— S
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithtield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3C
a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rober
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning!
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser!
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

!\i I EBSTER defines tradition as
"the handing down of informa-
tion, beliefs, and customs by word of
mouth or by example from one generation
to another without written instruction . ' '

I am coming to believe that tradition is
one of the strongest forces in our lives.
As I consider the role of tradition in my
own religious life and in church history I
am coming to believe that tradition is also
a most powerful force in the life of our
churches.

Just to get us thinking in this area,
let's consider some of the things in our
church life which result from tradition:

Pulpits, aisles, bulletins, baptistries,
black Bibles, budgets, offering plates,
hymnbooks, revivals, homecomings,
Easter egg hunts, pulpit committees,
nurseries, church buses, church
steeples, church buildings, educational
buildings, cemeteries, eleven o'clock
morning worship, Sunday school, altar
calls, etc. Once you get started the list
seems endless.

Many of these things are a very
important part of our church life. Yet, to
my knowledge, not one of them come
directly from Scripture. As I read through
the New Testament I was as surprised by
what I did not find there as I was about
what was there.

One might ask, How can we even have
church without at least some of these
things? How can you have church
without a church building or Sunday
school? Or, How can you run the church
without budgets and committees?

Let us quickly point out that certainly
all tradition is not bad. In fact, without
tradition our lives would be chaos. Even
30 in our churches we don't say all tradition
is bad. Many of the things listed above
are good and our Lord has used them in
great ways to further His Kingdom. It is
important to realize that God does not
condemn tradition in itself. But it is just
as important to realize that God does
condemn tradition which does not square
with the Word of God. We must ever be
careful lest we make sacred a practice

THE CHURCH: INTRODUCTION

(Part 2)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

that has no scriptural support and may
even contradict Scripture.

An Old Problem

Allowing tradition to take the place of
God's Word is an old, old problem. Men
in Jesus' day did it and the Son of God
was not silent or lenient about this
matter.

In Mark, Chapter 7, we see that the
scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and
accused His disciples of disreguarding
one of the traditions of their elders.
Jesus very quickly and firmly answered
them: "... in vain do they worship me,
teaching for doctrines the com-
mandments of men" (v. 7); ". . . laying
aside the commandment of God, ye hold
the tradition of men, . . ." (v. 8); ". . .
ye reject the commandment of God, that
ye may keep your own tradition" (v. 9);
and, "Making the word of God of none
effect through your tradition, ..." (v.
13). Four times in this one passage
Jesus in effect asks, "How dare you
hold to your tradition when it contradicts
the Word of God?"

Throughout history we can see many
times when the church has moved away
from biblical truth to follow after its own
traditions. This is one of the basic
differences between Protestantism and
Roman Catholicism. We Protestants, in
theory, agree that the Bible alone is our
authoritative rule of faith and practice.
Roman Catholics claim that the Bible,
plus the traditions which have been
handed down by the Catholic church, is
authoritative.

Almost every religious movement that
continues to survive develops its
traditions. And it is easy for our church
to do the same without even realizing it.

As we consider our own time and our
own churches, could it be that there are
some things which we need to rethink on
and perhaps change? Are there things
we practice not because they are the
"commandment of the Lord" or even

because they help us spiritually or
advance the cause of Christ, but simply
because this is what we have always
done? Could some of our rituals or
practices have no real value or perhaps
even contradict the clear teaching of
Scripture?

Perhaps not. But if there are some
things which God would have us change,
are we open enough to the Spirit and
willing to submit our wills and ways to
the will and way of the Lord of the
church?

Bad and Good

Before we go any further let us realize
that change is often bad. Our society and
often our Christian faith are shot through
with modern, liberal tendencies and
teachings which undermine the Christian
faith and biblical truth.

Many have tried to bring worldly ideas
and ways into the church in the guise of
making it relevant. Many supposedly
Christian people have taught false
doctrine. Because of these things we
have been put on guard. As a result we
often question anything new or different.
This is good to a point. We must be
careful to recognize and reject satanic
influences. But in our desire to keep out
the bad we must be careful not to keep
out the good also. We must be open to
the Spirit to show us the ideas and ways
which are of God.

If a new idea or way is based on
Scripture or if it squares with biblical
principles better than what we have been
practicing, then we should thank God for
the truth and be willing to change. We
certainly do not want to change to a new,
modernistic way of doing things, but we
should want to change to an older,
biblical way.

May God grant us spiritual eyes and
ears that we may clearly see and hear His
truth; and may we reject those traditions
which are not in line with that truth.
(Continued Next Issue)

[SI THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

OUR FREE WILL BAPTIST HERITAGE:

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE OLDEST
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCHES

c"7 HE idea of making pilgrimages
~J to holy places is almost
as old as Christianity itself. The fact that
Jesus was born and lived and died in
Palestine has given to that land a special
place in the minds of Christians. At least
since the fourth century A. D., both the
great and the lowly have journeyed to the
places made holy by the fact that they
were touched by the life of Christ in some
way. Because our faith is rooted in
particular historical events, it is
inevitable that times and places have
significance for the church in this and
every age.

When we look back to the beginning of
the Free Will Baptist movement in
America, there are few concrete
evidences of that beginning. Our spiritual
forebearers, like most other settlers in
the new world, were simple people who
erected no monuments to their progress.
Confronted by a harsh wilderness, they
devoted most of their time to the
demands of making a living, while
striving to maintain to some degree the
civilized way of life which they or their
fathers had known in the old country.
The building of fine homes and providing
them with exquisite furnishings, a
feature that we often associate with
colonial times, was the privilege of but a
small number of citizens. In colonial
North Carolina the earliest churches were
of simple construction, usually rec-
tangular, and made of hewn logs. None
of these remain until now.

Although Paul Palmer is recognized as
the founder of the Free Will Baptist
movement in North Carolina, having
organized the first General Baptist
Church in the colony in 1727, Palmer left
no known record of his experiences, no
artifacts or remains of his personal
possessions that are known to us.

There are, of course, court records
bearing his name and his name also
appears on lists of freeholders and other
documents from the early eighteenth
century; but most of what we know about
him was reported by the early Baptist

by Dr. Michael Pelt

historian, Morgan Edwards, and some of
his information may not be accurate. Of
the churches which Palmer organized no
one has been able to show clearly their
present location, with the exception of
Shiloh church, now located in Camden
County, but organized in the home of
William Burgess in 1729 in what was
then known as Pasquotank Precinct.
Shiloh church is now affiliated with the
Baptist State Convention of North
Carolina. Several other churches were
organized by General Baptists between
1727 and 1755; yet none of them
escaped the program of reorganization
by the Particular (Calvinist) Baptists
which began about 1755 with the ex-
ception of those churches organized by
Joseph Parker.

Joseph Parker was possibly the pastor
of the church which Palmer organized in
1 727 since his name appears at the head
of a list of its members. But by 1735, he
had moved to what is now the town of
Murfreesboro, where he organized a
church which was known as Meherrin or
Parker's Meeting House. From there he
moved to Edgecombe County and thence
to a site on Little Contentnea Creek,
where he purchased 100 acres of land
from Jacob Blount on December 25,
1756. It was there that he began to labor
in the establishment of churches which
were to survive and prosper. These
include Little Creek and Grimsley in
Greene County, Wheat Swamp in Lenoir
County, and perhaps Gum Swamp in Pitt
County (unless the latter was organized
by his relative, William Parker). These
churches, with the exception of Wheat
Swamp which is now a Disciples of
Christ Church, are the oldest remaining
Free Will Baptist congregations. Their
continuous history of more than two
hundred years is a tribute to the faithful
works of Joseph Parker, who laid the
foundation in these places and to others
who have built upon it.

The Free Will Baptist Historical Society
desires to honor those pioneers of the
Free Will Baptist faith and to recognize

the historical importance of the
remaining churches which they
established. Because of the close
proximity of these churches, which are
located in the center of Free Will Baptist
works in North Carolina, a pilgrimage to
Gum Swamp. Little Creek, Grimsley, and
Wheat Swamp churches, and the grave
site of Joseph Parker has been
scheduled on Sunday, July 18. The
pilgrimage will begin at Gum Swamp
church near Greenville (in the Belvoir
community), and continue on to Little
Creek at Scuffleton in Greene County,
thence to Grimsley, and from there to
Wheat Swamp, and finally to Joseph
Parker's grave. A brief service (about 1 5
minutes) will be held at each location,
after which everyone will travel in an
automobile caravan to the next location.
There will be a lead car to give directions
and everyone will be asked to follow the
leader.

At each of the churches the pastor and
people of that church will be in charge of
the service. They will call attention to the
history of the local congregation and lead
us in an act of worship. At the grave of
Joseph Parker, Dr. Michael Pelt will
comment on the role of Joseph Parker as
a founder of the denomination and the
choir of the First Free Will Baptist Church
of Kinston will sing selections from an old
Free Will Baptist hymnal known as Zion's
Hymns.

The cooperation of both pastors and
laymen throughout North Carolina will
assure the success of this pilgrimage to
the oldest Free Will Baptist churches.
The event will encourage in all those who
participate a greater appreciation for the
heritage of Free Will Baptists.

The schedule for the pilgrimage on
July 18 follows:

3:00 p. m.— Service at Gum Swamp
Church

4:00 p. m.— Arrive at Little Creek
Church

4:45 p. m.— Arrive at Grimsley Church
5:45 p. m.— Arrive at Wheat Swamp
Church

4

THE FREE WILL, BAPTIST

6:15 p. m.— Arrive at Joseph Parker's
Grave

The planning committee for this
pilgrimage includes Mr. Kenneth Dilda,
professor of history at Mount Olive
College; the Rev. Bruce Dudley, pastor of
Northeast Free Will Baptist Church; and
Dr. Michael Pelt, chairman of the
Department of Religion, Mount Olive
College. Anyone seeking additional
information may write or call one of these
persons.

LORD, SPEAK TO ME

by

Mrs. Hersel Bowen
Winterville, North Carolina

HAT would you or I have
done if we had had the
privilege to live in the Garden of Eden?
God, in His Word, does not mention
houses, brick, or mortar to cover those
who lived in this beautiful garden. His
love was the home and cover for those
living in the garden; so why isn't this
good enough for us now?

Let us take a look around our homes.
What else do we want? What else do we
really need? But ask yourself these
questions: Is God able to walk around
freely in every part of our home? Are we
afraid for Him to open the refrigerator
door or some of our cabinets? If so, ask
yourself, Why?

The Garden of Eden had plenty of food
in it, so why wasn't it good enough for
Adam and Eve? Are we so choosy about
our food that we will go any place and
pay any price for the food we want? Are
we like Adam and Eve in that we are not
satisfied with the plenty we have, but
must have the forbidden fruit?

In the days of Adam and Eve there
were no boats, cars, houses, factories,
or money as we have today. We just take
all these for granted. We have taken
God's world and filled it with gas fumes
or other odors that we call success.
Sure, I am thankful for all the things I
have to make my work lighter and my life
more enjoyable; but again I ask myself,
Would I have been pleased to have lived
in perfect surroundings as in the Garden
of Eden?

The Bible teaches us about our two
natures: the nature of the flesh and the
nature of the Holy Spirit. When new

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

converts come into our churches, do we
tell them of these two natures?
Sometimes a new convert makes a
mistake and is afraid he is lost, not
having been told that the flesh is weak.
Neither has he been told that the Holy
Spirit dwells in the body of the Christian.
With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
within the Christian there is help for us to
keep us walking in the way we should.
Christians will fall by the wayside now
and then, but remember that the Holy
Spirit will win over the flesh if we will just
let Him fill our hearts.

The devil (as in the "Garden") will
come to us in many forms. He tells us
that everyone else is doing it so why
don't we try it. He tells us it really
doesn't matter about our dress, where
we go, what we do, or whether we take
off this or that. But friend, don't be
fooled by trying to go along with the
crowd. God has said that the way to
Heaven is narrow, but the way to hell is
wide. Why?

We are made up of body, soul, and
spirit. The body is given by the flesh (our
parents); the soul and spirit are given by
God and are eternal. Adam and Eve, until
they sinned, never wanted to run away
and hide.

Today we see campers, boats, and
cars traveling the highways in search of
something more beautiful. If we see the
other beautiful places which we enjoy so
much, why the restful and calm feeling
when we return and see our own home?
We can hardly wait to get into the quiet of
our home and shut out the other places
for a while. So what are we really
searching for?

Adam and Eve gave up their perfect
home in the Garden of Eden for a world
filled with sin and death. How are we
using what God has given us? Has
recreation become too big a part of our
lives? We should go back to the old
dictionary and look up this word again.
We will find that the word recreation also
means diversion. Please be sure that we
don't divert ourselves from God's work
to things that belong to the world. God
has said that we should go out and bring
the sinner in. May each of us have
someone to offer as we go to the Lord
Jesus Christ.

I believe the gate to the Garden of
Eden will open again. I pray that you and
I will be in God's path when the gate
opens and we can enter side by side with
Christ there to dwell forever.

May we, as Christians, take our work
for God very seriously for it is the most
joyful thing we can do. Only what we do
for Christ and His work will we take with
us when we enter the place God has
prepared for us.

May I say with Frances R. Havergal:

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and alone.

COMING EVENTS . . .

July 11 — Homecoming and Alumni
Association Meeting, Free Will
Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex,
North Carolina, with the Rev. James
A. Evans Guest Speaker. Services
Begin at 10:30 A. M.

July 12-23— Two-Week Summer
Session of the Carolina Bible
Institute, Pine Level Free Will Baptist
Church, Pine Level, North Carolina,
Each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday Evenings

★

CLOSED JULY 5
The Ayden Bible and Bookstore and
the printing department at 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, along with the branch
stores at Smithfield, New Bern, and
Wilson, will be closed Monday, July 5, in
observance of Independence Day. They
will all reopen Tuesday, July 6, at the
usual hours.

*****

* ***

NO "BAPTIST" JULY 14
In accordance with our policy of
printing only 50 issues of "The Free Will
Baptist" each year, there will be no
"Baptist" on July 14. The next issue
you will receive will be the issue of July
21, 1976.

5

"Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel

mission ww**

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram

Taylor Hill

Foreign Missions

Home Missions

Director-Treasurer

Director-Treasurer

P 0 Box 979

1207 Arsenal Ave.

Goldsboro. N C 27530

Fayetteville, N C 28305

GETTING TO KNOW TIRZAH G.

PER0CILL0

I don't know if you'll be Interested In

knowing me and my experiences.

My earliest recollection was of a house

with a spacious "sala" where the whole

of our family would gather together on jj
Sunday morning for worship. We had
Grandpa as our pastor for he was already
a Christian after having gone to Hawaii as
one of the sugarcane plantation laborers.
My folks told me that it was also in this
house that I was born on July 16, 1937.

Four years later World War II broke
out. It was during this time I can
remember sleeping, eating, and praying
in caves, under trees, and behind
mountain clefts. We were running to and
fro from the Japanese and from the
Muslims who were also after our necks.

One night we hid in a "cogon hut"
only to find out we were only a few
meters away from a group of invading
Japanese who were resting. My father
ran without telling (for fear that we would
all scream) upon discovering them.
Father was a big fellow and they always
thought big men were army men. Very
early in the morning they surrounded us
and five of them came up to search us.
My youngest brother signaled that we
should kneel and pray, which we did.
The Lord delivered us. They never
harmed us except that they got and
consumed our one basket of eggs. We
were living a life full of fears, 24 hours a
day, for four solid years. But in spite of
all the fears we continued to worship the
living Lord anywhere we were until the
war was over.

Then I started my elementary
education which had been delayed for
three years due to the war and no teacher
available. I sailed smoothly with my
elementary and secondary education.
But in college I had a little problem, I
because I was made to take up courses I
which I did not like. Since part of ouri
culture was to be obedient to our
parents, I finished with a degree of i
Bachelor of Science in Commerce inj
1962, at the University of Southern;
Philippines Foundation.

The summer after college graduation
my grandma died. It was during this time
Mr. Perocillo met me for he was the one
who officiated at the funeral service.

Seven months later we got married, on
January 2, 1963. A little more than a
year after our marriage Alexander was
born on April 11, 1964, in lligan City.
When Alex was seven months old Mr.
Perocillo and I, as a couple, had our first
beautiful experience with the Lord. Alex
was pronounced helpless by the doctor
in the hospital. All we did was to kneel
beside him and surrender him to the

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

') Lord. Early the next morning, to our
I ' surprise, he asked for something to
^ drink. That's what I call a beautiful
ls experience because He delivered Alex
s from that situation. Oh, how we thanked
ls ! and praised the Lord!

Faith was born on June 23, 1965, in
{. I Maigo, Lanao Norte. Nineteen days after
her birth we flew to Pikit, Cotabato,
l\ where Mr. Perocillo managed the
^ \ Mindanao Christian Foundation, Carmen,
Cotabato; while I taught at Union College
I of Mindanao, Pikit, Cotabato. Three

i months later Alex had an attack of
w i bronchopneumonia. That time my only

help was God. Mr. Perocillo comes home
Jf only during the weekends, a half-a-day
^ i ride away. Again, on this critical night I
] I knelt down to pray for the deliverance of
' my son, and also asked God to send Mr.

! Perocillo home immediately. After an
l\ hour of prayer, I decided to take Alex to
, | the doctor without any "centavo"
|6 (money). Fortunately, the doctor did not
, i ask anything from me, but told me to
' ' take my boy to the nearest hospital. This
was too hard for me to do since there
( were no more buses available and

! because of our daughter, Faith. Alex's
I : condition remained the same. He was

i bluish and gasping for breath. Before the

I rising of the sun Mr. Perocillo came. We
prayed again, after which we rushed

I Alex to Brokenshire Hospital which was
200 kilometer away. Upon our arrival,
jr Alex was given oxygen, and after two

: hours, he was well again.

ii j I was teaching and studying at the
i same time when Hope, our second
l5 ! daughter, was born on May 14, 1967.
if This was the busiest time in my life. Mr.
jf Perocillo was the pastor of the United
of church, Pikit, Cotabato, whose mem-
in bership was more than a thousand
I adults. To be the wife of the pastor, a

mother of three, a housekeeper, a
in I teacher, and to preach and manage
ie I services at times when the pastor was so
if occupied was terrible, and yet, it was a

thrilling job.

iff: After four years we were called to

a pastor the Riverside church at Tabunok,

is Talisay, Cebu. Unfortunately, the main

f. supporter of the church died, whose

r, husband and children were not truly

st Christians. They, together with the rest

« of the members of the church, told us

or that they no longer can afford to pay us.

el To us it was crucial. It really put us on

ie the spot. We approached the moderator

!T THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

of the conference, requesting him to
make Mr. Perocillo a circuit pastor of two
or three churches. But to our disap-
pointment, "No church can afford to hire
you," he told us. When there was no
more hope of serving the Lord through
pastoring a church, we prayed to the
Lord, "Give us work, even secular, just
so your servant will not live by begging;
and if it is your will, 0! Lord, let it
happen to us." The answer of the Lord
was too soon! The next week four good
paying jobs were offered to Mr. Perocillo.
With thanksgiving and prayer, Mr.
Perocillo decided to accept the one
whose regional manager was a Christian.
He was immediately sent to Davao to
manage half of Mindanao for the Atlas
Fertilizer Corporation. Later, I was also
teaching at the Davao Christian High
School.

During vacation I always went with
Mr. Perocillo in his travel. One night on
our way home, we stopped in one of the
eating places along the highway for
supper. It was at this time and place
where we met a certain Rev. Inigo, who
was the Rev. Harold Jones' coteacher at
General Baptist Bible School, Davao City.
He told us about Mr. Jones who at that
time was looking for a Filipino pastor to
be his companion in going to Palawan for
a mission work. The thrilling thing about
this incident was that we did schedule
ourselves to stop in that place.

It took us a year to decide on this work
since we already had work in Davao, the
children were in a free school, a house of
our own, plus the fact that Mr. Perocillo
was the weekend pastor of the
Nabunturan church, Davao Norte. Again,
we prayed and prayed hard that "if it is
your will, 0! Lord, let it happen to us."
We always pray this prayer for we want
to abide in God's plan for us. We know
that God has really a plan for everyone of
us.

Having been impressed by the Holy
Spirit, that we rather follow Him, we left
for Palawan on May 27, 1971 . After the
church was organized in Puerto Princesa
City, with three ministerial families
serving one small congregation, the Lord
gave us a new insight and direction. He
caused our hearts to feel the burdens of
the lost souls of our own Cebuano
people. Hence, after prayers, con-
sultations, and authorization from
Brother Jones, we left for Cebu.

The beginning of the work in Cebu, in
the city and province, a very fanatical

Roman Catholic country, was not easy.
Nevertheless, the Lord led us to baptize
a few converts. We also have many
sympathizers now attending Bible
studies and services. We are praying
hard at this moment for a breakthrough.

The Rev. and Mrs. Wayne King, along
with us, are greatly impressed by the
Holy Spirit that at this moment may lead
to a breakthrough; that we will have
concentration of efforts in teaching that
will truly discipline the very few, who in
turn will become witnesses themselves
like us.

The greatest gift, however, that we
realized is "the image of God," a portion
of ourselves, in the person of Zacarias
Perocillo II, who was born on September
5, 1975, which is a bundle of joy that
helps inspire us after work. This I
narrated all because this is not only a
part and a parcel of my life, but that is
where my life had been and is.

THE SEVENS OF REVELATION

by Mrs. C. D. Clark

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Above the Sevens of Revelation in last
week's puzzle are circled for you. We
hope you were able to locate all of them.

7

NORTH CAROLINA MINISTERS'

CONFERENCE

The thirtieth annual session of North Carolina Ministers' Conference was held
Monday through Thursday, June 21-24, at Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black
Mountain, with the Rev. David Charles Hansley, president of the North Carolina
Ministerial Association, in charge.

The conference was highlighted by messages by the Revs. J. B. Starnes, Eddie
Edwards, and Foy Futrelle. Dr. Michael Pelt of Mount Olive College conducted a
seminar concerning "Why Free Will Baptists Are Arminian." Christian fellowship
was prevalent throughout the conference which ended with breakfast on Thursday
morning.

Officers were elected for the Ministerial Association in the annual business
meeting. They are as follows: President, the Rev. Walter Reynolds; vice-president,
the Rev. Francis Garner; secretary, the Rev. Gary Bailey; treasurer, the Rev. Ralph
Sumner; executive board member at large, the Rev. David Hill; ministerial
scholarship committee, the Rev. DeWayne Eakes.

During the week the Rev. Walter Reynolds, manager of the Free Will Baptist
Press Foundation, took pictures of the group in action. Below are a few of these
pictures.

Group shot of ministers attending. Group of ministers relaxing.

Waiting to get inside dining hall. Enjoying food and fellowship.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1:

Mount [iiiiI+B]

Olive College

VISIT TEXASGULF IN
RALEIGH

Dr. W. Burkette Raper, center,
president of Mount Olive College, and
Mrs. Mary Howard, a member of the
College's Board of Trustees, chat with
Scott F. Stidham, left, administrative
manager of Texasgulf's Agricultural
Division in Raleigh. Dr. Raper briefed
Stidham on the growth and goals of
Mount Olive College and also welcomed
Texasgulf to the Mount Olive community.
Recently, Texasgulf purchased a liquid
fertilizer plant in Mount Olive and will
operate it as a Texasgulf Fertilizer
Operation. Texasgulf, Inc., a diversified
natural resources company, produces
various grades of phosphoric acid and
dry fertilizer materials, as well as
phosphate rock at its phosphate complex
in Beaufort County. Texasgulf has a
matching gift program whereas the
company will match gifts of its em-
ployees made to Mount Olive College.

LARRY DEAN NAMED

NEW FACULTY MEMBER

Larry S. Dean of Lexington will
become chairman of the Department of
Physical Education, director of in-
tramurals, and tennis coach at the
College beginning the 1976-77 academic
year.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

He replaces the former physical
education chairman and director of
intramurals Sandy Robeson, who
resigned to return to the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a
certificate in sports medicine.

A native of Wendell, Mr. Dean is
presently employed as an instructor in
health and physical education and is also
head of the intramural program and
coaches tennis and basketball at
Davidson County Community College in
Lexington.

He holds an Associate of Arts degree
from Louisburg College, a Batchelor of
Arts degree in health and physical
education from Furman University, and a
Master of Arts in Teaching degree in
health and physical education from
Appalachian State University.

Mr. Dean is a member of the North
Carolina Athletic Officials Association,
North Carolina Coaches Association, and
is a past member of the Exchange Club.
Married to the former Kaydene Lamour
Wilson, also of Wendell, the Deans have
two children. They are active in all
phases of work at Coggins Baptist
Church.

GENE BRITT NAMED

TO DEAN'S LIST

The Rev. Gene Britt was also a Mount
Olive College Dean's List student for the
spring semester, 1976. His name was
inadvertently missed in the list of Free
Will Baptist Dean's List students named
earlier.

He is the pastor of Johnston Union
Free Will Baptist Church near Smithfield.
He resides at Route 1, Clayton, with his
wife, Betty.

CHURCH
AUXILIARIES

W. A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETING

In the Executive Committee Meeting of
the North Carolina Woman's Auxiliary
Convention, June 12, at Mount Olive
College, a motion was carried to
recommend to the local auxiliaries a
quota of $20 each for foreign and home
missions, in order to reach the proposed
goal of $6,000.

A letter was read from the benevolence
chairman, Mrs. Sam Weeks, who was on
vacation with her husband in Texas. In
the letter Mrs. Weeks expressed the
hope that each auxiliary would send $20
for the playground equipment at the
Children's Home. She also stated that a
notice would be forthcoming on the
dedication service for the Retirement
Homes, scheduled for July 21 .

It was moved and carried that we, the
executive committee, recommend that
the Cragmont Woman's Conference
funds received for the renovation of the
"Main Building," be used for the new
building at Cragmont.

Plans are being made for a very in-
spirational conference at Cragmont this
summer, directed by Mrs. Dola Dudley
and Mrs. Lillie Mae Sasser, August 9-
14. Let's go women and get your
registration in to Mrs. Sasser right away.

On motion, the Christian education
committee was advanced $100 to begin
the work among the youth as designated
by the convention.

The treasurer reports that funds were
coming in satisfactorily for the projects of
the convention.

We were reminded that to be an "A-
1" auxiliary, the local auxiliary must
represent in its respective district
meeting and to the North Carolina
Woman's Auxiliary Convention.

Mrs. Rachel Duncan presided at the
meeting at which there were ten officers
and four district presidents present.

A delicious lunch was catered by the
college cafeteria.

Respectfully submitted,
Ruth L. Warrick
Corresponding Secretary

9

NEWSX
NOTES

The Singing Samaritans in
Concert at First Church, Wilson

The Singing Samaritans from Wallace

will be featured in concert at the Free Will
Baptist Church in Wilson, Sunday night,
July 11 , beginning at 7:30.

The Samaritans, who have been
singing since 1973, consist of Terry
Carter, who sings baritone; Mike
English, singing tenor; Biney English,
singing bass; and Mike and Biney's
father, Aubine English, who sings lead.

Ronnie Ezzell is the pianist for the group.

Also in the picture are Steve Hanchey
(wearing glasses), a former singer with
the group who is now attending Mount
Olive College; and Ray Bullard (with
blond hair), bus driver for the group.

The Rev. Clyde W. Cox, pastor of the
Wilson church, extends a cordial in-
vitation to everyone to attend this special
service.

Ormondsville Church Observes
Bicentennial Sunday

The Ormondsville Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Ayden, observed
Bicentennial Sunday, Sunday, June 27.
Following the opening session of the
morning worship service by the pastor,
the Rev. Clifton Rice, Mr. Kenneth
Bowen delivered a short message based
on a bicentennial message by the Rev.
Billy Graham.

Next on the program was a bicen-

tennial pageant, "Our Country's Hope,"
presented by the youth of the church and
the adult choir. During the pageant the
choir sang such patriotic songs as
"America," "America the Beautiful,"
"Battle Hymn of the Republic," "God of
Our Fathers," "God Bless America,"
and "This Land Is Your Land."

Following the pageant was the
processional of the American Flag, the
Christian Flag, and the Bible. With the
congregation standing, pledges to the

flags and the Bible were given and th|
singing of the National Anthem, "The
Star-Spangled. Banner." The pastoi
prayed the benediction, followed with the
recessional of the flags, the Bible, anc
those taking part in the program.

A picnic lunch was served in the
recreation building at the noon hour.

With the presentation of this program,
the church members and visitors, man\
dressed in the bicentennial fashion, were
made to realize how fortunate the people
who live in America are. They understood
more than ever the theme of the service
"The Lord is the portion of mine
inheritance . . . yea, I have a goodly
heritage" (Psalm 16:5, 6).

Wilson Church Honors
Fathers on Father's Day

Fathers were honored during the1
morning worship service on Sunday,
morning, June 20, at the First Free Wilij
Baptist Church in Wilson. The G. A.l
and the B. A.'s honored their father?;!
with the presentation of certificates.

The pastor, the Rev. Clyde Coxj
recognized the youngest father present
Mr. Billy Davis who is 21 years of age:
and the oldest father present, Mr. Dovj
Beaman, who is 74 years of age.

The Sunday school selected Stev
Wilson to receive the "Father of th
Year" award. He was presented
plaque by the superintendent of th
Sunday school, Melvin Beaman. Steve
on the board of deacons, superintendei
of the Sunday school extensic
department, a member of the chanc
choir, lead singer for the Steeplaire
Quartet, and a valued soloist during th
worship services of the church. He an
his wife, Barbara, are the parents i
three daughters— Diane, Cristie, an
Kim.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Sweet Gum Grove Concludes
A Successful Bible School

A most successful Bible school was
held at the Sweet Gum Grove Free Will
Baptist Church of Stokes the week of
June 14-18, with classes from 7 to 9:30
leach evening.

The theme for the school was "Paul
Proclaims the Faith," with the theme
;song, "Faith Is the Victory." The school
rtcipened each evening with children from
f#he classes carrying the American Flag,
ithe Christian Flag, and the Bible as they
^marched in. During the opening
^assembly the director, Mrs. Kathyrn
iBrinson, held a short devotion, followed
lljwith prayer and the pledges to the flags
land the Bible. Following a free-will
■'offering, the group sang choruses led by
the song leader, Mrs. Sue Brown. The
enrollment for the school was 61 with an
[average attendance of 57.
J Refreshments for the school were
Jfurnished by the auxiliaries and various
Jmembers of the church. They were
'Jserved each evening by the refreshment
Jcommittee consisting of Mrs. Angela
Tripp, Mrs. Delma Brown, Mrs.
Margaret Barnhill, and Mrs. Margaret
Fetterton.

The remaining officers and teachers
or the week were as follows: Mrs.
MfWendy Futrell, secretary; Mrs. Ginger
Briley, pianist; Mrs. Marie Waters and
Mrs. Monica Roebuck, nursery teachers;
Mrs. Becky Futrell and Mrs. Ann Briley,
beginner teachers; Mrs. Frances Glisson
and Mrs. Mary Jo Gandy; primary
teachers; Mrs. Eloise Futrell and Mrs.
Margaret Briley, junior teachers; Mrs.
Mayo Rogers and Mrs. Lona Mills,
intermediate teachers; and, Mr. Richard
Glisson, adult teacher.

A weiner and marshmallow roast was
enjoyed by all who attended on Saturday
evening. Miss Donna Glisson directed
the games which were enjoyed by all the
children.

Bible school commencement was held
on Sunday evening, at eight o'clock. The
success of the school must be con-
tributed to the cooperation and interest
shown by all. God surely blessed this
work as the group walked by faith, not
Iby sight.

Pastor Resigns Church
Utter a 20-Year Pastorate

The Rev. Clifton Rice of Kinston has
resigned the pastorate of the Ormonds-

pectaC foment

0

Dear Maggie,

March 11 , 1976, our 18-year-old son was in a car accident while coming from
school. When I arrived at the hospital, I learned his condition was critical. When I
walked in the intensive care unit and saw all the tubes and machines connected to his
body, I knew the God I have been serving since Steve was four months old would
have to perform a miracle.

Steve has been a Christian since he was eight ^ears old, and we both had a
wonderful experience we would like to share with you. Every two hours the doctor
gave us ten minutes together and even though he could not speak he would move his
lips to form the word "pray" while he held my hand close to his wounded chest. I did
as he asked and God performed a miracle of healing and made us realize that serving
God daily makes times like this special moments in our life.

We would like to share this poem of the true experience that happened, written
by our daughter-in-law.

MT

Stantonsburg, N. C.

My Brother Steve

by Wendy Taylor

In the hospital

He held my hand

where my brother lay,

and continued to fight,

The family gathered

Through each painful day

and started to pray.

and suffering night.

The hours of waiting

One precious moment

seemed without end,

too short to measure,

As we waited to see

He gave me a kiss

my brother again.

that I'll always treasure.

His family grew closer

People prayed for miles around

with love to share,

to make my brother well,

To help heal the grief

Their voices rose to heaven above

they had to bear.

and on God's ears they fell.

He called to his mother

And God heard the prayers

in moments of fear,

and humble appeal,

"Pray for me, Mama,

With the greatest of love

and God will hear."

He helped Steve to heal.

He wrote to his father

With eyes full of pain

a message of love,

and a smile on his face,

"Don't worry, Dad,

He fought for his life

there's help from above."

in God's tender embrace.

His courage was great.

May Steve always be spared

His love was so rare,

from trouble and strife,

The strength of his faith

May God bless and keep him

was beyond compare.

the rest of his life.

ville Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
Ayden, after a twenty-year successful
pastorate. His resignation becomes

effective November 1, 1976. This date
also marks Mr. Rice's fifty years as a
Free Will Baptist minister.

ls, rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

rife

St. Claire Bible Class

School LESSON

For July 18

SCRIPTURE ALONE

Printed Text: Galatians 2:1 5-21 ; 3:23-29
Memory Verse: Romans 15:4

I. INTRODUCTION

Though the Bible has always been
accepted in the Christian church as the
Word of God, there have been times
when men have conformed the teachings
of the Scripture to justify their own
doctrinal beliefs. For a long and extended
period of church history a priesthood not
only exercised jurisdiction and authority
over the church, but also over the Bible
as well. During those days, men had no
choice but to accept what the priesthood
told them were the teachings of the
Bible.

Martin Luther, along with others of
like persuasion, maintained that the
Bible and the Bible alone was the source
of all Christian doctrine. It was through
their efforts that the Protestant faith
came into existence. This faith maintains
two essential doctrines— justification
through faith and the priesthood of all
believers. Of course, it held on to the
doctrine that the Bible is the Word of God
and the source of all doctrine. It went
much further along this line than any had
gone before by not only maintaining that
the Bible alone was the sole source of all
Christian doctrine, but also insisting that
every believer must be free to interpret
the Bible according to the dictates of his
own heart and conscience.

This is the doctrinal belief on this
subject of all Protestant churches of our
day, but we must admit that there have
been those in our midst from time to time
who have claimed to have received
instruction from other sources, but these
claims we must reject.— The Senior
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. This lesson shows the purpose
and function of the law; then it shows the
purpose and function of faith. The law

12

makes demands, but grace through faith
gives. Law places one in bondage, but
grace through faith brings freedom. The
law says "thou shalt not," but grace
says "thou shalt."

B. There are no distinctions of race,
social position, or sex in grace. All of
these distinctions existed under the law
but cannot exist "in Christ." All of God's
people are one in Him.

C. The Roman Catholic Church holds
that the Scripture and tradition form the
twofold source of authority for the
church. The tradition consists of the
decrees of councils and papal dogmas.
The Protestant church believes that the
Scripture alone is to be the rule and
guide of the church. We do not believe
that we need a priest between us and
God to interpret the Scriptures.
Protestants believe that every believer is
his own priest and with the help of the
Holy Spirit can interpret the Scriptures
for himself.

D. One of the great marvels of the
church is how God takes Jews and
Gentiles and makes of them one people in
Christ. The Old Testament distinctions
between Jews and Gentiles are broken
down in Christ. This is one of many
things that makes the church a
supernatural organization.

E. Few Christians realize what we
really have in Christ. We are children of
God. This is perhaps our greatest asset.
Then we are seed of Abraham. This does
not mean that the church today takes the
place of the Jew; it does mean, however,
that Abraham is the "father of the faith-
ful." Then we are heirs of God and joint
heirs of the Lord Jesus Christ.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. For centuries the Indians roamed
over plains and mountains of America
and fished in her streams. There were
deposits of silver and gold worth millions
of dollars there, but they were almost
totally unaware of it. It was always there

but hidden. Then gold was discovered aft
Sutter's mill in California, and a whole
new era of prosperity was ushered in.

For many centuries during the "Dark
Ages" only the clergy had access to the
Bible, which was written in Latin only.
Men groped blindly for peace of soul
through traditions and a system of works
of penance taught them by the religious
hierarchy. The means of finding peace of
soul was always there in the Bible, but it
was hidden from men's understanding.

Martin Luther, a German monk, began
in 1511 to study and teach directly from
the text of the Bible. He refused to
believe or practice any tradition or
religious rite not substantiated by the
Bible. He shocked the religious world by
declaring that salvation was by the grace
of God and accepted by faith and came'
not as the result of any works that man|
might do.

Thus was opened up a spiritual gold'
mine that set millions of souls free from
guilt and frustration and brought peace'
to their souls.

We must never forget the debt of
gratitude we owe men like Luther, who,
when threatened with death if he did not
recant his ideas and stop his teaching,
defied the enemies of God's Word and
remained true to his con-
science—Standard Lesson Commentary

B. A church in Oklahoma discovered
that there was oil on their land which
would make the members very rich. In a
secret meeting of the congregation it was
discussed what to do about the situation!
One member said, "I move that we don'|
take in any more members, for the morel
we have the less each of us will get. ' ' We|
don't know what happened to this'
church, but if they listened to this mar;
we may be sure they all died spiritually!
The gospel is not to be kept, but to beJ
shared.— C. F. Bowen

C. One day into the study of <
missionary a Korean came and said: "
have been memorizing some verses ir
the Bible. I have come to recite them 1
you." The missionary listened while thn
young man repeated in Korean thewholi
of the Sermon on the Mount. Thei
feeling that some practical advice migh
be necessary, he said: "You have i
marvelous memory! But if you simpl'
memorize it, it will do you no good. Yoi
must practice what you have learned.'
The Korean smiled as he replied
"That's the way I learned it."— Tin
Bible Student (F. W. B.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

I at

lj For July 25

J STORMS WITHIN THE CHURCH

II* essonText: 1 John 4:1-12
/ emory Verse: Mark 13:5

J'l INTRODUCTION

iyj! If the Early Church fathers were
0f ilagued by false teachers and thought
I iat the church could not survive the

ii roads Gnosticism and other false
Cachings made, the later church leaders
Mi/ere to find themselves the victims of
I till worse storms within the church.
0i By the 12th century the Roman
Jatholic Church was at its height of
blower and held the people with a
Jfiligious stranglehold. This of course
Jave rise to a resistance which took
several forms. External reform

movements were started by religious
Jects not authorized by the church.
J Among these were the Albigenses who
Jpposed the teachings of the Catholic

Ihurch, especially sacraments; and the
J/aldenses who resisted the church
Jecause of its teachings concerning
Jurist. Both groups had many com-
Jjiendable aspects which actually were
Jie foundation for the coming Protestant
Jeformation. The church with its
Jorrupted teachings drove many faithful
Jatholics to find refuge in teachings
Jetter suited to their beliefs. But they
ia; Iso had enough doctrine that was
3S ontrary to the Scriptures as to cause
,n fiany to turn completely from all forms of
1t elig ious influence in their lives.— The
Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

¥i

|P HINTS THAT HELP

jjj A. Trouble that comes to the church
|fom without is called persecution.
In Trouble that comes to the church from

vithin is called a storm. God can use
either of these for His glory and for the
ultimate good of the church. But He has
j^lso given us some ways that we can
l(ietect false prophets and teachers in the
be;hurch who precipitate a storm.
,|{| B. When John, the beloved apostle,
w|vrote his first epistle, there was a storm
lbt|n the church. It was a storm of
jSnosticism. This storm denied the deity
jljind incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
J So as we study in this book, we can hope
4 :o find something that will help us as a
^jbhurch in dealing with the storms that we
Ijiave to face.

C. John gives ways that we can tell

(false prophets and teachers. First, they

5frHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

will not believe in the deity of Jesus
Christ. Second, they will be filled with
the things of this world. Third, they will
be followed by the people of this world.
We cannot tell who are false prophets
and teachers by their popularity, but we
can tell by the people who follow them.

D. The outstanding characteristic of
God's people is that they love God and
one another. We are told that God is love.
This is His nature. Therefore, His
children can expect to have the nature of
their Father, God. So if we do not love we
may be sure that we are not Christian.

E. Does our church face a storm
today? Look around and see if you can
see some ominous looking clouds that
may bring a storm in the church most
any time. What about the fact that we
have ministers who teach the baptism of
the Holy Ghost as a second work of
grace? This caused a storm once that
took many of our churches. Could it
cause a storm again?

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. A ship was sinking in an angry
storm just off the coast of Scotland. A
lifeboat had been sent out and it returned
with all the crewmen except one. One
man had to be left for his added weight
most certainly would have swamped the
flimsy lifeboat. The leader of the rescuers
cried, "There's another man! We need
volunteers for his rescue. These men are
exhausted."

A fine young man stepped forward,
but his aged mother came and put her
arms about him and sobbed, "Don't go,
John; already I have lost your father at
sea, and now your brother William has
been at sea for a year, and we have not
heard from him. I fear he is lost too. And
if you should perish, John, what would I
do? Don't go, John; your mother begs
you to stay!"

The lad took his mother's arms from
his neck and said, "Mother, I must go; a
man is in peril. God will take care of us."

A whole hour the rescuers were gone,
swallowed up in darkness and the raging
sea. Finally in dim outline they were seen
beating their way back. As they came
within hailing distance someone from the
shore cried, "Have you rescued the
man?" And standing in the bow of the
boat John shouted back, "Yes, we've
rescued him, and tell my dear mother it's
brother William!"

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we
ought also to love one another." When

Christians have godlike love for one
another they will not let a brother be lost
in the raging storms and darkened seas
of error and falsehood. Christians will
show concern and go after and rescue a
sinking brother. . . .

We have learned that the Ship of Zion
does not always sail in smooth waters. In
every age she is battered by threatening
winds. But always there are those who
keep the light shining. We must face
false teaching, but if we consult the
compass of God's revelation and steer by
"the bright and morning Star" we will
make the harbor safely. — Standard
Lesson Commentary

B. An artist once painted a picture of
a man who was trying to sweep the
waves back into the sea. The more he
swept the more waves rolled in; it was an
impossible task.

One is reminded that truth, though
often attacked by false teachers, has a
way of always coming back, each time
with greater force, like the sea waves
against a frail broom of error. Many
churches may have their storms but they
can weather them by being faithful to
God's truth and learning the lesson of
victorious love. — C. F. Bowen

Children's Home

HOSPITALIZED

Mrs. Thelma Rulli, housemother of
Central Cottage, entered the Wilson
Memorial Hospital in Wilson on June 21,
and underwent surgery Wednesday,
June 23.

We ask you to remember Mrs. Rulli in
your prayers. We pray that she will have
a speedy recovery!

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Gum Neck Free Will Baptist
Church is in need of a full-time pastor.
Any qualified minister interested in
serving this church please contact W.
David Cahoon by phoning 793-5671; or
by writing Charles Cahoon at Route 1,
Columbia, North Carolina 27927.

13

QArswerirg ^bur
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: Have the prophecies
concerning the persecutions of Jesus'
disciples been fulfilled?

Answer: Partly. Jesus said, "Behold,
I send you forth as sheep in the midst of
wolves: be ye therefore wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves. But
beware of men: for they will deliver you
up to the councils, and they will scourge
you in their synagogues; And ye shall be
brought before governors and kings for
my sake, for a testimony against them
and the Gentiles" (Matthew 10:16-18).

Peter and John were arrested for
preaching the truth about Jesus Christ.
"And as they spake unto the people, the
priests, and the captain of the temple,
and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the
people, and preached through Jesus the
resurrection from the dead. And they laid
hands on them, and put them in hold
unto the next day: for it was now
eventide" (Acts 4:1-3). Again they were
put in prison, but released by an angel,
"Then the high priest rose up, and all
they that were with him, (which is the
sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled
with indignation, And laid their hands on
the apostles, and put them in the
common prison. But the angel of the Lord
by night opened the prison doors, and
brought them forth, and said, Go, stand
and speak in the temple to the people all
the words of this life" (Acts 5:17-20).
By now being full of the Holy Spirit they
show boldness in filling their mission.
"And when they had brought them, they
set them before the council: and the high
priest asked them, Saying, Did not we
straitly command you that ye should not
teach in this name? and, behold, ye have
filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and
intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles an-
swered and said, We ought to obey God

14

rather than men. The God of our fathers
raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and
hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted
with his right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel,
and forgiveness of sins. And we are his
witnesses of these things; and so is also
the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to
them that obey him. When they heard
that, they were cut to the heart, and took
counsel to slay them" (Acts 5:27-33).

Then there was the stoning of Stephen
who prayed for his enemies as they
executed him. "But he, being full of the
Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into
heaven, and saw the glory of God, and
Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens
opened, and the Son of man standing on
the right hand of God. Then they cried
out with a loud voice, and stopped their
ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
and cast him out of the city, and stoned
him: and the witnesses laid down their
clothes at a young man's feet, whose
name was Saul" (Acts 7:55-58).

The same Saul who sanctioned
Stephen's persecution faced Christ's
enemies after he was saved. "And after
that many days were fulfilled, the Jews
took counsel to kill him: but their laying
await was known of Saul. And they
watched the gates day and night to kill
him. Then the disciples took him by
night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket" (Acts 9:23-25).

Herod, an Idumean imposterthat was
on the throne as puppet king, persecuted
the apostles. "Now about that time
Herod the king stretched forth his hands
to vex certain of the church. And he
killed James the brother of John with the
sword. And because he saw it pleased
the Jews, he proceeded further to take
Peter also. ..." (Acts 12:1-3). All the
12 except the apostle John were mur-

dered for their testimony, including
Matthias, the one chosen by lot to fill the
place Judas Iscariot might have had, had
he not betrayed Jesus his Lord and !
hanged himself.

But there are, to me, more per-
secutions as the church age nears its j
end and also a Jewish persecution after
we, the church, are raptured. I suggest
that you read Fox's Book of Martyrs and
H. A. Ironsides' Book of the Revelation;
also Ironsides' Book of Daniel and ]
Clarence Larkins' books, one on
Revelation and one on Daniel.

George H. Sandison gives helpful
information in the answer to a similar,
question in his book 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered on Page 267:

"The persecution of Christians dates
from the beginning of Christianity.!
According to McClintock and Strong,;
there were ten pagan persecutions of the'
Christian Church, viz.; Under Nero (A. D.
74), when great multitudes perished;!
under Domitian, when in one year (A. D.),
95) 40,000 suffered martyrdom; under?
Trajan and his successor Adrian, when*
vast numbers were accused and<
executed, mostly without even a
pretense of legal trial; under Antoninus,;
when the persecutions took a wide
range. Then came the persecutions
under Severus, Maximinus, Deciusj
Valerian, Aurelian, and Diocletian. In the
last decade of this inhuman period)
hundreds of thousands were slain,
140,000 in Egypt alone, while 700,000'
succumbed to the hardship and fatiguef
they were compelled to face. Per-
secutions by Catholics form a long and
dark record. In Germany, Poland,
Lithuania, Hungary, Bohemia, and
Holland the victims were almost in-
numerable. The Belgic martyrs who died
for their faith are estimated at 100,000.
In France, in the reign of Charles IX, the;
St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, it is h
variously estimated, had from 30,000 to
100,000 victims. But all previous
atrocities seem to have been eclipsed by
the hideous persectuion of Protestants ini
France in the time of Louis XVI. Fewl

■

countries were free from such
visitations. England, Ireland, Scotland, I
Spain, Italy, all experienced them in
turn, some much more heavily thani
others."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

— TO

SUNDAY, JULY 11
Scripture Reading— Revelations 1:8

REST SECURE
On Christ salvation rests secure,
he Rock of Ages must endure ;
or can that faith be overthrown
ftiich rests upon the 'Living Stone.'

In Him it is ordained to raise
. temple to Jehovah's praise,
omposed of all the saints who own
k> Saviour but the 'Livingstone.' "

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our Saviour lives and wishes our
ouls to follow in His teachings and
ve eternally with Him in Paradise.

MONDAY, JULY 12
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 13:8

"THOU RE MAINE ST ! ' '
Vhy should I grieve and be afraid
toien in the grave my hopes are laid?
Veil do I know that death must be
Unless my Lord shall come for me ;
herefore, build I my life on thee,
foundation of eternity—

For thou remainest!

—Rev. J. G. W. Kirschner

PRAYER THOUGHT
We have only to look about us and
tee the devastation of the things of
his earth which we felt virtually
ndestructable. God remains.

TUESDAY, JULY 13
Scripture Reading— Psalm 14 : 1

THE FAILURE OF ATHEISM
Dr. Jacks tells the story of two
friends who had rather blatantly
proclaimed themselves to be atheists.
When mortal sickness visited one of
jhem, the other came to see him and,
oerhaps a little afraid lest at the last
le should abandon his atheism, said

to him, "Stick to it, Bill!" "But,"
replied the stricken man, "there is
nothing to stick to ! " — J . D . Jones

PRAYER THOUGHT
Through the generations mankind
has found that he must believe in a
god because all of life points to the
fact that there is a god. In our God we
find everlasting tranquility and love,
essential to our peace of mind.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14
Scripture Reading— Psalm 19:7

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE BETTER
THAN COLLEGE COURSE

William Lyon Phelps of Yale
University— called the most beloved
professor in America— has on more
than one occasion stated: "I
thoroughly believe in a university
education for both men and women,
but I believe a knowledge of the Bible
without a college course is more
valuable than a college course
without the Bible . ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
Without the Bible and what it stands
for we would not be capable of
following any course to a complete
and meaningful conclusion.

THURSDAY, JULY 15
Scripture Reading— Matthew 22:29

ALL IN THE BIBLE
"The religious knowledge of too
many adults resembles, I am afraid,
the religious knowledge of little Eve,"
said Bishop Hoss at a Nashville
picnic.

"So you attend Sunday school
regularly?" the minister said to little
Eve.

"Oh, yes sir."

"And you know your Bible?"
"Oh, yes sir."

"Could you perhaps tell me
something that is in it? ' '

' 'I could tell you everything that's in
it."

"Indeed," and the minister smiled.
"Do tell me, then."

"Sister's beau's photo is in it," said
little Eve, promptly, "and ma's
recipe for vanishin' cream is in it, and
a lock of my hair cut off when I was a
baby is in it, and the ticket for pa's
watch is in it." — Los Angeles Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
Use the Bible as God would have us
use it. Read and digest its contents
and abide by its teachings. A small

file drawer will suffice for our per-
sonal property.

FRIDAY, JULY 16
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 2:10

FIT FOR MYSELF
I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able, as days go by,
Always to look myself in the eye.
I don't want to stand with the setting
sun,

And hate myself for the things I've
done.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
We can manage, for the most part,
to rid ourselves of undesirable
acquaintances but we cannot rid
ourselves of us. Best make of our-
selves someone fit with which to live.

SATURDAY, JULY 17
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
8:9

CRIME -BROKEN BOYS
AND GIRLS
"As a jurist who judges thousands
of crime-broken boys and girls each
year I know that religious interests
for young people are essential for
their moral welfare and future as
worthwhile American citizens.
Religion is necessary to the happiness
of American youth, but it is not
enough merely to send children to
church. Parents must attend church,
for the child inevitably follows the
examples set by its father and
mother."— Judge Hill, Presiding
Justice, N. Y. Juvenile Delinquency
Court

PRAYER THOUGHT
When a person tells us to do
something and refrains from doing it
themselves or vice versa, we wonder
if we should follow their advice or
their example.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

Editor's Note: Due to our policy of
printing only 50 issues of "The Free
Will Baptist" each year, there will be
no "Baptist" for next week and thus
no Family Fireside. Please use other
inspirational readings to continue
your family devotions.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

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16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIi

Vote the devil out of office.
Then perhaps devisiveness
will cease to ravage
relationships.

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

TO VOTE THE DEVIL OUT

Many persons complain about the devil's having an upper hand in society, in
church, and in the world in general. Yes, he does dwell in splendor where he should
never have been granted entrance to begin with. Some of the most "religious" of
places are his stomping grounds, and some of the most "Christian" of institutions
are his habitat. So far as the world is concerned, he owns it already (in a manner of
speaking), as he is acclaimed as the "Prince of This World."

Obviously, the devil needs ousting. Everyone (except his worshipers— those
who are in sympathy with or hold membership in the now popular churches of Satan)
will agree that the serpentine creature, which is symbolic of the deceiver, has
pestered mankind from the beginning of recorded history. It would seem that some of
our number enjoy his "pestering," for we do little to deter his advances and rather
encourage his "visits" and actually aid him in his destructive campaigns and ac-
tivities. Some of us convene with him readily— and eagerly— applauding his
"moderation," avidly promote his platform, and propagate his cause as though that
cause would solve all the problems of the world. Ironically, he has never solved a
problem; he has only added to already existing ones and created new ones to be
reckoned with. No one has ever had a greater problem than that which has been
provided by Satan; and Satan provides willingly and plenteously!

Satan urges a person to forgive with the tongue but not with the heart (as we
have suggested before), encouraging one to hold in his breast a tiny grudge that
grows steadily larger until it rules the person holding the grudge. Soon, the grudge is
so obvious that the person's face shows the ill effect of the harboring. Sharp words
become sharper still (if the person decides to speak at all). And, if the person
subscribes to the belief that silence is golden, the attitude accompanying the silence
tarnishes whatever "goldenness" there might be. Too, the holder of grudges (by
attitude and action) can turn the tide of opinion to the extent that an innocent person
suffers social and peer ostracism. As often as not, the person holding the grudge has
no real recollection as to what prompted the disfavor. Sometimes he feels that he just
"doesn't like So-and-So," but for the life of you (or himself) cannot give a good
reason (if indeed there ever is a good reason for disliking anyone). Disliking actions is
permissible, but disliking a person to the degree of hating is absolutely a sin, as the
Heavenly Father has made it clear that no one can boast of loving Him until he has
first loved his neighbor. The injunction to love one's neighbor as oneself is as
profound a command as Christ ever uttered, and on this command hinges so much;
still, men desist and act as though the Lord just made the remark in passing. But not
so!

The devil's keynote address, for the most part, is laced with the advice to "Load
your character-assassinating guns and set out to get whomever you can," "Hurt him
before he hurts you," "Pay him back if it's the last thing you ever do, ""Aim straight
and sure and 'do him in good,' " and "If he's done you wrong, make him suffer for
the rest of his life." What a "note" on which to get the diabolical convention moving!
What an evil arousal of unity and enthusiasm! Enthusiasm? Maybe. Unity?
Never— unless, of course, evil people combine forces to "do in" a person who for
some reason has fallen into the tentacles of disapproval. Of course, Christian unity
flies straight out the window at such an advance.

However strong and appealing a candidate, the devil doesn't deserve our vote.
(Certainly we should "give him his dues," but Christian people owe him nothing and
therefore should never boost his "morale" by adhering to evil principles and par-
ticipating in evil schemes.) "Resist the devil," we preach. "Draw nigh to him and
aid and abet him in his evil campaign," we practice. We cast our vote for him daily by
many of the things we think, say, and do. One thing is sure: If we are his delegates
(in both a collective and individual sense), we cannot represent the Father in Heaven.
This writer is far from being a model Christian; but if his advice is worth anything at

Continued on Page 15

Tommy Manning
Editor

JULY 21, 1976
> Volume 91 Number 2£

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee'
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mustl
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the J
publication date of that issue .

All subscriptions are payable in advance: on
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$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount!
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dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
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this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacrf
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarl
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin]
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasst
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

THE CHURCH: THE PEOPLE OF GOD

(Part 3)

by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

<="7HE Greek word usually translated
-^"church" is ecclesia. In the
Old Testament this word is used for a
meeting or gathering of people for a
purpose— an assembling. It refers to the
called-out ones; and in the New
Testament, it is the people of God.

Church means the people who have
been called by God and saved by His
grace. It does not refer to a building. In
fact early Christians probably did not
meet in "church buildings" as such, but
rather in public rented halls or more
probably in private homes as we will see
later in our study.
So New Testament believers never
J "went to church," rather they realized
1 they were the church. Now you may say,
"We know all that, tell us something
new. ' ' But do we know it with our minds
and hearts?

The New Testament uses various
symbols or figures to teach us truths
about the church. The people of God are
referred to as a building which sym-
bolizes a place where God lives, a body
which symbolizes the different parts of
the church working together, a bride
which indicates the union between Christ
^ and His glorified and pure church, as

mderf

;ties

branches which show us that the church
is to bear fruit, as a flock which indicates
the care we receive from God, and other
symbols which we do not have time to
discuss.

My point is that only people can fit all
seow these symbols. God's people can be the
° house of God, work together, be united
•4 to Christ, bear fruit, and receive care
from God. A physical building nor an
3|organization as such will not work.
The teaching that the church is people
rather than buildings is affirmed in
Chapter XV of our Statement of Faith and
Discipline which speaks of the church as
a body of believers.

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Unity

This truth leads us into something else
very important— the unity of all believers

— x u ■><

everywhere. Every Christian in the whole
world is a member of the church. The
church is one.

The basis for dividing up the church is
locality. The New Testament speaks of
the church of God at Corinth (2 Corin-
thians 1:1) or the churches of Galatia
(Galatians 1:2). It never speaks of
different kinds of churches in one city or
area because the church is one and it
cannot be divided if indeed it is based on
God who is one.

Too often we like to divide ourselves
up into premillennial, independent,
liberal, or conservative. Paul met this
problem in the church at Corinth. The
believers there were trying to divide up
on the basis of who taught them. Paul
told them they were based on Christ and
were therefore one (1 Corinthians 1:10-
13).

The only reason every Christian in the
whole world does not meet together in
one place for worship is that it is
physically impossible. Biblically we
should have divisions, but they should
be based on geographical locations, not
on anything else. Of course, I realize this
presents a problem, because in just
about every good size city in the United
States you have different kinds of
churches based on doctrinal or
denominational differences. Let's
consider this.

In light of what I have seen in the New
Testament I must say that I cannot find
denominations in the Bible. Does this
mean that I think we should disband all
that we have? Perhaps not. However, I
do say that we must, in light of God's
Word, realize that denominations are not
sacred. If anything, they are simply a
method which God has used to further
His work. So let us realize that
denominations are simply a way for
different churches to cooperate in the
Lord's work. They are not sacred.

Second, let us not be dogmatic to such
a degree that we fight over our Tightness
and everyone else's wrongness. Surely

our Statement of Faith and Discipline

contains doctrines which we feel are
more biblical than some other
denomination's. Yet we must recognize
our unity with Christians everywhere
even if they may be wrong on some
points of doctrine.

Let me make it clear that I am not
saying that every sect from Garner Ted
Armstrong to the now famous Moonies
are members of the true church of God
simply because they refer to Jesus. I am
referring to the born-again Christians
found all over this world who might
happen to be in any one of the many
mainline denominations and groups.

Also when I talk about the unity of
Christians everywhere I am not ad-
vocating the "ecumenical movement,"
known by most through the National
Council of Churches and the World
Council of Churches. I do not favor these
councils nor do I approve of their basic
goals. It seems to me that they are at-
tempting to achieve unity by
organizational methods when the only
real unity of believers is in the Spirit.
They are trying to do something in the
flesh which is already accomplished in
the Spirit.

All I am saying is that in reality
Christians everywhere are already
unified because they are saved and
sustained by the one true God and we
should attempt to practice this unity
which exists, not only for our sake and
peace of mind, but for the sake of the
world.

The unsaved world looks at us to see
what God is like and if we are divided and
fighting, then they are going to think that
God is pretty mixed up. If we reflect the
unity and love which flows from it, then
the world will get a more accurate picture
of what our wonderful Father is like.

Just think how all these different
denominations look to a nonbeliever,
especially if we are fighting each other.
No wonder the world sometimes has
such a warped conception of God. To
remedy this we should be eager to
explain to non-Christians that
denominations are simply a way for
churches who are alike in some ways to
cooperate; they are not divisions in the
body of Christ.

So the church, first of all, is people— a
people unified. Next week we will
conclude our discussion of The Church:
the People of God.

(Continued Next Issue)

PTIS'^THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE

E sat together in heavenly
places and glory filled our souls!
It all started Monday night, June 27 at
the General Youth Conference held at the
First Free Will Baptist Church, Durham,
North Carolina, with Stanley Slaughter as
master of ceremonies and Mrs. Charlotte
Griffin as youth chairman. Our souls
were thrilled as we watched and listened
in awe as eighteen young people
matched their minds and memories an-
swering questions from the Book of
Exodus. More often than not, as the quiz
master formed the first word of the
question, the light came on indicating the
correct answer. Many thanks and
blessings to these young people who
participated and congratulations to the
winners.

To close out the Youth Convention, a
young man from Durham, Jack Lassiter,
reminded us in his message that if we
are going to win the lost for the Lord, we
must love them.

The next morning, Tuesday, June 28,
we experienced the filling up of our
spiritual cups, and that afternoon time
was allowed for our spiritual cups to
overflow.

These great happenings took place at
the Woman's Auxiliary Convention with
Mrs. Margaret Ard, Pink Hill, North
Carolina, presiding.

Mrs. Rachel Duncan, president of the
North Carolina State Woman's Auxiliary
Convention, centered her devotion
around the second coming of Christ. She
inspired us to be ready, working, and
happy for the Lord will surely return.

The theme of the convention, "The
Imminent Return of Christ," and the
theme song, "I Wish We'd All Been
Ready, ' ' were interwoven throughout the
day's program.

The play, "Easter— The Beginning,"
by Nancy Matthews, was movingly
portrayed by a group of young people
from Pink Hill, North Carolina. In the
play, Maria Ard, with great sincerity and
conviction, showed us just how

by Mrs. Margaret Ard and
the Rev. J. B. Starnes

devastating and sad it will be for those
who are left behind when the Lord
returns for the church!

There was hardly a dry eye in the
congregation as we closed the morning
session with everyone singing, "Oh, the
King is coming, the King is coming, I just
heard the trumpet sounding and now His
face I see, Oh, the King is coming, the
King is coming, Praise, God, He's
coming for me!"

In the afternoon, after the business
was over, everyone was allowed to let his
spiritual cup overflow over and over
again through testimonies and special
singing. Many thanks to the local church
and the Griffin family for their special
music. After many tears, laughter, joy,
and praise we experienced a great love
toward each other and the world. We felt
cleaned and refreshed!

But there was much, much more in
store for us. The evening service of June
28 began the 1976 General Conference of
Original Free Will Baptists with the Rev.
J. B. Starnes as moderator.

After devotions by the Rev. John
Owens and inspiring music by the host
church, the Rev. Floyd Cherry again
challenged us with the Word of God from
the Book of Acts. He said that if Christ
had not gone up, then the Holy Spirit
could not have come in order that we
might fulfill the ministry of the church. At
the close of the message, many were
inspired to come to the altar and dedicate
their lives anew for the work of our Lord!

On Wednesday morning, June 30, the
conference moved to the Memorial
Auditorium, Raleigh, North Carolina.
There we were introduced to the Rev.
Bob Harrington of Bourbon Street, New
Orleans, with his red socks and red tie.
He explained that these represented the
blood of Jesus Christ who died for our
sins. Praise the Lord!

All during the day and evening, we
heard special music from The Beacons,
the combined choirs, the Rev. Arnold
Price of West Virginia, Payton Lee, and

others. Many thanks to Mrs. Charlotte
Griffin and Maria Ard, pianists; Mrs.
Sandra Powell, organist; and the Rev. M.
E. Cox, song director. It would be im-
possible to thank everyone who made
this conference a success, but God
knows who you are and He will do the
rewarding. Whoever you are, we say,
"Thank you."

By now we were having such a good
time in the conference that as this is
being written one feels impelled to say
"Amen. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah!"

In the Wednesday evening service, the
Rev. Bob Harrington challenged us to
"Five B's to Success." He said, "Be a
dreamer, a learner, a believer in oneself,
a planner, and a worker; with these and
God's help, how could one be a failure?"
He stressed that being saved is fun, and
that he was having a good time serving:
the Lord.

As the conference drew to a close Mr.
Harrington's final message came from 2;
Timothy, chapter three. He asked thei
question, "Where is America going?"5
He answered the question by stating,;
"America has (1) speed without
direction, (2) thrills without happiness,;
(3) houses without homes, and (4)'
religion without Christ."

Many came to the altar for various^
needs and reasons. We were made til
realize that with us all working together
and God on our side, we can change the
course of America. May God help us tc
do so!

Afterwards, Brother Harringtor
challenged us to help him pray for ten ol
the most influential men in America. Le
us not forget to do this. He then askec
that we write down our most pressinc
prayer need on a slip of paper. He prayec
for these needs, took them, anc
promised to continue praying for them.

And so ended our coming together ir
heavenly places, but the glory that fillet
our souls will linger on as a memorial t<
the great 1976 General Conference an(
our glorious God!

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Question: Please explain, "Whosoever
is born of God doth not commit sin; for
his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot
sin, because he is born of God" (1 John
3:9). Does this mean that a truly born-
again Christian cannot sin?

Answer: No; I do not believe that when
John wrote this verse under the guiding
influence of the Holy Spirit that he nor
the Holy Spirit meant to say that one truly
born again could not sin. However, we
admit in the very outset that this is one of
the more difficult Scriptures to interpret
correctly. And again we must be
reminded that no verse or other unit of
Scripture is interpreted fully correct
unless its interpretation is in harmony
with what any and all other passages of
Scripture have to say on the subject. A
Scripture cannot be in conflict with any
other Scripture; all the Bible must be
interpreted in a way that helps in in-
fluencing us to be more godly by our
knowing its correct meaning.

According to the old or original
Scofield Bible Notes, it helps in the
understanding of 1 John 3:9 when the
better rendering of this is given "doth
not practice sin" rather than or instead
of "doth not commit sin." Scofield's
suggestion here is in harmony with that
of Dr. P. B. Fitzwater, Dr. James M.
Gray, Kenneth H. Wuest, John G. Page,
and a flock of other noted and dedicated
biblical scholars too numerous to
mention.

All of us commit acts of sin. That is
one of the reasons for the admonition:
"If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in
us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to
ll| cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1
John 1:8,9).

The Bible seems to teach that when a
sinner experiences that transforming
power of the Holy Spirit, called by Jesus
in John 3:3, 5 as being born again and
being born of the Spirit, he is a new
creation, having the Holy Spirit to in-
fluence him more than the devil. Unless
or until he deliberately or willfully yields
to the devil and his angels, he is on the
Lord's side and is obeying or acting in
harmony with: ". . . if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the

4

blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin" (1 John 1 :7).

When he once obeys the evil spirits he
needs to confess and forsake his sin or
sins and be cleansed again in the blood
of our Saviour and acknowledge in praise
and gratitude what, under the power of
the Holy Spirit, he has received. This
process continues throughout the earthly
life of every Christian. That one who
became a new creation in Christ Jesus
needs to be on his guard all the time.

Paul writes, "Therefore if any man be
in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are
become new. And all things are of God,
who hath reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the
ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians
5:17, 18). The reason this is true of us is
that "For he hath made him to be sin for
us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him"
(2 Corinthians 5:21). The reason why
each and every true Christian is duty
bound to refrain from the deeds that filled
the old life of sin is as follows: "...
what concord hath Christ with Belial? or
what part hath he that believeth with an
infidel? And what agreement hath the
temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath
said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be my people. Wherefore come out
from among them, and be ye separate,
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you. And will be
a Father unto you, and ye shall be my
sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:15-18).
Positionally speaking, we are a separate
people from the world and need to keep
our walk or daily practice in line with our

position.

Here is what George H. Sandison says
in answering a similar question in his
book, 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered, on Page 191 :

"This question usually revolves about
the passage: 'Whosoever is born of God
doth not commit sin; for his seed
remaineth in him; and he cannot sin,
because he is born of God' (1 John 3:9).
As we have stated many times the whole
volume of Scripture must be taken
together in answering any question. Now
the whole message of the Bible seems to
be built upon the assumption that it is
possible for any one to sin. The temp-
tation of Christ seems to imply even he
could have yielded; otherwise temptation
would have no meaning. Paul said he
was conscious of the possibility of
becoming 'a castaway' (1 Corinthians
9:27). While this passage from John is
extremely difficult, we may, perhaps,
interpret it in this way— that while a
person is loving God he cannot sin. The
love must drop out of his consciousness
first. Righteousness means the desire
and effort to obey God; so that while we
are loving him we are not sinning. Sin is
'a wilful transgression of a known law';
and God does not account an act sinful
when we do it believing that it has his
approval. The way to keep from sinning
is to keep this love for God ever present
in our consciousness. While we have it
our deeds will not be sinful. But we may
at any time put it away, or allow our-
selves to lose it, and then we shall yield
to sin. A wilful sin means that one sins,
saying: 'I know that God does not wish
me to do this, but I am going to do it.'
And certainly it is not an extravagance of
language to say that while one is con-
scious of loving God he cannot say that. ' '

QAiswerira ^bur
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N C 28551

, |THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

'A Christian Home

for Boys and Girls"

free will baptist

children's 1

MIDDLESEX. NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

apnsr #i

honnef$

CHILDREN'S HOME BIRTHDAY
LIST

Below is the list of birthdays for the
children at the Children's Home in
Middlesex. It would be nice if you could
see fit to remember them on this im-
portant date of their lives.

January

Donnie Dement
Brenda Jones
* * Billy Thigpen
*Terry Faircloth
Sally Alford

February

*Randy Faircloth
Andy Anderson
Audrey Worley
Roger Worley
Rosa Lee Summerlin
Vickie Lee

March

Jeffrey Johnson
Angie Nichols
Donald Sasser
**Jenny Thigpen
Johnny Gay
Sherry Summerlin
Roy Speight

April

Betty J. McLawhorn
Bobby Bottoms
Dorothy Johnson
Margaret Dement

May

James Joyner
Todd Crawford
Delma Gay
Tim Pittman
Betty Worley
Debbie Sasser
'Claudius Elmore

14, 1965
14, 1969
18, 1971
20, 1958
22, 1960

3, 1957
7, 1970
7, 1965
21, 1964
23, 1967
26, 1962

1, 1966
6, 1965
11, 1964
15, 1972
18, 1962
23, 1969
26, 1964

15, 1958
15, 1960
20, 1970
23, 1966

5, 1969
8, 1965
11, 1963
15, 1960
30, 1968
30, 1961
31, 1955

June

Jesse Joyner 5, 1 970

Lucinda Rhodes 15, 1967

Johnny W. Hopkins 27,1969

July

Pam Ellis 4,1963

Jo Ann Anderson 8, 1 962

Jeffrey Lamm 8,1967

Janice Jones 9, 1 960

Randy Rhodes 15,1966

Mary Ann Lamm 21,1966

'Judy Warren 29,1957

Kenneth Jones 31,1966

August

Judy Carol Jones 3,1967

'KayHill 5,1957

Jackie Speight 5,1965

'Julia Woodard 14,1956

Bud Hill 24,1958

September

Ann Worley 2,1970

Dorothy Rhodes 5,1968

Mollie Garris 15,1965

Jimmy Speight 17, 1962

Donna Lee 30,1959

Kim Mills 30,1964

Tim Mills 30,1964

October

Travis Crawford 3, 1967

Brenda Garris 6,1959

Allen Johnson 7,1964

Mitch Joyner 20,1963

Linda Mills 26,1962

Julie King 28,1959

Tony Hill 31,1961

November

Louise Whitehurst 12,1965

Sandra Anderson 21,1960

'Ricky Faircloth 24,1955

Johnny Nichols 27,1962

December

Johnny Faircloth

1 , 1959

Debra Marlow

22, 1960

Donna Wilkers'on

24, 1967

Romona Hopkins

26, 1964

Cindy Webb

28, 1967

Dale Anderson

28, 1961

Stpvp IMirhoK

Q1 1 QCO

o i , i yoo

*College Students

""Community Based Group Home

A PLEA FOR CRAGMONT
FUNDS

Dear Friends:

Cragmont time for our children is here
and we have thirty children who want to
go, but we have one problem, money!

Each child will need $50 camp fee, $7
for the planned Carowinds trip, $3
picture and return money, plus any free
spending money for the canteen, etc.

Since we have only had $500 sent in
thus far for camp, we still need $1 ,500.

Pictured above are 21 of our children
as they eagerly await for the Cragmont
bus.

The children are excited about going to
camp and we just didn't have the heart to
tell them, "You can't go because we
don't have the money." The only thing
we knew to do was to take the money
from the general operating fund, let the
children go to Cragmont, and ask friends
like you to reimburse us.

What excitement as the children board-
ed the bus!

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Will you sponsor one or maybe two
children to go to Cragmont? If not, we
would appreciate any amount you could
send. Make your check payable to the
Free Will Baptist Children's Home and
earmark it tor "Cragmont fee."

We are depending on you and are
confident that you won't let us down.

Please continue to pray for us as we
labor for our Master.

In His service,

Sam and Gladys Weeks

Directors

WANTED. . . .

An old van or pickup truck to be used
as a maintenance vehicle by the
Children's Home. We only ask that it be
in running condition. We are not
planning to put it on the highway, it will
be used just on the Children's Home
campus. Anyone desiring to donate such
a vehicle, please call the executive
director at 235-4079, Middlesex.

Scriptural basis: "... this man, after
18 \ he had offered one sacrifice for sins for
10 ; ever, sat down on the right hand of God"

? (Hebrews 10:12). (See also Romans 6:3-

I 11 and Hebrews 9:28.)

«l

f I MET MY LORD AT

is CALVARY

Please take the time now to read
f Romans 6:3-11 ten times today. Wait
> | until tomorrow and reread the same
J | passage ten times again. After you have

done this proceed to read the following

message:

Jesus Christ, God's Son, made one
sacrifice for the sins of the world. He will
\ never again offer Himself for a sacrifice.

I God the Father will make no other
I sacrifice for sin. Calvary was the only
i place, Jesus was the only offering for
I sin, and God made His offering a one
H shot deal capable of redeeming the whole
world. If you miss Calvary there is no

A THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

other time, place, or offering available.
However, God's grace permits you now
to go back to Calvary and meet God's
requirements and be saved. There is
hope for you, but you should not put this
opportunity off any longer. "Like-
wise reckon ye also yourselves to
be dead indeed unto sin, but alive
unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord"
(Romans 6:11). Calvary is the one place,
and until you meet the Lord at Calvary,
you are dead in trespasses and in sins.

There are four things I want to discuss
briefly at this point. All of these tend to
bond our union with Christ. Union with
Christ in these four ways brings the gift
of God which is eternal life.

First, we are to meet Christ at
Calvary. We must realize that sin's
penalty is death and that Christ died to
take our place. We will die physically but
Jesus makes it possible for us to rise
again and to live forever. Jesus put His
life on the line for us and He expects us
to put our lives on the line for Him. We
cannot be buried with Christ until we die;
and we cannot rise from the dead until
we die and are buried. When we die with
Christ, we bury ourselves by leaving off
all sin. Then we can rise with Christ to a
new life in Him. Sin is a transgression of
the Law of God. The Bible is a proclaimer
of the Law of God. The Bible also shows
us how that by the power of God's Word
we are saved.

First, physical death is not the end for
us, but it is the end of all activities in the
flesh. Dying with Christ means the
cessation of the former life in sins. With
these four things emerge the following:
(1) We are no longer under bondage of
sin; (2) we are no longer condemned; (3)
we no longer are under the guilt of sin;
(4) all former attitudes are passed away.
We have a new concept of God, a new
outlook on the world, and a new hope in
Christ.

Second, when we meet the Lord at
Calvary we die to self and to all selfish
things; we are buried with Him and we
are resurrected with Him. We become
new creatures in Christ now, and later
we will be transformed so as to be like
Him in His glorified form. We are no more
related to sin because of our relationship
with Christ.

Third, a person has to die and be
buried to be resurrected from among the
dead. Because we trust in Christ and His
atonement and depend upon Him for

salvation, we become "new creatures in
Christ Jesus." That is what happens to
us when we are born again. A new babe
in Christ needs the sincere "milk of the
Word"; later as he grows up in the Lord,
he will desire the sincere "meat of the
Word."

Fourth, union with Christ means
"walking with Christ." If we walk with
Him we will be in agreement with Him
and will honor Him in wisdom for all our
decisions. He provides for us every
necessity and gives us faith in every
temptation. These acts will unite us with
Christ, make us new creatures, and give
us hope.

A MESSAGE TO YOU,
MY TEENAGE FRIEND

by Bass M. Mitchell
Wilson, North Carolina

First, I want to say to you parents,
with teenage sons and daughters, please
read what I'm about to write and then
ask your children to read it. I dare say
that you are unaware of just what is
going on at the high schools that your
children are going to.

I remember back yesterday to my high
school days. Faces of some of my
classmates come to mind. A tenth grade
girl who had heard her girlfriends talking
about how great having an affair with a
guy is decided to find out for herself. She
became pregnant and had an abor-
tion—a tenth grader with a scar that will
remain with her the rest of her life. Other
faces come to mind: boys getting girls
pregnant, girls running off with men
(some married), and cohabiting for
awhile. Boys getting so deep into drugs
and trouble of all kinds that soon it was
too late. Some taking overdoses,
destroying their previous lives, and some
had run away from home.

I do not blame the teachers and
administration of the high schools for
such things as these; although I feel that
if some teachers and officials of our
schools were more concerned personally
with the students, maybe things would
be a little better. No, I do not blame the
teachers or others, I feel a great sense of
guilt myself.

Listen, Christian teenager, when I was
in high school I was a professed
Christian. Jesus Christ I praised and
Continued on Page 14

7

)

MISSIONS

A story in word and picture of

BUILDING THE LORD'S HOUSE

by Wayne King, Missionary to the Philippines

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; ... Go up to the mountain,
and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure
in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD" (Haggai 1 :7, 8).

It is always thrilling to see God bless and increase the local
church to the point where it becomes necessary to rebuild the
sanctuary in order to accommodate the added number of
believers. And it is equally gratifying to see God's people rise
up in faith, make the necessary sacrifices, and do whatever
needs to be done in the worshipful service of the Lord.

The Free Will Baptist congregation in the barrio of Tamnao
had been enjoying great blessings and growth from the Lord.
Consequently the old church building was becoming in-
creasingly small and overcrowded. The pastor and the
members talked the matter over and decided that a larger
chapel was definitely needed.

This picture, made in October, 1975, shows the new church getting off to a good
start. One can see that a great deal more needs to be done.

Now the believers in Tamnao are for the most part poor
people. It would be expensive to build a new church, even if
they made use of the native building materials found in the
nearby mountains and forests. But they agreed to begin by
faith and to build as much as the available funds would allow.
The members themselves would do the work.

But a very important decision had to be settled first: Where
would the new building be located? On the site of the former
church or in a completely new location? It was finally decided
that it perhaps would be best to move to a new location— a
quieter one, away from all the noises and disturbances which
had plagued them on the old site.

To many of their non-Christian neighbors, Sunday morning
seemed to be a particularly good time to play their radio-phonos
at full volume. Consequently, the Free Will Baptist brethren
found it very difficult at times to hear what the pastor was
saying as he stood before them to preach. But that wasn't all!
Drinking is the favorite pastime of many Filipino men and on
the weekends many of them are already drunk by eight o'clock

in the morning. So, many times as the believers met for
worship they were bothered and disturbed by the drunkards
who were passing on the nearby path outside. A place where
God could quietly and reverently be worshiped was definitely
needed.

A site was chosen about 330 yards from the former location.
It was on a high plot of ground near the seashore and away
from the hustle and bustle of barrio life. Here they would build
the new church.

Interior of the new church, showing part of the roof on, and two members of the

church busy at work.

The work was very modestly begun on March 14, 1975. The
members went to the mountains and gathered the materials.
The side walls of the building would be made of woven coconut
leaves, while the roofing would be made of tied bundles of
cogon grass (a straw-like grass that grows to be several feet
high) and nipa thatch (palm leaves sewn together). Con-
structed properly, these simple materials would provide very
adequate protection from the sun and the rain. The frame of the
building would be made from large, upright posts and two-by-
fours.

Before the building would be completed, the members would
have pooled their talents and abilities and contributed many
different kinds of labor on the Lord's house. Some would clear
the plot of ground of the undergrowth and bushes; others
would saw trees. Some would weave coconut leaves together
for the sides; some would sew the nipa thatch for the roof. A
few would be required to do the nailing; others would lay the
roofing. And while they all worked hard, the good women of the
church prepared delicious foods for the laborers. It was a time
of mutual helping and cooperation— a time of fellowship and
enjoyment in working together with fellow Christians for the
Lord.

The work progressed, sometimes faster than at other times.
At times additional funds were needed, or materials were not as
readily available, or the rainy season was on, or the members

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

jwere busy in their fields. But they worked whenever they
could, and work days were called, once or twice a week on
'many occasions. Sometimes they had to wait until the offerings
iwere sufficient to buy more materials. But at last, as April,
11976, drew to a close, the building was almost ready for use.
iMay 9 was set as the day of dedication.

\ Here you see the Rev. Lorenzo dela Rosa throwing bundles of cogon grass up to
he other workers. These will be laid down and will serve as the roofing.

Deborah and I had received a special invitation from the
astor, Rev. Pio dela Rosa, and all the members of Tamnao to
ome. We were looking forward to the occasion and made it a
pecial point to be there. In the Sunday school that morning
|eborah gave an illustrated talk for children and adults alike,
is she taught, the people watched and listened attentively,
ext, the pastor's brother, the Rev. Lorenzo dela Rosa,
jrought a short message and then we moved on into the
Worship service. I was invited to bring the message that

1,1 lorning and I preached my first sermon in Tagalog! I guess I
ias reading more than I was preaching, but at least it was a

l6 tart! And how good it was to deliver a message to the people in

, leir own language, rather than having it interpreted from

\ 'nglish!

jl Something special had been planned for the noon hour,
jl jince this was the dedication day of the church, the members
„. Wanted it to be a day of celebration as well, so they prepared
™ )r a big feast! Most of the members gave a special offering
|( Ifith which to buy a pig, soft drinks, plenty of rice, and other
J )ods for the noon meal. They also rented a sound system for
mplifying the dedication services. It was estimated that
U pproximately 500 people joined in the fellowship that day,
v deluding Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, and other
J( bligious groups. It was a time greatly enjoyed by all.

is : After everyone had eaten and a little time allowed for the
« ifternoon siesta, the people gathered back at the church for the
I ctual dedication services. After the usual time for prayer and
m inging, I had the privilege of bringing the dedication sermon.
k he text was Haggai 1 : 2-1 4. This was delivered in English and
At Irother Lorenzo dela Rosa interpreted for me.
id Then Lorenzo led the congregation in the dedicatory
k! psponse and Brother Pio offered the dedicatory prayer. The
astor commended his people for a job well-done for the Lord,
is rid the service closed on a very happy note as the people
ji ssembled outside for a group snapshot so that a pictorial
us aminder of the day might be preserved. The pastor and the

members were very glad and grateful for all the Lord had done
for them.

This is the group of church members attending the afternoon church dedication
service. The name over the door is "Free Will Baptist Church." Notice the number
of children.

The Free Will Baptist Church at Tamnao now has a fine
building to assemble in for worship. The chapel is ap-
proximately thirty-seven feet long and seventeen feet wide. It is
twenty-three feet high from the floor to the highest point of the
roof. The present building is about twice as large as the old one
and will accommodate about 140 people. There are still a
number of finishing touches that the members hope to put on
their new chapel, like pouring a concrete floor and providing
nicer seats. But until they do, they still have a very wonderful
place in which to worship the Lord.

This is an inside picture of those present at Tamnao Free Will Baptist Church for

the morning worship service on Dedication Day. As our children would do, some
wanted to wave at the camera.

The Tamnao church and its pastor, the Rev. Pio dela Rosa,
are to be commended for these fine efforts. One of the most
encouraging things about any church is to see the members
"stand on their own feet." Without any outside funds and
without any outside help, these faithful Christians built their
own church building with the help of the Lord. Without this
kind of spirit, a church can never become strong. May God give
us many more congregations armed with this kind of spirit and
this kind of faith.

SI ^HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

NEWSX
NOTES

Installation and Award Service
At Little Rock Church

In February, 1976, the Little Rock
Free Will Baptist Church at Lucama held
a dedication service for its Sunday school
teacher and officers, officers for the
woman's general auxiliary (composed of
four circles), and the awarding of perfect
attendance pins for the Sunday school.
This was an installation service held
during a morning worship hour. (The
reason for the late printing is due to the
fact that the pictures were misplaced
somewhere between the developer and
the church office.) The Rev. DeWayne
Eakes is pastor of the church.

Auxiliary officers, back row, left to right: Irene
Rose, Esther Mae Barnes, Frances Holland, Shirley
Ballance, and Esther Pennington. First row: Margaret
Kirby and Ruby Currie. Not pictured were Carolyn
Eakes, Ruth Pittman, and Geraldine Lamm.

Church officers and teachers, front row, left to
right: Doris Godwin, Peggy Pope, Faye Ballance,
Margaret Kirby, and Besty Redding. Second row:
Frances Holland, Olive Jones, Irene Rose, Shirley

Ballance, and Esther Pennington. Back row: Dennis
Currie, Eddie Joyner, and Jerry Godwin. Not pictured
were Ricky Harn, superintendent, Kathleen Beamon,
Pearl Hayes, David and Linda Pittman, Vickie Ellis,
Peggy Lamm, Doris West, Terry Davis, Ann Little,
Kitty Barnes, and Diane Watson.

Sunday school perfect attendance awards for the

year ranged from one year to twenty-six years. They
were as follows, front row, left to right: Sean Barnes,
Keven and Keith Boswell, and Bob West. Second row:
Katrina and Danny Barnes, Amanda and Tammy
Ballance, and Teresa Bass. Back row: Margie Turner,
Luther and Callie Taylor, Susan Beamon, and Jeanette
Barnes. Some others who received awards were not
present when the picture was taken.

Children's Home Superintendent
Ordained as a Minister

The Rev. Sam Weeks, superintendent
of the Free Will Baptist Children's Home
at Middlesex, was ordained as a Free
Will Baptist minister, Tuesday evening,
July 20, at his home church, Holly
Spring, of Newport. The service was
held at eight o'clock, officiated by the
Ministerial Examining Board of the
Eastern Conference.

Calvary Auxiliary Honors
1976 Graduates

The Woman's Auxiliary of Calvary Free
Will Baptist Church, Wilson, honored the
church's high school and college
graduates Sunday, June 6. To each high
school graduate a Bible was presented
and to the college graduates an ap-
propriate gift was given.

Those honored were as follows:
Wanda Morgan, Terry Langley, Judy
Clifton, and Terry Barnes, graduates of

Fike High School. College graduate*
were Betsy Pittman, Mount Olive College
Nannie Murray, Atlantic. Christiar
College; and' Tom Pittman, Wayne
Community College.

Davie Brinson Assumes Pastorate
Of First Church, Greenville

The Rev. Davie Brinson assumed the
pastorate of the First Free Will Baptiss
Church of Greenville the first of July. Hi
and Mrs. Brinson have three children^
Jeanne "Lynne," David Alan, ano
Michael Todd. Mr. Brinson comes to th<t
Greenville church after having served as
director of religion at the Free Will Baptisl
Children's Home at Middlesex. He has
also pastored the Arapahoe Free Wilf
Baptist Church, the Saint Mary's Fret
Will Baptist Church of Kenly, and thd
Stony Hill Free Will Baptist Church o]
Middlesex.

Mr. Brinson is a graduate of thii
Universal Bible College, Carolina Biblij
Institute, and the Daniels Chapel Biblij
Institute. He also attended Mount OlivJ
College.

The church members, along with Mr
Brinson , invite everyone to come by am I
visit with them.

"Red, White, and Blue Day"
At Calvary Church, Wilson

A bicentennial service, "Red, White
and Blue Day," was held Sunday x Jul
4, at the Calvary Free Will Baptis
Church, Corner of Deans and Woodan
Streets, Wilson. Old-fashioned clothinr
was worn by some and an old-fashionei
picnic was served on the church ground:
following the morning worship service.
Continued on Page 15

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

SUNDAY, JULY 25
j Scripture Reading— Job 11 : 7

DIVINE COMPANIONSHIP
j Man is the greatest marvel in the
universe. Not because his heart beats
|forty million times a year, driving the
blood stream a distance of over sixty
thousand miles in that time; not
because of the wonderful mechanism
pf eye and ear; not because of his
conquest over disease and the
lengthening of human life; not
because of the unique qualities of his
jjbiind, but because he may walk and
talk with God. —Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
1 The gift of life is the most precious

1';i/t of all. Let us not waste the things
hat God has given us.

MONDAY, JULY 26
tis| Scripture Reading— Romans 8 : 28

OCCUPIED WITH OR FOR HIM?
•J Weary, anxious, and burdened with
toil,

Martha is serving a meal for her
Lord;

Mary, with love that no doubt can
despoil,

Eagerly feedeth her soul on His word.
If Food for the body sustains for a day,
Food for the spirit will nourish alway.

-Melvin J.Hill

PRAYER THOUGHT
We need the nourishment provided
>y God's Holy Word. It is meat and
Irink for our souls which will wither
md die when we cease to love and live
?or God.

TUESDAY, JULY 27
Scripture Reading— Psalm 100:5

IN UNCONSCIOUS WAYS
Jot merely in the words you say,
Not merely in the deed confessed,
Jut in the most unconscious way
Is Christ confessed.

For me, 'twas not the truth you
taught,

To you, so clear, to me so dim,
But when you came to me you brought
A sense of Him.

And from your eyes He beckons me,
And from your heart His love is
shed,

Till I lose sight of you— and see
The Christ instead.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Seeing Christ in someone is a
wonderful experience. We need to see
more of Christ's attributes in those
around us to feel loved and secure.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28
Scripture Reading— Acts 24 : 16

CONSCIENCE

An Indian's definition of con-
science, given by a missionary, is not
only amusing but very significant :

"It is a little three-cornered thing
inside of me. When I do wrong it turns
round and hurts me very much. But if
I keep on doing wrong, it will turn so
much that the corners become worn
off and it does not hurt me any
more." — It Is Hard to Be a Christian

PRAYER THOUGHT
May we be ever mindful that we do
not become lax in our fortification
against sin. We can become very at
ease and often quite pleased with our
misconduct.

THURSDAY, JULY 29
Scripture Reading— John 7 : 24

DON'T RUN

As an old minister, five years in my
first pastorate and forty-one in the
second, I would pass on an en-
couraging hint to younger brethren. I
left my first pastorate scared away by
criticism, afterwards to learn the
noise had all been made by one man.
One man in a church, community, or
organization, may by loud and per-
sistent effort create the impression
that matters are all wrong and that
everybody is demanding a remedy;
which puts me in mind of the old story
about the ' 'frog farm. ' '

A farmer advertised a "frog farm"
for sale, claiming that he had a pond
that was thoroughly stocked with fine
bullfrogs.

A prospective buyer appeared and
was taken late one warm evening to
the pond that he might hear the frogs.

The "music" made so favorable an
impression on the buyer that the sale
was made.

Soon afterward the purchaser
proceeded to drain the pond in order
to catch and market the frogs. To his
surprise, when the water was drained
out of the pond, he found that all the
noise had been made by one old
bullfrog. -G. B. F. Hallock

PRAYER THOUGHT
Make sure we are not like the bull-
frog, making a mighty noice over noth-
ing and misrepresenting situations.

FRIDAY, JULY 30
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 10:36

THE LORD HATH BLESSED!
When our soul is much discouraged

By the roughness of the way,
And the cross we have to carry

Seemeth heavier every day ;
When some cloud that overshadows

Hides our Father's face from view,
O 'tis well then to remember

He has blessed us hitherto.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Since God has greatly blessed us in
the past, why should He stop now?

SATURDAY, JULY 31
Scripture Reading— Acts 1 : 11

BE READY
Will it be as day is dawning

And the world with beauty wakes,
When we feel and breathe the
sweetness

Of the morning as it breaks?
Will it be, perhaps, at noontime

As we work and life runs high,
While the sun in brightest banner

Shineth forth in midday sky?

Will it be in fading twilight,

When the day its course has run,
That He'll send to us as herald

Heaven's orb the setting sun?
Be it morning, noon or evening

Neither day nor hour we know;
Only let us all be ready,

When He comes, with Him to go.

— Earnest O. Sellers

PRAYER THOUGHT
It behooves us as Christians to be
ready at all times for the second
coming of our Lord. We have no way
of knowing the hour Jesus will return
to gather His flock.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

^ JHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For August 1

TRANSLATING THE SCRIPTURES

Lesson Text: Acts 8:26-39
Memory Verse: Habakkuk 2:2

I. INTRODUCTION

From the very beginning of man's
history means have been supplied for the
preservation of God's Word. In the days
of the patriarchs the Word was com-
mitted to memory and passed on from
parent to offspring, in the time of Moses
the covenant of the Lord was committed
to written form. The Ten Com-
mandments, which constituted the heart
and soul of that covenant, were engraved
upon tablets of stone and preserved in
the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of
Holies. Various methods of preservation
and reminders were used by the rank
and file of Israel, so that the Word of the
Lord would be available to them at all
times.

When Israel became a nation of
dispersion, it became necessary for
these dispersed people to have the Word
of God in a language which they could
understand; thus the Greek translation,
known as the Septuagint, came into
existence. After the establishment of the
Christian church, and especially after
Rome became the center of its ministry,
various Latin translations came into
existence. Jerome, a great Hebrew and
Greek scholar, at the suggestion of Pope
Damascus 1, brought the Latin Vulgate
into existence. This translation remained
as the official Bible of the church from
the time of its publication until after the
Reformation and the advent of printing.

Many English versions of the Bible and
some German versions came into
existence but it was the King James, or
Authorized Version, that became the
mainstay of the English speaking world.
Though many other versions possessing
simplicity of expression and depth of
insight have come into existence in the
last several years, none of them have
ever been able to maintain the popularity
of the King James Version.— The Senior
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

Because of space we can do no more
than mention some of the interesting
translations of the Scripture from the
beginning to the present time:

A. The Septuagint is the translation
of the Old Testament from the original
language into Greek by seventy-two

Palestinian Jews in the third century
B. C.

B. The Latin Vulgate was prepared
by Jerome in the fourth century and
considered the authorized version of the
Roman Catholic Church.

C. The Myles Coverdale Bible was
the first complete Bible to be printed in
the English language. There had been
others who had translated and printed
parts of the Bible, but this was the first
complete translation printed in English.

D. In 1611 The King James Version
was issued by King James of England.
The work was done by a group of
scholars appointed by him.

E. The Revised Standard Version
was published in 1952. The New
Testaments had been published in 1948,
but it was not until 1952 that the whole
Bible was issued.

Since 1952 many versions of the
Scripture have been published. There is
no doubt that some of them are good and
true translations, but others do not
appear to be true to the original and
should be carefully avoided by God's
people today.— The Bible Teacher
(F.W.B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Second Corinthians 3:3 says "Ye
are manifestly declared to be the epistle
of Christ ministered by us, written not
with ink, but with the Spirit of the living
God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy
tables of the heart."

Every Christian, whether he wishes it
or not, is a good or bad advertisement for
Christianity. His life is a living language
that, when read by others, either
confuses them or leads them to a
confrontation and confession of the
Christ.

A group of young men preparing for
the ministry were having one of their
regular dorm sessions. On this night the

question of conversion arose, and they
began to discuss the factors that had led
them to Christ and into the ministry. One
young man, when asked how he had first
come into contact with the Word of God,
replied, "My first contact was not with
the Word of God itself, but with a life in
which that Word had found firm lodging.
I was very impressed with the kind of;
person this man was before I learned
what had made him that way. I was led to
the life-giving Word from that life filled .
with the Word."

It may be that the greatest handicap to \
the gospel of Christ is the confusion
between the language that is spoken and:1
the language that is communicated:
through the life. Let us make certain that
when others read our lives they see the f
Christ as living and speaking through our
own actions.— Standard Lesson Com-'
mentary

B. The writer knew a woman im
Nashville, Tennessee, who could quote?
accurately many whole chapters in the*
Bible but who seldom ever attended^
church. In fact, she did not even profess;
to be a Christian. One wonders what*
good all this amazing retention did her. [
The message of the Bible must be un-j
derstood before it can benefit the reader
or the hearer. This does not mean that (
the entire Bible must be understood, for [
no one can achieve this. The fact of so*
many different religious denominations,
and sects is proof of that. But enough of;
the Bible can be understood that a
person can know how to be saved and
how to live the Christian life acceptably to j
God.

No passage or story in the Bible better
illustrates this fact than the one we have
for our lesson today. It is a classic
example of how the Holy Spirit works on
both the seeker and the teacher to
accomplish His purpose.— The Bible
Student (F. W. B.)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Mount >I+ImC
Olive College

A LETTER TO MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

(The following letter was written by Mrs. Theretha McLamb,
J 1976 graduate of Mount Olive College, to a personal friend on
Jpe College staff. The College would like to share with you the
.apoughts of a Free Will Baptist whose dream was to go to
iollege. This is a tribute to the Free Will Baptist people who
made it possible. Below are excerpts of the letter written June
h, 1976.)

)ear Dianne,

I When it comes to talking "Mount Olive College's" value and
jmat it means to Free Will Baptists, there is much to be said.
;|| Education has always been important to me and I am very
Jpuch interested in always learning. This keeps me alert and
Jj'live— not rusty and stale. My father and mother were not
li/ealthy so they talked to us children as we grew up about how

Important it was to get an education.
On May 27, 1938, I graduated as valedictorian of my class
wnd wanted very much to go to college; but due to my father not
Ifeing able financially to send me, I just waited on the Lord. By
Ibith I waited, worked, and listened for the voice of the Lord
'I nd felt one day a way would be made possible.
)j| Some 38 years later Mount Olive College made it possible for
ipe to accept the honor of shaking Dr. Raper's hand and
Ipceiving an Associate in Arts degree. I praise God and thank
ilr. Raper for what has been made possible in my life,
llowever, I cannot forget the "Free Will Baptist" people and
ilriends of the College for an institution such as ours and what it
ijitands for in higher learning and Christian training.
m Many years ago, when the executive committee held a
ilneeting at the First Free Will Baptist Church (now burned) in
Ijioldsboro, I attended this important meeting. Mrs. Dola Dudley
mas on this committee and she invited me to ride with her. This
•was very important to us and we talked about the importance of
i/lount Allen College (now Mount Olive College) becoming a
leality nearby.

ii| During the Christmas holidays of 1973 and early January,
1974, I saw Dr. Raper and we had a nice conversation about
■he College program and from this a dream came true. I
lliscussed with him how I had always been a faithful supporter,
'lot so much in money, but had always worked for the College,
"■several times I have served on the benefit dinner committee,

serving as chairman for a number of years.
'1 Back in 1957, on the fifth Sunday in January, Dr. Raper
! j.poke at my home church about the College. That day we made
]l|ur first pledge. This was not much but we prayed for support
f ind thanked the Lord for the College.

i biE FREE WILL BAPTIST

We praise the Lord for a man like the president of our
College. Dr. Raper has meant much to me and to many other
people. The faculty members are a concerned people over the
students, and I want to say that I appreciate each of them and
all the staff.

My earnest and sincere prayer is that God will continue to
bless the College and all who have helped me walk this path
and reach the goal that I set out to achieve. Pray for me that I
may always represent the College, but most of all that I
represent Jesus Christ as a Christian should.

Your sincere friend,
Theretha McLamb

Pictured above is Mrs. Theretha McLamb as she appeared in her 1976
graduation gown this past May. She is the wife of Mr. Thomas McLamb and they
reside in Clinton. She is a member of the Hillsberry Free Will Baptist Church.

13

/

stony corner

Pong ago in
o*- of Long ville there lived a
a herd of giraffes. These animals were a
spectacular breed. Each one had a short
neck with onyx jewels on their orange
silk clothing. These giraffes were most
splendid in deed and looks.

The personality of each herd member
was as different as night and day. Some
were kind, others loving, and most were
very hard workers. We are concerned
with another type— the lazy one. Well,
everyone knows that laziness in a giraffe
is a great sin. He is looked down on by
the entire herd as a nobody.

Herman was lazy. Everyone knew he
got it from his dad. They were two of a
kind. Neither did anything all day long.
Only the Lord knows how they had
survived this long.

In 528 B.C. a great famine spread
throught the lands; no place was spared,
not even Longville. Herman and his dad
watched their food quickly vanish. The
entire town was in dire need of food.
Herman watched as his father lay dying.

"Son," whispered the dying giraffe,
"find a way to save the town."

Following Herman's grief and sorrow,
he went to his favorite thinking area. He
sat on his boulder and began to ponder
the situation. Hethoughtand thought, but
nothing came to mind. He began to pray,
something he had almost forgotten how
to do.

"Oh, Lord, our land is in need of your
help. Please help us and guide us,"
Herman prayed earnestly.

Herman was so excited about this new
experience that he sprang up with a
tremendous leap which caused him to
soar a mile into the sky. The trip back to
earth caused a great and wonderful
change.

As Herman ran back into town, his
friends gasped and stared. Why,
Herman's legs and neck had stretched.

THE SALVATION OF HERMAN

by Donna Glisson
Free Will Baptist Children's Home
Middlesex, North Carolina
the rustic city

He could reach into the tallest trees
without any help from his friends. (You
see they had no ladders.) He could save
his community. Herman gathered all the
leaves the animals could eat. There was
no limit to his ability for reaching.

When God looked down and saw the
good work that Herman was finally
doing, He decided to bestow an honor on
Herman.

"From this day forward all giraffes will
be born with long, slender necks and
long, graceful legs," proclaimed God.
And so it was.

Now the giraffe has no fear of famine
unless man destroys the trees and
vegetation on which he feeds.

NOTE OF THANKS

I would like to take this method 1
thank all my friends who prayed for mt
sent get well cards, and sent the mo:
beautiful bouquets of flowers I have evt
seen during my recent illness.

I would like to give a special "Than
you" to the Fellowship Free Will Bapti
Church of Wilson and the Sunday Schoi
of Union Grove Free Will Baptist Churcf
Route 2, Fremont, whom the Lord saw f
to put in their hearts to take up a lov
offering for me to help with my financi;
needs. I greatly appreciate the
thoughtful consideration.

Please continue to pray for me. Ml
doctor tells me that I have sever;
complications and will need mor
surgery as soon as my system is read
for it.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Earl Minchew
P. 0. Box 656
Fremont, N. C. 27831

A Message . . .

Continued from Page 7
proclaimed wnen I was at church. Bu,
when I got to school I didn't boast s
much; as a matter of fact, not at all. Tm
tragic thing about it all is I could hav-
reached some of my friends; I could hav
gotten through to them before the'
shattered their lives. I might could hav
reached that girl or boy and shared witl'
them my Christ, my precious Lord. But!
didn't. I who had proclaimed Christ si
loud at church, I who had vowed to livi
my life using His as my pattern, sat ii
darkness when I could have reflected Hi
light to their pathways.

My dear Christian teenager, I beg yoi
not to do as I did. You are in a unique
situation and you'll soon be past i
forever. If Christ means so much to you
if you proclaim to have found the joy anc
peace that the world is looking for, ther
is it not worth sharing? Give to that frienc
whom you know needs Christ. Shan
what He has done for you and just maybt
you will save much anguish, pain, anc
sorrow in the lives of your friends,
would be tragic, would it not, if
scientist discovered a cure for cancel
and didn't share it and save the lives o
thousands? That would be so cruel! It's
even more tragic and cruel to possess
God's soul and life-healing love and nol
share it. If they do not see His love in
you, how will they ever see it?

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTISH

Churches and Ministers
Available

Note: This column is provided, when needed
or any church that is seeking a pastor and for
Iny minister who is seeking a church to serve
.nd would like to give such notice. Please send
>ie necessary information to the editor of "The
■ree Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
;sues only.)

' The Gum Neck Free Will Baptist
Church is in need of a full-time pastor.
jUny qualified minister interested in
serving this church please contact W.
David Cahoon by phoning 793-5671; or
Dy writing Charles Cahoon at Route 1,
Columbia, North Carolina 27927.

' The Rev. Noah Brown announces that
1e is available for pastoral work. Any
:hurch interested in his services may
contact him by writing Route 1 , Box 608-
p, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557;
>r telephoning, 726-4218.

i The Sidney Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 2, Belhaven, North Carolina, is
seeking a dedicated, full-time pastor to
iive in the community and service the
;hurch. Any minister, after praying
about this and feels that God would have
nim work with this church, please
;ontact Mr. Frank Daw, Route 1, Box
126, Pinetown, North Carolina, 27835;
3r telephone, 964-4856.

COMING EVENTS . . .

July 1 2-23— Two Week Summer Session
of the Carolina Bible Institute, Pine
Level Free Will Baptist Church, Pine
Level, North Carolina, Each Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Evenings

\ugust 2-4— Ministers' Institute, Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina

\ugust 20, 21 — Piedmont Conference,
Mount Olive Free Will Baptist
Church, Kannapolis, North Carolina

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

MINISTER IN HOSPITAL

The Rev. E. C. Morris of Walstonburg

s a patient in the Wilson Memorial

Hospital, Room 363, Wilson, North

Carolina 27893. He, along with Mrs.

Morris, requests your prayers for his
speedy recovery.

CRAG MONT NEWS

The conference weeks of Cragmont
have gotten off to a good start. During
the week of June 14-19 we hosted the
General Youth Conference, directed by
the Rev. John Williams. There was atotal
of 114 campers that week. During the
next week, June 21-24, we happily
hosted the Ministers' Conference,
directed by the Rev. David Charles
Hansley. We had been told that this
would be our hardest week; however, we
found it to be a most enjoyable con-
ference.

Also we had a weekend group to camp
with us on June 25-27. This was a group
of 50 people from three churches: Tee's
Chapel, Yelverton's Grove, and Pine
Level. It seemed they all had a blessed
time together.

We are enjoying our stay at Cragmont
as managers so far this summer.
Everyone who has visited the camp has
graciously understood as we made our
mistakes. Continue to pray for us and for
God's work at Cragmont.

In His service,

Rev. & Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

News and Notes

Continued from Page 10
For the morning service Certificates of
Attendance and the Liberty Bell,
"Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the
Land," were inserted in the bulletins by
the pastor and his wife, the Rev. and
Mrs. Dewey C. Boling. Also, the youth of
the church received a bicentennial
souvenir. Songs relating to the country's
freedom were sung during the day's
activities.

During the evening service, a surprise
program was presented by the youth of
the church and their leaders. Everyone
received a spiritual blessing from at-
tending these bicentennial services.

East Rockingham Church
Announces Summer Revival

The East Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church of Rockingham announces a
summer revival beginning Monday
evening, July 26, and continuing
throughout the week. The visiting
evangelist will be the Rev. Arnold Price of
Madison, Virginia. During each service
the Rev. and Mrs. Price will be bringing
special music in song.

The pastor, the Rev. Walter Carter,
along with the church membership,
invites the public to attend these ser-
vices.

itatement of ynntnin\v management *nd cihcuu»tion

1?-17-7S

Weekly

811 N. Lee Street. Avden. Pitt, N. C. 28513

The Frw M 1 1 Rantlst. Pt**<l Foundation. Inc.. AvHen. N. C.

Tommy Manning. P. 0. Box ]58. Avden. N. C.

free .'.ill Baotist Press Found.

P. C. Box 158. Avden. North Carolina

: jr..; C ther Cr.-r : r.

aortic

MS 1.1

~ . sew. ?.■<■■■■ is: 1 •-■

3,350

i.t

3,100

3,100

3,100

Unknown

3,100

3,100

■vv

3,350

3.500

Editorial . . .

Continued from Page 2
all, please take heed. Vote the devil out— and do it now! Then, and only then, can the
light of love come shining through!

An epilogue which bears reading and remembering: There is a place prepared
by the Father for the devil and his angels. Are you willing to risk everlasting torment
for the small satisfaction of glorying in making yourself and someone else miserable?
"Then shall he say . . . Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever-lasting fire, prepared
for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). Who shall get burned then? If the
answer isn't obvious, you need help, friend! Who or what will be cast? You or your
vote? Let's try, at least, to vote the devil out of office. Then perhaps devisiveness will
cease to ravage relationships.

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

DEAR, DEAR UNCLE SAM

Dear Uncle Sam,

This is the season of your 200th birth-
day and I've been thinking about you a
lot lately. I know I've always griped and
complained about some of your faults.
But, Uncle Sam, you know you don't
have a monopoly on shortcomings. I have
one or two of my own.

However, I'm not writing about
complaints today. You've been good to
me all these years and I just feel like
saying, "Thank you."

Thank you for keeping this country
free, for allowing me to make my own
decisions, my own mistakes, and to use
my own devices to make amends.
Thanks also for the freedom to attend the
church of my choice, to worship the God
of my choice, to read the newspaper of
my choice, and for allowing me to choose
not only my friends, but my enemies as
well.

Thank you for an economy that allows
me to live more comfortably than kings
and queens did a few short years ago.
Thanks for the free enterprise and an
economic system whereby man may soar
to his utmost dreams without govern-
mental limitations.

Thank you for our defense forces,
second to none. You have devised an
intricate system whereby every inch of
our boundry is guarded against potential
enemies from without, while our rights
as free citizens are guarded from within.

Thank you for bringing us safely,
though scarred, through the revolution (a
war within), two world wars, other
smaller wars (just as terrifying), the
soup lines of the 30's, and the gasoline
lines of the 70's.

Thank you for the opportunity for
yellow people, black people, brown
people, white people, and all shades in
between to live together with like op-
portunities without regard to skin color.

Thank you for federal grants, enabling
us to have the best air transportation
system in the world. The beautiful 747's
make me goose pimply with awe.

Thank you for laws protecting my
family from the results of dangerous

drugs, impure foods, and automobiles
with unsafe devices; also for protection
against flim-flam operators, swindlers,
and criminals.

Thank you for the Weather Bureau, the
FBI, the CIA, the Internal Revenue
Service, the FHA, and the VA.

For the President of our country, the
Vice-President, Congress, the Cabinet,
the Supreme Court, the Jaycees, and the
local Garden Club, we offer thanks.

Thank you for the Social Security Act,
welfare, disabled verterans' pensions,
unemployment compensation, and aid to
dependent children.

We must not forget the Declaration of
Independence, the Bill of Rights, our
Constitution, the Gettysburg Address,
and "The Star-Spangled Banner" that
never fails to turn me into an old softie.

Thank you, Uncle Sam, for preserving
our natural parks, natural forests, and
natural waterways.

Lest we forget, we offer thanks to our
country's leaders; such as, George
Washington, Benjamin Franklin, George
Washington Carver, General Patton,
Roger Staubach, Alan Sheppard, Billy
Graham, Roy Rogers, and Ralph Nadar.

Thank you for qualified teachel
heated buildings, excellent textbook
and yellow school buses enabling us|
secure an education. Also for insuri'j
my hard earned savings against possih
losses.

Thank you for electric power line!
communication lines, gas lines, railw
lines, sweage lines, the roadway syster
and the postal service, most of whii
were financed by you.

You've been great to me, Uncle San;
and I love you. As you can see, you'l
added enrichment to almost every phar
of my life. In the future, if I lapse in;
occasional moods of complaint, plea:
don't cringe too badly. After all, we a
human and complaining is not the lea;
privilege you have bestowed on us.

In closing, may I ask one favor? Wh<
talking to God, give Him my love. Y(
two must be extremely close for you 1
have devised this United States syste
that reaches out to embrace the enti
world, making it a better place in whk
to live and grow.

Love,

An humble citizen
(Mrs. Royce Matthew:

Special ^Moments \

Dear Maggie,

Our eight-year old daughter was crying as I went to tuck her in for the night. She
asked me, "Why wasn't our baby born today?" This was the day the doctor said
it would come.

I was concerned for just the right answer. Quickly I remembered our tulips.
"Honey," I said, "remember when we planted our tulips last fall? All of them were
planted the same day, each had the same amount of sunshine, rain, and care. Each of
them has bloomed at a different time. The doctor says it takes a certain time for a
baby and, like the tulips, the baby will 'bloom' in its own time with God's help."

My daughter accepted this, said her prayers, and very soon was fast asleep.
Her baby brother was born the next day! This was a lesson for her and us in waiting
and accepting God's time.

ED

Farmville, N.C.

The column doesn't need a vacation. Without responses, it might have to take a
few weeks off. Write now.

Maggie

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Cover Design by Dawn Branch

SHE DID WELL TO DO THAT!

Mrs. Betty Ford, with grace and dignity, exemplified recently the epitome of
caring, as she rose to her feet and offered prayer for the Jewish rabbi, Dr. Maurice
Sage. Millions witnessed the act via television while it was happening, and later via
videotapes and newspaper accounts.

It was quite obvious that Mrs. Ford acted sincerely and compassionately,
uniting in one accord a diverse group of socio-economic-religious backgrounds and
persuasions. Dr. Sage was stricken with a heart attack, according to later reports,
shortly after he had made a presentation before the large gathering. As he slumped
forward in pain and was aided by doctors and friends, Mrs. Ford, with classic
composure (but very moved), stood, walked to the podium, and called for
prayer— stating that she would use her own words.

Her "own words" were beautifully expressed and rendered from a caring heart,
and not only touched those who witnessed the event firsthand, but also touched those
of the TV audience and those who learned of her Christian gesture later. Her manner
demonstrated her genuine faith, as she called for a season of prayer and led the
stunned audience with her verbalization of a simple, but heart-filling prayer. No
theological overtones were evident, and no grand, impressive-sounding phrases were
pushed laboriously through her lips. The utter simplicity with which she prayed for
divine intervention (according, of course, to His will) made a lasting impression on
me; and I am sure that countless others were similarly touched.

In contrast, the first lady received perhaps too much publicity and criticism after
her well-remembered appearance on the CBS television show, "Sixty Minutes,"
sometime back, during which time she made what were considered too-bold
statements and personal observations about marijuana, abortion, and premarital sex.
I found her comments objectionable and took issue with her by editorializing my
displeasure and by writing a personal letter to her. She responded graciously and
appreciated, in her words, "the concern which caused you to write."

Cognizant of the fact that people in high places are subject to greater and harsher
criticism than those who hold lesser positions or perhaps are not so much in the
public eye, and knowing too that people in general are all too pleased to jump at the
opportunity to criticize but fail to commend with equal vigor the good deeds per-
formed by those in high places, I feel compelled (not by necessity or duty, but
because of desire) to laurel Mrs. Ford for what to me was one of the noblest, most
memorable, and most meaningful of Christian gestures. I thanked her by letter
(which was answered), and I wish to thank her publicly.

She rose to the occasion in loving-kindness to speak to the Heavenly Father in
behalf of a fellow human being. All of us, certainly, applaud this act, and quite
possibly would contend that Betty Ford did no more than was expected of her. By the
same token, however, we must question ourselves as to our ability to rise to such an
occasion under the stress of such a moment! It is easy to say that we could and would
have done as she did; it is quite a different matter to find ourselves on the spot, as it
were, and be faced with what could prove to be a disconcerting if not too-bewildering
an experience. In that accord, we must hold Mrs. Ford in high esteem for the
munificent manner in which she "simply prayed." What else could have been more
appropriate and more appreciated?

In a letter to me, the first lady affirmed (to my satisfaction, at least) her sincere
faith in the God whom she loves and trusts— the same God from whom all blessings
flow and to whom all honor should be paid and who should be the only "proper object
of Christian worship." Quote Mrs. Ford: "During times of . . . tragedy, we can only
turn to the Father of all for His blessing and strength, . . ."

She did well indeed to have found it in her heart to empathize and show
compassion for one in need and to unify through prayer the thoughts and intents of a
diverse group of individuals, to the realization of goodwill and absolute dependence
upon the Heavenly Father. Hers was a beautiful manifestation of love. Love is what
Christian living is all about anyway, isn't it? And would it not behoove us all to display
more of that all-inclusive virtue?

Thank you, Mrs. Ford, for reminding us.

Tommy Mannir
Edito

the

free
baptis

JULY 28, 1976
Volume 91 Numbed

Edited and published weekly by the FreeVj
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North 1
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secol
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina. p

All materials to be placed in any issue mi|
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to a
■publication date of that issue.

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$12.00, plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoiB
given when local churches send the "Baptist"!
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dresses to be provided by churches. Churcra
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist!
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unq[
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflef
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of T|!
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eaf
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting sa|
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 15
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8 30 a. m -

p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. rr
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9:1
a m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President ; Fred A. Rivenbar
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar)
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannini
Editor of Literature; Ralph A Bowen, Assistai
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasse
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

ME CHURCH: THE PEOPLE OF GOD

(Part 4)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

7 OW successful are our local
If churches? I am not about to
iswer this question, but rather speak
ftj the issue of how do we evaluate our
^lurches. If the church is people rather
jflpn buildings, meetings, or or-
fl nizations, what constitutes success
( ifailure?

J The world is statistic minded,
'erywhere we hear statistics quoted on
e economy, employment, our income,
e number of people in the world, and
a the church and its work. Everywhere
'* hear these questions asked: Is the
s: jnday school growing? Is the church
»« idget up? Is the Sunday night at-
f ndance up? Are more people going to
e altar? Can we add a new youth
ogram? If all these things are in-
easing, then the church is doing fine,
ue or false?

A 10 percent increase in membership,
Itendance, offerings, and pastor's
ilary equals a good year. True or false?
How about the way we evaluate in-
Vidual Christians? If a person attends
! church services and is greatly in-
ulved in the work, then he is a good
jiristian. What about pastors? If a
inister gets a high salary, is invited to
induct more revivals, and holds offices
j the denomination, then he is a good
: an. Is this true?

If the church is not buildings,
lidgets, and programs, but rather the
pople of God, then success cannot be
faluated only in physical ways as the
orld makes evaluation. Our local church
ust be evaluated in spiritual terms. Is
jr love for Christ increasing and
verflowing in daily witness? Are
3lievers in the body growing up
witually in the knowledge of Christ?
re we bearing the fruit of the Spirit as
ated in Galatians, Chapter 5?

jHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Often statistics do indicate what is
happening spiritually in a church, but not
necessarily. People could be coming for
the wrong reasons or taking on more
responsibility in the church with bad or
misdirected motives. If we must look at
our churches in the light of statistics, let
us do it with spiritual eyeglasses in light
of spiritual goals. Our ultimate goal must
be to serve God more wholeheartedly,
worship Him more truly, and grow up in
Christ. Let higher budgets, bigger
buildings, and more programs be
secondary goals which we use only to
reach ultimate spiritual goals.

Buildings and programs must play
second fiddle to people and their
relationship to God. When you said
church in the first century, people did
not think of timber and stained glass, but
rather of people; so must we.

Of God

We should all agree on the general
point that the church means people even
if we don't agree on some specific things
said. But finally it is important that we be
people of God, not of the world. To me
this means we must do the work of the
church in God's way rather than the
world's way. In a previous article I tried
to suggest that we may be doing some
things in the church because of tradition
rather than because of God's Word. Now
I would like to question if we do some
things because that is the way the world
does them rather than the way the Spirit
would do them.

On our jobs we go to work in the
morning and when five o'clock comes we
walk out and go home. While at our job
we have certain things which we are
expected to do, certain responsibilities
we must fulfill. If we do them we expect

to get paid in money for our service.

Could it be that the way we operate in
the world has to some degree slipped
into and affected the way we operate in
the church? Do we come to the church
building on Sunday morning and while
there do certain things which are ex-
pected of us, and then at 12 o'clock go
home and expect to be paid by God in
spiritual blessings?

Of course this is not true of most; but
could it be that the way we do things in
the world has, even if only in a small
way, affected the way we do things in the
Kingdom of God?

I can just see Jesus now: "Well
disciples, we have a problem here. This
man cannot see. What is the pleasure of
the group?" Peter raises his hand, "I
make a motion you heal this blind man."
"I second the motion," James said.
What if this motion did not carry? Would
Jesus have referred it to a committee for
futher study to be brought back at the
next meeting in the form of a recom-
mendation? Could such a thing as this
have happened with Jesus?

I think not. He operated in the Spirit
and so did the early Christians when they
were true to Him. I am not just trying to
make fun; rather, I truly desire for our
churches to be led by the Spirit in ac-
cordance with the Word of God rather
than bound by tradition or the world's
ways.

The church in the first century was
alive, powerful, and miraculous; not
because it had bigger buildings or more
committees, but because it was the
people of God empowered by the Spirit of
God.

I cannot answer the questions I have
raised in the last two articles for you; I
can only answer them for myself. I do
hope that we, as Free Will Baptists
committed to God and the Bible, will
constantly seek to be people of God
rather than buildings of the world.

Let me see if we can sum up what
we've said the last two weeks. We have
suggested that perhaps we might have,
if not in our conscious minds, at least in
the back of our minds, the idea that the
church is a building you go to or an
organization which you run. In short, it is
neither of these. It is you and me— the
people of God indwelt, empowered, and
led by the Holy Spirit in accordance with
His Word to the glory of Christ.

(Continued Next Issue)

3

/

THE SPIRIT OF 76

by

Mrs. Royce Matthews

c~j HE Spirit of 76— our bi-
centennial birthday. It be-
gan with the Declaration of In-
dependence and encompasses the
minutemen, a young woman stitching
together strips of red and white cloth,
and a man on a battleship writing of a
tattered flag: "0 say, does that Star-
Spangled Banner still wave O're the
land of the free, and the home of the
brave. ' ' Also an astronaut alighting on the
moon, stating, "One small step for man,
a giant leap for mankind."

The Spirit of 76 is the fight for our
basic freedoms and the freedom of
people the world over in two World Wars,
the Korean War, and the terrifying and
confusing Vietnam War.

The Spirit of 76 is also the help in
reconstruction given our enemies after
these wars, the food we give to un-
derprivileged nations, and the
knowledge we impart to make these
same nations more self-sustaining.

The Spirit of 76 is a celebration of our
two hundreth birthday— the birthday of
the greatest nation in the world.

What made these United States into a
great nation? The Spirit of 33. The Spirit
of 33 is our "Declaration of Depen-
dence." It encompasses the blue collar
worker inspecting a tire in a
manufacturing plant, the almost bare
headhunter in Africa, the Arab with his
camel crossing a sand-blown dessert,
the aged great-grandmother showing her
Social Services stamp for medical
assistance, the future architect building
castles in a sandbox, and every other
person born on the face of the earth.

The Spirit of 33 began in a stable back
of a crowded inn with a tiny baby born of
a virgin— the Virgin Mary.

The Spirit of 33 is a visit of angels to
humble shepherds, herding sheep on a
lonely hillside one night and the gifts of
wise men from the East. It is a flight into
Egypt to escape a wicked king who
feared for his throne; also a visit to the
temple where a young boy, aged 12,
astounded doctors with his knowledge of
the Scriptures.

The Spirit of 33 walked the dusty

roads of Galilee, and by a means
unknown to human reasoning, fed
thousands with five barley loaves and
two little fishes. It transformed a
despised tax collector into a man who
wrote a message of hope for people of all
ages for all time. It cleansed the leper
and opened blind eyes and deaf ears.

"The one among you who has no sin,
let him cast the first stone," it said one
day. A single statement, "Neither do I
condemn thee " released a woman from
a punishment she so rightly deserved.
Her accusers went away ashamed.

The Spirit of 33 sought the good in the
bad and found it. It also found bad in
those who claimed perfection.

A young man who had lived his life on
the seas knew a person could not walk
on water. Yet the Spirit of 33 gave that
extra ingredient that enabled an ordinary
person to perform the impossible. The
young fisherman did walk on the water!

The Spirit of 33 after being whipped,
spat upon, and tortured with agony, was
forced to carry a heavy wooden cross up
a roughly cobbled path to a hill called
Golgotha. After He had suffered every
indignity conceived by man, He looked
into heaven and said, "Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do."

Kind, loving hands placed His body
into a borrowed tomb, heavily guarded
by the enemy.

On the third day, the Spirit of 33 burst
from that tomb! It was such a great day!
The earth answered with shouting and
trembling until strong men were made
unconscious with fright.

After ascending into heaven, He came
back as tongues of fire to alight on the
heads of those who believed. Oh what a
revival! Thousands were added to the
church in one service.

But it wasn't finished there. It gives
forgiveness, hope, and cheer where once
stood condemnation, uncertainties, and
fears. The Spirit of 33 lives in the hearts
of those who believe even now, in this
bicentennial year— 1976.

The power of 76 lies in the power of
33. The hope of 76 rests in the Spirit of
33. The Spirit of 33 is Jesus.

MY GOAL

by

Mrs. Luther Tugwell

In this life I have one goal,
Oh, how I want to reach it!

Father, use me and make me whole,
And through your love, I'll teach it.

want to be a child of the King;

I want to walk in the light;
want to hear the angels sing

And hear Him say, "You've tough
good fight."

I want to touch the hem of His garment
I want to tread the streets of gold.

Dear Father, please pilot me
And be the keeper of my soul.

WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?

by

Mrs. Ora Barnhill

Mom and Dad, where are the kids?

Do you ever know?
How can you be so content

When they are on the go?

Often times your girls and boys
Are out on the town;

While you are having your fun and joy-
Too busy to have kids around.

Oh, how sad it is to think

Of our children of today!
They don't know what life's all about

And throw their lives away.

Dear parents, why not stop and think

Before it is too late.
God has put His trust in you;

Hurry, there's no time to wait!

Parents, your kids are a gift from God,
Please don't throw them away.

Teach them how they should go—
In the straight and narrow way.

THE FREE WILL BAPTtt

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

HOUSEPARENT OF THE YEAR

ill baptist # i

s Horns M

ROLINA J <• *f %

Mrs. Thelma Ru Mi displays her
Mother of the Year" award presented
it her by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weeks,
rs. Rulli was also presented a dozen
lg-stemmed red roses. Mrs. Rulli was
lected by the children and her co-
prkers to receive this honor.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

HE

0

Mr. Ralph Pate presented awards to

e following from left to right, back row:
Jd Hill, Terry Faircloth, Julie King, and
Jbbie Sasser; second row: Louise
hitehurst, Sandra Anderson, Tim Mills,
id Kim Mills; front row: Kenneth Jones.

H0MEC0MING-1976

The Free Will Baptist Children's Home

held its annual homecoming services on
July 11, 1976. Approximately three
hundred people were in attendance.

Services began at 10:30 a. m. with
the Alumni Association holding its annual
business meeting with Jerry Smith,
president, presiding over the meeting.
Following the business meeting everyone
met for the morning worship service.
Awards were presented to children and
staff living at the Home. Two new awards
were added this year: "Houseparent of
the Year" and the "Johnson Award."
The presentation ceremony was con-
ducted by Mr. Ralph Pate. The awards
are as follows:

Powell Award: This award is given by
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Powell to the girl and
boy showing the most interest in
religious activities. Selection is made by
a vote of the staff. The recipients were
Kim Mills and Tim Mills. This was the
second time that Tim has received this
award.

Alumni Association Award: This award
is given by the Alumni Association to the
girl and boy showing the most interest in
the Home. Selection is made by a vote of
the staff. The recipients were Julie King
and Bud Hill.

Academic Award: Dr. and Mrs. W.
Burkette Raper gave this award to the
students in elementary and high schools
who made the highest scholastic average
during the past school year. The
recipients were Louise Whitehurst,
Middlesex Elementary; Deborah Sasser,
Spaulding Middle School; Sandra
Anderson, Southern Nash Junior High
(this was Sandra's second time receiving
an academic award); and, Terry Fair-
cloth, Southern Nash Senior High.

Mixon Award: This award is given by
Mr. and Mrs. Horace E. Mixon to the
best all-around girl and boy. Selection is
made by a vote of the children of the
Home. Recipients were Julie King and
Tim Mills.

Johnson Award: Miss Wanda

Johnson, giver of the award, to the child
reflecting the most overall progress
during the year. Selection is made by a
vote of the staff. The recipient was
Kenneth Jones.

Houseparent of the Year Award: This
award is given by Mr. and Mrs. Sam
Weeks to the housemother who has best
demonstrated love and devotion to her
children and co-workers. Selection is
made by a vote of the children and staff.
The recipient of this award was Mrs.
Thelma Rulli, housemother of Central
Cottage.

The homecoming message was
delivered by the Rev. James Evans.
Lunch was served in the main dining hall
following the worship service.

The afternoon was spent visiting with
old friends and enjoying the recreational
facilities.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS

Please note the changes of address for
the Free Will Baptist Children's Home
and the Free Will Baptist Retirement
Homes. All correspondence should be to
these new addresses as follows:

Free Will Baptist Children's Home,
P. 0. Box 249, Middlesex, North Carolina
27557; telephone, 235-4079

Free Will Baptist Retirement Homes,
P. 0. Box 250, Middlesex, North Carolina
27557 _____

NOTICE FOR LAYMAN'S
LEAGUES AND BROTHERHOODS

Last February an article appeared in
The Free Will Baptist announcing the
Children's Home Water and Sewer
Project. Article I asked each layman's
league and brotherhood to accept this as
its project by contributing $100 each
year for the years of 1976 and 1977. If
each does contribute $200 over the next
two-year period, then we'll have the
necessary funds to rework our water and
sewage systems in early 1978.

The following leagues and
brotherhoods have contributed in the
amount indicated during the period
March through May:

Central Conference

Elm Grove $110.00

Free Union 100.00

Friendship 100.00

King's Cross Roads 100.00

Peace 50.00

Tarboro, First 100.00

Conference Layman's League 136.31

(Continued on Page 15)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 45 : 21, 22

WITH GOD ALONE
He who opens the doors of the day
with the hand of mercy draws around
His people the curtains of the night,
and by His shining presence makes
the outgoings of the morning and of
the evening to rejoice. A promise at
dawn and a sure word at sunset crown
the day with light, sandal its feet with
love. To breakfast with Jesus, and to
sup with Him also, is to enjoy the days
of Heaven upon the earth. It is
dangerous to fall asleep till the head is
leaned on Jesus' bosom. When divine
love puts its finger on the weary
eyelids, it is brave sleeping.— C. H.
Spurgeon

PRAYER THOUGHT
// our days begin and end with
thoughts of our Heavenly Father, our
days will be filled with the happiness
of the knowledge that we are in good
hands.

MONDAY, AUGUST 2
Scripture Reading— Psalm 44:21

IF THE HEART IS RIGHT
It doesn't so much matter

What path our feet may tread,
Or whether the cheering hopes we
knew

In youth are vanished— dead.
We shall find a gleam in the darkness

To guide in the dreary night,
And a joyful song as we journey
along,

If we go with a heart that's right.

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our hearts are right if we have the
love of God and His Son in them, and
we attempt to live as God would have
us live. Let this be our goal.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3
Scripture Reading— 2 Timothy 1:7

BAD READING -BUT
GOOD THEOLOGY
A speaker recalled a story of
Spurgeon's concerning a class of boys
who were having a Scripture lesson on
Daniel. One of the boys was asked to
read some verses aloud, and
presently he came to Verse 3 in
Chapter 6, which reads, "... because
an excellent spirit was in him, ' ' but by
mistake the boy rendered it, ". . .
because an excellent spine was in
him." It was undoubtedly bad
reading, but it was excellent theology,
for Daniel was a man of real back-
bone—strong, courageous. — Moody
Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
May we have the strength and
endurance sent from God to brighten
our lives and the lives of others.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4
Scripture Reading— Hebrews 9:28

I KNOW THAT IT DOES

A preacher was speaking from the
text, "The blood of Jesus Christ His
Son cleanseth us from all sin."
Suddenly he was interrupted by an
atheist who asked, "How can blood
cleanse sin?"

For a moment the preacher was
silent; then he countered, "How can
water quench thirst? ' '

"I do not know," replied the infidel,
"but I know that it does."

"Neither do I know how the blood of
Jesus cleanses sin," answered the
preacher, "but I know that it
does."— Selected.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus has told us that through His
shed blood our sins are forgiven. A
true Christian believes this and knows
he can have eternal life in Heaven.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5
Scripture Reading— Genesis 12:2

WHEN THE BISHOP NEEDED
A YOUNG MAN

A young man, sorely baffled, called
on Phillips Brooks. The youth had
thought about his problem a hundred
times, and knew just how he would
phrase it when he met the bishop.
After a glorious hour of fellowship, he
left with a radiance in his soul. When
he reached home, he suddenly
remembered, for the first time that he
had completely forgotten to ask the
bishop about his troublesome
question. "I did not care," he said.

"What I really needed was not tl
solution of a special problem, but tl
contagion of a triumpha:
spirit. ' '—Stars in the Sky

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our attitudes and words great'
affect those arround us. Study ai
live by God's Word.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 5:2!

SHARON'S ROSE

A Persian fable says : One day
A wanderer found a lump of clay
So redolent of sweet perfume
Its fragrance scented all the room.
"What art thou?" was his quic
demand,

"Art thou some gum from Samai
cand,

Or spikenard in rude disguise,
Or other costly merchandise?"
"Nay, I am but a lump of clay."
"From whence this wondrou

sweetness, say?"
"Friend, if the secret I disclose,
I have been dwelling with a rose ! "
Meet parable ! For will not those
Who love to dwell with Sharon's Rose
Distill sweet scents o'er all around, j
Though poor and mean themselves b

found?

Good Lord, abide with us, that we \
May catch these fragrances frort
thee.

—Young People's Guid,

PRAYER THOUGHT
We take on the ways of those witi
whom we closely associate. Let u!
make sure God is among our clos)
friends.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
Scripture Reading— Psalm 42:11

DERELICTS
"There's a ship floats past with ,

swaying lurch,
No sails, no crew, no spar;
And she drifts from the paths of he

sister ships
To the place where the dead ships are
The song of her crew is hushed fo

aye,

Her name no man can say ;

She is ruled by the tide and whateve

wind blows—
And no man knows where the derelic

goes!

(Continued on Page 11)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

To grow in grace means to advance
ail develop in spiritual experiences and
pver. The Christian grows in grace in
tt first place by growing in faith. The
rr|re we believe, the more complete we
e rust our souls and all the details of our
li|s to God. the more we are blessed.
Wj grow in grace by our work for God.
Rigious work develops spiritual
rrscle just as physical work develops
pj/sical muscle. The more we do the
nre we can do. Prayer, study of the
B le, fellowship with spiritually-minded
piple, attendance at divine worship and
pyer services, taking part in these
s vices, will keep us to grow in grace.
V should remember, however, that all
g ce is bestowed by God himself; as we
nlet the conditions and enlarge our
cliacity he gives us more grace, just as
M gives more physical and mental
spgth when we meet the conditions for
r^sical and mental growth."

✓hunches and Ministers
Available

ijote: This column is provided, when needed,
} any church that is seeking a pastor &nd for
iy minister who is seeking a church to serve
Id would like to give such notice. Please send
is necessary information to the editor of "The
jee Will Baptist." Each notice wilt run for two
sues only.)

|The Rev. Noah Brown announces that
is available for pastoral work. Any
Jurch interested in his services may
(intact him by writing Route 1 , Box 608-
j Morehead City, North Carolina 28557;
telephoning, 726-4218.

The Sidney Free Will Baptist Church,
pute 2, Belhaven, North Carolina, is
Ijeking a dedicated, full-time pastor to
/e in the community and service the
Wch. Any minister, after praying
bout this and feels that God would have
jm work with this church, please
intact Mr. Frank Daw, Route 1, Box
26, Pinetown, North Carolina, 27835;

telephone, 964-4856.

The Rev. Lloyd Gore announces that
e is available for full-time pastoral work,
e may be contacted by writing Route 3,
ox 334, Elm City, North Carolina
7822; or telephoning, 236-4073.

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "And the people
stood beholding ..." (Luke 23:35).

SPECTATORS MET
THE LORD
AT CALVARY

There is a vast difference in the
outcome of meetings. This difference is
registered in the conduct, mannerisms,
and performances of those who attend.
When Christ was crucified there were
crowds of people who witnessed His
death. Among them were rulers,
soldiers, Jews, and the general run of
individuals from various occupations and
from just curious and unoccupied people
from the city and from the countryside.
There must have been a sprinkling of
serious individuals there who were
moved with compassion and indignation
for some of His disciples. Also, some of
the good women, including His mother,
were there. With all this excitement and
heavy personal grief and compassion it
seems strange that there was but one
person who really met the Lord and
became the very first convert as a result
of his encounter with the Lord at Calvary.
The thief on the cross recognized Jesus
as the Christ, the Son of God, and
begged forgiveness. In all that crowd he
was the only one who saw the Lord of
Glory in the actual performance— the
very act upon which rests the eternal
hope of all the world. This was the one
sacrifice which God made to redeem all
men from the curse of the law; and yet,
only one, only one person met the Lord in
this way on that day!

This seems to be the trend in our day.
People by the thousands are spectators
at religious and Christian rites,
ceremonies and revivals; and yet, only a
few recognize the Lord of Calvary and
become separated from the world and
unite with Christ. However, we must
remember that God has plenty of time
and is gathering unto Himself a people, a

peculiar people, for His own possession.
When He has what He wants all the
others— millions and millions of
them— will be destroyed according to His
plans for the wicked.

Among the millions of spectators will
be great throngs of Jewish people whom
God loved. These are the people that God
led (or tried to lead) for thousands of
years and taught them all the com-
mandments and poured out His mercy,
love, grace, and compassion upon, but
they refused to meet the Lord at Calvary.

After so long a time God turned to the
Gentile nations and is now in the process
of preparing for Himself a bride, one who
will satisfy Him and give Him all that He
expects of her. Yes, God divorced Israel.
He has put her away and now all Jews
who wish to be saved must come to God
through the Gentile wife (bride). The
united body of Christ, the church, is the
only medium through which people can
be saved. The church, the mystical body
of Christ, will be presented pure and holy
at the wedding and all God's children will
be there because they are the ones who
will become the bride of Christ. They will
join the heavenly chorus in singing unto
Him that ioved us and washed us in His
own precious blood and gave Himself to
save us from ail our sins.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is
designated to occur immediately
following the wedding and no one can
attend unless he is wearing a wedding
gown. If by chance one should come in
without the proper attire he will be cast
out into eternal damnation and disgrace
forever. I am sure that God wants all His
children to have a wedding garment. Do
you know where you can get it? Well, the
first act takes you to Calvary, meet the
Lord at Calvary, die with Him there, bury
yourself there, and become separated
from the world. Then you will rise with
Him to a new life of victory through faith
in your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This is the price you pay for your
wedding garment.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please note the change of address for
the Rev. Robert Rollins. His former
address was Route 2, Box 317, Pink Hill,
North Carolina 28572; his new address
is Route 3, Snow Hill, North Carolina
28580; telephone, 747-2691. All future
correspondence should be to his new
address.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Mount

Olive College

GIFTS TO
MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to the Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, Mount Olive, during the month
of June, 1976, totaled $484.50, and are
as follows:

In Memory Of

Mrs. Emma Allen by Executive Board
of Cape Fear Woman's Auxiliary Con-
vention.

Mrs. Mary Lou Aycock by Mrs. Pearl
Blalock, Lucama.

Mr. Larry Baker by Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Hunt Sr., Lucama.

Mr. Leslie Graham Barnes by Mr. and
Mrs. James B. Hunt Sr., Lucama.

Mrs. Jenny Bass by Gary Barefoot,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Ida Boyette by Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Braswell, Princeton; Mr. and
Mrs. James B. Hunt Sr., Lucama; and
the Men's Sunday School Class and
Woman's Auxiliary of Rains Cross Roads
Free Will Baptist Church, Princeton.

Mrs. Alice Aycock Bradshaw by Mr.
and Mrs. James T. Worrell, Goldsboro.

Miss Mary Kate Britt by Mr. and Mrs.
Ray Warwick, Newton Grove.

Mrs. Lula H. Bullard by Gary Barefoot,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Harvey Callender by Miss Bette
Callender, Alexandria, Virginia.

Mrs. Josie Carr by Mr. and Mrs. Allie
R. McCullen, Clinton.

Mr. John Lee Crawford by Pleasant
Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Pikeville.

Mr. Clemon Daniel by Mrs. Pearl
Blalock, Lucama.

Mr. S. Q. Edwards by Mr. and Mrs.
Dennis G. Riley, New Bern.

Mr. Henry M. Fitzgerald by Mrs.
Flonnie Creech, Princeton, and Mr. and
Mrs. George R. Kornegay Jr., Mount
Olive.

Mr. Oliver Harrison Jr. by Gary
Barefoot, Mount Olive.

Dr. Cecil L. Johnson by Mrs. Flonnie
Creech, Princeton; Dr. and Mrs. M. M.
Lownes Jr. and Dr. and Mrs. W.
Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mr. Dan H. Outlaw by Gary Barefoot
and Mrs. Lora W. King, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Vedia Reynolds by the Carol C.
Dixon Family, New Bern; Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., Ayden;
Harold, Howard, and Melvin Hill, and
Mr. and Mrs. Haywood Hill and Betty Jo,
Snow Hill.

Mr. Murphy A. Rhodes by Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Rhodes, Beulaville.

Ms. Gertrude Ross by Mr. and Mrs.
Dennis G. Riley, New Bern.

Mrs. Alta Royle by Mrs. Berlene
Brandon, Kernersville.

Mr. R. H. Sasser by Miss Verdie
Davenport, Deep Run; Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Hunt Sr., Lucama; and the
Buddy Sasser Family, Deep Run.

Mrs. Maggie Sawyer by Mr. and Mrs.
George R. Kornegay Jr., Mount Olive.

Mrs. D. H. Scott by Mr. and Mrs. W.
B. Harrison, Grantsboro.

Mrs. Beatrice Smith Sellars by Mr.
and Mrs. James B. Hunt Sr., Lucama.

Mrs. Eva Barbee Shaw by Mr. and
Mrs. Walter Rhodes, Beulaville, and the
Weils Thomas Family, Pink Hill.

Mrs. Blanche Snell by Ladies Bible
Class of First Free Will Baptist Church,
Greenville.

Mrs. Lavarah R. Stevens by Mr. and
Mrs. Turman Alphin, Mount Olive.

Mr. Nathaniel Webster by Mr. and
Mrs. Oscar Webster, Pinetown.

Miss Eva Wynns by Billy, Anne, and
Kevin Dilday, Ahoskie.

In Honor Of

Master Jeffrey Daniel Ely by Mount
Olive College Alumni Association.

Mrs. Dianne Jones by Woman's
Auxiliary of Sarecta Free Will Baptist
Church, Kenansville.

Genean Rae Price by King's Cross
Roads Free Will Baptist Church, Farm-
ville.

Undesignated Gift

Twentieth Century Club of Mount
Olive.

MINISTERS' INSTITUTE SCHEDULE
AUGUST 2-4

The theme for the Ministers' Institi
to be held on the Mount Olive Colle>
campus August 2-4 will be "How
Minister to Families." The Rev. Chest
Pelt from Marianna, Florida, will be ti
major speaker and featured resour
person.

Registration for the Institute will ll
$5, and overnight accommodations c<
be arranged at the Southern Belle Mot'
in Mount Olive (658-4316). All meettnc
will be held in the Henderson Buildini
Room 115.

Participants will be following tf]
program schedule below:

Monday, August 2

10:00 A. M. — "What's Happening
Marriage and the Fami
Today?" the Rev. Chester Pelt
12 Noon— Lunch and Rest

2:00 P. M. — "Ministry to Couples"

3:00 P.M. — Break

3:30-4:30 P. M.— "Divorce, Rt
marriage, and the Church,
the Rev. Leonard Woodall

8:00 P. M.— "Some Case Histories q
Ministry"

Tuesday, August 3

9:30 A. M. — "Youth and th
Church," the Revs. Stewat
Humphrey and Harry Grubbs
10:00 A. M. — "The Intrapersonal Dy
namics of Divorce," Chaplaii
Dale Doverspike
10:30 A.M. -Break
11:00 A. M. — "Discussion on Divorc
and Remarriage," the Revs
Pelt, Woodall, and Doverspike
12 Noon— Lunch and Rest

2:00 P. M. — "Marriage Dysfunctior
in the Doctor's Office," Dr
Hervy B. Kornegay Jr.

2:30 P. M.— " Preaching to the Need
of the Family," the Revs. Harn
Grubbs, Chester Pelt, anc
Melvin Everington

3:00 P. M. — Break

3:30 P. M. — " Ministry to the Need;
of Senior Citizens," Chaplair
Dale Doverspike

8:00 P. M. — "Building the Churcr
Through Midweek and Family
Night Services," the Rev.
Cedric Pierce

Wednesday, August 4

9:30 A. M. — "The Changing Role o
Women in Society and the

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Church," Mrs. Karen Lucas

1:30 A. M. — Break

1:00 A. M.— "The Future of Mar-
riage and the Family," the
Rev. Chester Pelt

i REV. PELT FEATURED AT
MINISTERS' INSTITUTE

(The Rev. Chester H. Pelt of Marianna,

Iprida, will be the featured guest
leaker and resource counsultant for the
nisters' Institute to be held August 2-
[ at Mount Olive College.
Brother of Dr. Michael Pelt, chairman
the Religion Department at Mount
ive, Mr. Pelt has been involved with
milies and marriage counseling for
pny years at Chipola Junior College in
brida.

| He received his BA degree in Religion
i' Atlantic Christian College in Wilson,
jid later attended Florida State
niversity for his MA degree in
lilosophy .

Aside from his activities in an active
bspel ministry of 43 years, he served as
rmy Chaplain in the Reserves for 29
Bars and on the Florida Board of
ducation for 25 years.

taming Events . . .

jgust 2-4— Ministers' Institute, Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina

jgust 20, 21 — Piedmont Conference,
Mount Olive Free Will Baptist
Church, Kannapolis, North Carolina

jptember 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N. C 27530

CHARLOTTE MISSION GROUND
BREAKING

We, at the Charlotte Free Will Baptist

Mission, would like to express our
appreciation to everyone over the state
and to our home mission board for
helping to make possible our big day on
June 6.

On this date we held a ground-
breaking service and presented a check
to those we purchased the land from.
This purchase was financed for three
years with "balloon" payment of $3,000
at the end of that period. However, the
loan for the purchase was paid off in 14
months. We realize so well that this
would not have been possible without the
prayers and financial help of everyone
over the state.

Our special thanks goes first to our
Heavenly Father who is our maker and
ruler of all. Also we would like to thank
our mother church, the Black Jack Free
Will Baptist Church of Greenville, for
their faithfulness.

This was a very special day in the lives
of each member of the Charlotte mission.
We had visitors from the Marlboro Free
Will Baptist Church of Farmville; also,
some of our folks that have been
transferred from us to Raleigh were

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N C 28305

present for the occasion.

Agcfin, may we say a "Thank you" to
everyone for your cooperation and your
continued prayers for us as we make
plans for a building on our new property.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Wayne Watson, Pastor

VICTORY MISSION BIBLE
SCHOOL

The Victory Free Will Baptist Mission
at Hope Mills recently held its vacation
Bible school which proved to be very
successful. The attendance for the
school ran in the sixties.

The picture above shows a group of
young boys and girls presenting to the
Rev. Taylor Hill, home missions director-
treasurer, and his wife, Lois, some gifts
they made during the school.

The pastor of the mission is the Rev.
Joe Gerald.

PEE DEE DISTRICT
.FOREIGN MISSION
YOUTH PROJECT

A successful foreign mission project
ended, or we might say began, at a
recent Pee Dee District Youth Rally held
at Mount Calvary Free Will Baptist
Church, Whiteville. The young people of
(Continued on Page 15)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

NEWSX
_NOTES.

Dixie Melody Boys in Concert First Church of Wilson

The Dixie Melody Boys from Kinston,
will be featured in concert Sunday
evening, August 1, at 7:30 at the First
Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson. The
ministry of this group has been a
blessing to many people all over North
Carolina and in many states along the
east coast where they have traveled.

They have recently made popular such
songs as, "Lord, Don't Move That
Mountain," "Death Has no Hold on
Me," "Don't Be Left Behind," and "He
Came Back."

The pastor, the Rev. Clyde Cox, and
the congregation extend an invitation to
everyone to come and join in this service.

Otway Sunday School Tours
Ocracoke Island

Twenty members of the Sunday
School of the Otway Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Beaufort, made a
recreational trip on Tuesday, July 13, to
Ocracoke Island. The group left from the
church by bus at 5:30 a. m., loaded on
the ferry at Cedar Island at 7 a. m., and
arrived at Ocracoke at 9:10 a. m. They
took the island trolley which took them
on a tour of the island. They saw and
toured the U. S. Coast Guard Station,
saw many old homes, including the one
with many gables. They then traveled to
the British cemetary where four British
soldiers are buried. On the tour they
visited the two churches on the island:

Methodist and the Church of God. They
also saw the first lighthouse built in
North Carolina.

After the tour the group returned to the
bus and traveled to the park for a picnic
lunch. Lunch over, they visited the
visitor's center and saw "The Snap
Dragon," Blackbeard's ship. After a visit
to the shopping center, the group went
for a swim.

The tour ended, the group returned to
Cedar Island at 6:15 p. m., and returned
home around 7:15. The bus driver for the
trip was Mr. Arthur Thompson.
Chaperons were the Rev. T. C. Farmer,
Jean Farmer, Marie Lawrence, Bonnie
Thompson, Myrtle Lawrence, and
Genevieve Fulcher.

Bicentennial and Old-Fashioned
Day at Saints Delight Church

The Fourth of July celebration
Saints Delight Free Will Baptist Chun
near New Bern began on Sunday, ,
27. The day's activities began vlf
Sunday school, followed by the morn]
worship service. Lunch was servedi
the fellowship hall at the noon hour.

Money Grab
The fun and games began after lull
Age groups were divided and eef
section participated in such activities'!
sack races, three-legged races, ti
races, egg toss, horseshoes, mori
grab, dodge ball, and finally, 1
watermelon eating contest. Ribbons wri
awarded to the first, second, and th?l
place winners in each group.

■

v 1

Old-Fashioned Day

On Sunday, July 4, Old-Fashioned D,
was observed. Some of the differe
costumes included bib overall
knickers, very full-skirted floor-leng
dresses, bonnets, cummerbund
pinafores, etc. During the mornir
worship service there was a special fl<
and pledge ceremony and each memo
of the congregation received a certifica

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

t

attending church on America's birth-

Tabor Revival
ust 2-7

(evival services are scheduled for
Mjjnt Tabor Free Will Baptist Church
itilr Creswell for the week of August 2-
7 Services will begin nightly at 7:30
li the Rev. Francis Garner of Pinetown
||the visiting evangelist. There will be
I rial music each night,
j he pastor, the Rev. Stanley Buck,
I the church membership, invite
iryone to attend.

N them Church Pays
f lute to Pastor

; une 5 was a special day for the Rev.
Iry G. Brown, pastor of Northern Free
I Baptist Church in Bahama. The day
A a celebration of ten years of services
ttfie church by Mr. Brown.

Wing the morning worship service a
s prise presentation was made to Mr.
B wn by John P. Bailey, president of the
Bijtherhood. Mr. Bailey presented to
Af. Brown a plaque in behalf of the
Ejitherhood for his years of loyalty and
creation in love. His speech was
eliitled "This Is Your Life, Harry
Eawn." Mr. Bailey reviewed the life of
t pastor while serving the Northern
clirch. Among the interesting things
n ntioned was not included the Sunday

rning of March 20, 1966, when Mr.
Eiwn preached his trial message and

s called to pastor the church on June
(1966.

A characteristic that most churches of
tlay cannot give testimony to is a
(pwing church budget. In 1966 the
rthern church set its budget at
,000. Today, ten years later, the
urch's budget is $65,000. What a
1 itimony!

Something else to be grateful for is the
mday morning when Mr. Brown and
'. Henry Johnson (now deceased)
rned the note on the church. Another
table event was the beginning of the
nstruction of the education building in
i73, which is now completed. The
ructure is valued at $80,000 and not
e penny was borrowed to erect it.
irough faith in God the pastor brought
e members through all this.
The church held a church-wide family
iokout on June 4, at which time Mr.
own was presented a 20-pound tier

cake decorated in green, yellow, and
orange, with miniature black and white
Bibles on top. Mr. Brown cut the cake,
giving the first piece to his wife, Jean,
and following pieces to the deacons of
the church.

The day was a joy to everyone who
shared the occasion with the pastor. It
was stated by a member of the church,
"Rev. Brown is always there when
needed with a smile and words of en-
couragement."

Praise God for wonderful pastors,
especially the Rev. Harry G. Brown!

First Church, Goldsboro, Celebrates
Nation's 200th Birthday

Sunday, July 4, the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Goldsboro celebrated
the nation's 200th birthday with an all-
day service. The church sanctuary was
decorated with patriotic buntings and the
altar flowers carried out the bicentennial
theme. The occasion was an all-day
affair. The ladies attired in their colonial
style dresses and bonnets helped give a
festive air to the services.

Mr. Wilbur Shirley gave the welcome
to those present and the congregation
read responsively the "Litany of
Thanksgiving."

Mr. Pat Patrick, a member of the
church and chairman of the Wayne
County Board of Education, and Judge
Arnold Jones, a member of Stoney Creek
Free Will Baptist Church and a judge of
the eighth judicial district, were the
featured speakers. Special patriotic
songs were rendered by the Chancel
Choir. The pastor, the Rev. Earl H.
Glenn, presented to all those present
bicentennial certificates of attendance.

Food and fellowship were enjoyed
during the noon hour. The bountifully
laden table gave evidence of God's
continued goodness to the country and
its people.

The afternoon service consisted of a
narration by the pastor entitled "Our
Country's Hope." He told the story of the
nation and how it has survived each
upheaval from the time of the Pilgrims to
the present. Music in keeping with the
narration was presented by the Chancel
Choir, the Men's Choir, the Youth Choir,
the Girls' Sextet, and a solo by Miss Jan
Glenn.

To complete the day's celebration,
everyone was given a chance to take part
in fun and games on the church grounds.

Those participating were divided into
four age groups. Those who desired less
activity engaged in identifying old
photographs and an apple peeling
contest. For the younger groups there
were sack races, tugs of war, three-
legged races, volleyball, and watermelon
seed spitting contests. Miss Trista
Shirley led the preschoolers in games
suitable for them. During the time of
activity a large wooden tub of lemonade
and a dozen or more watermelons were
used to keep everyone refreshed.

Many favorable comments have been
made concerning the day's program, and
it has been suggested that it be made an
annual event.

ALBEMARLE CONFERENCE

MEETINGS

Because of the controversy that July
has five Saturdays and only four Sun-
days and August has only four Saturdays
but five Sundays, the Albemarle Union
Meeting and Sunday School and League
Conventions will meet on August 28, at
the Cape Colony Free Will Baptist
Mission at Edenton. It has been the past
custom for these to meet the months
having five Sundays.

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 6)
"There's a man slinks past with a

lurching gait;
No joy, no hope, no star;
And he drifts from the paths of his

brother men,
To wherever the other wrecks are.
The song of his youth is hushed for

aye,

His name but he can say ;

He is ruled by the tide and whatever

wind blows,
And no one knows where the derelict

goes! "

— Harper's Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
No one knows where the derelict
goes and worse yet very few, if any,
even care. Pray that we become
children of God and with His help
never have the worry of becoming
derelicts.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

3E FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

1*Sr
Sc

^ForAugust8^^^^

EVANGELICAL EXPERIENCE

Lesson Text: Acts 10:30-44
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8

I. INTRODUCTION

Modern church history records two
"great awakenings" in America. The
first began about the middle of the
eighteenth century and extended from
New England to the southeastern states.
Leaders in this awakening were men
such as Jonathan Edwards and George
Whitefield. Edwards was a Yale graduate
at seventeen and is noted for his famous
sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an
Angry God." Whitefield was noted for his
revivals in the New England states.

Results of this awakening were: (1)
About 40,000 came into the churches in
New England and still more in the South.
A higher moral tone was seen in these
areas. New colleges came out of the
movement— colleges for the training of
ministers. (2) Missionary work among
Indians and the start of orphanages came
from this revival.

The second awakening came in 1796
and affected many colleges through the
South. Frontier morals improved,
midweek prayer meetings and Sunday
school started, the American Bible
Society was founded in 1816, and as a
later result men such as Charles Finney,
Dwight L. Moody, and R. A. Torrey came
upon the evangelistic scene.— The
Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Our lesson today shows the
beginning of foreign missions for the
church. Christ had commanded the
disciples to go into all the world and
preach the gospel to all people but they
had not done it. Up to the events in
today's lesson Christianity had been a
Jewish affair. Now the gospel was going
to the Gentiles. This was really the
beginning of the foreign mission program
for the church.

B. An evangelical experience is one
that is involved with the good news about

12

Jesus Christ. Fasting can be an
evangelical experience if the person who
is fasting is a Christian and if he ap-
proaches the whole matter of fasting with
a Christian attitude. Fasting should not
be done to be seen of men, but it should
be a matter of self-denial for the glory of
God.

C. It is interesting to note that the
Bible usually connects fasting with
prayer. The fasting helps one to get in
the proper frame of mind to pray. If it is
done in the right attitude, it also brings
glory to God. Jesus said, "If any man
will be my disciple, let him deny himself.
. . ." Therefore, we believe that through
the medium of fasting and praying great
things can be accomplished. Do you ever
fast and pray?

D. A sermon is a message based
upon the Bible, but the kind of preaching
that might be called an evangelical
experience is that which is involved with
the good news about Christ. Peter's
message told about the birth of Christ,
His exemplary life, His death, and His
resurrection. These are the basic things
of the gospel, and a sermon that is not
involved with these things is not an
evangelical sermon.

E. Three very wonderful things
happen when a person is saved: (1) His
sins are forgiven and he is placed in a
right position before God; (2) he is
baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body
of Christ which is the true church (1
Corinthians 12:13); and (3) the Holy
Spirit comes into the heart to live. This is
called the indwelling of the Spirit.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. In the early days of America's
colonization, a white missionary was
sitting by a fireside one evening with an
Indian chief of the Delawares. Both were
silently looking into the fire. At last the
missionary broke the silence by saying,
"I wish to tell you of a rule delivered by
Jesus Christ, the author of the Christian
religion, which we call the Golden Rule."

"Stop," said the chief. "You not prai:
rule, you tell me what rule is and I thir
about for myself." He was informed th
the rule was for a man to do to all ottv
men as he would have all other men to t
to him. "That no man can do," replie
the chief. Silence followed. In abo
fifteen minutes the chief said, "I thir
what you tell me. If Great Spirit wf
make man give man new heart, he do ;
you say; but if not, man never do it!"

A Christian is one who has a ne!
heart. The emphasis on Christie!
conversion is first on being and then c
doing. It consists first of all in what v\
are rather than on who or where we an
on character rather than circumstance!
Christian faith is not something on tl1
surface of a man's life; it is something
that takes place in the very center of hi
personality. It controls all his thought;
imaginations, desires, and actions.

This homely incident may illustral
what we mean. In a certain village aver
mean man sold wood to his neighbor
and always took advantage of them li
cutting his logs a few inches under th'
required four feet. One day the repoi
was circulated that the woodchopperhai
been converted. Nobody believed i«
declaring he was beyond being reachec
One man, however, slipped quietly out t
the grocery store where the "corf
version" was being discussed. He sooj
came running back shouting excitedly
"It's true, he has been converted!'
They all asked, "How do you know?'
"Why, I have been over and measure
the wood that he cut yesterday. It isj
every stick, a good four feet long!" Hi
testimony convinced the crowd.

The man who has experience'
conversion to Christ is a new man— hi
conversion makes a difference in all hi
personal relationships with othe
men.— Standard Lesson Commentary

B. There was a purpose back of th
power that was released upon the churcl
at Pentecost. The disciples were givei
power to witness, to go out a
evangelists, missionaries, and churcl
builders. We have people today whi
claim to have this power, manifested b'
the "speaking in tongues," but from at
evidence it is a false claim and mos
selfish in nature. Why are they no
witnessing, going as missionaries, an<
building churches instead of splittinc
them? Could it be that some an
ascribing to the Holy Spirit the work o
Satan in their lives?— C. F. Bowen

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Answering \bur

UESTIONS

Uuestion: How can a Christian grow in
r^ce? Just what is grace?
answer: We are told in Cruden's
Cmplete Concordance that grace is "the
nircy of God, or the enjoyment of His
lor." The following are among the
s^eral verses this concordance
sggests to substantiate this statement:
' nd if by grace, then is it no more of
vrks: otherwise grace is no more
glee. But if it be of works, then is it no
r re grace: otherwise work is no more
v'rk" (Romans 11:6); "Knowing this,
tit the law is not made for a righteous
rin, but for the lawless and
(iobedient, for the ungodly and for
Iners, for unholy and profane, for
urderers of fathers and murderers of
others, for manslayers" (1 Timothy
'9); "Therefore, as ye abound in every
ling, in faith, and utterance, and
owledge, and in all diligence, and in
ur love to us, see that ye abound in
s grace also" (2 Corinthians 8:7).
To these we add: "For ye know the
lace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that,
ugh he was rich, yet for your sakes he
came poor, that ye through his poverty
ght be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9); "For
grace are ye saved through faith; and
at not of yourselves: it is the gift of
id" (Ephesians 2:8).
I Salvation through faith by God's grace
one great, grand, and glorious
ystery. "For we know in part, and we
rophesy in part. But when that which is
srfect is come, then that which is in
art shall be done away. ... For now we
&e through a glass, darkly; but then
ce to face: now I know in part; but then
all I know even as also I am known"
Corinthians 13:9, 10, 12); "To wit,
at God was in Christ, reconciling the
orld unto himself, not imputing their
espasses unto them; and hath com-
mitted unto us the word of reconciliation.
. . For he hath made him to be sin for
s, who knew no sin; that we might be
Siade the righteousness of God in him"
I Corinthians 5:19, 21).
This all in God's plan and purpose
recedes the foundation of this world,

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

"That it might be fulfilled which was
spoken by the prophet, saying, I will
open my mouth in parables; I will utter
things which have been kept secret from
the foundation of the world" (Matthew
13:35); "Then shall the King say unto
them on his right hand, Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world" (Matthew
25:34).

All such mysteries could be revealed
by Christ because He was potentially
slain and offered before the foundation.
He gave His life a ransom, and God gave
Him before the world was in existence.
"For we which have believed do enter
into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in
my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest:
although the works were finished from
the foundation of the world" (Hebrews
4:3); "And all that dwell upon the earth
shall worship him, whose names are not
written in the book of life of the Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world"
(Revelation 13:8).

When we speak of grace and salvation
by grace, plus nothing, we need to have
in mind what God the Father gave for our
salvation as may be seen in the above.
(Compared with John 3:14-17.)
Salvation, God's gift to us, is ours
because of God's sacrificing His only
begotten Son. It is ours because Christ
gave His life a ransom for us. It is ours
because we are born of the Spirit. God,
the Holy Spirit, became "another" or a
"comforter" in Christ's stead who wrote
the Bible and is in every jot and tittle of it,
taking the things of Christ hidden or
concealed in the precious Word of God
and making them personally real to each
one who obeys John 3:36 and to each
one who acts as 1 John 1:7 suggests.
Jesus is the light of the world and those
who would allow the Holy Spirit to make
application of God's grace would allow
Him, through the power of the gospel
place them in Jesus and Jesus in them.
(See Acts 17:28; Romans 12:4, 5, 16; 1
Corinthians 2:16; 2 Peter 3:1 , 2; 1 Peter
1:13; Philippians 2:3-5; Titus 1:7; 1

Peter 3:8.)

A Christian grows in grace as he walks
in the light of God's Holy Word. (See
Psalm 119:11, 97, 105, 111, 112, 127,
128, 130, 151, 167, 169, 174; Psalm
1:2. Read what Paul says in Philippians
3:7-21.)

The writer of the Book of Hebrews
writes: "Wherefore seeing we also are
compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus
the author and and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the
throne of God" (12:1, 2). (Read the
remaining verses of Hebrews 12.)

We who are Christians do not and
cannot work for grace. We work because
of the grace of God which brought from
the grave our Lord Jesus Christ, who is
alive in our hearts to bring us up to
be with Him on high, having changed our
vile bodies into the glorious likeness of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the
quickening word. (See John 1:1;
Hebrews 4:12.) This grace now
operating in our hearts will complete and
perfect His work, preparing us for a
place in His glorious presence through
out all eternity.

George H. Sandison gives the
following answer to a similar question on
Page 430 of his book, 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered:

"A fair equivalent of the word 'grace'
is 'blessing.' Grace means, in the first
place, the disposition which God has
toward us; that is, his willingness to
bless us; his love and favor. It means,
also, the blessing received; the state or
experience into which we are brought by
God's blessing. There is always in the
word 'grace' the idea of something
bestowed entirely without merit or
payment on the part of the one who
receives it. God's blessings are
bestowed freely; we do not earn them; he
blesses us because he loves us, because
he is gracious. All he asks is that we
shall be willing to receive his grace. This
promise to Paul means that God will give
him the necessary strength to bear the
affliction, and also, as Paul implies in the
remainder of the verse, that the hap-
piness of the blessing will balance the
distress of the thorn.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

Taj

iont

The Mountaintop Experience"

an

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner, Managers
Black Mountain. N. C.

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY, INC.
TREASURER'S REPORT
JUNE, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, treasurer for Cragmont Assembly,
Inc., Black Mountain, reports as follows for the month of June,
1976:

Balance Brought Forward June 1 , 1 976 $ 1 90.89

Receipts

Churches:

Flood's Chapel $

5.00

Wooten's Chapel

26.60

Core Creek

61.50

Peace

25.00

Bridgeton

25.00

Sandy Plain

100.00

Milbournie

23.00

Sherron Acres

41.50

Mount Zion (Pamlico Co.)

25.00

Ayden

150.00

Christian Chapel

150.00

Russell's Creek

10.00

Free Union (Walstonburg)

76.92

First, Wilson

250.00

First, Goldsboro

200.00

Powhatan

50.00

Daniels Chapel

100.00

Trinity (Clayton)

50.00

Marlboro

200.00

Elwood Lane

60.00

Warden's Grove

7.80

Piney Grove (Seven Springs)

24.00

Pleasant Grove (Erwin)

100.00

Holly Springs (Newport)

300.00

Pine Level

62.50

Deep Run

100.00

Sarecta

50.00

First, Rocky Mount

37.00

nday Schools:

Rose Hill

5.00

Reedy Branch

16.25

Stancil's Chapel

5.00

S. Convention: Albemarle District

5.00

2,310.82

26.25
5.00

Union Meetings:

Albemarle District
Second, Central
Second, Western

19.90
10.90
30.00

First, Western
AFC: Rooty Branch
League: Friendship, Farmville
Bible Schools:

Pine Level
Soundside
Kenly

Deposit Transfer of Funds from General
Savings
Total Receipts
Total for Which to Account

25.00
10.00
60.00

121.51
52.71
90.14

500.00

85.8C
10.0(1

60.0C

264.31

500.0(

3,262.2:;
3,453.1;!

Disbursements

Operational Expenses $ 514.66

Burress Insurance Agency 83.70
First Citizens, Transfer to Main Building
Fund 239.35

Total Disbursements

Balance on Hand July 1 , 1976

General Savings
Main Building
Chapel
General Fund
Total

837.7^

$ 2,615.4;

$12,570.1
14,370.1

3,339.8!

2-615.4;
$32,895.5;

BIBLE SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTE
$401.88 TO CRAGMONT

We wish to thank the Pine Level, Soundside, Kenly, Firs
Church of Warsaw, Whaley's Chapel; and Saint Mary's c
Kenly Bible Schools for their contributions to Cragmont.

Funds for the new main building are coming in verj
slowly— too slowly. We presently have $15,101.50 in the mai
building fund and $13,693.11 in general savings (barring a
emergency) for a combined total of $28,794.61 . We must rais
$21,205.39 by September 1 .

Several churches have sent special offerings over and abov
their budget contributions. Several churches send regula
monthly, quarterly, or yearly contributions. We are ver
grateful to each of you for what you have done. There are still
great many churches which have not done anything. We woul
like to ask that these churches do something for Cragmor
also.

If any church or organization would like for me (or any othe
board member) to visit your church or organization to sho\
slides and to tell you more about Cragmont, its relationship t
our denomination, and its needs, I would be happy to do so.

Pray for Cragmont. Support Cragmont. Visit Cragmont.

In His service,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer and Promotional Secretary
P. 0. Box 298

Oriental, North Carolina 28571
Phone, 249-7691

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

RAGMONT ASSEMBLY NEWS

or the past three weeks we have
bin privileged to host three wonderful
ciferences. During the week of June
21 —July 3 the Christian Cadets camped
wi us. Using the theme of "Let
Fiedom Ring," the counselors carried
}i the bicentennial spirit by dressing in
conial costumes and using famous
mes such as George and Martha
■ flshington. This conference was
d icted by the Rev. Rod Jones.

)uring the week of July 5-10, "Ma"
Hisley brought 100 campers to
Cgmont to enjoy the YFA week of the
Y Jth Frontier Conference. The theme
Mi "Faith of Our Fathers," featuring
esses on our biblical forefathers.

luly 12-17 found the AFC's of the
Y Jth Frontier Conference making the
nlers ring at Cragmont. This was the
litest conference so far this summer
busting 138 campers. With so many
sail children around we all felt a little
n(re young at heart that week .

(Throughout all of the conferences we
ire felt the Spirit of the Lord moving
Bp have seen His wondrous power
llpugh the saving and the rededicating
ojsouls. We just praise the Lord for all
11 mighty works we have seen and
eperienced.

Following a two-week rest period we
vjl host three more conferences during
tj 1976 camping season. These
cjiferences are the Young People's
Elile Conference, the Woman's Auxiliary
chference, and Family Week. We hope
t y all come to the mountains expecting
t receive a blessing. Continue to pray
f us and for God's work at Cragmont.
In His service,

Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

Children's Home

(Continued from Page 5)

50.00

Eastern Conference

I lly Springs

tal $746.31

The foregoing reflects some interest
id concern, but I know that we can and
do better. Let's work hard for this
Pject and send your contribution to the
» Will Baptist Children's Home, P. 0.
< 249, Middlesex, North Carolina
557. In addition, be sure to designate
3 contribution for the Water and
wage Fund.

MISSIONS

(Continued from Page 9)
five Free Will Baptist churches raised
$1,066.96 for Bibles and bicycles to be
sent to India. Youths participating were
from the following churches: Mount
Calvary, Oak Grove, White Oak,
Beaverdam, and Cypress Creek.

The youths of Beaverdam church were
especially happy with $516.64 raised
from a 10-mile Walk-A-Thon. Two weeks
prior to the walk, they began a com-
munity campaign to raise money for
Bibles and bicycles for the Free Will
Baptist missions in India. The walk
began at the church, and after a 10-mile,
round-a-bout route, ended at the
Beaverdam Community Building where
the woman's auxiliary prepared a
delicious cookout of hamburgers and hot
dogs which were enjoyed by all those
participating. Even though there were
many aching muscles and blistered feet,
the walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all
52 participating.

The Pee Dee District youths have been
offered a challenge by the Rev. Joe
Ingram to sponsor a foreign missionary
on a yearly basis. They have enough
energy and love for God and man to do
just that. Pray that their efforts to serve
God, whatever it may be, will be blessed.

SUMMER MISSIONARY

Sherry Sprouse

I arrived in San Antonio, Texas, on
June 7, very much afraid. I'm really not
sure why; perhaps because of the job,
the responsibility, or the people. Yet in
one short month God has changed my
fear and trembling to love and strength.

I would like to share a few things God
has been teaching me while working with
the Link family. The first and most
important is that His strength is made
perfect in my weakness. My weakness
being tired, homesick, frustrated due to
lack of communication, an inability to
come up with a more interesting way to
teach, etc. God has been with me, giving
me His strength and wisdom at just the
right moment for His honor and glory.
Second, this experience has taught me
that a smile means the same thing in
every language. I don't speak Spanish,
but I was surprised to see how much an
"English smile" was understood by a
Mexican child. God's love can be seen in
the smallest thing— even a smile.

I've barely scratched the surface

telling what God has been teaching me
while I have been here in Texas, but the
third and last thing I will mention is one
that I really want you to think on. It is
that each Christian, young adult should
consider summer mission work as a live
option. I'll list a few reasons why: You
get firsthand experience on the mission
field; it helps in your decision as far as
becoming a full-time mission worker; it
acquaints you with different cultures and
people; you learn dependence on God in
a new and exciting way; it burdens your
heart for the souls of men; it helps you
discover your gifts and talents; and it's
fun! These are just a few reasons why
you should consider summer mission
work. God will be your strength as He is
mine, and ". . . shall guide thee con-
tinually, and satisfy thy soul in drought,
and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt
be like a watered garden, and like a
spring of water, whose waters fail not"
(Isaiah 58:11).

IN MEMORIAM

Mrs. Cora Lee Garris Spivey

Mrs. Cora Lee Garris Spivey of Maury,
a leader for many years in lay work for
the North Carolina State Convention of
Free Will Baptists, died June 29, 1976.
She was 74 years old, and had been in
declining health for one year. Funeral
services were held at 11 a. m., on July
1, at Farmer Funeral Chapel in Ayden,
with the Rev. W. Burkette Raper, the
Rev. C. L. Patrick, and the Rev. M. L.
Tyndall officiating. Burial followed in the
Ayden Cemetery.

(Continued on Page 16

3E FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Mrs. Spivey rendered long and

distinguished service in many phases of
denominational work on the local,
district, and state levels. She was a
member of the Maury Free Will Baptist
Church. She was historian of the Central
Conference, and secretary of the State
Sunday school Convention. Her able
leadership in the woman's auxiliary was
recognized by the awarding of a life
membership pin by the state
organization. She designed the state
woman's auxiliary pin, and served as
field worker for the district convention.

Her service to Mount Olive College was
varied and distinctive. As the historian
for the College, she was very in-
strumental in creating the Free Will
Baptist Historical Collection, which is
located in the Moye Library. She was
chairman of the Hart Endowment
Committee, an endowment to the College

established as a memorial to the lit
William Franklin and Jesse Tedock Ha
Annually a music award that bears It
name is presented to a deserving stud<
at Mount Olive College.

She was a charter member of tl
Original Free Will Baptist Historii1
Society. She also served as secretai'
treasurer of the Ayden Seminary-Eure
College Alumni Association.

She was a member of the Benjarr
May Chapter of the D. A. R. of Farmvillt

Mrs. Spivey was the widow of Har
Lee Spivey of Maury, and the daughter
Asa Edward and Celia Hart Garris
Ayden. Surviving are two sons, Josel
Spivey of Grifton, and Lynnell Spivey
Maury; her mother, Mrs. Celia Garris
Ayden; and sister, Mrs. Edward Lee H
of Ayden; eleven grandchildren and eigi
great-grandchildren.

ENJOY AN OUTSIDE GOSPEL CONCERT AND PIG PICKING

Saturday, July 31 , Jackson Heights Free Will Baptist Church
Pig Picking, 5 P. M.— Singing, 7 P. M.

Featured Singers

Redeemers of New Bern

Advance Adults, $3.00
Donation

Children Under 12, $2.00
Donation at Gate

Taylor Family of Kinston

Adults, $3.50 Donation
at Gate

An Entire Family, $10.00
Donation at Gate

The church is located five miles south of Kinston, just off Highway 11. In the Jackson Heights Subdivision.

Redeemed of Winnabow

Plenty of Good Eating and Singing
Bring Your Lawn Chairs and Blankets
Concert Sponsored by the Sunday School of Jackson Heights Church

Billy Brown, Superintendent

16

The Rev. Everette V. Harper, Paste

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

"... WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER
FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, . . ." (ROMANS

8:28).

Though We Might Not See or Understand

God's way has always been the best way, though few of us have accepted
without question the unwelcome occurrences of this life. No one should dare blame
Him, however, for prevailing circumstances that causes us pain, discomfort, and
sadness, for we often create for ourselves the climate which allows those cir-
cumstances.

We have often heard it said that when something good happens to us, God is
responsible; and when something bad happens to us, Satan is responsible. But this
belief if not necessarily so, for what we consider bad may indeed be good for us, and
what we consider (with our finite minds) good may very well be bad for us!

The fact is, we don't know what is best for us. We know what we want. We
think we know what we need. We set for ourselves impossible goals at times and
blame someone else when we fail to reach those goals. How difficult it is for the wiser
ones to advise stiff-stemmed, opinionated persons. Still, the "counsel of the years"
should not be disallowed and ill-considered.

Those who have climbed life's ladder to a higher rung— those who possess the
"counsel of the years" — have the know-how, if not the right, to set us straight,
notwithstanding our insistence that we be permitted to live for and of ourselves.
Certainly, I, myself, have not reached any of the upper rungs of the ladder; but I do
know that each of us needs to regard the advice of the "elders"— and they would
teach us all to lean upon God, not making Him a refuge only in the time of storm, but
rather getting ourselves in such a close relationship to His divinity that we can truly
call Him "Father." A loving father surely wants what is best for his children, and
God, the Father, knows what is best. His divine nature never has and never will
permit a mistake.

I am reminded of the words of the song, "God's Way," as penned by Lida
Shivers Leech. She impresses upon us that God allows but does not always will
misfortune. I, personally, am convinced that misfortune teaches us dependence,
whereas we sometimes feel that we, as free agents, can conquer the world and all of
its problems with one fell swoop. But not so!

We need to be tendered and tried by fire, as it were, though none of us relish the
thought of enduring the purging that makes of us better persons. Steel is tempered
through the application of intense heat, and our souls are analogically tempered
through the application of spiritual fires: those disappointments and sorrows
discussed earlier. Mark it well: There is a distinct difference in God-allowed
misfortune and self-induced misfortune. The latter comes of our own foolishness
and/or stubbornness. To wit: We abuse our bodies mercilessly and then complain
about how bad we feel. We neglect to use the proverbial ounce of prevention and
discover all too late that more than a pound of cure is required. We could go on, but
suffice it here to say that the foregoing three statements refer to that "climate" of
circumstances created by ourselves to our own peril. God has absolutely nothing to
do with the harms that befall us because of our injudicious approach to living.

But yes, He has planned pathways for us to follow— if we will; and though
those pathways may not prove always smooth, they nonetheless lead us to the right
destination. And it is comforting to know that He is ever with us: in hope and in
despair, in seasons of plenty and in seasons of want, in times of joy and in times of
sorrow. The one thing we need to do is trust. Trust Him for all that we need! And, lest
we forget, we should never blame Him for anything.

We are brought to this point— a point that always troubles us, however faithful
and sinless we try to be: Why does God take our loved ones from us? Why must they
suffer sometimes tragic and painful deaths? Is God's will manifest in the "taking"?
We cannot know the whereofs and whys. We simply must resign ourselves to His
nevererring way and His divine will. In death, as in life, God's way is still the best
way.

May He help us to accept what comes our way, and may He help us to rechart
our courses if we are veering to the right or left. He has but one way— the straight
and narrow. May the knowledge of this fact behoove us to stay close to Him. Then
and only then can we accept life (and death) as it is; and then and only then shall we
be inclined to trust rather than to blame.

God's way— always the best way, though we might not see. . . .

Tommy Manning
Editor

thef

IT

bapt^

AUGUST 4, 1976
Volume 91 Number30

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
■publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years,
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists"
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appears
under the title or to the person submitting said
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

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p. m ., Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m— 5 p. rn.,
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a. m — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE CHURCH: A COMMUNITY

(Part 5)

by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

/MANY Christians today are talking
' ' about the need for "community"
i the church. I have chosen to use the
)rd as a description of what we will be
iscussing in the next four articles. I
ink a little explanation of what I mean
community is in order before we start.
One common meaning of the word
mmunity is simply an area on the map
lere people live. In other words, the
ossroads near your home may have a
ime which refers to the community or
ea where you live. So if a new person
wes into your neighborhood you might
ly they have moved into your corn-
unity.

; This definition of community is not all I
n referring to. Just because a number

Christian families happen to live in a
prtain geographical area or neigh-
orhood does not mean they are ex-
jriencing community life together.

Community does mean location but the
ay we will be using it, it means much
ore. Perhaps the best way to describe
i hat I mean by community life in the
|cal church is by the word family. After
I, when we are saved everyone in our
bighborhood who knows the Lord is our
irother and sister and we are a family,
jou have good families and you have bad
Jmilies; so by community I am really
escribing the life of the people of God in
I local neighborhood who are relating to
Tie another as brothers and sisters in a
piritual family in a good way.

Whew! What a long sentence. But I
liink you see what I mean. If not I'll try
gain from another direction.

Actually the particular word we choose
) use, whether it be community or family
r fellowship or something else, is
nimportant. But the concept is very
nportant. Community (the word I have
hosen to use) is not a scriptural word
ut the concept it refers to is very
criptural.

Many years ago because of what they
aw to be great evils in the Roman
;atholic Church, men like Martin Luther

broke away from the organized church in
what is called the Protestant Refor-
mation. Luther rebelled against the
overbearing authority of the Roman
Catholic Church and emphasized instead
the priesthood of the believer or the idea
that each Christian is a priest in the
sense that he can go directly to God.

This is good because each Christian
can do this. But this emphasis on the
individual and his relationship to God has
perhaps led to somewhat of a neglect of
the biblical idea of the relationship of the
people of God to each other and to God
as a group.

Perhaps it is easy to see that we are
responsible for ourselves, but we must
realize that because we are all in the
same family we have a responsibility to
our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is
this life together in the local church I am
calling community.

Community implies several things. It
implies being natural or at ease, unity in
a common life, equality between
members, and perhaps more important it
implies interaction between members
and involvement in each other's lives.
With this perhaps inadequate explanation
of what we mean by community we will
proceed to discuss in the remainder of
this article and in next week's some of
the ideas of the concept as we find them
in the New Testament.

Everyone a Minister

Every Christian has a gift. "Big deal,"
you say; "tell us something new." But
this is new— at least it was to me.
Although the teaching is as old as the
Bible, I had never actually realized until
recently that I have at least one specific
gift given to me by God for the upbuilding
of the church. Notice in 1 Corinthians
7:7; 2 Corinthians 4:7; and 1 Peter 4:10,
1 1 that "every" Christian has a gift. And
Paul encourages Timothy to neglect not
his gift, but stir it up and use it. (See 1
Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1 :6.)

God says that I have one, and for the

first time I have begun to ask myself,
"What is my gift?" We must begin to
teach and emphasize in the local church
that each and every Christian has a gift
and they should seek to discover what
that gift is so it can properly be used in
the fellowship.

Of course we are not limited to just one
gift. No doubt Paul had a multiple of
gifts. The point is that our Almighty
Father has equipped everyone of us (not
just pastors and leaders) with the
equipment or gifts to be valuable, indeed
indispensable, to the other members of
the body.

We are suggesting that if some
churches seem to be struggling and
dying that they not look to a better
trained pastor or a bigger staff but rather
to the average layman and laywoman
who has never discovered and used his
or her gift

Anytime you mention spiritual gifts
some people automatically think of
tongues. I hasten to point out that I am
dealing with the biblical idea of gifts in
general. Putting aside the question of
tongues there are enough gifts such as
exhortation, teaching, giving, and
showing mercy which are not being used
to concern us. Although all do not agree
on the matter of speaking in tongues, I
think any honest reader will agree that
the Bible teaches each Christian has at
least one gift which is to be used in the
church.

The thing I am trying to emphasize is
that mutual ministry is important. Too
often we sit in church meetings passive,
silent, listening (perhaps sometimes not
even that) to what is going on at the
front. The church of the first century was
a personal church. You knew each
other's hurts and needs and you did
something about them. You ministered to
your brothers and sisters. Christianity in
century one was not religion— it was life.
You really got to know your brother; and
when you get to know someone, not just
his Sunday show but his real life, you
begin to know also his needs and you get
concerned, you visit, you care, and you
minister. Read passages like Acts 4:32-
35; Romans 12:9-21; Philippians 2:1-4,
and many, many others to catch the
spirit of real community life among the
early believers.

Next week we will continue our
discussion of community.

(Continued Next Issue)

FHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
Scripture Reading— Psalm 37:23

I SHALL ARRIVE
I see my way as birds their trackless
way,

I shall arrive! What time, what cir-
cuit first,

I ask not: but unless God send His hail
Or blinding fireballs, sleet or stifling
snow,

In some time, His good time, I shall
arrive !

He guides me and the bird. In His
good time.

—Robert Browning

PRAYER THOUGHT
God is our Guide and through Him
we shall make our way through the
maze of life to the heights of majestic
glory above.

MONDAY, AUGUST 9
Scripture Reading— Matthew 22:37

A BLOOPER

A husband set before the television
looking intently at a hotly contested
football game.

Coming beside him, his wife said
dejectedly, "Honey, I believe you love
football better than you love me."

Continuing to look fixedly at the
game, he absent-mindedly replied,
"Honey, I do love you more than I
love baseball! "

Our love for our wife or husband or
children is sublimated and glorified,
and our love for the wholesome things
of life takes its rightful place in our
lives when our love for God is
preeminent.— Ralph M. Smith

PRAYER THOUGHT
While it is true that there are dif-
ferent types of love, let us put them in
their proper perspectives. When you
are ill the football team is not likely to
administer hot soup and soothing
liniments.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10
Scripture Reading— James 1 : 12

A NEW HEART

In THE LONDON OBSERVER,
Arnold Toynbee wrote, "What
mankind needs is a new way of life
with new aims, new ideals, and a new
order of priorities."

The Bible affirms that a new way of
life results from a new heart and a
new nature which God imparts
through the miracle of regeneration:
"A new heart also will I give you, and
a new spirit will I put within you : and
I will take away the stony heart out of
your flesh" (Ezekial 36:26). Only
transformed individuals can trans-
form our sin-sodden society.

PRAYER THOUGHT
If we would read the old, old story in
the Bible one more time, we would
have the proper aims, goals, and
priorities with which to transform our
lives.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 61 : 10

CRIMINALLY LIABLE
Madison Heights, a suburb of
Detroit with a population of 34,000,
recently enacted an ordinance which
stipulates: "Parents of a child under
seventeen who violates a city or state
law can be held criminally liable for a
$500 fine and ninety days in jail."

Where there is parental failure to
obey the command, "Train up the
child in the way he should go," and to
go that way themselves, youths may
make shipwreck of life !

There are no substitutes for
Christian homes and parental
example.

PRAYER THOUGHT
The challenge is ours, parents, to
bring up the children in a Christian
atmosphere. A change of atmosphere
would do the parents a great deal of
good also.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
Scripture Reading— Psalm 72:6, 7

HOW NEAR
Lord of all being, throned afar,
Thy glory flames from sun and star;
Center and soul of every sphere,
Yet to each loving heart, how near !

Grant us thy truth to make us free,
And kindling hearts that burn for

thee,

Till all thy living altars claim,
One holy light, one heavenly flame!

—Oliver Wendell Holn )

PRAYER THOUGHT
God is ever near and in tune w
our every thought. He wants to h<i
us. Why do we turn Him away?

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 29:::

WE DISAGREE
Sometime ago the LADIES HOM
JOURNAL reported a survey of wh;
1,000 women had to say about tl
church under the attention-arrestir
caption, "You Can't Find God in tl
Church Anymore . ' '

We disagree with the caption. Gc
may be found anywhere, if W
penitently turn from sin to tl
Saviour, pleading, "God be mercifi
to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13).

PRAYER THOUGHT
Communication with God is fasU
than any "hot line." We have only'
call upon Him in our thoughts and H
will answer.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 5 : 25

THE PRAYER BREAKFAST I
The Presidential prayer breakfast
in Washington are attended by man
influential people. They are held i
the huge ballroom of the mos
prestigious hotel in the nation'
capital.

In opening the program of a recer
breakfast, Congressman H. Quie c
Minnesota, said, "We have no
arrived! We are a gathering of sir
ners! "

In the closing prayer, Senato:
Harold Hughes of Iowa, a redeeme,
alcoholic, said, "Jesus stretches Hi
hand out to you. Take it! Let Him int
your life ! ' '

In the long ago, God said to Hi
ancient people, "All day long I hav
stretched forth my hands unto :
disobedient and gainsaying people'
(Romans 10:21).

PRAYER THOUGHT
God has great patience. We shal
rue the day His patience wears thin
Grasp the outstretched hand ant
accept Jesus as our Saviour while H<
is still beckoning.

(Devotions used by permission o
Knight's Up-To-The-Minute II
lustrations, Moody Press. )

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Q Answering ^bur
UESTIONS

Question: Are the floods, earthquakes,
jieat fires, and such like in which many
ilaths occur that we hear and read
out, judgments from God?
Answer: Perhaps not so in every case,
liwever, that such has been sent of God
bygone days is made clear in the
ble. God sent a flood of water in Noah's
y as judgment upon that generation of
il men because of their stubborn and
irelenting bending toward sin and a
sregard for God and the instructions He
iid made available to them. "And God
w that the wickedness of man was
eat in the earth, and that every
jagination of the thoughts of his heart
as only evil continually. . . . And the
3RD said, I will destroy man whom I
we created from the face of the earth;
jth man, and beast, and the creeping
ing, and the fowls of the air; for it
penteth me that I have made them. . . .
id God said unto Noah, The end of all
5sh is come before me; for the earth is

I led with violence through them; and,
ihold, I will destroy them with the
irth. . . . And, behold, I, even I, do
rip a flood of waters upon the earth, to
'pstroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of
ft, from under heaven; and every thing
jat is in the earth shall die" (Genesis
5, 7, 13, 17); "And all flesh died that
joved upon the earth, both of fowl, and
J cattle, and of beast, and of every
'eeping thing that creepeth upon the
arth, and every man" (Genesis 7:21);
. . . and Noah only remained alive, and
ley that were with him in the ark"
Senesis 7:23).

In these Scriptures we see that God
rought the flood on the earth as a
idgment upon all except Noah and those
ho followed God's instructions and took
Jfuge in the ark. He also rained fire
own from heaven and destroyed Sodom
nd Gomorrah. God sent two angels to
estroy these wicked cities. "And there
ame two angels to Sodom at even; and
ot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot
eeing them rose up to meet them; and
bowed himself with his face toward

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ie ground;

And the men said unto

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in
law, and thy sons, and thy daughters,
and whatsoever thou hast in the city,
bring them out of this place: For we will
destroy this place, because the cry of
them is waxen great before the face of
the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to
destroy it. . . . Then the LORD rained
upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah
brimstone and fire from the LORD out of
heaven; And he overthrew those cities,
and all the plain, and all the inhabitants
of the cities, and that which grew upon
the ground" (Genesis 19:1, 12, 13, 24,
25).

God's judgment of Sodom and
Gomorrah is used in the New Testament
to call apostate Christians' attention to
the fact that God will bring equitable
judgment upon them commensurate to
the degree of their rebellion against Him
and His instructions. "Even as Sodom
and Gomorrah, and the cities about them
in like manner, giving themselves over to
fornication, and going after strange
flesh, are set forth for an example,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire"
(Jude7).

Now all this does not mean that all
disasters, including the loss of a
Christian's health, is a sure sign that
God is bringing special judgment upon
the victim because he is an unusual
sinner. God, however, uses all the
experience a Christian has for his good.
". . . we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to
his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Many Christians have lost their lives in
such natural destructive elements. In the
days of Elijah only a few were
miraculosuly saved from the great
famine. Even in Jesus' day, whereas
Peter's wife's mother was saved, being
healed from a loathsome fever; many no
doubt of whom rejoiced over the miracle
knew of others that lost their lives in the
throes of the same fever; and many,
there is no doubt, starved in the days of
both Elijah and Elisha.

Jesus taught that repentance and a

correct acknowledgement of Him as their
Lord and Saviour was as necessary for
those that met with no great disaster as
for those who did. "There were present
at that season some that told him of the
Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had
mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus
answering said unto them, Suppose ye
that these Galilaeans were sinners above
all the Galilaeans, because they suffered
such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except
ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or
those eighteen, upon whom the tower in
Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that
they were sinners above all men that
dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but,
except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish" (Luke 13:1-5).

George H. Sandison in answering a
similar question gives some good
thoughts to enlighten us on the subject
on Page 320 in his book, 1000 Difficult
Bible Questions Answered:

"Although all human experience and
divine revelation teach us that God
punishes the wicked who do not repent
and turn to him, we are not justified in
assuming that visitations of the character
referred to are in any sense to be
regarded as in this category. Indeed,
Christ plainly rebuked such a con-
clusion, when he referred to the per-
secution of the Galileans, and the
disaster at Siloam (Luke 13:1-4). Nature
has her divinely adjusted laws; and the
world moves in obedience to these laws.
Greater wisdom would teach us not to
live in localities that are obviously liable
to be inundated, or overwhelmed by
landslides; and to build of such material,
and in such manner that risks from
conflagration will be minimized. In a
majority of cases, however, human
foresight seems utterly powerless to
provide against or to escape from such
happenings, and we must be content to
regard them as the result of natural
law, to which the righteous and the
wicked are alike subject, 'as the rain
falleth on the just and the unjust.' There
have been instances, as in a railroad
disaster, in which good people have been
killed and wicked people have escaped.
Christians must not expect immunity
from injury and accident, nor must the
wicked conclude that because they
escape, God is indifferent to their evil
deeds. God expects us to trust in him
and wait the time when all these
mysteries shall be explained. In the
(Continued on Page 11)

WOMAN'S AUXILIARY

CONVENTION OF

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

The Woman's Auxiliary Convention of
the General Conference met in its twelfth
session Monday and Tuesday, June 28,
29, with the First Free Will Baptist
Church of Durham. The convention
theme Scripture was "For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians
1:21). Mrs. Margaret Ard, president,
presided.

Registration began at 7:30, Monday
evening, June 28. There was a large
number of young people representing
many churches in North Carolina and
other states. The youth choir of the host
church opened the meeting by singing
"Sweet, Sweet Spirit," followed with
prayer and the congregation singing
"When We All Get to Heaven."

Mr. Mark McPherson of the
Beaverdam church was in charge of the
devotions. He elaborated on the fact that
to be a Christian is not a burden or an
unhappy life, but a pleasant experience;
one for rejoicing and winning others to
Christ. He concluded his meditation by
quoting the theme Scripture.

A talk, "What Do We Have for Us in
Life?" was given by Ginger McPherson,
followed with special music, "Amazing
Grace," by Jeanie Godwin and Ginger
McPherson. Pennie Cartrelle prayed the
evening prayer.

Shelia Hopkins of the host church
gave the welcome with the response by
Todd Ard. The church's youth choir
again sang two beautiful selections:
"Put Your Hand in the Hand" and
"Through It All." During the offertory
Kim Burgess sang "One Day at a Time."

Mrs. Charlotte Griffin, youth chair-
man, was in charge of the Bible Bowl
Quiz. The winners were as follows: AFC
winners: Crab Point, Morehead City,
third place; Beaverdam, Chadbourn,
second place; and Gum Swamp,
Greenville, first place. YFA winners:

Beaverdam, Chadbourn, third place;
Gum Swamp, Greenville, second place;
and Crab Point, Morehead City, first
place.

Prior to the evening message, a trio
from the host church sang "The Man on
the Middle Cross." Mr. Jack Lassiter,
ministerial student from Atlantic
Christian College, presented the evening
message. His Scripture was taken from
Ecclesiastes 11:9 and Acts 3:1-11. The
evening prayer was by David Waller. Mr.
Lassiter used as his subject, "Things
That the World Today Expects of Young
People." He stated that without the love
of God you have nothing; one must have
love and reality. He said that people are
watching you, so you must make Christ
the center of your life.

"Just As I Am" was sung by the
congregation, followed with the
benediction by the Rev. Stanley
Slaughter, pastor of the Henderson
mission.

The Tuesday morning session began
with the congregation singing "I Wish
We'd All Been Ready." Devotions and
prayer was given by the president of the
North Carolina State Woman's Auxiliary
Convention, Mrs. Rachel Duncan of
Chadbourn.

Mrs. Mary Lou Jackson of Clinton,
secretary of the convention, declared the
convention in session and introduced
Mrs. Susan Faircloth of the Robert's
Grove church, Dunn, who sang "The
Battle Hymn of the Republic." The
convention was then turned over to the
president, Mrs. Ard.

The host church presented a musical
selection after which the president
recognized the officers of the convention,
ministers, delegates, and visitors. There
were 22 ministers present, representing
five states.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ard gave a
challenge to the congregation, "Do you
want to be made whole?" She con-
tinued by saying that everyone makes

mistakes, but not everyone wants to t
made whole spiritually. Her closin
remarks were "God can help."

During the business session tti
minutes were read and accepted by th
convention. Also Mrs. Mary LouJackso
was appointed to visit the churches i
West Virginia and exchange ideas wit
these churches while in their state. '
was brought out that Mrs. Jackson ha
organized many auxiliaries in Nortj
Carolina, as well as taught study course,
on the Woman's Auxiliary Manual aJ
other topics.

The hymn, "Power in the Blood," was
sung by the congregation, followed with
special music by the host church.

The youth of Christian Chapel churcr
presented a most inspiring drama en
titled, "The Beginning." Those takinc
part in the drama were Walter Powell
Deborah Smith, Cathy Smith, Todd Ard
and Maria Ard.

The Rev. A. B. Bryan, pastor o
Robert's Grove church, prayed the
benediction and gave thanks to God foij
the delicious and most refreshing fooc
furnished by the Piedmont Conference
and served by the host church.

The afternoon session opened with the
hymns, "Leaning on the Everlastinc
Arms" and "I Wish We'd All Beer
Ready." Prayer was offered by Mike
Coley.

Mrs. Ard asked for the report of the
various committees. The installatior
service was presided over by Mrs. A. B
Bryan with Mr. Bryan praying the
dedicatory prayer.

The remainder of the afternoon service

(Continued on Page 11)

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Scriptural basis: ". . .And the rulers
Iso with them derided him, ... And the
oldiers also mocked him, . . ." (Luke
3:35,36).

HE RULERS AND THE SOLDIERS
MET THE LORD AT CALVARY

Rulers are the heads of government
nd the soldiers are obliged to carry out
le wishes of the rulers. The law is made
y rulers and the soldiers are responsible
) see that the law is respected and that
ie sovereignty of the country is kept
itact. The higher powers are ordained of
iod and there is no power but of God,
'. . . the powers that be are ordained of
iod" (Romans 13:1). However, this
loes not mean that all rulers please God.
t simply means that God has set them up
n positions of power, come what may.
pod has tolerated wicked rulers all
hrough history. Many times God has
jsed wicked rulers with their armies to
)unish His own people for their sins, but
'hen, God turns around and punishes
wicked and ungodly rulers and their
Subjects for destroying God's people.
)You see, God is the God of all and He can
;do with His own whatever pleases Him.
i It is necessary for a sovereign state or
jnation to have a form of government by
(Which the control of its citizens can be
^effected. Rulers use their power and the
wealth of their country to promote their
own personal and selfish desires. Rulers
with the strong hand of their armies have
committed crime in the most inhuman,
distasteful, and flagrant ways. But godly
rulers have shown mercy, given
protection, and enforced the laws of God
in a just and holy manner.

The rulers and soldiers who met the
Lord at Calvary were simply doing their
duty as it presented itself unto them.
This i? wha< happens in ail ages and in
most forms of government. Governments
are made up of men, m?*?y of which have
never really met the Lo Because these

THE FREE WILL. E»; .; 1ST

rulers and soldiers were at Calvary does
not mean that they would show any
favors to Jesus Christ. They probably
were as anxious to see the hanging as
anybody else. They were no more
disrespectful of Christ than the un-
concerned and mediocre classes of
people around them.

In fact, I believe the great majority of
people in our day who are not in
government and those who are not
serving in the army or other branches of
the service are influencing more people
to bypass Calvary than any other
classification of citizens. They are just
concerned with their very own selfish
way of life. They tolerate government,
they tolerate religious activity, they
tolerate the many kinds of businesses of
the land; but they will do nothing which
will open up the spiritual life and give
them a divinely inspired relationship with
God and their fellowmen.

Finally, the rulers and the soldiers are
people, and people must meet God.
Everyone at one time or another, will
meet the Lord and profess that He is the
Christ of God. There is one simple little
fact which we must accept: When we
meet the Lord at Calvary it has to be a
complete surrender. It is necessary for
us to give ourselves over to Christ and
die with Him at Calvary. When this is
done we will be prepared to meet Him in
heaven. When we reach heaven He will
present us with our many crowns,
privileges, and great honor. He will
provide us with a mansion and we will
live forever in the realm of His kingdom.
There will be no more sickness,
separations, sorrow, or needs. All the
desires of our hearts and the ambitions of
our souls will be met forever.

CHANGING

by Margaret Sullivan
Greenville, N. C.
"Things are always changing,"
You so often say;
Depressed that nothing great
Has befallen your humble way.

Change is only one pattern
In the Master's infinite plan.
Evasively, success moves on
Beyond the grasp of man.

Whether success is great or small,

An honest part you must play;
For things are alvk'ays changing
When you seek the Master's way.

THE REDEEMED

In my many years of being involved in
gospel music, I have had the opportunity
to see and hear just about every kind of
group there is. Naturally, there are those
who stand out in my mind more than
others— either because of their abilities,
their personalities, their spiritual
qualities, or a combination.

A combination is what you will find in

the group called The Redeemed. As one
of the members has said, "Without God
we would have no purpose, and without
Christian fellowship we would have no
initiative. We, as a group are 'The
Redeemed' and we, as Christians, are
'redeemed' by the blood of the Lamb."

The group is made up of Terry and
Gayle Willetts and Tina Nance. Among
the talents in this group are the writing
abilities as are displayed in the song "A
Little Bit of Heaven" which was written
by Gayle.

The Redeemed are from Winnabow,
North Carolina, and are under my
personal management through Gospel
Sonshine Productions. For further in-
formation and bookings, please feel free
to contact me.

Looking forward to hearing from you
and working with you in the promotion of
the gospel.— Everette V, Harper, P. 0.
Box 3384, Kinston, North Carolina 28501

COMING EVENTS...

August 2-4— Ministers' Institute, Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina

August 20, 21 — Piedmont Conference,

Moynt Olive Frae Will Baptist
Church, Kannapoiis, North Carolina
September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

7

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N, C. 27530

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N C 28305

FREE SPIRIT BIBLE
SCHOOL

The Free Spirit Free Will Baptist
Mission ot Wilson reports an average
attendance of 97 for Bible school held
recently by the mission. In fact, the
attendance was so great a tent had to be
pitched to accommodate everyone.

The Rev. Dale Albertson is pastor and
director of the mission which reports a
continuous growth in attendance.

I would like to remind our people of

INDIA

THE BLESSINGS OF TRIAL

by

the Rev. Emmanuel M. Lall D.D.
Fountains of blessings and springs of
joy which are unequalled by any of the
other experiences of life as a source of
deep, rich, and pure joy whose origin is
eternity— these are what the Christian
can discover in trials.

In James 1:2 we read, "My brethren,
count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations." Note that we are to

your continued prayers and financial
support for home missions. We presently
have less than two weeks' operating
capital on hand. Our Lord is really
blessing home missions, so let's do our
part to keep this work going.

Yours in Christ
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

"count" or to esteem by faith a source of
joy to us which is a source of sorrow to
the unsaved. In Verses 3-17 James gives
us reasons for rejoicing in our trials.

God has a purpose for our trials as
James states in Verses 3 and 4:
"Knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience. But let patience
have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Patience is personified as a craftsman,
polishing us through trials. We can
rejoice in any. trial and come forth tried

and tested, polished and perfected aja
vessel unto honor.

God has an answer for trials, "je
familiar fifth verse, when seen in is
context, is a precious gem that sparkij
in a different light from that in which i
often quoted: "If any of you k|<
wisdom, let him ask of God, that givii
to all men liberally, and upbraideth nj;
and it shall be given him." To a<
"Why Lord?" in a submissive voice Hi
question that God delights in answerir
He gives us wisdom to understand v\m
trials must come into our lives and i
know how to act in the midst of trials.

God reveals true values throui
trials. Verses 9-11 may seem pare
thetical, but when properly understo'
they contribute admirably to the subje;
at hand. In one sense, both the poor a
the rich had a common trial in t
persecutions that equally befell them
the early days of the church. The po
felt that they had such a difficult time
being penurious and destitute of mater
goods. The rich thought it a trial wrv
upon becoming Christians they had
mingle with the common rabbles wl
had also become Christians. But Janr
says, in effect, that neither of the*
particular trials were to be regarded
trials at all.

Does this not hold true in our lives?
we were not such inveterate worshipei
at the the twin shrines of comfort ar)
convenience, half of our trials wouf
disappear.

God has a reward for those wh
endure trials. James reaches the pic
nacle of this exhortation in Verse 1!|
"Blessed is the man that endurel;
temptation: for when he is tried, he shai
receive the crown of life, which the Lor
hath promised to them that love him. i
Satan tempts us for an evil pui
pose— that we might sin and fall. Got1
proves for benevolent and beneficer
ends that we might stand and conquei
Through trials God grants us character i
this life, and crowns in the next.

HERE'S WHAT I SAID!

It is not uncommon for a horn
missionary to say to me, "You are nc
going to let me down, are you?" It i
impossible for me to convey the feelim
within me when they say this and loo
me straight in the eye with such sincerit
and wait for an answer.

I understand the feeling of sucl
dependency because I have been then

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTTS1

ll.

|j know the tremendous responsibility
is to build a church from the ground
However, I cannot ignore the
cjestion; they must receive a direct
giSwer. It would be ridiculous for them
t look upon me as a money tree, and I
I not believe that is the case here. I
iiorpret it this way: They see me as your
fqresentative, and as they look into my
«bs, they see approximately 40,000
m Free Will Baptists looking back.

\jien I take them by the hand, they like
t| feel the grip and security of the
Uusands of you that I represent. Does
lis mean that I can pass the buck and
>k "Well Brother, it all depends upon
fat others do"? No, I can't say that.
| I say the only right thing there is to
y and that is, "Yes, Brother, you can
unton me. I will not let you down."
I have said what I believe the people I
present would have me say, although
Ir current bank balance as of July 26,
only $218.33

I have done my duty and shared the
iestion with you. Let's not ever forget
le question, "You're not going to let me
Iwn, are you?" Please remember, it is
I for the cause of spreading the gospel
id winning souls for Christ.
Our weekly expenses are ap-
oximately $1 ,500, so you can seethe
isperate situation we are in. The Home
issions Department has become big
jsiness and its needs are increasing,
e need the deep concern of all our
jople if we are to continue to grow and
osper. We are off to a very good start,
) please do all you can to help! We need
hi now!

Yours in Christ,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Special (^Wowents

Dear Maggie,

I have had many special moments in my lifetime. I have been a recipe collector
for many years and still do at the age of 78 years. Sometimes after beginning to follow
a recipe you find you are out of some particular ingredient. You then try some
substitute that might serve as well. The results may be satisfactory and you get by.
Later with all the ingredients on hand you make it again and by following the recipe
exactly you realize the difference.

Life is like that— the Christian's experiences exemplify it best. In His Word, God
has clearly given us the recipe for the blessed life. We, however, often fail to refer to
God's recipe for a blessed life; or with the recipe before us, we fail to follow it exactly.

In 2 Peter 1 :5-8 there is a sure recipe for a gratifying life in God. Read it, follow
it, and know the joy of life. "... giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to
patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness
charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither
be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."— Adapted from
Recipe for Living

MMB

Winterville, N. C.

RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
FOR

VIRGINIA ARNOLD HUDSON

Whereas, God, our heavenly father, in
His infinite wisdom, called from our
midst on May 28, 1976, Virginia Arnold
Hudson, a faithful servant of His in the
Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Greenville;

Whereas, those of us who have known
and loved her dearly are saddened by her
passing;

Therefore, be it resolved that we
express our sincere sympathy to her
family because of the absence of her
strong and loving guidance. We are
thankful for the example she has set for
us to follow and realize that her loving
guidance will not only be remembered by
her family but by all who met her along
life's way. Pleasant memories are a gift
from God that death cannot destroy, and
Virginia paved her path through life with
pleasant memories. Weshallrememberher
by the words found in Proverbs 31 ,
Verses 26, 27, and 28: "She opened her
mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue

was the law of kindness. She looketh
well to the ways of her household, and
eateth not the bread of idleness. Her
children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her."

We sincerely request that a copy of
this resolution be sent to herfamily, to her
church, to the Free Will Baptist Press for
publication, and a copy recorded in the
minutes of the woman's auxiliary where
she was a faithful and devoted member.

Respectfully submitted,

Woman's Auxiliary

Black Jack Free Will Baptist Church

BOWEN BETTER

The Rev. C. F. Bowen was admitted to
Wilson Memorial Hospital on Thursday,
July 22, but friends will be glad to know
that he is reportedly doing much better at
this time and expects to be home within
another week. Mr. Bowen appreciates
the prayers, flowers, and all acts of
kindness he has received during this
time.

9

NEWS&
_NOTES.

Northern Church Pays
Tribute to Pastor

(Through error the picture that was
supposed to go with this article last week
was omitted; therefore, we are reprinting
the article. — Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor.)

June 5 was a special day for the Rev.
Harry G. Brown, pastor of Northern Free
Will Baptist Church in Bahama. The day
was a celebration often years of services
to the church by Mr. Brown.

During the morning worship service a
surprise presentation was made to Mr.
Brown by John P. Bailey, president of the
Brotherhood. Mr. Bailey presented to
Mr. Brown a plaque in behalf of the
Brotherhood for his years of loyalty and
dedication in love. His speech was
entitled "This Is Your Life, Harry
Brown." Mr. Bailey reviewed the life of
the pastor while serving the Northern
church. Among the interesting things
mentioned was not included the Sunday
morning of March 20, 1966, when Mr.
Brown preached his trial message and
was called to pastor the church on June
6, 1966.

A characteristic that most churches of
today cannot give testimony to is a
growing church budget. In 1966 the
Northern church set its budget at
$4,000. Today, ten years later, the
church's budget is $65,000. WNt a

testimony!

Something else to be grateful for is the
Sunday morning when Mr. Brown and
Mr. Henry Johnson (now deceased)
burned the note on the church. Another
notable event was the beginning of the
construction of the education building in
1973, which is now completed. The
structure is valued at $80,000 and not
one penny was borrowed to erect it.
Through faith in God the pastor brought
the members through all this.

The church held a church-wide family
cookout on June 4, at which time Mr.
Brown was presented a 20-pound tier
cake decorated in green, yellow, and
orange, with miniature black and white
Bibles on top. Mr. Brown cut the cake,
giving the first piece to his wife, Jean,
and following pieces to the deacons of
the church.

The day was a joy to everyone who
shared the occasion with the pastor. It
was stated by a member of the church,
"Rev. Brown is always there when
needed with a smile and words of en-
couragement."

Praise God for wonderful pastors,
especially the Rev. Harry G. Brown!

Special July 4th Service
At Christian Chapel Church

Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Pink Hill, celebrated the
freedom of America Sunday, July 4, with
songs of praise and thanks to God. The
adult and youth choirs presented a
cantata, "I Love America," written by
John W. Peterson, during the morning
worship hour. This was followed with a
delicious lunch served on the church
grounds at the noon hour.

After lunch the group assembled back
inside the church sanctuary for a reading
of the church's history and to view old
pictures of different members and former
pastors. All the members were dressed
in appropriate attire for the occasion with
a lot of camera-snapping going on. Also
the older members reiated stories :>f
happenings they remembered in the
■arlierdays of the church.

Christian Chapel church will
celebrating its 104th birthday the f
Sunday in October this year. A comp 1
church history and a listing of fori r
pastors and church clerks over the yes
will be completed by then and presen]
for publication.

The Rev. Norman Ard is pastor of I
church with Mrs. Ard serving as direcr
of the adult choir.

Spring Branch Celebrates
The "Good Old Days"

Sunday, July 4, was set aside as "01/
Fashioned Sunday" at Spring Braru
Free Will Baptist Church ne
Walstonburg. Many in the congregatk
were dressed in old-fashioned attirt
with the women in long dresses art
bonnets and some of men in "bl
overalls."

The day's activities started out wit
the Sunday school lesson being taught
the sanctuary to the entire church bytl
pastor's wife, Mrs. Royce Reynolds, in
bulletin was designed to set the mood f<
old-fashioned worship. The covt
depicted America as the land of the fre<:
and a poem was written, complete wit

old-fashioned
follows:

spelling. It reads a

I ain't much uv a poet, you kno,
I havthe hardes' tyme
Makin the lions come out iist rite
An maKin the virses rime,

But Ole-Fashuned Day iz here again.

THis Sunday iz he day

Whin we ditch this moaernn stuph

^nci do the olc tyme way.

We shud be verry dignafide
So miny peeple say,

10

m wo

'd ruther sing and say "Amen"
ey did en yistarday.

i-e goin to have Mrs. Doris at de
planner

\ride orgin Mrs. Virginne weel play.
:|i;die and Linda is goin to seng
I I'll preech de ole tyme wey.

v

Erie

I it be funn to wurshipp God,
ole - fashuned wey?

ter an old-fashioned worship service
k1 congregation enjoyed a delicious
outdoors. Afterwards all gathered
the Fellowship Hall to view "old
}s" that the folks had brought to
lay. Many of the items dated back to
early 1800's. Many of the men got
horseshoes and tried their luck at the
es.

veryone tried, at least for one day, to
eiiiythe "good old days" again. It was
a wonderful day of good Christian
ft >wship in an old-fashioned spirit.

iicentennial certificates were given to
a who attended church on the nation's
2)th birthday.

UESTIONS& ANSWERS

j (Continued from Page 5 )
nantime, as in the case of Job, we
siuld be adding cruelty to misery if we
Itily assumed that those who suffer
n!st have sinned most grievously. The
oposite is often true. God is not settling
e:ounts with men in this life; that will
t| done at the judgment. In the same
By, the wars, accidents, wrecks, etc.,
rly be the direct result of human
igligence or wrongdoing, but we must
fit regard God as an indifferent
rectator of the events in his world,
ere is an overruling Providence that
ns evil to good results in spite of evil
entions on man's part. We cannot
ways explain it, and some providences
em mysterious, but we cannot be
rprised at our not being able to fathom
)d's purposes. From what we do know,
e must conclude that those we do not
low are also good and wiser than we
in conceive."

CHURCH AUXILIARIES

(Continued from Page 6)
as spent with special music, praise,
id fellowship.

The convention came to a close with
e congregation praying together the

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

'A Christian Home~
for Boys and Girls'

free will baptist

hildrens 1

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

aptisf # i

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
JUNE, 1976

Albemarle Conference

Corinth $
Free Union
Mt. Tabor
Mt. Zion
Sound Side
Total

FOR

$ 10.00
500.00
57.37
50.00
50.00
$ 667.37

Blue Ridge Association

Cedar Hill

Cape Fear Conference

Bethel

Catalpa

Daly's Chapel

Goldsboro, First

Happiness

Hopewell

Johnston Union

Lee's Chapel

Oak Grove

Riverside

St. Mary's Grove

Shady Grove

Smyrna

St. Paul

Yelverton's Grove
Total

Central Conference

Aspen Grove
Ayden
Bethany
Black Jack
Community
Daniels Chapel
Dilda's Grove
Edgewood
Free Union
Friendship
Greenville, First
Gum Swamp
Harrell's Chapel
Hickory Grove

$ 20.75

$ 110.00
10.00
100.00
80.00
10.00
83.45
12.00
730.05
42.35
55.00
272.43
500.00
15.00
100.00
258.53
$2,378.81

169.00
55.00
35.11
80.00
7.04
300.00
313.08
5.00
197.15
56.07
210.00
675.00
125.00
212.34

Hull Road

300.00

LaGrange

200.00

Marlboro

25.00

ocLUMU UMIUll

1 ft on
i u.yu

Fourth Union

1 1)1 .<:4

Ormondsville

-i o ftft
1 o.UU

Peace

07 QR
01 .3D

rlllcy ul UVc

I UO. 00

Reedy Branch

o on 1 7

Rocky Mount, First

oc nn

Q r\/~ r\ Dill

nose Hill

AQ O Q

4o.oo

Saratoga

eft ftn
bU.UU

opriny orancn

7c; ftft

Sweet Gum Grove

-1 ft ftft

1 u.uu

Winterville

Oftft 0 i

<:UU.o 1

Total

Co nc c h n

eastern bonierence

Angola <-

<r cr\ ftft

$ 60.00

Antioch

50.00

Bethel

50.00

Beulaville

350.00

Bridgeton

159.00

Cabin

150.00

Core Creek

116.75

Core Point

38.00

Crab Point

15.00

Deep Run

135.00

Dublin Grove

180.97

Faith

190.00

Folkstone

25.00

Friendship

40.75

Gethsemane

120.00

Hillsberry

10.00

Kinston, First

10.00

Lanier's Chapel

10.00

Mt. Zion (Onslow)

34.07

Mt. Zion (Pamlico)

100.00

Miscellaneous

5.00

Filth S. S. Convention

50.00

Third Union

50.00

New Bethlehem

27.55

New Haven

26.19

Oak Grove

105.00

Oriental

28.56

Pearsall's Chapel

100.96

Pilgrim's Rest

5.00

(Continued on Page 15)

Lord's Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Mary Lou Jackson, Secretary

Mrs. Norman Ard, President

Change of Address

The Vanguard Brothers singing group

wish to announce that they have
moved their headquarters from Mount
Olive to Kinston. The new address is Post
Office Box 3543, Kinston, North Carolina
28501; telephone 523-2457. Churches
interested in the group's services are
reminded to contact them at the new
address.

ii

Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For August 15

THE BIBLE AND SOCIAL
ACTION

Lesson Text: James 2:1-7, 14-20
Memory Verse: James 1 :22

I. INTRODUCTION

The main purpose of the church
through the centuries has been to spread
the gospel throughout the world. Its
mission is to win men to Christ, first and
foremost. However, wherever the church
has gone people have been blessed by its
spirit of concern for the needy and the
unfortunate. Where Christianity has
triumphed great benevolent institutions
have been erected, hospitals, homes for
homeless children, havens of refuge for
the outcasts, even schools and colleges.

There is a strong affinity between faith
and works— believing and doing. The
one without the other does not reflect the
spirit of Christianity for, as James so
aptly declared, "Faith without works is
dead."— The Bible Student (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. We believe that the preaching of
the gospel will help the world socially,
but we do not believe in a social gospel.
The problems of the world cannot be
solved by giving people material things.
Their character must be changed, and
only God can do that. So the best way to
help the world is to take the gospel of
Christ to its people.

B. Sound may be used as an
illustration of faith. Scientists tell us that
if a tree falls in the forest where there is
no man or animal to hear it, there is no
sound. The reason for this is that the
definition of sound is "a vibration
striking an auditory nerve." The
vibration would be there caused by the
falling tree, but there would have to be
the auditory nerve to receive the vibration
in order to have sound. James felt that
faith did not actually exist until it incited
action.

C. The U. S. Government, under the
administration of President Johnson,

tried to create the "Great Society." This
was done by trying to supply the physical
needs of the people. This effort failed
because men are not changed by giving
them material things. The character of
men must be changed in order to solve
the great problems of the world.

D. Love might be used as an
illustration of faith. Is it true that you love
someone when you are not moved to
action for them when there is a need?
Does one have real faith if this faith does
not move him to action?

E. True faith is more than a
profession; it is a possession. It is more
than a statement; it is a step. It is more
than a trace; it is a trust. It is more than
feeling; it is fact. We do not work in order
to be saved; we work because we are
saved.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The story is told of a Welsh
farmer who was approached by some
members of the church to which he
belonged and invited to attend a special
prayer meeting. The meeting had been
called for the purpose of invoking the
blessings of the Lord upon a poor and
needy family of the community in which
the breadwinner and head of the
household had recently passed away.

It was in the midst of the harvest
season, and the farmer was busy at work
in his fields. His reply to the request
demonstrates an active living faith: "I
don't have time to go to prayer meeting
this evening, as this hay must be put in
the barn before dark; but go to my house
and into the cellar and get some
potatoes, cabbage, butter, and milk and
carry to these needy people." This
man's faith, like that of James,
manifested itself through his
works — The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

B. Human life is given to us as a
means of glorifying God, which is the
chief aim of man. One can glorify God
only when his purpose is in tune with the

divine will. That will is clearly seen in
life of the Son on earth. He came tof
the Father's will, and whatever He i|
was part of that will. Jesus was servi
the Father as much when He fed i
multitude with loaves and fishes as wf
He discoursed to them on the bread
life. He was doing God's will as mi
when He healed the blind as when
opened spiritual eyes to greater values
Whatever Jesus did while in a body (
earth the body of Jesus on earth oughl,
do. But we are that body, and we shot;
"go about doing good." It is nan
enough that we send money when \
should actually be giving ourselves. {
have been misdirected if we think tf,
our only task is to take the gospel to t
world. The picture of the final judgme,
in Matthew 25:31-46 clearly shows tr
at least part of the basis of our judgme
will be whether or not we have fed tl
hungry, given drink to the thirsty, ai
visited the sick and imprisoned. It is rJ
whether we should preach the gospel
carry on a program of social assistant
We are to do both, for they are lira
together in the mind of the Father. 0;
lives are made faithful when Vi
discharge our whole responsibility
faith.

If your faith is flabby and inert, yc(
must inject new life into it. Jamfj
concludes that faith without works is lil
a body from which the spirit h<
departed. It is dead (2:26). The only w<!
to revive a dead body is to put the spii,
back into it. Likewise the only way
revive a dead faith is to inject it full I
concern for others until it becomes activ
and energetic in removing barrier;
restoring health, and bringing joy 1
those who have hardly known hafj
piness.

Love for God is best shown by lovefc
our fellowman. If we do not love a brothe
whom we can see, it is very doubtful th;
we can ever truly love God whom w
cannot see. By sharing we gain, and i
the final analysis all we have is what w
have given away.— Standard Lesso
Commentary

C. James says, "How can you clair
to be a Christian if you treat rich peopl
better than you do poor people? When
person who is well dressed and wear
expensive jewelry comes into you
church, and then another person come
in at the same time who is poor am
shabbily dressed, if you treat the well
(Continued on Page 13)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

!!

A GREAT DAY FOR
FREEWILL BAPTISTS

Loy Everette Ballard

bnday, July 18, 1976, was a great
da! for Free Will Baptists of North
Callina. As a part of our contribution to
I bicentennial celebration, and to
stiulate a deeper appreciation of our
netage as a denomination, hundreds of
Lispade a pilgrimage to the three oldest
Orlinal Free Will Baptist churches in
extence today, and to a fourth spot,
nr'ished because of our history.

he pilgrimage began at Gum Swamp
crrch, thought by many to have been
I outcome of the first preaching of our
fail in the area of our state, and even of
th nation, where Free Will Baptist
ct'rches abound in greater numbers
m anywhere else.

pen Mrs. Ballard and I arrived on the
giunds of the church early, and
wched car after car come rolling in
Hi places near and far, we experienced
a thrill of great joy that we were
p^ileged to be part of a denomination
Aihad watched emerge from the small,
sttered group of Christians left to
cjrish and seek to propagate our faith
aiir the great desertion from our ranks
ir 91 1 . Perhaps our joy at remembering
I brave struggles and glorious
tijmphs of more than sixty years of our
hlory was dampened a little by the
sjemn reflection that it would not likely
b; our privilege to long have part in the
g!at future we see immediately ahead
f'jthe church we love.
|a group of young people presented an
ieresting recital of the history of Gum
5/amp church, most of which we were
;eady familiar with. But it was a thrill to
tar and see the story reinacted by the
fles who, by the grace of God, will be
livileged to continue the history through
any years to come, if the Lord delays

s coming.

When the brief program was over, and
i got out on the highway going to Little
eek church, it has been estimated that
e string of cars was over a mile long,
e all had our car's lights on, and as we
oved along many cars meeting us
piled off the road. I am sure many of
pit? thought it was a funeral
rocession, and I can just imagine more
'an one wondered what person of great
lportance had passed away. I found

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

myself wanting to cry out, "Friends, it's
not a funeral! It's a triumphal procession
of people who are living most abundantly
for the Lord Jesus Christ!"

At Little Creek church— in all
probability the "A Jones Meeting
House" where many important decisions
in the early years of our history took
place— we found a goodly number of
others waiting to join in the pilgrimage.
In the brief service in this church, we
listened to the reading of a most carefully
prepared history of the church, and had
the privilege of viewing quite a collection
of old records and other historical items
concerning events of many years.

From Little Creek we proceeded to
Grimsley church. It happened that Mrs.
Ballard and myself got out onto the high-
way at Little Creek ahead of most of the
other cars. I had intended to wait for
others to line up behind us, but officers
directing traffic motioned ustogo on. Asa
result we reached Grimsley in advance of
most of the cars. Since I had pastored
this church for quite a period in past
years, we found many of our old friends
waiting there, and spent some fifteen
minutes in enjoying sweet fellowship and
renewing acquaintances with dear and
precious friends of former years. Since I
had assisted in getting up the history of
this church, very little was brought out in
the brief program presented that was
new to me. Both Little Creek and
Grimsley were early "preaching points"
for Joseph Parker, and all efforts so far to
establish which was first, either as a
"preaching point" or as a church have
been unsuccessful so far.

The procession went from Grimsley to
Wheat Swamp church, where a visit to
the grave of Joseph Parker was
scheduled. Because we were expecting
one of our sons to arrive at our home in
the late afternoon, Mrs. Ballard and I left
the procession at Grimsley. But our
participation in this pilgrimage is
something we will remember with joy for
a long time. It increased greatly our
appreciation of the denomination we have
loved and endeavored to serve these
many wonderful years.

Sunday School Lesson

(Continued from Page 12)
dressed person better than you do the
poor person, you are casting a reflection
on your faith. People will wonder if you
really are a Christian since you are
allowing your action to be unchristian.
Listen to me, fellow Christians! God loves
poor people because they are rich in their
faith, and He has promised to give to
them the kingdom of heaven, and to all
others who love Him. But, between the
two persons who come into your church,
you have mistreated the poor man whom
God loves. Can't you understand that the
rich people are usually the ones who will
put you down and drag you into court?
And usually they are the ones who make
fun of Jesus Christ, whose glorious name
you call yourself by. If Christians want to
practice the teachings of the Scriptures,
then they must love their neighbors as
they do themselves. It is a sin to treat
some better than others just because
they have more money, live in nicer
homes, drive bigger automobiles, and
wear finer clothes."— The Intermediate
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Lloyd Gore announces that
he is available for full-time pastoral work.
He may be contacted by writing Route 3,
Box 334, Elm City, North Carolina
27822; ortelephoning, 236-4073.

The Rev. Luther Swinson announces
that he is available for full-time pastoral
services. Any church interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 6, Box 159, New Bern, North
Carolina 28560; or telephoning 638-
5427.

13

Mount [niKDC
Olive College

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION

The first session of freshmen
orientation was held recently at Mount
Olive College to acquaint new students

with the campus and College policies.
Approximately 120 students and 70
parents took part in the event. Among
those at this session were left to right:
Tony Faucette and his mother, Mrs.
Avice Faucette, of Mount Olive; Dr. Hilda

DR. SHAMI RETURNS TO UNITED
STATES FOR VISIT

Dr. Jamil Shami and his family were
welcomed home after a 10-month leave
of absence from the College faculty to
serve as professor of education at the
University of Riyadh in Saudia Arabia.

"Although I must return again to
Saudia Arabia, my heart is still with
Mount Olive College," Dr. Shami said in
an interview. "This is where I want to
return whenever I am able to finish the
work I have been called to do at the
university," he added.

Dr. Shami first came to work at the

Owens, dean of students; Andy Floyd,
director of counseling and placement;
and students, Richard Peterson of New
Bern; Teresa Oliver of Mt. Tabor Free
Will Baptist Church in Creswell; and
Brenda Patrick of Creswell. About 64
Free Will Baptist students will attend as
freshmen the 1976-77 year. The next
orientation for freshmen will be held
August 6 and 7.

College five years ago as dean of
students and then became director of
cooperative education. Although
originally from Jordan, Dr. Shami has
been in the United States since 1963 and
was educated here. He was active in the
Mount Olive Free Will Baptist Church
while living in Mount Olive.

During the interview, Dr. Shami cited
some of the cultural differences found in
Saudia Arabia, as compared with the
United States. Women are mostly
separated from men in social gatherings,
even to having separate living rooms in
homes, one where men visit and one

where women visit. Although cou||$
may go out together, women do notlj
out alone.

Even marriages between children ig
arranged sometimes as early as bii,
Courtship is supervised by the parent f
the couple when they reach the agej
marry, which is about the age f
American marriages.

"Saudia Arabians, like America I
desire strong family ties," Dr. Shif
said.

THE FRUITS OF CHRISTIAN 5
CAMPING

by Caroline Castelloe

As director of Eagles Nest Sumnl
Camp for the first time, I would like
share with you some of the "fruits"!?
Christian camping.

God has given me many opportuniti,
to serve Him throughout my sevente
years as a Christian; however, I belie
that this summer has been the mcf
rewarding of all.

There is something very special abrj
working with young people because thj
have their whole life ahead of them al
as experience has shown us as adult!
without the Lord to give them streng j
and guidance, they will never make it
our world today.

It is impossible to put into words tf,
development of youth before your eyes s
instead I have tried to paint a few of tr
scenes that made Eagles Nest a sped
place to. be this summer.

—Watching young people eager
learn Bible verses and quoting them
each other;

—Teaching little children how to us
the Bible;

— Observing the expressions in tn
eyes and on the faces of children ait
teens as they hear of God's love f
them;

— Hearing the simple childlike, bi,
faith-filled prayers of children, many
whom have never prayed aloud before; I

—Watching children playing anj
working together with real concern f<|
each other;

—Seeing new friendships develop an
grow;

— Listening when a group of childre
stop in the middle of a relay race and joi
hands to pray for a fellow camper wh
was hurt;

—Observing a cabin of little girls joi
together and pray for a counselor wh
was worried; and,

14

THE FREE WILLt BAPTIS'

Seeing a mischievous 12-year-old
(O^pologizing to people he has played
rjcs on all week and thanking those
vhjhave been kind to him.

ie highlight of the week is our
(mmitment Service" on Thursday

night wher 20 to 25 campers kneel at an
old-fashioned altar, some accepting
Jesus Christ as their Saviour, others
rededicating their lives to the Lord, and
others praying for friends or loved ones.
All these things make up the fruitful
service of Christian camping.

Caroline Castelloe (second from right) sits with some ot the counselors and helpers at Eagles Nest this

siiner

CHILDREN'S HOME

(Continued from Page 11)

Ri< of Zion

Roll's Creek
Spy Plain
S ;cta
S;w Hill
Sj.nd View
■Mary's
V'tergreen
otal

Bi/erdam
C|ress Creek
E'irson
Vision Valley
l on Meeting
C Grove
lj'masboro
otal

Pee Dee Association

Cference
Pjring Creek
otal

Rockfish Conference

:k Jack Grove
nch Chapel
ood Lane
rett's Chapel

Western Conference

30.00
50.00
100.00
200.00
15.00
110.00
5.00
1,013.75
$3,766.55

$ 500.00
78.11
64.44
20.00
95.00
118.76
75.00

$ 951.31

$ 16.96
44.78
$ 61.74

$ 100.00
66.72
140.08
113.14

Friendship
Holly Springs
Kenly
Little Rock
Living Waters
Marsh Swamp
Milbournie
Mt. Zion (Nash)
Auxiliary District
Second Union
First Union
New Sandy Hill
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Road
Rock Springs
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Stancil's Chapel
St. Mary's
Trinity

Union Chapel
Union Grove
Wilson, First
Total

Bim, W. Va.
Flint, Mich.
Laurel City, W. Va.

Other States

105.00
37.21
60.00
45.00
131.96
30.00
181.71
116.64
208.80
30.00
74.75
50.00
185.00
385.00
15.00
118.76
100.00
75.00
5.00
150.00
35.37
25.00
41.85
132.50
55.00
55.00
$2,869.49

10.00
60.00
117.56

Total
Total

$ 187 56
$14,868.77

Memorial Gifts

Memorial gifts for June, 1976, totaled $107.43,
and were as follows:

Victor Penny by St. Mary's Grove church and Mrs.
Bailey Byrd.
Owen K. Garner by Mrs. Bernard Adkins.
Jerry Finch by Margaret Scott Davis.
Larry Baker by Mary L. Walston.

SUMMER
SCHOOL

Our summer school program is in
progress and we are much encouraged
by the interest shown by each of our
children. Our goal for the summer will be
to help prepare each student for his
next school year and to give those
students who are behind a chance to
improve their skills.

Pictured are Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Chapman as they
work with a group of the children.

We have 28 students enrolled in our
program ranging from the first through
fifth grades. They attend from 9 to 12
o'clock each morning. Three girls from
our Home, Brenda Garris, Donna Lee,
and Sandra Anderson, are helping with
the teaching duties. We also have an
extra addition to our program this
summer. Mrs. Sandy Chapman is
teaching our second and third graders.
Mrs. Chapman has a degree in
Elementary Education.

Much emphasis is being placed this
summer on our reading program as many
of our students lack adequate reading
skills. We are also teaching spelling,
phonics, English, and math. One day a
week, each group also has an art and
craft class. This summer the children are
making crafts that can be used in their
rooms and cottages.

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

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Life in Bible Times

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Order From
Ayden Bible and Bookstore

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Ayden, North Carolina 28513

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

We Really Don't Have to Go Far

Out in the far reaches, persons are crying for food, shelter, protection against
the elements, clothing, and enlightenment. Very few of us have not been sincerely
touched by pictures of skin-and-bone babies— babies weakened to such a degree
that listlessness and even immobility have set in, leaving them with so little strength
that they are unable to ask for milk. The tear-streaked faces of the mothers and
fathers have broken our hearts, as their parental gaze is one of utter despair and
desperation.

From billboards, magazines, TV screens, brochures, and sundry other sources,
the message blares: "Help us, please!" We feel pity and shake our heads, perhaps
simultaneously offering a prayer of thanks to the Almighty that we are better blessed.
Knowing full well that we cannot answer every call or contribute to every cause, we
turn away silently from the visible need, perhaps diverting our own attention to
something happier, less depressing, alibiing our doing so with the realization that we
can "only do so much." And, yes, our defense is a valid one. There is just so much
that we can do. It is an impossibility for us to fulfill every need of the world and its
people.

We cannot prevent our wondering minds from asking, whether audibly or
inaudibly, why people must suffer— especially innocent children who are more often
the most victimized of the suffering. After all, they cannot look after themselves, but,
rather, are absolutely dependent upon the love and/or kindness of stronger and older
persons. Scrounging in garbage cans and devouring remains of dead animals or
rottening food, these little ones paint a sad picture indeed— a picture of such gravity
that we are sickened by the sight and vow that "something ought to be done,"
attesting to the fact that the situation is indeed "pitiful."

If we learn but one lesson from the impositional display of poverty and want,
disease and filth, that lesson should be one of gratitude— gratitude that somehow,
according to Divine Providence, we have been chosen to live in a better place, to enjoy
greater opportunities, to have (for the most part) as much as we need to eat, if not as
much as we want, and to be granted the benefits of medical treatment, preventive
and curative measures against disease. "Except for the grace of God," we must
remind ourselves, "there go we."

The oddity of poverty and want is the fact that we have conditioned ourselves to
expect it in other countries, having thought of our own land as a storehouse of plenty
where no one suffers neglect. But right next door to us, even in our backyards, the
needy cry out for a helping hand and an understanding heart. Some indeed are
physically hungry, but more often the need is as much spiritual; but in our abun-
dance, we turn deaf ears to the plaintive pleas. We neglect so great an opportunity to
serve our Lord well, contending all the while that we love Him dearly and are eager to
do benevolent work for Him, to advance His kingdom's work, to feed the hungry, and
to enlighten the dark souls who struggle against the wiles of the devil. Somehow, we
pass by, our eyes focused ahead, viewing what we want to view, disdaining to look
upon or do what little we can do to alleviate the need. Sometimes the words, "God
loves you," are comforting; but unless that reassurance is coupled with personal
involvement— perhaps a portion of our dinner— the hungry person finds it hard to
believe that God and we care what happens to him. Those of us who have been
wonderfully blessed find it easy to say, "Look at the many things you have to be
thankful for." If we are so unfortunate as to be on the needy end, we can then
empathize more readily with the heart-rending fact of hunger and desperation— both
in a physical and spiritual sense. We are behooved, therefore, to thank Him daily for
supplying our needs, and in that accord, to share our material and spiritual bounty
with the poor.

We really don't have to go far to find deprivation. It is often next to us, and
sometimes within us. Out in the far reaches, persons are crying for food, shelter,
protection against the elements, clothing, and enlightenment. Sometimes the cries
are stifled by our laughter. Sometimes the cries are mingled with our own.

If we really care, we don't have to go far to find the need. The real task is doing
something about it!

Tommy Manning

Editor!

thef

nee
hapm

AUGUST11, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the FreeW1
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secor
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mu
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to to
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: oi|
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yeari
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou'
given when local churches send the "Baptist"
the home of every member; names and a;
dresses to be provided by churches. Church'
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist;
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflei
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Tit
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eat
article is given the person whose name appea
under the title or to the person submitting sa
article.

+tems for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 15|
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-j
p. m., Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. R1
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9::
a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbar
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretan
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasse
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

THE CHURCH: A COMMUNITY

by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

JL AST week we were talking about
tl need to love, encourage, and
(|>cipline one another. Our structures,
ijbgrams, and meetings must not only
ipvide for but encourage sharing— not
jit testifying of what the Lord has done,
it real gut-level sharing of hurts and
weds as well as victories. We've simply
it to get to know one another and really
E gin a ministering life. This is what we
I Sin by community.
As Galatians 6:2 says, we must bear
le another's burdens. Imagine a weary
nveler on a dusty road in Palestine with
iheavy load on his back. The picture in
I s verse is of us going to that person,
It just to give him advice or comfort,
Ijt to actually get under the load with

pis type of bearing one another's
trden involves a threat to us. If our
flghbor has financial difficulty, and if
v are committed to the type of ministry
escribed in Galatians 6:2, we will also
rji/e financial problems for his burden
tcomes our burden. This type of
roistering to each other puts me to
same as I realize how I personally have
tied to relate to other Christians as a
rll family member.

This type of ministering is tough and it
s ikes out at the "each man for him-
If" attitude. If the church is indeed the
Inly of God, we must begin acting like
family in the sense of weeping as well
B rejoicing with our brothers and sisters
lie Romans 12:15).

Community life in the churches must
t characterized by honesty, openness,
s icerity , commitment, and in-
wement— not just in a program but in
ti people who are the church.

People (even Christians) have
pblems— real problems— often very
cep problems. They may be financial,
pychological, or physical problems. But
v 've got to come out with them and our
(lurches must be structured (or perhaps
^structured) so that we can share these

needs and receive and give help.

We need to exhort one another daily
lest any of us become hardened through
the deceitfulness of sin, not forsaking
the assembling of ourselves together,
but exhorting one another (see Hebrews
3:13; 10:25).

Fellowship is not just coffee and
conversation. It is much, much more. It
really means sharing everything on a
daily basis. Our fellowships, our
community life, and our churches must
be more than meetings, programs, and
events. They must be real people, with
real problems, in real fellowship, sharing
real needs, and helping each day in the
community life.

I think those godly men who drew up
the Church Covenant, as found in our
Statement of Faith and Discipline, had an
understanding of these things for they
wrote that we should "... give our-
selves to one another ..." and ". . .
agree to accept Christian admonition and
reproof with meekness, and to watch
over one another in love, endeavoring to
'keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace,' to be careful of one another's
happiness and reputation, and seek to
strengthen the weak, encourage the
afflicted, admonish the erring, and as far
as we are able promote the success of
the church and of the Gospel." That's a
tremendous statement as far as I'm
concerned; and I'm convinced we should
get with it. You might also want to take
note of such passages as Romans 12:9-
21; Philippians 2:1-4; and 2 Thes-
salonians 3:14, 15.

At this point a very practical question
raised itself in my mind. Does this mean
we do not need pastors if each Christian
begins to be, in a sense, a minister
himself? The answer is no; we still need
pastors. Spiritual leadership is taken
very seriously in the Bible, and a couple
of future articles will deal with the New
Testament teaching on leadership in the
church. But for now all we need to

recognize is that a mutual ministry by all
Christians, and spiritual leadership by a
god called few, are both concepts found
side by side in the Bible.

Spirit Led

There is one other matter which
should be dealt with under the
discussion of community: the fact that a
local church should be led by God's Holy
Spirit. Christ is the head of the church
and He leads it by the Holy Spirit in
accordance with His Word. You say we
know that, tell us something new. Even
though we know in our minds that God
leads the church, do we practice it in our
daily church life?

Again I cannot answer this question
for your church; however, I would like to
ask could it be that we have gotten so
organized, institutionized, modernized,
structuralized, and businesslike that the
Holy Spirit can hardly get a word in
edgewise? If the Spirit wanted to do
something, would He have to go through
so many committees, boards, and
motions that He may just decide it's not
worth it? Again I'm not trying to make
fun but I am trying to make a point.

What would happen— now mind you
I'm not suggesting it could ever hap-
pen—but I'm just supposing that if one
Sunday morning the Spirit said, "Don't
take up an offering today"? You might
answer, "But it's in the bulletin. We've
got to— it's scheduled. It's in the order
of things that are supposed to happen
today." But what if the Spirit said, "No
offering today"? Or what if He said, "It
should go to the poor family who just
moved in the neighborhood instead of the
church treasury?"

Now I'm not against bulletins. I've
even helped write them up and run them
off. And I'm not against giving our
money to the Lord. But what if the Spirit
leads a group to sing for the whole
meeting, or to just have teaching and no
singing, or just have sharing among the
body and exhortation of one another and
no singing and teaching? What if the
Spirit leads you to do something different
from what you planned and a little
different from the way you have always
done it?

If you will read the Book of Acts
carefully you will see that the chief

(Continued on Page 9)

ffi FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

THE BACKGROUND OF
ARMINIANISM
IN THE REFORMED TRADITION

(This three-part series on the
development of Arminian doctrines,
particularly as related to Free Will
Baptists, was presented by Dr. Michael
Pelt, professor of religion, Mount Olive
College, at the recent Ministers' Con-
ference held at Cragmont Assembly,
Inc., Black Mountain.)

HERE are few Free Will Baptists
who have sufficient knowledge
of the history of Christian doctrine to
trace the development of those doctrines
which are characteristic of the Free Will
Baptist Church. Although this writer lays
no special claim to such knowledge, it is
out of a desire to inform other Free Will
Baptists concerning the historical
development of what is called
"Arminian" doctrine that this series of
articles is written.

Most of what Free Will Baptists believe
is the common faith of Christians
everywhere and any discussion of
doctrine should take this into account.
One of the great values derived from a
study of the history of Christian thought
is the recognition that although the form
in which doctrines are stated change
from generation to generation, the great
underlying beliefs which sustain
Christians from age to age are basically
the same.

Free Will Baptists are said to be
Arminian because certain of their
doctrines were shaped by the Arminian
controversy in the early 17th century.
That controversy arose in the Dutch
Reformed Church as a result of the
teachings and writings of Jacobus
Arminius, who was brought up in the
Reformed faith, a term associated with

(Part One)

the theological position of John Calvin.
To understand the views of Arminius one
must examine briefly the theological
tradition, known as Calvinism, which he
studied as a young man until he began to
question certain of its basic tenets.

John Calvin was born in 1509 in
Noyon, France. While still a young man
he became interested in the Reformation
which was taking place in parts of
Germany and Switzerland. Possessed of
a keen intellect, he would likely have
devoted his life to scholarly interests had
he not been persuaded to settle in
Geneva where G. Farel was attempting to
establish a strong Protestant witness,
following the eviction of the Catholic
bishop and ruler of the city. Just prior to
the beginning of his work as preacher and
professor of theology at Geneva, Calvin
published his first edition of the
Institutes of the Christian Religion (1 536)
in six chapters. In subsequent years he
expanded this work in the process of
hammering out his theological position in
response to the demands of his role as
spiritual leader of the city of Geneva as
well as the opposition of his critics
elsewhere. The final Latin edition,
comprising 80 chapters, was published
in 1559 and was divided into four parts:
(1) God the Creator, (2) God the
Redeemer, (3) the Holy Spirit, or the
manner of receiving the grace of Christ,
and (4) the means of grace and the
church. The Institutes soon became the
textbook of Reformed theology, its
central doctrines being the absolute
sovereignty of God, the Word of God
revealed in the Holy Scriptures as the
basis of all Christian faith, and the
inability of man to find salvation apart
from the working of the free grace of
God.

Calvinism was further developed!
given popular expression in sevetl
European countries through those n
studied under Calvin or read his mm
publicized work. Calvin's influence vl
felt in England as a result of the chum-
men who fled England during the ren
of Mary Tudor (1553-1558), spent thr
years in exile at Geneva, and returneoj
England when Elizabeth I became qued
Scotland came under Calvinist f
Reformed teaching through the effortsf
John Knox. The French Huguenots wii
Calvinists and in 1622 Calvinism beca«
the state religion in the Netherlani
Geneva was a Calvinist stronghold, !>
were other cities of Switzerland and ij
nearby Palatinate. From Eurei
especially England and Scotlar-,
Calvinism was brought to America. li
New England Puritans were staun
Calvinists, believing firmly that the ti'm
will was revealed in every event, evi
the day-to-day circumstances of li.
They left the shores of their nat;»
England because they were frustrated!
their attempts to bring the Church f
England into conformity with their view

The theological system known
Calvinism has certain basic pillars up,i
which it rests. They are related to ea
other and are held together by a cert.i
logic. First and most important is t
belief in the absolute sovereignty of Gc
Nothing happens apart from the will f
God, for everything that exists is uttei'
dependent upon God's power to sustJ
it. The whole doctrine of providence!;
based upon this conviction that nothi
happens without involving the active v
of God. Even the fall of men and ang>
will result in the greater good which Gl
has purposed.

Second, since the fall of Adam I

THE FREE WILL BAPTlt

^njikind has become impotent to do the
of God or to will any good thing. Man
n fact totally depraved "so that to
itever part of man we turn our eyes, it
Tipossible to see anything that is not
inure, profane, and abominable to God.
Tl intellect of man is indeed blinded,
L oped with infinite errors and always
Ltrary to the wisdom of God; the will,
|J and full of corrupt affections, hates
Lining more than God's justice; and the
■Wily strength, incapable of all good
jJds, tends furiously toward
THuity." 1
j/lan's salvation from this state,
hVever, has been provided for in the
ophV wisdom and mercy of God, by a plan
^{redemption (which is ordained by
is: dine decree of election and
snrobation), through Christ, the
eemer.

he elect will hear the gospel and
leneive effectual grace so that they will
mi bjsaved without merit on their part but
spety by the grace provided in Christ.
c l> reprobate may also hear the gospel
mall even make a pretense on belief,
see grace is available to them, but it is
its ityer effectual. They do not have ears to
;• har and their darkened minds will not
i[i;p|mit them to receive the Word by
vjich men must be saved. They do not
siiply resist the grace of God, for the
1 of God cannot be resisted. They are
pjdestined for wrath and it is nothing
bf the justice of God that brings them to
: cjidemnation and eternal separation in
: til. If the elect are saved from wrath, it
itjto show that God is merciful and can
i sj>w mercy upon whomever He will. It is
lijicrous for man to question the mercy
cjthe justice of God. In any case the fate
o|he elect and of the reprobate serve the
S?atest good, the good pleasure of the
^nighty.

n order that the elect may be saved it
s necessary that Christ should come
i o the world and suffer the penalty of
ir sin and in so doing He would satisfy
requirements of divine justice,
ough faith in Him the elect receive the
thefits of grace and are kept by the
fj«er of God. The benefits of saving
?|ice are not wasted on the reprobate,
I they cannot receive it. If grace were
cectual in them, they could be saved,
tt this is not possible, for their eternal
c stiny is by divine decree from the
t ginning as it is for every individual
trn among men. 2

jFinally, the elect will persevere, for

they are not dependent upon works to
save them but are kept by the power of
God. This does not mean they will
neglect good works for good works are
possible through grace; yet the elect are
subject to commit sin, for the corruption
of sin remains in them. But God now
enables them to do His will, which they
had no power even to desire before
regeneration. However, no man can feel
too proud of his standing before God or
presume upon his relationship to God, for
the elect are known only to God. While no
one can with certainty identify the elect,
those who receive the gospel may have
some assurance from their calling and
their faith, both of which are gifts of God.
Later on the Puritans and other Reformed
Christians placed great importance upon
an experience of conversion, so that
such an "experience" became a clear
indication that those who could claim to
have had it were believed to be among
the elect.

Of course, Calvin did not originate all
the above teaching, he owed much to the
influence of Luther and other reformers.
He was likewise indebted to other in-
fluences, such as the Humanism of the
Renaissance. Finally, there was the
contribution of St. Augustine (354-430),
whose writings had a great impact on
both Luther and Calvin.

Augustine was involved in controversy
with a certain Pelagius during the late
fourth and early fifth centuries. Pelagius
was a theologian from Britain whose
name was given to a movement
(Pelagianism) opposed by Augustine
because of its emphasis on man's
freedom to choose good by virtue of his
God-given nature. Pelagius does not
seem to have been greatly interested in a
doctrine of "Original Sin." Others in the
movement associated with him denied
the transmission of Adam's sin to the
whole human race. Augustine began to
preach and write against Pelagian
doctrine and Pelagius later found himself
facing charges of heresy. He cleared
himself of such charges at a diocesan
synod at Jerusalem and later at a
provinical synod. But he was condemned
by certain African bishops, who finally
persuaded Pope Innocent I to ex-
communicate him. Thus, the Augustinian
doctrine of the "Fall and Original Sin"
prevailed.

A position which became known as
Semi-Pelagianism was introduced by a
monk, John Cassian, and was upheld in

the late fourth and the fifth centuries by a
group of theologians, who, while not
denying the necessity of grace for
salvation, maintained that the first steps
toward the Christian life were ordinarily
taken by the human will and that grace
supervened only later. Their position was
roughly midway between the radically
opposed doctrines of Augustine and
Pelagius. Cassian himself accepted
Augustine's teaching on "Original Sin,"
but rejected the doctrines of total
depravity, irresistible grace, and un-
conditional predestination. It will be seen
that he anticipates the basic position of
Jacobus Arminius, who lived several
centuries later. Cassian further held that
although grace was universally
necessary for salvation, the will
remained free despite the fall of man.

What was only later termed Semi-
Pelagianism received widespread
support, especially in the monasteries of
Southern Gaul. This view developed
mainly in opposition to St. Augustine's
later writings which taught an extreme
form of predestination and infallible
perseverance. Following the con-
demnation of Semi-Pelagian doctrines by
the Council of Orange in 529, the
Augustinian position was generally
accepted in orthodox Western theology,
but with important modifications. The
view that divine grace precedes any
movement on the part of man toward
salvation was widely held, but human
cooperation after conversion was
considered necessary. The doctrine of
reprobation (predestination to dam-
nation) was rejected by the Council of
Orange and was rarely taught by anyone
during the Middle Ages.

In the next article we shall indicate
how the earliest English Baptists adopted
Arminian views and thus became known
as General Baptists. These General
Baptists fashioned a confession of faith
which some of them brought to America
during the colonial period.

(Continued Next Issue)

"IJohn Calvin, Instruction in Faith, trans, by Paul T.
Fuhrman, Philadelphia: The Westminster Press,
1949, p. 21.

^Calvin defines predestination thus:
"Predestination we call the eternal decree ot God by
which He has determined in Himself what He would
have to become of every individual of mankind. For
they are not all created with a similar destiny, but
eternal life is foreordained for some and eternal
damnation for others. Every man, therefore being
created for one or the other of these ends, we say he
is predestined either to life or to death." (Institutes,
Book III, Chapter 21, V)

ME FREE WILL BAPTIST

A Tribute To The
Rev. Raymond T. Sasser
(A True Man of God)

by Mrs. Maehew Bailey

HE year, 1976, will be long remem-
bered by the congregation of Rose of
Sharon Free Will Baptist Church, at Bear
Grass. As a direct influence of the Rev.
and Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, true
Christian leaders, the united church
body knitted even more closely, pushed
harder for the cause of Christ, and grew
by leaps and bounds in faith and
fellowship.

When Brother Sasser took the reins in
July, 1975, he came into our midst with
a contagious enthusiasm for getting on
with the Lord's business. He began
immediately to preach tithing and the
benefits derived from following this
practice. Sad to say this had never
before been preached or practiced in our
church to a large degree. His messages
on tithing instilled in many the desire to
bring their tithes to the storehouse, and
soon the response in the offering plate
was overwhelming. This continues on
today, a year later.

For many years there had been a
dream and longing for a baptistry. Some
of the women had established a fund for
this and each year it had been growing
very, very slowly. After several years and
with many hundreds of dollars to go, Mr.
Sasser encouraged us to step out on
faith, buy the necessary materials, and
plan a work day. Again the people
responded and in just a few months a
beautiful pool was installed, and just as
quickly we had candidates for baptizing.

Mr. Sasser's sincerity as a Christian
and his deep concern for people who did
not know Christ shone through all
conversation, and he was able to win
many young men and women to the Lord.
This has increased church membership
and the Sunday school averages around
110— seldom dropping below 100.

Mrs. Sasser has been a wonderful
part of his ministry here. She has missed
only one service in the whole year and
has been a pattern of a faithful wife,
mother, friend, and sister in Christ. She
was perfectly at ease in each home she
visited, never assuming the role of

company, always pitching in and
becoming one of the family.

Many hearts were broken in April
when our good pastor announced at the
end of the quarterly meeting that he felt
the strong pull of God in another
direction. Many tears were swallowed
and quite a few were shed, but who were
we to stand in the way of the calling of
the Holy Spirit. We agreed to accept Mr.
Sasser's resignation, effective July 25.

Perhaps some would think that the
three months remaining in his tenure
would be ineffective, with no desire to
begin anything new since we would be in
the process of finding a new pastor. NOT
SO! Mr. Sasser and the congregation
became even more attuned and each
service was a delight. The fellowship
among members grew and joy in the Lord
increased.

Secretly the members hoped and
prayed that Mr. Sasser might be led to
remain in their service. Nevertheless, the
woman's auxiliary began a labor of love
for the Sassers' going away present.
They designed and hand quilted a full
size, bicentennial bed quilt. For every
pricked finger there was a fond memory
in each woman's mind of just what this
couple had meant to us individually.

There was a sadness that could almost
be touched in the sanctuary the fourth
Sunday in July. Most of us had promised
that there would be no tears, no outward
show of gloom. What we felt would be
deeply buried and we would allow
nothing to mar the regular services. The
morning service was finished and as
everyone left for home a feeling grew
among the people that somehow we had
to convey just how much we appreciated
the Sassers' work the past year. Word
was passed from member to member,
and soon a reception was planned in
their honor for that night.

Services began promptly at 6 p. m. It

began with spirited singing and bupJ
smiles. At the end of the first song .e
first tear was detected when the si J
child of one of the recent convn
reached over and asked, "Daddy, whjj
my mama crying?"

Before the service was compled
there was hardly a dry eye in e
building. These were tears of soril
mingled with tears of happiness for el
in this last service God had used ;g
messenger to reach one of our beloj<
teenage boys, and he boldly stepl
forward to claim God's greatest C-
Jesus Christ. So much for promises oljj
tears; they were abundant.

As a tribute Mrs. Ruth Wobblet,
choir leader and pianist, spoke thi
words on behalf of the church. "1
Sasser, we appreciate so much what^
have meant to us and our church tl
past year. You came in a time of ncft
and you brought a spark that igrill
each of us. It is now up to us to keep ft
flame burning. We know you VI
continue to pray for us and we promisei
pray for you."

During the reception, the Sassl
were presented the quilt by Mrs. Ani
Cratt, treasurer of the woman's auxilia-.
After refreshments the entire grci
spontaneously began singing old favof3
hymns. At the end of one of the hyms
Mr. Sasser, visibly moved, askedlf
anyone had a testimony to share. Aim!
before he ended his question they beg,',
one following the other, until many \'i
praised the Lord for supplying justwjt
was needed in their lives. Many who m
been timid for a lifetime stood up J
exalted God . This was a fitting climax tl
wonderful, Holy Spirit filled, product;
year for Rose of Sharon.

Mr. Sasser even now takes no cret
for things done, for he is a most hums
person. He says as does Paul intl
Corinthians 3:6, "I have planti,
Apollos watered; but God gave the -
crease."

Mr. and Mrs. Sasser have left th'
mark in this community and we says
Paul did to the Philippians in Philippic;
1:3-6, "I thank my God upon eve
remembrance of you, Always in eve
prayer of mine for you all making reqii'!
with joy, For your fellowship in II
gospel from the first day until now; Beil
confident of this very thing, that !
which hath begun a good work in you vl
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIJ

c

Arswerirg \bur

UESTIONS

uestion: Is it possible that some
essed Christians are hypocrites and
lot know it? What does the Bible say
jt this?

nswer: I believe that this is true.
js our Lord called the Pharisees and
rpreters of the law hypocrites. They
ifiarently were much like a great many
tetfrch members of this our day (the
: aer-days of the church age) of whom
[hlBible says: "Now the Spirit speaketh
•»ressly, that in the latter times some
sill depart from the faith, giving heed to
i sfjucing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
([Slaking lies in hypocrisy; having their
ci science seared with a hot iron" (1
T othy 4.1 . 2).

he Pharisees and scribes had
diarted from the faith— faith that such
; a:;Abel, Job, King David, and Daniel
; psessed. They trusted in and lived
U) wording to the precepts of the Word of
61. Here is what Christ said about the
i Pjirisees and scribes of His day: "Then
isjjke Jesus to the multitude, and to his
djCiples, Saying, The scribes and the
:Pjjirisees sit in Moses' seat: All
.ttjrefore whatsoever they bid you
, oferve, that observe and do; but do not
.. ykfter their works: for they say, and do
In. For they bind heavy burdens and
gjsvous to be borne, and lay them on
nn's shoulders; but they themselves
'.w not move them with one of their
fibers" (Matthew 23:1-4); "But woe
o you, scribes and Pharisees,
]ocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of
haven against men: for ye neither go in
yjrselves, neither suffer ye them that
| aj entering to go in" (Matthew 23:13).
The decadent, corrupt church of our
abounds in this type. Many of the so-
cled great churches have largely
CDarted from the practices of the New
istament church that felt a keen
cnpelling responsibility to do what
J >us commanded that we the church
sDuld do. "But ye shall receive power,
aer that the Holy Ghost is come upon
yj: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
: fcth in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and
i Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
c the earth" (Acts 1:8); "And he said

! r IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. He
that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned. . . . And they went forth, and
preached every where, the Lord working
with them, and confirming the word with
signs following. Amen" (Mark 16:15,
16,20).

The heavy burdens that the officials
bind on the people today may be a little
different in the opinion of some, but
indeed the result is quite the same as
that imposed by the Pharisees and
scribes of Jesus' day. Here is one thing
Jesus said to show us what they had
done as they departed from the faith:
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites: for ye pay tithe of mint and
anise and cummin, and have omitted the
weightier matters of the law, judgment,
mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have
done, and not to leave the other undone.
Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat,
and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:23,
24).

What all does the decadent church
require its members to pay tithes for?
While I resided in Chicago one of the so-
called Christian denominations erected
its building in which to worship in the
heart of the business district, paying
several millions of dollars for the site or
parcel of land on which it was con-
structed. Its tower exceeded in height all
buildings in the city. It rented out, for
commercial use, more excess office
space than could be rented in most
buildings in Chicago if not any other
there. I heard nothing that indicated that
preaching the unadulterated gospel of
Christ was given first place in its plan,
nor if the church had any members who
were really on fire for Christ and His
cause.

On the other hand, my family and I
attended a modest church in the same
city. Its membership and wealth were
limited. It paid its pastor about $250 a
month, worshiped in a small building
that seated some over 200, yet that
church supported more than 30 full-
time missionaries in 13 foreign coun-

tries.

Exceedingly fine and elaborate
buildings constructed and maintained by
church groups is not what Jesus our
Lord asks of you and me. He asks that
we do all that we possibly can to see that
every creature in every tongue and tribe
inourgenerationreceivesthegospel. ". . .
why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not
the things which I say? ... But he that
heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that
without a foundation built an house upon
the earth; against which the stream did
beat vehemently, and immediately it fell;
and the ruin of that house was great"
(Luke 6:46, 49).

All these households the Lord has not
built will sink with their disobedient
builders when God's hand of judgment
strikes. Using a similar illustration from
the Bible: The wood, hay, and stubble
structures would be lacking in the ability
to withstand His judgment fires. "For
other foundation can no man lay than that
is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any
man build upon this foundation gold,
silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble; Every man's work shall be made
manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and
the fire shall try every man's work of
what sort it is. If any man's work abide
which he hath built thereupon, he shall
receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:11-
14).

In this same chapter we are reminded
that Christians' lives are the dwelling
place of our God and that He holds us
responsible to keep our lives Godlike:
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of
God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth
in you? If any man defile the temple of
God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye
are" (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). The life a
Christian lives after his new birth should
widely contrast that he exhibited to a lost
world .in his unsaved days. "Brethren, I
count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 3:13, 14).

For further information see George H.
Sandison's book, 1000 Difficult Bible

Questions Answered, Page 368.

I

EASTERN DISTRICT WOMAN'S

AUXILIARY CONFERENCE

CAMP VANDEMERE

The Eastern District Woman's
Auxiliary held its first conference at
Camp Vandemere July 5-10. District
president, Mrs. John (Happy) Taylor,
served as camp director.

Bicentennial activities have served to
make us keenly conscious of our
religious heritage, and especially of Free
Will Baptist history. One wonders if the
people who established churches in
1727, 1742, etc., said to each other,
"We are making history" as often as we
said it to each other during the woman's
conference at Camp Vandemere. The
historical theme was emphasized by
patriotic decorations and flowers placed
by the ladies of Mount Zion church. The
daily music classes, conducted by Mrs.
Fred Register, included at least one song
written between 1758 and 1832. We
learned the story behind the words, the
origin of the tune, and how the song
might have been used in early Free Will
Baptist church music. Wednesday's visit
to Tryon Palace in New Bern prepared us

Mrs. Rom Mallard and Mrs. Bertha Thompson

for the Wednesday night program, when
the Rev. Bill Futch wore the costume of a
colonial gentleman and talked about Free
Will Baptist church history, especially
that in the area near Vandemere.

The whole week was not devoted to
history, however. Each day began with
devotional talks given by Mrs. Happy
Taylor, Mrs. Bertha Thompson, Mrs.
Rom Mallard (district treasurer), Mrs.
Betty Ormond, and Mrs. Adaline Gray
(district missions chairman).

Day campers from various churches
joined the conference for morning Bible
studies conducted by Mrs. Rena Kirk
(district vice-president); Mrs. Ruby
Hancock (past state president), Mrs.
Linda Futch (Free Will Baptist writer),
Mrs. Nina Grace Register (state study
course chairman), and Mrs. Adaline
Gray, who was assisted by her sister,
Jean Heath, Mr. H. L. Rowe, and others
in presenting missionary skits. Each
study emphasized a different aspect of
Christian stewardship, emphasizing the
theme, "0 Send Out Thy Light."

Area churches cooperated in making
the night services a week of revival by
adding their congregations and choirs to
the regular campers. Monday night's
speaker, the Rev. Everette Harper,
pastor of Jackson Heights church,
Kinston, brought a singing group from
Winnabow, "The Redeemed," con-
sisting of Tina Nance and Gayle and
Terry Willets. The Rev. Buddy Sasser,
pastor of Deep Run church, delivered
Tuesday night's sermon, and was joined
by members of the Trent church choir
with their pastor and his wife, the Rev.
and Mrs. Charles Richardson, singing.
On Wednesday night, the Rev. W. E.
Futch, pastor of the First church,
Kinston, chose to, as he said, "make a
talk about a religious subject: Free Will
Baptist History." For this service music
was provided by the Arapahoe church

choir and pastor, the Rev. Bobby Jonl,
The Rev. Bobby Harrell, pastor If
Smith's New Home church, held if
service on Thursday night, bringing v(|
him the Smith's New Home Trio. A
Mount Zion, the host church, presenl)
several musical numbers by the chin
choir, duets, and soloists. The Rl
Norman Ard, pastor of Christian Chal
church, preached on Friday night, ci|
inspirational music was sung by his wl
Margaret (General Conference prei-
dent).

Teenage Workers— Ernie Ensley and Lisa Hudst
The afternoon recreation periods w
rich in fellowship and in love for el
other. At Monday's crafts class,
group learned to cover coat hangers-
activity which continued at odd mome
all week, as all learned to laugh at
mistakes and help each other. Tuesd
after two flat tires, Buddy Sasser and I
Deep Run bus arrived behind schedule
take everyone on a seacoast tour. 1
trip through Oriental, Bayboro,
Minnesott Beach was hot but pleasa
Points of interest were explained by
guide, Mrs. Bertha Thompson. !
pointed out two old churches: Orien
which burned and has been rebuilt; <
Mount Zion, which originally had a si;
gallery and has been recently remodeh

The visit to Tryon Palace on Wi
nesday was mentioned previously.
Futch plowed the Kinston bus throu
heavy rain, but at New Bern there v\
sunshine for a short while, allowing
view of the gardens hurriedly.

Thursday's recreation was a delighl
cruise on Bay River aboard Mr. E

THE FREE WILL BAPTI 1

ton's yacht. On that day, also, the
jst camper, "Aunt" Olive Flemming,
ned her Camp Vandemere T-shirt and
; immediately acclaimed "Miss Camp
Videmere."
j'hen Happy Taylor decided to go
fijing! But she couldn't do it alone— it
m the help ot Adaline Gray to bait the
||< and Nina Grace Register to remove
trjfour puppy drum she caught in her
f t venture with a rod and reel. This
e ited the entire camp, including the
c ks and workers. It also inspired Betty
Qinond to fish, but even with the help of
I Em Riggs, she was unsuccessful.

mmediately after lunch on Friday, the
| Willie Stilley took a group in his van
o a tour of the 40 acres at Camp
Videmere, pointing out improvements
t have been made, things that need to
done, and the beautiful boundary line
tall pines. When Mrs. Velma Holton
led with the news that the shrimp
tbts were in, everyone hurried to the ice
fuse to see how shrimp are cleaned and
(idied for shipment— a new experience
most everyone!

Busy in the Kitchen (left to right): Mrs. Pauline

j?eMe, Miss Lisa Hudson, and Mrs. Lennie Harris

The group not only enjoyed Bible study
d recreation, but feasted on the good
bd prepared by the kitchen staff: Mrs.
jnnie Harris and Mrs. Pauline Mizelle,
d their assistants, Lisa Hudson and
nie Ensley. James Thaanum sacrificed
[ost of a good night's sleep'to catch and
ovide for everyone a fried fish dinner
Thursday. Other neighbors kept the
inference supplied with fresh
getables— beans, squash, tomatoes,
id cucumbers. The highlight of the

week, however, was the social hour after
the service on Thursday night, spon-
sored by the woman's auxiliary of Mount
Zion church. They made seven freezers
of ice cream, each a different flavor, and
surprised the regular campers and
visitors alike with a delightful hour of
cool, smooth enjoyment!

Other ministers who attended during
the week included A. B. Chandler, Jack
Phillips, Luther Swinson, and Ralph
Sumner. The total number of people
participating during the week was
between 350 and 400. The offering from
the conference turned into Camp
Vandemere's treasury was $724.35.

The Rev. Ralph Sumner being presented a flag for
Camp Vandemere by members of the Woodman of the
World.

The theme, "0 Send Out Thy Light"
(from Psalm 43:3), was emphasized in a
different, illuminating manner each day.
The theme song, "Peace Like a River,"
sounded and echoed in each service. By
Thursday night, the Camp Vandemere
ladies were ready to present their
secondary theme song, "We Are One in
the Bond of Love" (written by a con-
temporary artist, Otis Skillings). Truly
everyone felt himself growing in
knowledge and grace, and in greater love
for God and each other as the week
progressed. From the first morning until
the last "good-bye," everything about
the conference merged to give all a
greater determination to show the light of
truth in their lives and a greater
dedication to God's service. Altogether,
any way you look at it, no one could have
asked for a better week or a more
pleasant way to make history!

THE CHURCH: A COMMUNITY

(Continued from Page 3)
character is not Peter nor Paul but the
Holy Spirit. As our Statement of Faith
and Discipline points out, the Bible
teaches that the Holy Spirit "guides,
knows, moves, gives information,
commands, forbids, sends forth,
reproves, and can be sinned against."
Do we really believe He does all these
things? If so, are we experiencing -His
guidance, His moving, giving in-
formation, commands, reproving, etc. in
our churches and in our worship ser-
vices? Brothers it is one thing to believe
it but another to practice it. We've got to
get our doctrines, practices, beliefs, and
experiences together.

Many questions arise with this ap-
proach. How will the Spirit speak? How
will we know it is God and not just our
feelings, or if various members think
they sense the Spirit leading in different
directions? These are tough questions;
but I think it is a cop out to simply go on
with our safe traditions just because we
are afraid of the unknown.

I must admit this kind of thinking is
difficult for me. I am a planner by nature.
If you give me half a chance I'll organize
up one side and down the other.
Although I have the tendency to go
overboard in planning, organizing, and
structuring, I am beginning to realize
more and more that I, as a Christian and
we as the church, must hear from God in
this day as He speaks to the people of
God and leads them. Walking in the
Spirit is more than just a cute phrase. We
simply have to learn that the Holy Spirit
can be trusted.

And so the church should be a caring,
concerned, healing community led by the
Holy Spirit in line with God's Word. Next
week I'd like to share some thoughts on
how this type of community life can
function in your church.

(Continued Next Issue)

RETIREMENT HOMES NOTICE

There will be a dedication service for
the first duplex apartment in the Free Will
Baptist Retirement Homes Village,
Middlesex, at 3 p. m., Wednesday,
August 18, 1976.

A cordial invitation is extended to
everyone, so please come!

Sam Weeks
Executive Director

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

NEWSX
NOTES

Revival Services

At Old Fashion Church .

A series of revival services is
scheduled August 16-20, 7:30 p. m.,
each evening, at the Old Fashion Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 2, Denton,
with the Rev. Johnny Norris of Tabor City
serving as guest evangelist. Mr. Norris
will be assisted in the services by the
pastor, the Rev. Eddie Jordan, who,
along with the church congregation,
issues a warm invitation to the public to
be in attendance.

Pleasant Plain Church

Observes Nation's 200th Birthday

On Sunday, July 4, Pleasant Plain Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 2, Selma,
observed the nation's bicentennial with a
special service centered around the
theme, "A New Birth of Freedom."

The Sunday school hour was begun
with the singing of "God Bless
America. ' ' Charles Brown sang the verse
and the youth choir joined him in singing
the chorus. Worshipers of the day (many
dressed in costumes of bygone days)
were warmly welcomed to the services
by the Sunday school superintendent,
Derwood Jones. He encouraged everyone
to participate in all services and activities
planned for the day.

Rex Hartley secured an old-fashioned
bell for the day. Promptly at eleven
o'clock the bell was rung, and the
congregation sat in reverent silence as
the bell tolled. This sound of bygone
days seemed to almost cast a spell over
the worshipers.

During the morning worship service a
program was presented by several
members of the Woman's Auxiliary
which emphasized the freedoms
bestowed upon the churches in America
today. Among these gifts are freedom to
grow, freedom from tradition, freedom
for leisure, freedom from want, and
freedom to serve. Mrs. Eddie Brown read
a brief history of the church which
originated in 1888; after which the
pastor, the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser,

brought a most inspiring and timely
message. All of the songs for the day
were of a patriotic nature, both
congregational and choir specials. Those
included were "Faith of Our Fathers,"
"Battle Hymn of the Republic,"
"America," and "The Star-Spangled
Banner."

Certificates of attendance were given
to each worshiper at the close of the
service, along with several other
mementoes, including several flavors of
old-fashioned stick candy.

An old-fashioned spread dinner was
enjoyed at the noon hour. A great variety
of food was served, and the beverages
included a "tub of lemonade."

After the noon meal, several games
were played, including hopscotch,
jumping the rope, and rolling the hoop.
The fellowship continued until two
o'clock.

Promptly at two, Kim Burgess rang the
bell for two minutes. The congregation
joined hands to form a circle and sang
"Blest Be the Tie"; after which the
prayer of benediction for the day was
prayed.

Peggy Jones, church reporter, states:
"All were in agreement that this was
truly a great day!"

Tee's Chapel Sunday School
Awards Attendance Pins

The Sunday School of Tee's Chapel
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Smithfield, awarded 29 members with
perfect attendance pins on Sunday
morning, July 11. The awards were
presented by Robert Edwards to the
following:

First year: Amy Worley, Annette
Phillips, Leona Morrison, Amy Robbins,
Maude Capps, and Gernie Rose.

Second year: Evelyn Norris, Windy
Morrison, Alice Phillips, Clarence
Woodall, Raymond Godwin, and Alice
Wadsworth.

Third year: Leigh Ann McLamb, Melba
Woodall, Dolly Wadsworth, Shane
Woodall, Darell Robbins, Leonard Grant,

and Reid Morrison.

Fourth year: Chris Norris and Aaro
Overman.

Fifth year: Bennie Edwards and Lub
Phillips.

Sixth year: Angie Edwards and Zadi
Bell Woodall.

Seventh year: Tommy Norris an
Frankie Norris.

Fifteenth year: Johnnie Mae Edwards

Sixteenth year: Durwood Woodall.

The Sunday school and church exten
congratulations to these receiving perfec
attendance awards and hope there wi
be many more for 1977.

Western Conference Board
Of Ordination to Meet

The Rev. DeWayne Eakes, secretary o
the Western Conference Board o
Ordination, announces that the board wi
meet Thursday, August 19, at 7:3'
p. m., in the Little Rock Free Will Baptis
Church, Lucama. All persons havini
business with this board are requested t
be present for this meeting.

Bicentennial Celebration
At Little Rock Church

Sunday, July 4, saw a somewha
different service at the Little Rock Fre
Will Baptist Church, Lucama. Th
celebration began with the mornini
worship service when the choir marchei
in in processional singing "The Battl
Hymn of the Republic." Th1
processional was led by the Christiai
and American flags. During the service
the prayers, litany, and hymns wer
centered around the bicentennial theme
Members of the YFA rendered reading
from "The Declaration of Indepen
dence," "The Preamble to the Con
stitution," and "The Bill of Rights.'
Scripture readings were taken fron
Hebrews 11 and Galatians 4:28—5:14
This portion of the service was concludei
with the reading of the essay, "Spirituc
Forces," as written by Harry Emersoi
Fosdick.

The message for the day was takei
from Leviticus 25:10, as suggested b
the Wilson County Ministers
Association.

Following the worship hour, a picnii
lunch was served on the church ground:
and enjoyed by everyone. The churcl
bell was rung at 2 p. m. in celebration o
the nation's 200th anniversary.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Li

he Rev. DeWayne Eakes is pastor of
e Rock church.

Peile's Chapel Church
Sties Bicentennial Program

he People's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Irch, Route 2, Elm City, celebrated
1 4 with an all-day bicentennial
prjram, beginning at 10 a. m., with the
adit Sunday school class walking to
crrch wearing costumes that were worn
2( years ago. (All church members also
wie bicentennial clothing.) The services
Ian with the adult class singing
" nazing Grace" without music. Then,
aswas the custom 200 years ago, the
wien were seated on the left and the
mji on the right.

t the eleven o'clock worship hour,
pastor, the Rev. Delmas Brown,
Ijke of the history of America and its
mining. Special music was rendered by
tr church choir. The flowers in the
Irgh carried out the bicentennial color
si erne and were placed in an antique
ll. Lanterns were used throughout the
cfrch instead of electric lights for both
tt| morning and evening services.

i\ 12:45 p. m., lunch was served in
|t Ferrell Education Building. The table
covered with a white cloth decorated
Ivn the center with miniature American
bs with roping down each side of red,
Nite, and blue ribbons. A massive
ajangement of red, white, and blue
flWers in an antique wicker basket
altered the table.

Kt 2 p. m., there was the traditional
tl ringing, followed with special music

0 the church grounds by the youth of
| church. An art show was displayed in

1 Ferrell Building of antiques, pictures,
cn collections, and many other things
[jlaining to the history of the church,
lis was followed with a watermelon
King, horseshoe pitching, three-legged
r:es, potato bag races, a watermelon
ipd-spitting contest, and many other
pes. Lemonade was served from a
voden tub with an old-fashioned gourd.

Also during the afternoon an American
1g birthday cake was presented to
stor Brown at a surprise birthday
rty. He was also presented a gift from
3 church.

For the evening service the YFA of the
urch presented a program entitled,
What America Means to Me."
terwards they presented to the church
o flags: the Christian flag and the

American flag. Also four essays were
given by the youth of the church on the
subject, "What Our Christian Heritage
Means to Me."

Approximately 250 members and
guests attended these services.

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts
4:12). (Read also Luke 23:35-43.)

EVERYBODY MUST MEET THE
LORD AT CALVARY

All people from Adam to the Day of
Judgment must come to Calvary, There
is no way man can do away with Calvary
or bypass it. Life and death depends
upon what you do at Calvary. In previous
articles of the Unmitigated Truth I have
shown that many classes of people were
at Mount Calvary (Golgotha) and wit-
nessed His (Christ's) crucifixion. I was
there, you were there, and everyone who
God created must meet the Lord there.
How you react to Calvary determines
your eternal destiny. It must be your
decision. No one else can decide for you.
It is our own personal decision and God
will honor it regardless of which way we
go— Heaven or hell.

The rulers with their soldiers, the
crowds of spectators, the casualties, the
victims, and the statistics will all come
out of this encounter at Calvary. Among
these people were the disciples, the good
women followers of Jesus, Mary, His
mother, and Simon, the Cyrenian. There
were also the two malefactors who were
designated to die on a cross with the
Lord. It was one of the two malefactors
which really met the Lord that day as his
soul cried out to Jesus to have mercy
upon him. Jesus replied, ". . . Today
shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke
23:43). No other person could claim that
status or condition of occurrance at that
time. The other malefactor rejected the

offer and thus was forever lost. Simon, a
Cyrenian, happened to be present and
the soldiers seeing that Jesus was too
weak physically to bear His Cross, forced
Simon to bear it for Him.

It does seem ironic that with all the
doing of Jesus and with all the protesting
by the people that more souls could have
realized who Jesus was and would have
claimed Him Lord and Saviour on the
spot. However, this one act on the part of
the saved malefactor was the whole
design and purpose of Calvary for all
people of all generations. It simply
means that everybody must meet the
Lord, accept or reject Him, and this
determines his eternal destination.

The facts discussed above should
move all of us into a spirit of evangelism
and missionary endeavor. The good
news that salvation is being offered
should be proclaimed by everyone.
Christians should preach continually and
with great boldness to declare that the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the
world provides a sacrifice sufficient to
meet the need of everyone.

Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20, ". . .
All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world. Amen."

The program to get the message out is
urgent. We do not have time for
bickering, "cross-jawing," or pro-
crastination. Every man, woman, and
child has a duty to perform. This duty is
to engage in the proclamation that
Jesus saves. Whatever honorable and
effective method we use, if Jesus leads
us and we are not selfish in its execution,
will do just fine. We must forget races,
creeds, and national backgrounds. We
should use every opportunity and
command at our disposal to capture the
citizens of the world for Christ.

Moreover, the battle is the Lord's and
He can never lose the battle because He
is all and in all. When we make Him our
Lord, He becomes our Master and the
Master has all power— the powers that
be are ordained of God and there is no
power but of God (see Roman 13:1).

FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

Sc

^Foi^ugust^22^^^

THE CHURCH TEACHES

Printed Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 6:2-10
Memory Verse: Proverbs 1 :7

I. INTRODUCTION

The Sunday school is the official
teaching agency of the church. When we
look at the vast outreach of this
organization and see its millions of
members we do not realize that it is
actually less than 200 years old.

The modern Sunday school movement
was begun in England in 1780 by Robert
Raikes. In that year he launched his
"Ragged School" to aid children of the
poor in his community of Gloucester to
read and write and to teach them the
principles of religion. With the great
modern "foreign" missionary work of
the 1800's and 1900's, the schools were
carried to all parts of the world, including
America. Today about 43,000,000
children and adults attend more than
440,000 Protestant Sunday schools.

At the heart of the Sunday school
movement is the Bible, the Word of God.
Dedicated men and women give freely of
their talents and time to teach the Word
and in their own way help spread the
gospel in their communities.

Of course, there were no Sunday
schools in Paul's day, but the principles
and doctrines of Christianity were taught
by him and his converts— men such as
Timothy to whom Paul wrote the letter
from which our lesson text is taken this
week. Teaching and preaching are
closely related but in manner of
presentation there is a difference. One
may be an able teacher without being a
great preacher and, conversely, some
great preachers make relatively poor
teachers. Both have their place in the
plan of spreading the gospei of Jesus
Christ. — The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B. )

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The primary responsibility of the
church is to minister to those who do not

belong to the church— to those who do
not know Christ as Saviour. The greatest
responsibility of the church is to
evangelize; that is, reach those outside
of Christ. However, the church does also
have a responsibility toward those who
are members. This responsibility toward
members is that of caring and education.

B. The Sunday school has been
recognized as the training program of the
church, but that one aspect is not
enough. Christians should be taught to
win souls and to be efficient workers for
Christ. This teaching cannot be done in
the Sunday school; therefore, it is
necessary that the church have other
times of training.

C. What is the purpose of Christian
education? It is not to help the individual
to make more money; it is to help us to
be better and more efficient workmen.
The responsibility of the church is to
train its people to be efficient, effective
workers, and to be witnesses for Christ.

D. The lust of the flesh cannot be
satisfied. This is why the desire for more
and more money can make one unhappy
and discontent. If we would learn to be
content, we must learn to be satisfied
with the necessities of life. Such is not
easy when those about us are having
more and more. God's grace, however,
can help us to be content with such as
we have.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. In spite of the fact that other
matters are considered in dealing with
our Scripture texts for today, our basic
concern is teaching. These other matters
enter in because they are part of what
God wants taught. Every child of God is
engaged in teaching others, whether he
is conscious of doing so or not. We teach
by attitude as well as by words, by
association as well as by oral com-
munication. One may in casual con-
versation undo with a few careless words
all of the effect he has gained in a formal

class.

A teacher for God needs to know the
four things: Jesus, God's revelatio
himself, and those whom he needs
reach. Jesus accommodated H
message both to the need and ability
His audience. He once said, "I ha*
much more to say to you, more than yi
can now bear" (John 16:12, Ne
International Version). Jesus not on
used examples, but He was an example
He himself was a living parable. In Hi(
all men could easily see that what [
taught He demonstrated practically ar
perfectly.

Our generation needs to be taught. VI
live in a time of spiritual illiteracy. Tr
task of teaching belongs to all of us. Or
can hardly think of following Jesi
without being a teacher. Teaching
sharing out of our abundance! A
followers of the Son of man we not oni
have something to share but we hav
Someone to share with those who are
desperate need of knowing about Hi1
grace and mercy. If we derive anythih
at all from bur study today we should a
away with a firm resolution to search fc°
opportunities to teach— at home, in th
office, in the factory, in the neigh
borhood. Let us all pray for God to ope,
doors to us!— Standard Lesson Cons
mentary

B. One of the last things Jesu
commanded His disciples to do wast
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
. . ." (Matthew 28:19). And in the ne>!
verse He said, "Teaching them I
observe all things whatsoever I hav'
commanded you: and, lo, I am with yo
alway, even unto the end of the world
Amen" (Matthew 28:20). Then from thf
Gospel according to Matthew we find the
". . . he went up into a mountain: an
when he was set . . . he opened hi
mouth, and taught them, ..." (5:1, 2).

These are only a few of the verses the
show the emphasis Jesus placed upo
teaching. In the strictest sense of th
word, Jesus never preached to th
people, but rather taught them. He use'
many illustrations, called parables, an«
referred to actual events, such as th
rich man in hell, to give illumination t
His teaching. Never has there been s
effective a teacher as Jesus Christ. On
of the reasons His teaching was s
effective was because He always taugh
in the simplest terms, never using word
His hearers could not understand.— Tin
Bible Student (F. W. B.)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTISr

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
cripture Reading— Hebrews 9:22

"NOT POPULAR, BUT ..."
r. George F. Pentecost is said to
te e gone to Boston once to deliver a
»ies of gospel addresses. The
ccimittee met him and asked him
W|it his theme would be. He told
tljm that he thought he would take
sijfiething fundamental and speak on
ft blood of Christ. Said they,
"actor, hadn't you better change
yir subject and make it the death of
Crist, for the term blood is not very
Hilar with many of the people in
Eston." The doctor replied, "Jesus
nght have died in bed without
sjdding His blood and 'without
sidding of blood is no remission.' I
ebect to stick to the blood as my
tlime." — Paul's Conversion

PRAYER THOUGHT
)nly through the shed blood of
Jms Christ can one reach Heaven.
Hd Jesus not died for our sins, man
vuld be doomed for hell.

MONDAY, AUGUST 16
Scripture Reading— Philippians

m

INTO THE SUNSET
jet me die, working,
111 tackling plans, unfinished, tasks
undone!

(ean to its end, swift may my race be
run,

I? laggard steps, no faltering, no
shirking;

Let me die, working!

Let me die, thinking,
it me fare forth still with an open
mind,

resh secrets to unfold, new truths to
find,

y soul undimmed, alert, no question
blinking;

Let me die, thinking !

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Let me die, laughing.
No sighing o'er past sins; they are
forgiven.

Spilled on this earth are all the joys of
Heaven;
Let me die, laughing!

— S. Hall Young

PRAYER THOUGHT
"An idle mind is the devil's
workshop" is an old adage, but oh,
how true! By working and thinking,
as the poem suggests, we can enter
into the sunset laughing.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17
Scripture Reading— Philippians 4 : 6,

7

AS LONG AS HE IS
AWAKE

A mother and her little four-year-
old daughter were preparing to retire
for the night. The child was afraid of
the dark, and the mother, on this
occasion alone with the child, felt
fearful also. When the light was out,
the child caught a glimpse of the
moon outside the window. "Mother,"
she asked, "is the moon God's light?"
"Yes," said the mother. The next
question was, "Will God put out His
light and go to sleep?" The mother
replied, "No, my child, God never
goes to sleep." Then out of a sim-
plicity of a child's faith, she said that
which gave reassurance to the fearful
mother, "Well, as long as God is
awake, I am not afraid."— Tom M.
Olson

PRAYER THOUGHT
It has been said that God has an all-
seeing eye. With His eye ever watch-
ing us we have no need to be afraid.
Just put your trust in Him.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 3:5

FROM HAND TO MOUTH
Mr. Muller, the founder of the
Bristol Orphanage, was relating to a
friend some of the difficulties he had
to contend with, in providing the
orphans with food, day by day, and
when he had finished, his friend said
to him, "You seem to live from hand
to mouth!" "Yes," said Mr. Muller,
"it is my mouth, but God's hand."
— London Church Herald

PRAYER THOUGHT
Most of us have our difficulties, but
if we put our trust in the Lord we have

no need to worry. "Do not fight the
hand that feeds you! "

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
Scripture Reading— Matthew 15:28

LOVE THAT PRAYED
THROUGH
Several years ago Dr. J. W. Beagle,
field secretary of the Home Mission
Board, while in attendance at the
Mexican Baptist Convention of Texas,
received a message that his wife had
been stricken. Hastily he left the
meeting to catch the train to Atlanta.
Next morning the conductor came
with a telegram for him. "It must be
important," the conductor remarked,
"for it was hooked on as we ran
through the last station." "Yes, it's a
death message," Dr. Beagle replied,
as he took the yellow envelope and
held it a moment unopened. The
conductor sat down to offer his
sympathy. Slowly trembling hands
opened and unfolded the missive.
Then eyes filled with tears— not with
sorrow, but with love and deep
joy— as these words were read:
"Mexican convention in session all
night praying for your wife. She will
get well." When Dr. Beagle arrived in
Atlanta he found that his wife had
shown sudden and decided im-
provement from the hour he left the
meeting in Texas. Dr. Beagle knew
the abiding joy of Christian love and
fellowship, which, through a long
night of prayer, had saved his wife's
life. — The Teacher

PRAYER THOUGHT
A song tells us "Prayer is the key to
Heaven, but faith unlocks the door."
Through prayer and faith many
miracles, such as above, have been
performed.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20
Scripture Reading— Romans 12:3

A PARADOX OF GROWTH
Dr. Bonar once said that he could
tell when a Christian was growing. In
proportion to his growth in grace he
would elevate his Master, talk less of
of what he himself was doing, and
become smaller and smaller in his
own esteem, until, like the morning
star, he faded away before the rising
sun. — D. L. Moody

PRAYER THOUGHT
To grow in the grace of God one

(Continued on Page 15)

13

"Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel"^

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979"
Goldsboro. N C 27530

A DOLLAR PER PERSON

Edna E. Fowler
Victory Mission
Hope Mills, N. C.
Brother Hill, having just read your
article, "Here's What I Said," in the
August 4 issue of The Free Will Baptist,
and having just finished talking to our
Heavenly Father about the article and the
needs of the Home Missions Department,
a thought popped into my mind. As my
eyes rested again and again on the
sentence in your article, ". . . ap-
proximately 40,000 other Free Will
Baptists. ..." this idea came to me
which I believe God wants me to share
with you and the other 39,999 Free Will
Baptists: "Let each person give one
dollar to home missions. ' '

Yes, that's it— just one dollar for each

member of your family! Of course that
includes the baby too; he doesn't want to
be left out of God's work.

Then the sentence, "Please
remember, it is all for . . ." For what?
Think back all you 39,999 other Free Will
Baptists. Remember what Isaiah said in

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N C 28305

Chapter 1, Verse 18, "Come now, and
let us reason together, saith the LORD:
. . ." Thank God for the seed, for
laborers, for soul winners, and for the
privilege of being a soul winner myself.

Brother Hill, please keep the needs of
our Home Missions Department before
our people so that God can work through
us to spread the gospel and get His
rightly deserved glory, honor, and
praise.

I am just a home mission member who
is thankful for the privilege of serving our
Lord Jesus Christ.

I also ask that we do the same thing
for foreign missions.

(I endorse Sister Fowler's idea 100
percent, and encourage the participation
of all Free Will Baptists every-
where.—Taylor Hill, Director-Trea-
surer)

HOME MISSIONS PRESENTATION

Friday evening, July 16, during the

class meeting of the Young Adult Sunday
School Class of Welcome Home Free Will
Baptist Church near Newport, the Rev.
Taylor Hill, director-treasurer of the
North Carolina State Home Missions
Department, presented the cause of
home missions to the class and its
pastor, the Rev. Jerry Rowe. The
meeting was held in the home of Mr.
Rowe as pictured above.
The presentation was an informal

question and answer session wh
proved very beneficial.

In the past there have been seve
requests for a visit to church
presenting the cause of home missioi
Because of the department being i
derstaffed and the lack of funds, the
visits were impossible. However,
trust our people will be understandi
and patient with us. In the future
expect to be doing much more of the ty
of work to help the cause of hoi
missions to progress.

Yours in Christ,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasur

CRAGMONTNEWS

FAMILY WEEK

August 16-21 means it is Family Wee
time at Cragmont Assembly. It means*
time to relax, fellowship with yourfami:
and friends, enjoy the fresh mountai
air, and feel the presence of God near.

As in years past, you are free to sper.
the days as you wish. You can come an;
go as you please. However, on Wednes
day and Friday evenings there will n
chapel services.

We are in close proximity to tourii,
attractions such as Ghost Town, Mour|
Mitchell, Chimney Rock, and Cherokee
Also on campus we have a fe'|
recreational items like horseshoes!
vollyball, badminton, ping pong, an!
basketball. Or you can be one of th
strong and brave and go to the top of 01
mountain, Mount Allen.

As manager of Cragmont, I am th(
director and registrar for this conference
If you wish to attend Family WeeM
please write or call Cragmont Assembly'
Inc., 1233 N. Fork Road, Blac*
Mountain, North Carolina 28711
telephone (704) 669-7677, ahead of tim
so you will have a place prepared foryo
when you arrive. We wish to encourag
everyone to come if at all possible.

In His service,
Douglas Skinni
Manager

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please note the change of address ar
phone number for the Rev. Jack May
His old address and phone number we
P. 0. Box 817, Winterville, Nor
Carolina 28590; telephone, 756-052I
His new address and phone number a
Route 1, Box 173-1, Winterville, Nori
Carolina 28590; telephone, 756-2805.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS'

iren

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CARO
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

CHILDREN'S HOME
SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

jhe sponsorship program is a program
wl|reby a church, auxiliary, or in-
dijjual can provide direct support for a
era. Sponsors mean a great deal to our
crtJren, not just for monetary reasons,
bt because they know that someone is
irtirested in them as an individual.
Sijnsoring a child provides an op-
pt unity to become a real, intimate part
Ufa child's life. It gives you the op-
ptjunity to share your home, your love,
ar your influence to help mold a
pipious child's life.

elow are some letters written by the
cklren of the Home to their sponsors. I
hie you enjoy reading them.

Dii- Sponsor,

:hank you for letting me stay at your
rttse. I have enjoyed staying with you.
I have been so kind to me. Thank you
fothe candy, it was very good. Karen
wj so nice. Tell everybody I said "Hi."

Donna Wilkerson

in baptist # i

s forte If

ROLINA J W £ V

itancil's Chapel Free
Wean's Auxiliary, Kenly)

1

Will Baptist

Sponsors,

ow I feel about my sponsors is
seething words cannot say. They're
s\ieter than the flowers that bloom in
tfi;day and nicer than the daffodils. That
isow I feel about them to this very day!

Louise Whitehurst

Five Points Missionary Baptist
Circh, Bryson Sunday School Class,
lAson; and the First General Baptist
Circh of Flint, Michigan)

0[ Sponsors,

)ur sponsors are very nice to us. We
m them very much. We thank them for
kjng ' and helping us so very, very
rich.

James and Jessie Joyner
Lee's Chapel Free Will Baptist

Sunday School, Dunn; and the Cabin
Free Will Baptist Woman's Auxiliary,
Beulaville)

All About Our Sponsors,

They are very nice. They help us a lot.
We have a lot of fun up there. We want to
thank them for what they have done for
us. We love them very much and really
enjoy staying with them. We want to tell
them "HeHo." They have been so kind
to us. They take us to lots of places
sometimes.

Mary Ann and Jeff Lamm

(Mr. and Mrs. Brice Poland of Barnes
Hill Free Will Baptist Church, Rocky
Mount)

My Sponsor,

I think a lot of my sponsors because
they buy me clothes and many things.
They let me cut grass and they carry me
off sometimes.

Randy Rhodes

(Black Jack Free Will Baptist Woman's
Auxiliary, Greenville)

Dear Sponsors,

Thank you for how you treated us. You
are sweeter than the flowers in the day.
We are happy that you are our sponsors.

Cindy and Dorothy Rhodes

(Black Jack Free Will Baptist Woman's
Auxiliary, Greenville)

Coming Events . . .

August 20, 21 — Piedmont Conference,
Mount Olive Free Will Baptist
Church, Kannapolis, North Carolina

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 29— Central District
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention,
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church

near Crisp, North Carolina, with
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Fountain Serving as
Cohost

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 13)
must not exalt himself but God.
Humility is one characteristic all
Christians must obtain.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21
Scripture Reading— Psalm 17 : 15

THE HOMELAND
"THINK—

Of stepping on shore and finding it
Heaven;

Of taking hold of a hand and finding it

God's hand;
Of breathing a new air and finding it

celestial air;
Of feeling Invigorated and finding it

immortality;
Of passing from storm and tempest to

an unbroken calm ;
Of looking up— and finding it

HOME!"

—Myrtle Erickson

PRAYER THOUGHT
What a glorious thought — Heaven
and Home! With our trust in God one
day we will inherit Heaven as our
home.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

Our everyday lives tell what kind of
seed our hearts have received.
— Selected

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Luther Swinson announces
that he is available for full-time pastoral
services. Any church interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 6; Box 159, New Bern, North
Carolina 28560; or telephoning 638-
5427.

1 IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Just a
reminder. . .

September 5 is the
date of the first lesson
in the 1976-77

STANDARD LESSON
COMMENTARY

Will you be ready?

Order your Standard Lesson
Commentary soon and be pre-
pared for the first Sunday of
the new Bible school year!

Kivar, no. 1977, $4.25
Cloth, no. 74003, $5.25

Have you purchased your 1976-77 Sunday school commentary yet? If not
we urge you to do so immediately as the commentaries

begin with the fall quarter: September, October, November.

Below are some suggested helps for you in your teaching .

Peloubet's Notes (Baker)

Higley Sunday School Commentary

• Tarbell's Teacher's Guide

Broadman Comments

Rozell's Complete Lessons

The International Lesson Annual

Arnold's Commentary

Points for Emphasis (large type)

Points for Emphasis (small type)

Kivar $4.9
Kivar $4.7

Cloth $4.9

Kivar $3.9
Kivar $5.9
Kivar $3.9
Kivar $4.9
Kivar $2.2
Kivar $1.5

The above commentaries for the 1976-77 Sunday school year may be purchased at the Ayden
Bible and Bookstore, 81 1 N . Lee Street, or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTISI

rews 13:5 states*

.-. for he hath said, I wili never leave thee,
nor forsake thee."- ^.

the words of an unknown author remind us a
■<v,,iygjygard.the voice of my SaviouF
- bidding me still to fight on;
He promised never to leave mer
itever to-leave me alone! "

The persona of the following poem (which I wrote sometime ago) projects the
feeling that so many of us have when aloneness seems inevitable or when it seems so
much an everpresent part of life. No Christian is ever alone, though the "lows" in his
experience often promote a sense of unwelcome solitude. Consider the little poem and
its simple, but poignant, message. Perhaps, even while "sailing our ship," as it
were, and devoid of visible companionship, as is often the case, we can be led into
closer rapport with our Heavenly Father.

MY LITTLE SHIP

1 . One early morn I trimmed my sail
Ere sunlight graced the sky,
In hopes that somewhere 'long the way
I'd meet a passerby.

8. A voice I heard, perhaps not real
To you; but 'twas to me;
And peace at once my soul possessed;
I knelt upon my knee.

Tommy MannJ

Edit,

thef

tree
baptu

A young lad I — so much to learn,
With naught to lean upon

Except the little ship I owned—
I sailed it on Life's pond.

3. A passerby I'd love to meet,
Some friendship I'd adore;
A nod, a grin, a word of cheer-
Much warmth they'd hold in store.

The day so fast approached the noon,

The sun high in the sky;
On Life's pond I sailed alone,

And still no passerby.

"Oh where, oh where is everyone?'

My heart would seem to say,
"Am I the only one who sails

His ship on this fine day?"

And all at once there was a calm;

The winds did cease to blow;
And in my ship I waited 'til

The answer I would know.

7. There, midway on Life's pond I felt
No wind to press me on;
I raised my eyes to Heav'n above
Ere all my hope was gone.

9. The silent breeze arose once more
To help me on my way;
I knew full well no passerby
Would greet me on this day.

10. I'd have to learn to sail alone,
For Life holds such in store;
Yes, you and I must sail our ships,
But God can help much more—

11. Than passersby who mean so well
But oft don't understand,
Who go their way without a word,
Or grace to lend a hand.

12. I turned my ship and headed home,
Content to sail again;
And knowing, too, that by my side
I'd have a faithful friend.

13. I watched the sunset paint the sky,
And landing on the shore,
I knew that on the morrow I
Would sail my ship once more.

14. Next early morn, I trimmed my sail
Ere sunlight graced the sky;
This time I knew that 'long the way
I'd need no passerby!

AUGUST 18, 1976
Volume 91 Nun,"

Edited and published weekly by the Fre|(
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 Nort|
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Sel
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolit;

All materials to be placed in any issuejil
be in the hands of the editor six days prior jl
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advanced
year, $3.50: two years, $6.50; four I
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies. j

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent disid
given when local churches send the "Bapti
the home of every member; names ana
dresses to be provided by churches. Chui
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Bapt
are sent to one individual who in turn distril
these. A 50 percent discount is offered II
this plan .

The contents herein do not necessarily re
the beliefs or policies of the editor or ofl
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility fonii
article is given the person whose nameapa
under the title or to the person submitting
article.

Items for publication should be address!
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Bo:|5
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a
p. m,, Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p1
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson

a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. River r
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secmr
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Pf
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Iro

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mar
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Ass1'
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. S<|
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAP;S

THE CHURCH:
A COMMUNITY

(Part 7)
Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina
hink it's a bank that adver-
ises, "We give every customer
dual attention."

tor sure in this fast paced,
urized, and often insensitive world
e certainly need individual at-
_ n. The same goes for the Christian
m to live a godly life in the midst of
ia, sin, and question marks.
Believe the church is the place God
asprovided for us to get this individual
ttetion.

Jsus, if experienced biblically, is a
■eendously personal Lord. When our
affinal Lord is able to deal with a group
elievers who are loving, caring,
ng, and working out their problems,
have a church experiencing
hmunity" — the community life as
Bribed in the Bible and the community
itelve tried to express in the last two
t es.

Here are many things which work
Hist our churches experiencing
:or||n u n ity . I have nothing against large
mbers; in fact, I rather enjoy large
ifftual meetings. And I rejoice when I
jwlarge numbers of people coming to
rtejLord. The problem is that with in-
:Fc|sed size you often have a decreased
iuiity of community life, which is often
i vj-y personal thing. It is simply hard to
utile to each other in a very personal
m in a group of 300, or even 200 or
ID

j? how do you experience community,
tfth includes relating to each other on
a firsonal basis, in a local church which
ha let's say, 1 50 active members?

[e get help from the Bible. The New
ieament speaks of the church at
Cohth, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Sardis,
ejj (See 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1
■palonians 1:1; Revelation 2:1; 3:1;
aw many others.) So we have, in each
uejjraphical location or in each city, one
chch, one unified body of believers
^1 are known by the world as
-nstians. They are unified in that they
m the same Lord and are in the same
on true church. Later on in church
hiipry these believers will begin
spjting up into various kinds of
chjches; but at this time, every
CI" stian in Ephesus was a member of

Tl

the church at Ephesus.

Yet we have something else in
Scripture for it speaks of the house
where many were gathered praying (Acts
12:12); the house of Lydia where the
brethren were gathered (Acts 16:40);
the church in the house of Aquila and
Priscilla (1 Corinthians 16:19); and the
church in the house of Philemon or
maybe Archippus or Apphia (Philemon 1 ,
2).

So we have a large unified body of
believers which make up the church in a
certain city or area, but we also have
smaller groups of Christians which meet
in private homes.

Students of the Bible are not quite
sure what was the actual situation in the
Early Church as to where they met and
exactly what they did at their meetings.
But it seems to me that the above
passages of Scripture give us a hint at
how the Early Church experienced
community or fellowship in the local
body. Let me describe to you the im-
pression I get from the Scripture and you
can judge for yourself how correct you
think it is.

I think each Christian in a city or
similar geographical area was a member
of the true church of Jesus Christ in that
city which included all born-again
believers. These Christians met together
in large groups in whatever facility they
could find: perhaps a rented public
meeting hall or maybe just beside the
river. (We have no indication they owned
buildings in those days.) They would
meet together regularly, perhaps once a
week, to hear their pastor preach the
Word, or maybe just to fellowship and
get to know one another better. Of course
when some well-known missionary or
evangelist like Paul would come to town,
they would meet to receive his teaching.

But this is only part of the picture. I
think the early Christians also met
together in smaller groups in their private
homes over town. The Christians on
Chariot Street might meet together in
Mary's home two or three or maybe more
times each week; and, the Christians on
the north end of town would meet in
John's home. These groups of Christians
who lived in the same neighborhood met
together in private homes, and I think
this is where we would have found much
of the sharing, exhortation, comforting,
and healing of psychological and spiritual
needs.

On Sunday morning all the Christians

in the city would meet together for
teaching and fellowship and sharing of
needs and information that concerned
the ministry to the whole city. But during
the week the sharing, getting to know
one another, and discussion and
teaching of the Bible were much more
intimate and personal.

This picture of the Early Church may
be wrong or it may be right. I am not
suggesting we stop doing everything we
now do and begin doing what we think
the first Christians did. I do think that
those of us who see a need for more
community life, more fellowship on a
personal basis in our churches, need to
seek God's leadership for direction.

Let's consider how small groups
might meet this need. Studies have
shown that involvement or what we are
calling community decreases with the
increased number of people in a group.
With 10 people you have much personal
interaction. Each member at least has the
chance to feel important and to con-
tribute meaningfully.

With 30 people the relations between
members get less personal. More
emphasis is placed on four or five
members who do much of the work with
the other members now sitting back and
letting them.

In a group of 100 people personal
relations suffer. I think a Christian who
attends the 11 o'clock worship service,
which is usually the largest service of the
church, skips Sunday school, Sunday
night service, and prayer meeting does
miss much of the warm personal
fellowship God wants us to have.

Of course with groups of 250 or more
about all anyone can do is sit while
others perform. With this size group a
new person may come in and not even be
noticed.

How big should a small group be?
Jesus suggests that two is enough
(Matthew 18:19, 20). When you get past
12 some are just going to stop talking
and listen. I have heard someone
suggest that in light of references in the
Bible to house churches, a good number
for a small group is the number of
persons who can comfortably sit in a
living room.

Next week we will get to the meat of
the matter and consider what a small
group might do, whether it be a Sunday
school class or a not too well attended
prayer service.

(Continued Next Issue)

FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE BACKGROUND OF
ARMINIANISM
IN THE REFORMED TRADITION

(Part Two)
by

Dr. Michael Pelt
Mount Olive, North Carolina

ONE of the characteristic phrases
used to distinguish Free Will
Baptists from most other Baptist
denominations is to designate them as
Arminian Baptists. There are still many,
however, who do not know the meaning
of the term "Arminian," how it
originated, or how it has been used since
its origin.

This term was first used in the early
17th century to describe the views of a
Dutch Reformed theologian, Jacobus
Arminius (1560-1609), whose studies
led him to doubt the Calvinistic doctrine
of predestination, one of the cor-
nerstones of the theological system
developed by John Calvin, the celebrated
Genevan Reformer. In his efforts to refute
the defenders of this doctrine, Arminius
became the center of a controversy in
Holland that led to his facing charges of
Pelagianism and Socinianism, both
regarded as dangerous heresies by
Protestants and Catholics alike. Arminius
not only succeeded in clearing himself of
such charges but was subsequently
given a theological appointment at the
University of Leyden. There his
teachings and writings drew widespread
support as well as strong opposition.
After his death some of his followers
drew up a statement of Arminian
teaching known as the Remonstrance.
Under five headings this statement sets
forth in positive form the leading
Arminian doctrines of salvation. We can
summarize the position of the
Remonstrants, as these followers of
Arminius were called, by saying that (1)
they rejected the Calvinist doctrine of
absolute predestination in favor of divine
foreknowledge; (2) they asserted that
Christ died for all men, not simply the
elect, though none but believers receive
the benefits of his death; (3) they agreed

with the Calvinist view in denying that
men can do anything good apart from
divine grace; (4) they taught that divine
grace may be resisted; and, (5) they
raised the question as to whether men
may fall from a state of grace.

When these views were made public,
they produced a storm of controversy in
the Dutch Reformed Church and soon the
dispute became involved in the politics of
the nation. In the struggle that followed
one leading supporter of the Remon-
strants was beheaded and others were
imprisoned. Meanwhile a national synod
was convened at Dort in 1618-19, in
which representatives of the Dutch and
other Reformed churches condemned
Arminianism and adopted a decided
Calvinistic position. The council ap-
proved five sets of articles which
asserted unconditional election, a limited
atonement, the total depravity of man,
the irresistibility of grace, and the final
perseverance of the saints.

The English Separatist congregation
that was later to become the first English
Baptist church was confronted by
Arminian views during their exile in
Amsterdam, Holland. Their pastor, the
brilliant but eccentric John Smyth,
abandoned the Calvinist views of other
English Separatists and persuaded
members of his congregation to adopt
certain Arminian doctrines, as may be
seen from a declaration which he
presented to Dutch Mennonites of
Amsterdam. In Article 2 of this "Short
Confession of Faith" Symth declared:
"... God has created and redeemed the
human race to His own image, and has
ordained all men (no one being
reprobated) to life." To this is added in
Article 8, "... the grace of God, through
the finished redemption of Christ, was to
be prepared and offered to all without

distinction-. . ."And in Article 9, ".i
men, of the grace of God through I
redemption of Christ, are able . . .9
repent, to believe, to turn to God, ang
attain to eternal life; so on the ot;
hand, they are able themselves to re: i
the Holy Spirit, to depart from God, ;]
to perish for ever." 1

As a result of contacts in Holland thJ
members of Smyth's congregation vl
returned to England under the leaders
of Thomas Helwys and John Murtonu
establish the first Baptist church i
English soil held Arminian views ;]
were later known as General Baptists i
name which derived from their belief t t
the Atonement of Christ was for all rn
and not limited to the elect.

In 1611 , before their return 9
England, Thomas Helwys published 1
Declaration of Faith of English Peoji
Remaining at Amsterdam in Holland, 'i
confession of faith put forth in the naj
of his church. 2 in it he asserted t|
Adam's sin was imputed unto all ml
that in his fallen state man hasji
disposition unto evil and no disposition
will unto any good, and that man n,/
receive grace or reject it. "Election al
reprobation," he added, "rests upon .:
response of men to Christ — believ ;
shall be saved and unbelievers shall.)
damned, for God would have all menu
be saved; nor is He the author of ;|
man's condemnation." Helwys stai
that men are justified only by |
righteousness of Christ, received 1
faith; nevertheless, they may fall avw
from God's grace and should I
presume that they will always have gr|
unless they continue to the end.

Although this confession prepared I
Helwys is directed against certain vie;
of the Mennonites with whom Smyth al
a faction of his congregation wh
seeking affiliation, its agreement wi
Arminian doctrines is clearly evide
This is all the more significant in lighll
the fact that this document may righ
be called the first English Baptj
Confession of Faith.

General Baptist churches located |
the Midland counties (north of Londn
issued a confession of faith in 16
which is entitled "The Faith and Pract;
of Thirty Congregations, Gatheii
According to the Primitive Pattern." >
importance is to be seen in the fact tha I
is the first General Baptist statemd
representing the views of more than oi
church. Seven Particular BapH

THE FREE WILL BAPTK

:hes in the vicinity of London had
id a confession in 1644. This was a
d of much confusion when Baptists
he need to clarify and defend their
s which were under attack from both
Church of England as well as from
jrcDS like the Quakers and Seekers,
confession of 1651 is only mildly
man, affirming in Article 17 "That
s Christ through (or by) the grace of
suffered death for all mankind, or
3V«V man; Hebrews 2:9." There is no
deijil of predestination; on the other
there is much emphasis on the
e initiative in the salvation of those
believe.

le most important of the confessions
e 17th century prepared by General
ists was presented to King Charles II

in 560', at the time of his restoration to
I English throne. By now General
Baiists had sufficiently clarified their
tti« logical position that they were able to

■ i it for the benefit of English royalty
in lopes of allaying the fears and

r jdices against Baptists and other
NoConformists that had arisen during
it revolution against Charles I during
640's.

the Confession of 1660, General
Baiists declared in Article VI "That God
isjbt willing that any should perish but
tii. all should come to repentance, 2
I r 3:9 . . . So that no man shall
etihally suffer in Hell ... for want of a
Cfjst that died for them, . . . Unbelief
th efore being the cause why the just
arl righteous God will condemn the
cmren of men, it follows against all
co radiction that all men at one time or

■ r are put into such a capacity as that
(tljough the grace of God) they may be

nally saved, ..." This Confession
am recognized as the standard as early
as!1663 when it was adopted by the
Gi'eral Assembly of General Baptists
wfi slight revisions. In 1678, Thomas
Gijhtham edited it, adding explanatory
siplements, and this edition was
ajroved by the General Assembly in
11. A further revision was made by
J(eph Hooke, messenger in Lin-
^shire, at the request of the General
embly. It was approved by the
embly several times in the early years
ol he eighteenth century and was af-
evards used in colonial America. 3

is among these English General
tists that the origins of the Free Will
tist Church are to be found. Their
sthdard Confession of 1660 with its

Arminian articles was used by General
Baptists who came to America and
settled in Carolina. This same Con-
fession, in its revised form, became the
doctrinal standard of Original Free Will
Baptists in the early 19th century.

Meanwhile Arminian views gained
acceptance in certain circles of the
Church of England in the 17th century.
William Laud, who was appointed arch-
bishop of Canterbury under Charles I,
was a vigorous opponent of Calvinism
and of the growing influence of the
Puritan movement in England. His high-
handed manner in dealing with Puritan-
minded clergy won him many enemies
and caused thousands of Puritans to
leave England for settlement in New
England. In order to curb the Calvinist
interpretations of the Thirty-Nine Articles
of the Church of England, Charles I, on
the advice of Laud, caused a declaration
to be prefixed to these articles which
stated that no man shall "put his own
sense" on any article, "but shall take it
in the literal and grammatical sense."4
The departure of many Puritans for the
new world during the reign of Charles I
and the failure of Parliament and the
clergy to make permanent changes in the
Anglican Church during the turbulent
period from 1640 to 1660, resulted in the
Anglican Church favoring a milder form
of Calvinist theology than those churches
which adopted the Westminister Con-
fession or a slight revision of this
Reformed Confession, such as was
adopted by the Congregationalists of
New England, the Presbyterians of
Scotland and America, and the Particular
Baptists in both England and the
American colonies.

In the 18th century, John Wesley was
one of the most ardent defenders of
Arminian tenets. Because his views
differed from those of the Calvinist,
George Whitfield, there was a heated
exchange of letters between them in
1740-41, centering on the Calvinist-
Arminian controversy. They later decided
not to make the issue a test of fellowship,
but neither of them would abandon his
position. In his sermon on "Free
Grace," preached at Bristol in 1739,
Wesley offers a clear and convincing
statement that divine grace is made
available for all, while arguing that the
doctrine of predestination is not a
doctrine of God, for it makes preaching to
save souls void, tends to destroy
holiness, and tends to destroy the

happiness of Christianity. 5

It should be pointed out that Wesley's
Arminian views were not based on an
optimism about human nature. The same
may be said for other Arminians who
belong to the tradition of Evangelical
Protestantism. Wesley shared with
others of his day a belief in original sin
and in man's inability to gain
righteousness through works with the
aim of pleasing God. He was as insistent
as the Calvinists that salvation is a divine
work and that men can do nothing to
become worthy of God's grace. His belief
in the general atonement, like other
Arminians before him, was grounded in
his conviction concerning the boundless
grace of God, not in any belief that man is
capable in himself of doing what God
requires of him.

While the names of John Wesley and
George Whitfield are associated with the
Evangelical Awakening in the 18th
century in England and America, this
same period witnessed the impact of the
"Enlightenment" or "Age of Reason"
on the churches. In England and in
Eastern Massachusetts a few able men
began to attack certain orthodox doc-
trines, including Calvinist views, such as
predestination, limited atonement, and
original sin. Even the doctrine of the
Trinity came under attack and Unitarian
views were advocated in some circles.
The simplicity of Christian faith was
emphasized and morality was considered
the chief end of religion. Man's freedom
and goodness were posited, along with a
greater optimism about human destiny
and progress toward a better world.

Not all of these ideas were represented
by a single individual. There was a wide
spectrum of beliefs, ranging from the
most liberal to what was considered
moderate orthodoxy. Even Jonathan
Edwards, a leader of the "Awakening"
in New England, made extensive use of
rational premises in his defense of or-
thodox Calvinism against such authors
as John Taylor of Norwich, England. On
the other hand, Taylor, a Unitarian,
appealed to Scripture in support of his
arguments against the doctrine of
original sin. Churchmen of all per-
suasions recognized the authority of the
Scriptures and buttressed their
arguments with citations from both the
Old and New Testaments.

Since Calvinism was the prevailing

(Continued on Page 6)

Tl FREEWILL BAPTIST

(Continued on Page 6)
theology in the American colonies, any
departure from it was likely to be termed
"Arminianism." Those who sought to
modify the traditional doctrines of total
depravity, limited atonement, and
unconditional election, or who attached
significance to man's role in his salvation
were likely to be lumped together and
branded as "Arminian" by the orthodox.
Thus, one of the most common uses of
this term in 18th century New England
was in reference to the proponents of
"reasonable Christianity," men
representing different shades of
theological opinion who applied the
categories of reason to the interpretation
of the Scriptures. On the other hand,
some of those who were called Arminians
were simply evangelical Christians who
rejected certain Calvinist doctrines, such
as limited atonement. To this group
belonged the early Methodists, the
General Baptists, and the Free Will
Baptists.

When men like Jonathan Edwards and
others before him in the Reformed
tradition urged that man does not have
free will, they were opposing the view
that man can will any good thing. They
were especially concerned to deny that
man was capable of an active part in his
salvation. Even the idea that man could
turn to God apart from God's enabling
grace was abhorrent to them. Such a
view seemed consistent with their
doctrines of unconditional election,
man's total depravity, and limited
atonement. Many Arminians, such as
Wesley, also shared the view that men
cannot come to God apart from God's
prevenient grace; yet, they believed that
Christ died for all and that all who hear
the gospel may be saved. Their Arminian
views are thus linked not to an optimism
about man's ability to do what God
required and thereby be justified, but to
the abundance of divine grace which is
sufficient for all men to be saved.

In a pamphlet entitled, "What Is an
Arminian?" Wesley noted the bad
connotation which this name had
received among many churchmen of his
day. Listing the errors with which those
usually termed "Arminians" were
charged by their opponents, he pleaded
"Not guilty" to the allegation that
Arminians deny original sin and
justification by faith. He acknowledged
as true the allegations that Arminians
deny absolute predestination and

irresistible grace and affirm that a
believer may fall from grace. 6 Wesley's
method of describing an Arminian was to
distinguish him from a Calvinist;
however, he appealed to his followers not
to use the word Calvinist as a term of
reproach and likewise called upon
Calvinist spokesmen not to use the word
Arminian in this manner. 7

1W. L. Lumpkin, Baptist Contessions of Faith,
Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1956, pp. 100, 101.

2 Ibid . , pp. 117-123.
3lbid., p. 223.

4Quoted in Williston Walker, A History of the
Christian Church, 1st ed., New York: Charles
Scribner'sSons, 1950, p. 468.

5For the text of this sermon see Virgilius Ferm, ed.,
Classics of Protestantism, New York: Philosophical
Library, 1959, pp. 166-179.

6Harry Emerson Fosdick, Great Voices of the
Reformation, New York: Random House, Inc., 1952,
pp. -514-517.

7|bid., p. 517.

(Continued Next Issue)

IN PATHS OF SERVICE

by Hazel Casey
Goldsboro, North Carolina

A S I stand amid the pressing
duties and obligations that claim
my time and energy in the physical
realm, I am reminded of the things that I
should be doing in the spiritual realm
also.

As a born-again believer and a faithful
Free Will Baptist, I would like to give
some thought just now to the
question— "Am I doing all I can to
further the cause of Christ in my home,
community, on my job, and wherever I
am?"

As Christians we believe fully in God's
infinite love. We love, yet, do we put this
love into action in our daily living?

Are we channeling our love to the
lonely, sick, shut-ins, retarded, poor,
widows, alcoholics, and those in prison?
Some of us can find all kinds of excuses
for not serving in these paths of service.
Some might say, "I am too involved with
the total church program to go out into
the world and help to comfort the broken-
hearted, to help bring some kind of joy
into the hearts and lives of those who
have been forgotten in this mad race to
conquer, and to succeed in the world
that we are living in each day. ' '

Yes, we teach a Sunday school class,
and we serve on a committee in the

auxiliary, .or as a deacon, or
superintendent of the Sunday sch
Also, we are serving as a choir mem
or as the secretary in our class. We«;
for the total church program, and if
push missions, the Children's Hoi
superannuation, Cragmont, and !g
college. Yet, we say that we cant
become too involved in the outreacln
our community— to love the unlovable o
accept the unacceptable, or to show I
love of God and the acceptance of peiie
as He would have us do.

Let us go back to the life of our 11
and examine it more closely for a I
minutes. We find that His whole life 'II
dedicated to teaching these princi|!i
and to the practicing of them daily. Trifl
why can't we, who profess to e
following the Master, show more le
and concern for our fellowman in I
daily walk of life?

Thousands of people are lying in
hospital beds, on beds in nur;>g
homes, and in rest homes. They !e
waiting for that one moment when weil
take the time to go and visit and say 1
am interested in you," and to leav'a
glimpse of hope and a seed of faltl
help to conquer the despair in the hurl
heart. Will you take a few minutes \\
few hours to help change the outlooh1
these people who live in a ' ' forgottt.
world7

Our jails are full of people who hi
gotten on the wrong path and need tf
and guidance to get headed in the ri
direction if they are to succeed in'f
rehabilitation of their lives. Do you re ^
care about them? The alcoholic who 1
in the next block needs someone f
cares to help him fight the battle towc
kicking the habit and total abstiner.i
The young people in your commiL)
need help and guidance to give updr i
and to find new interest in life if theyN
to walk down the pathway to a normal^
again. Are you willing to help? Are 1
afraid to become involved? Their cries!
help may be heard above the roar of f
cars on a city street, or the sound of It
music. They are calling out to us, :
Christians, to help them. Do you Mi
them?

Is the price too high to pay to If
these? Yes, it will cost i
something — your time, your coned:
your interest, your prayers, and may1-
a little of the money that God has blest!
you with. You know, it cost our Lort c
serve others— it cost Him His life! He

6

THE FREEWILL BAPTj

f

■ iven anything, when we think about
7ti He gave7

ay we take an inventory of our lives
A/ and see wherein we fail to follow in
hefvlaster's footsteps in these paths of

3l!'Ce.

iild help us that we, as Christians,

■ fully awake to the potential talents
k ,ie within us, and begin to do the

work that He has left for us to do. I fully
believe that God is the answer to all our
problems; and the sooner that we, as
Christians, begin to believe this and
begin to exercise the privilege of serving
Him in all areas of our lives, the sooner
we will see some results from our efforts.
Then we will be anxious to go even
deeper with Him into the paths of service
that He would have us to go.

INFORMATION FOR 1977 YEARBOOK

the event some church clerks failed
(0 ceive the following letter and form to
oecompleted, please fill in the in-
tonation requested, clip, and mail the
toi to the Press. (This applies only to
'hie who did not receive the form by

De Church Clerk:

nee publishing the YEARBOOK FOR
OFfilNAL FREE WILL BAPTISTS OF
MOTH CAROLINA for the first time in
15$), we are eager to have the 1977
wbook processed as soon as possible
m the last conference convenes.
Trirefore, we are requesting that our
chrches furnish the information for the
"lurch Directory" section of the
YiJrbook now, so that we can assemble
ari have this information ready.

Will you please fill in the requested
information as completely as possible, or
pass it on to the proper person who can
furnish the information? It is important
that we receive this information im-
mediately.

The information on "location" should
include the post office address (route
and city), direction and distance (north,
south, east, or west), highway or county
road number, and the county.

Example: Route 1, Ayden; 4 miles
south of Ayden, on county road 1000,
Pitt County.

For churches located in town, the
address of the church will be sufficient.

Your cooperation in furnishing this
information is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Walter Reynolds
Manager

REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1976

Na| of Church

Conference

Lo lion ,

n's Name
Aifess ^_

Phone.

Zip

Trsurer's Name

;'s Name ,
ess

Phone ,

.Zip.

Phone

ess

Zip

Superintendent's Name ,

ess .

Phone ,

Zip

FV L Director's Name
ess

Phone

Zip

President's Name

Phone

Aress

Zip,

nan's League President's Name
ress

Phone

Zip,

;rs

Phone

ress

Zip,

SHE WALKS IN
A SHADOW

by

Danny H. Blackman
Benson, North Carolina

A LMOST everyone has heard
— ^ the old saying, "Behind
every good man there is a woman."
Have you ever stopped to consider the
implications of that saying? Think of two
people walking on a bright sunny day,
one behind the other. The one in front
casts a shadow in which the other person
must walk. Would you, for a few
moments, venture to walk in the steps of
the woman who "walks in a shadow"?

First, she walks with measured steps.
Many people tend to cast a mold of what
they think her life should be like— the
clothes she should wear, the type of
friends she should have, and the very
manner in which she should walk in that
shadow. When men and women marry
their lives begin to become interwoven.
That the husband's life necessitates
conformity on the part of the wife is a fact
of life. But to what degree must she
conform? And to what must she con-
form?

Women have played major roles in
such areas of life as the home, govern-
ment, religion, community im-
provement, art, literature, and edu-
cation. She who walks in a shadow
can do so while maintaining the Christian
tradition of womanhood. Yet, at the same
time she can and should be creative,
inspirational, intelligent, and uniquely
her own self.

Second, she walks in a shadow as a
person. Since our Lord created this
world and the people in it, humanity has
always expressed certain fundamental
needs. These form the basis of a
"universal culture pattern" and deserve
to be enumerated.

1. The need to make a living.

2. The need for law and order.

3. The need for social organization.

4. The need for knowledge and
learning.

5. The need for self-expression.

6. The need for religious ex-
pression. 1

Wives are people, with very human
needs, who deserve to express their
need for self-expression. Self-expression
need not violate the principles of human
(Continued on Page 16)

FREEWILL BAPTIST

IN

Action

STONY HILL WA
HONORS MEMBER

On Sunday, July 4, the Woman's
Auxiliary of Stony Hill Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Middlesex, honored
one of its members, Marie Strickland,
with a life membership award pin and
certificate.

Marie, who is very special to everyone
that knows her, is a member of Stony Hill
church. She is a person who loves the
church, the auxiliary, children, and her
Lord. She has always been willing to
help wherever needed and has always
been very special with teaching children
and earning their respect.

Respectfully submitted,
Hilda Thorne

NORTH CAROLINA FREE WILL BAPTIST WOMAN'S AUXILIARY

CONVENTION

Treasurer's Report, End of
First Quarter, July
31,1976

Balance in Bank, April 30, 1976

General Fund:
Contributions
Life Award Fees
Promotion (CSF)
Registration Fees
Interest

Per Capita Dues

Denominational Enterprises

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Convention Allocations and Expenses
Denominational Enterprises

Total Disbursed

Balance in Bank, July 31, 1976

Receipts

86.72
25.00
70.94
505.00
25.29
57.00

Disbursements

769.95

6,484.13

546.15
6,484.13

Summary of Bank Account Balances

General Fund
Interest
Total

Branch Banking and Trust Co. (Checking)
Atlantic Savings and Loan Association
Total

MARSH SWAMP WA PRESENTS
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD

Mrs. Elsie B. Hunt of the Marsh
Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, Rock
Ridge, was honored during the morning
worship service Sunday, July 25, by the
woman's auxiliary. She was presented
by the auxiliary the life membership
award pin and certificate, also a corsage
in the auxiliary colors.

The president of the auxiliary, Virginia

8

Missions:
Church Extension (Home Missions)
Foreign (General)
Designated:

Mexico

Wayne King

Mattie Link

Bibles for India

Denominational Enterprises Report
Itemize

$

165.00
10.00
25.00
18.65

State Project (Equally Divided Among Mrs. Link,
Mrs. Timmons, and Mrs. King)
The Fred Bakers

704.61
125.00

Received

$ 993.03
126.92

218.65

829.61 829 f

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

c

lentral Conference Missions

Mint Olive College:
eneral Fund

lice Lupton Scholarship
tate Project (Lights)
agles Nest
ooks

Will Baptist Children's Home:
;neral Fund
othing

;ate Project (Recreation Equipment)

iowance

idopted Child

ood for State Convention

Srerannuation:
eneral Fund

Ministers and Widows Adopted

10.55

10.55

gmont Assembly:
ieneral Fund
iuilding Fund

46.47
45.00
592.23
19.25
20.00

258.42
237.50
715.82
65.00
110.00
135.00

269.98
3.00

58.25
441.28

722.95

722.95

P rement Homes, Inc.
lia Phillips Loan Fund
Crip Vandemere
rjbie Sasser

7 Send a Child toCragmont
I Membership Fees (Mount Olive College)

'iristian Service Fund:
Missions

Mount Olive College
Children's Home
iragmont Assembly, Inc.
Retirement Homes, Inc.
(Superannuation

Totals

1,521.74

272.98

499.53

229.71
10.00

235.00
25.00
50.00

100.00

1,521.74

272.98

499.53

229.71
10.00

235.00
25.00
50.00

100.00

141.88
141.88
106.41
106.41
70.94
70.94

638.46

638.46

$6,484.13

$6,484.13

0 percent retained for promotional (see receipts $70.94).

Bunn, made the following remarks of
rs. Hunt's service to the auxiliary, the
lurch, the community, Mount Olive
)llege, and the Children's Home:

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Treasurer

»

"It has been a blessing and an in-
spiration to all of us to have known and
worked with Mrs. Hunt. Her love of God
shines in her life each day. Her mother
and father were loyal and devoted
members of Marsh Swamp church. Their
love and faith in God are deeply rooted
here.

"Mrs. Hunt became a member of the
Marsh Swamp Woman's Auxiliary when
she was a young girl. At that time the
auxiliary was called Marsh Swamp
Ladies Aid. During the years of her
membership she has held many offices in
the auxiliary; to name a few, study
course chairman, vice-president,
nominating committee chairman, be-
nevolence chairman, missions chair-
man, and for many years, secretary-
treasurer.

"She has always been a faithful Bible
school teacher and worker. She always

fills her car with children and is sure that
they are happy and get home safely. She
teaches them that God loves everyone
and sent His Son to die for us that we
might be forgiven of our sins.

"As a mother, Mrs. Hunt taught the
Bible to her two children and has seen
the promise of the Scriptures: 'Train up a
child in the way he should go: and when
he is old, he will not depart from it'
(Proverbs 22:6). Her concern is always
for others. When sickness occurs, she
sends food and prays for healing. When
a family loses a loved one, her kind
words, her visits, and her concern helps
lift the burden of grief so much. She
serves the Lord by thinking of the needs
of others in the church, the community,
and the Children's Home. Her love for
God and her love for others bring hsr
happiness.

"Mrs. Hunt serves the Lord with
gladness in the church in many
positions, both great and small, with the
same loyalty, concern, love, devotion,
understanding, kindness, and patience.
She is always willing to do whatever she
can for the denomination and its
missionaries. Her kindness is out-
standing because it is shown through her
contact with everyone she meets. ' '

Mrs. Ann Liles, vice-president of the
auxiliary, pinned the corsage on Mrs.
Hunt; and Mrs. Helen Boykin, secretary,
pinned the life membership pin on her.
All members of the auxiliary present
gathered around Mrs. Hunt as the
president presented the life membership
certificate to her and read the following:

"Mrs. Elsie, in presenting this award
to you we wish to express our love, our
gratitude, our appreciation, and most of
all our joy in knowing you. We thank the
Lord for your life and for the wonderful
service you have rendered to our
auxiliary. Truly you are a blessing to
each of us.

"We wish for you, Mrs. Elsie, many
more years in the Lord's service here at
Marsh Swamp church and the woman's
auxiliary."

The president then gave the prayer
thought, after which Miss Cathy Howard
sang one of Mrs. Hunt's favorite hymns,
"Fairest Lord Jesus."

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

NEWS~&
_NOTES

Albemarle Union, Sunday School
And League Conventions

The Albemarle Union Meeting and
Sunday School Convention will convene
Saturday, August 28, with the Cape
Colony Free Will Baptist Mission at
Edenton. The Albemarle League Con-
vention will meet Saturday evening,
August 28, with the Mount Zion Free Will
Baptist Church at Roper. The program for
each is as follows:

Union Meeting
Saturday Morning

10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Robert May
10:10— Welcome, Mr. J. C. Freeman

— Response, the Rev. John
Melancon

10:15— Moderator's Address, the Rev.

Charles Overton
10:20— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches
10:45— Offering for Denominational

Enterprises

— Announcements

1 1 :04— Business Session:

Report of Children's Home, via
Literature

Report of Mount Olive College,
via Literature

Report of Missions, via
Literature

Report of Press Foundation, via
Literature

Report of Cragmont Assembly,
via Literature

Reading of Minutes of Last
Union

Report of Treasurer
Other Business
Announcement of Next Union
Minutes Read and Approved
1 1 : 35— Morning Worship:

— Hymn

— Special Music, Host Mission

— Message, the Rev. Johnnie
Sexton

12:30— Benediction

— Adjournment and Lunch

10

Sunday School Convention
Saturday Afternoon

1 :45— Devotions, the Rev. L. E.
Ambrose

1 :55— Welcome, Mr. Oscar Goodman,
Host Superintendent

— Response, the Rev. Marvin
Waters

2:00— President's Message, Mrs.

Francis Spruill
2:05— Enrollment of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches and
Delegates

— Bringing Reports and Receiving
Blanks

— Announcements

— Offering for Children's Home

— Offertory Prayer

2:10— Suggestions and Information for

the Betterment of Sunday

Schools
2:30— Business Session:

Minutes of Last Convention

Read

Treasurer's Report
New Business

Reports of Literature and
Denominational Enterprises
Minutes Read and Approved
3:00— Afternoon Worship:

— Special Music, Host Sunday
School

3:10— Benediction and Adjournment

League Convention
Saturday Evening

7:30— Devotions, Miss Kimberley
Oliver

7:40— President's Message, Mr. Loyd
Jones Jr.

— Appointment of Digest Com-
mittee

— Offering

— Roll Call of Leagues

— Sword Drill

— Hymn

— Recognition of Ministers

— Announcements

— Special Music, Host League

— League Program

— Minutes of Last Convention

— Business Period

— Report of Digest Committee

— Awarding of Banners
Picture

— Treasurer's Report
9:00— Adjournment

Pianist, Mr. Craig Oliver

Dilda's Grove to Host
Fourth Central Union

The Fourth Union Meeting of t!
Central Conference will be hosted bytl
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist Churc
Route 1, Fountain, Sunday, August 2
The program is as follows:

Morning Session

10:00— Sunday School
11 :00— Hymn, "Stand Up, Stand Upf
Jesus"

— Welcome, William Harris

— Response, Woodrow Wooten
1 1 :1 5— President's Remarks

— Mount Olive College News

— Greetings for the Children
Home

— Missions Report

1 1 : 30 — Special Music, Aspen Grc
Church

— Sermon, the Rev. Luther Bisse

— Appointment of Committees
12:15— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:15— Hymn, "Heavenly Sunlight"

— Devotions, Tim Wooten

— Special Music, Friendsh
Church

— Business Period

— Program, Local Church
2:1 5— Adjournment

Cape Fear Union Meets
With Johnston Union Church

The Union Meeting of the Cape Fe
Conference will convene with tl
Johnston Union Free Will Baptist Churc
Route 1, Clayton, Saturday, August 2
The moderator, the Rev. C. M. Coat
will be presiding. Special music will I
rendered by the host church with tl
church pianist playing for the unio
There will only be a morning sessio
The program is as follows:
10:00— Hymn, Congregation

— Devotions, the Rev. Gene
Britt

—Welcome, Mrs. Ruth Warrick,
THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

— Response, J. C. Blinson

i:20 — Enrollment of Officers and
Ministers

— Recognition of Visitors

— Reading Minutes of Last Union

— Appointment of Committees

— Roll Call of Churches

— Report of Denominational
Enterprises

— Miscellaneous Business
1 5— Hymn, Congregation

— Special Music, Host Church

— Offering and Offertory prayer

— Message, the Rev. Leonard
Woodall

!:00— Report of Treasurer

— Unfinished Business

— Benediction and Adjournment

— Lunch and Christian Fellowship

ving Waters Church
inounces Fall Revival

The Living Waters Free Will Baptist
hurch near Pikeville announces revival
Brvices for the week of August
]— September 3, with the Rev.
;eWayne Eakes, pastor of the Little Rock
ree Will Baptist Church of Lucama, as
le guest evangelist. Services will begin
ach evening at 7:30 with the pastor, the
ev. Larry Barbour, assisting Mr. Eakes.
here will be special singing nightly and
nursery will be provided.
The pastor and the church mem-
ership extend a cordial invitation to
veryone to attend these services.

irst Western Union to
onvene with Pleasant Hill

The following is the program of the

First Union Meeting of the Western
Conference which is to be held with the
Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church,
Wayne County, Saturday morning,
August 28. The Rev. William Dale is
moderator and the Rev. C. F. Bowen
clerk.

10:00— Devotional, Noble Crumpler
10:1 5— Welcome Address, Host Pastor

— Response, Lloyd Hargis
10:20 — Business Session
11:00— News from Denominational

Enterprises
1 1 : 20 — Reports of Committees
1 1 :30— Morning Worship:

Congregational Singing and
Special Music

Offering for the Children's Home
Sermon, Rudy Owens; Alter-
nate, DeWayne Eakes
1 2:30— Adjournment and Lunch

The following action taken regarding
absentee ministers was made on
November 29, 1970, and is as follows:
"Motion that the names of absentees
who have been away over four quarters
be dropped from the roll. The clerk was
asked to send letters to these persons
showing that by future attendance their
names could be placed back on roll."

New Pews and Carpet
For Mt. Zion Church

Through the efforts of everyone at
Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church,
Wilson County, a worthwhile project has
recently been completed. Sometime ago
the church members decided to pur-
chase new pews and carpet for the
church sanctuary. After these had been
selected, everyone went to work to help
with the project. The nursery class sold
doughnuts; the YFA held a car wash; the
young adult Sunday school class helped
by sponsoring a chicken stew supper;
and several ladies of the church cooked
meals to serve at different places of
employment. Special contributions were
also made to help complete this project.
Finally the beautiful gold velvet
upholstered pews and rust colored
carpet were installed.

On the second Sunday in July (July
12) a dedication service was held
dedicating the pews and carpet to the
Lord. Also dedicated in this service were
an altar set given in honor of one of the
mothers of the church and a silver flower

urn given to the church by two of its
members.

This day was also a very special day
for the pastor and his wife, the Rev. and
Mrs. J. B. Godwin, having completed
seven years as pastor of the church.
Following the Sunday evening service a
reception was held and Mr. and Mrs.
Godwin were presented an engraved
silver bread tray in appreciation of their
seven years of faithful service to the
church.

The church reporter states, "Without
God leading us none of this could have
been done. Our thanks go out to
everyone in the church for the part they
had in helping this worthwhile project
become a reality. ' '

Western District Youth
Fellowship Day

The Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, will be host to a
Western District Youth Fellowship Day,
Saturday, August 28. The activities will
begin at 3 p. m. with a session of games
and fun for everyone. At 6 p. m. a picnic
supper will be served on the campus of
the Home; followed at 7 p. m. with
singing featuring the "Heaven Bound"
group from Kinston and the "Vanguard
Brothers" from Mount Olive.

Each family attending is asked to bring
enough food for his family and two other
persons. Also bring plenty of tea. Cups,
plates, napkins, forks, and ice will be
furnished.

The success of this event depends on
you!

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Rev. Ralph Moden announces that
he is available for revival and evangelistic
work. Any church desiring his services
may contact him by writing P. 0. Box
811, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852.

The Faith Free Will Baptist Church,
Bridge Street, Morehead City, is in need
of a full-time pastor. Any minister, in
good standing with his conference and is
interested in serving this church, please
contact Mr. Robert Coiley, 107 Noyes
Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina
28557; telephone, 726-2641

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Claire Bible Class

LESSON

August 29

IN MISSION TOGETHER

Lesson Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-
9

Memory Verse: John 10:16

I. INTRODUCTION

Over and over again during the public
ministry of our Lord the burden of His
prayer was that His people might become
one. Paul and all who labored with him in
the Early Church recognized that unity of
aim and of purpose was essential if the
church were to perform in a right and
acceptable manner the mission assigned
to it by its Lord.

The lesson for today deals with some
of the divisive elements that were at work
in the Early Church, and especially the
church at Corinth. We will be able to
trace the logic and the biblical authority
of the arguments used by Paul to put a
stop to those things that serve to break
the unity and the fellowship of the church
body.

The great need of the church of our
day, both the local assembly and the
church at large, is to get rid of those
things that serve to separate and
estrange and cultivate those things
which serve to unite and strengthen; for
no church or denomination of churches
can make full use of its potential until it
gets every phase and facet of its power
and its strength working together in
unison and in harmony.— The Senior
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The mission of the church has
been hindered through the ages with
problems. Some of these problems have
come from without because of the society
in which the church existed. Other
problems have come within the church
itself. In this lesson we study some of the
problems that have come from within the
church.

B. One of the big problems in the
Corinthian Church was the dividing into
factions over the men who had pastored

the church. There is no indication in the
Scripture that these ministers caused or
abetted this division in any way. This
sign of division over preachers is a sign
of immaturity. It might have been one of
the causes that this little church was
without a pastor according to tradition for
more than a year.

C. We have in this lesson a new
word to describe some Christians
— "carnal." This word comes from the
word meaning body. It is used to
describe those Christians who still
followed the desires of the body. Paul
called these Christians immature and
carnal because they were acting as
though they were still babes in Christ
even though they had had a long time in
which to grow.

D. The immature Christian is not
always those who have just become
Christians. These may be "babes in
Christ"; but this does not mean that they
were always immature. The really im-
mature Christians are those who have
been saved a long time, but have not
grown as they should have. Instead of
growing they are "yellowing" on the
vine, so to speak. What a tragedy!

E. Carnal Christians are immature
and act like babies. Babies cannot take
care of themselves. Carnal Christians
cannot take care of themselves
spiritually. Babes cannot take strong
food, and Paul says that this is one of the
reasons they are carnal. Babes are not
able to take care of themselves, they
require others to do it, and are not able to
assume family responsibilities. How
many carnal Christians do we have in our
churches today judged by this definition
of carnal Christians?

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Many congregations are rendered
ineffective because of the selfishness
and ambition of men to become party
leaders. They have invested years in
wrangling over inconsequential matters.

A stubborn heart has forced many i
prolong conflict, and cliques have form!
around men. A convert brought into t
fold soon learns that he must line up ;
one side or the other. All this is of Satai
and we are walking not according tot
truth of the gospel when we engage '
such conduct. The purpose of o
discussion today has been to help us
humble ourselves under the mighty hai
of God, forgive one another, and jo
hands in a service much greater than fl
of us together.

There is no glory to God from a groi
of professed believers in Jesus who f<!
out among themselves and cannot agn'
upon mere temporal policies. We al
worthy only when we are willing '
surrender our way for His.

The weaver ants of South Asia have
method of nest-building that is hard \
believe. A column of them lines up on tr-
edge of a tree leaf, and each ant clings *
it with its hind legs while reaching fi!
another leaf with its front limbs. Wit
teamwork they bring the two leaf edge
together. Meanwhile, another team i!
them has lined up in readiness on tfij
underside of the leaf. Each ant is holdin
a live larva of his own breed that \i
proceeds to use as a squeeze-tut'
source of threads to fasten the two leave!
together. Successive leaves are wove}
together in this fashion until a nest
been completed.

Many God-given tasks cannot t
achieved by a Christian working aloruj
God's plan is for all members of th
church to work together, supplement^
one another according to the ability
each one can supply.

The modern church functions in i
mission of world evangelism throuc
many agencies— individual Christiar
working together in a specialized vH
Evangelistic associations, campi
ministries, Bible colleges, missionai
associations, publishing companiei
benevolent agencies, and others ai
instruments of the church to help it fulf
Christ's commission to "Go . . . into c
the world, and preach the gospel to evei
creature" (Mark 16:15).

Each association supplies somethiri
to the total that the others do not. P
must cooperate and receive the suppo
of all others. Only as the members of tr
church work together will the gospi
prevail in this world of wickec
ness — Standard Lesson Commentary

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Answering teur

Questions

Juestion: Could you please point out
s ne Scriptures to make clear to my
fi nds and me that Christ is to reign in a
kgdom on this earth?

\nswer: I can give those that satisty
i; that is, in a fact set forth in the
E le. "Behold, the days come, saith the
LRD, that I will raise unto David a
rhteous Branch, and a King shall reign
ail prosper, and shall execute judgment
ap justice in the earth. In his days
Bali shall be saved, and Israel shall
dell safely: and this is his name
viereby he shall be called, THE LORD
CJR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jeremiah
1:5, 6); ". . . the LORD shall be king
C3r all the earth: in that day shall there
I one LORD, and his name one"
, Bchariah 14:9); ". . . behold, thou
salt conceive in thy womb, and bring
jjth a son,, and shalt call his name
JSUS. He shall be great, and shall be
tiled the Son of the Highest: and the
Ird God shall give unto him the throne
| his father David: And he shall reign
ier the house of Jacob for ever; and of
^ kingdom there shall be no end"

ke 1:31-33); "That ye may eat and
ink at my table in my kingdom, and sit
| thrones judging the twelve tribes of

ael" (Luke 22:30). (Read Revelation

:4-10.)

Jesus taught His followers to pray
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in
Irtli, as it is in heaven. . . . And lead us
t into temptation, but deliver us from
For thine is the kingdom, and the
wer, and the glory, for ever. Amen"
atthew 6:10, 13). The requests of the
tition will be fulfilled when He reigns
it is declared of Him to do in these
rses quoted above.

. . and they lived and reigned with
irist a thousand years" (Revelation
):4). In this the 20th chapter of
relation is the only place that I know in
e Bible which gives one thousand years
being the exact time Jesus Christ our
>rd, and the Jews' Messiah, will reign
this earth. It appears to teach that the
ign on this present earth will cease

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N C. 28551

then. Those who stand the test, even
though they are not tempted during the
millennium, are to be severely tested in
that short period that Satan is loosed
from the bottomless pit for that purpose.
" . . .the rest of the dead lived not again
until the thousand years were finished.
This is the first resurrection. Blessed and
holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death
hath no power, but they shall be priests
of God and of Christ, and shall reign with
him a thousand years. And when the
thousand years are expired, Satan shall
be loosed out of his prison, And shall go
out to deceive the nations which are in
the four quarters of the earth, Gog and
Magog, to gather them together to battle:
the number of whom is as the sand of the
sea. And they went up on the breadth of
the earth, and compassed the camp of
the saints about, and the beloved city:
and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them. And the
devil that deceived them was cast into
the lake of fire and brimstone, where the
beast and the false prophet are, and shall
be tormented day and night for ever and
ever" (Revelation 20:5-10).

Fire from heaven destroys those who
are deceived by Satan and his co-
workers and the co-workers themselves
with them. Satan himself is judged and
with him all who have not been identified
with Jesus Christ through the new birth.
(See John 3:3-5, 36, 14-17; Romans
10:9-11; John 1:12; 7:17.) "He that
believeth on him is not condemned: but
he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in
the name of the only begotten Son of
God" (John 3:18).

The righteous, including the church,
are caught up to be with Jesus in the air
during what I understand to be a seven-
year period where Christ judges
everyone and gives rewards to each saint
according to his faithfulness. This is
called the judgment seat of Christ. And
then there is to take place at sometime in
this seven-year period of time in the air,

the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

We are not only set forth in the Bible
as separate individual members of the
spiritual body of Christ, but also as the
bride of Christ, now more correctly
stated as the espoused of Christ— the
bride in waiting or betrothed. When the
wedding takes place we will be to Christ
what the Virgin Mary was to Joseph
when he had obeyed the Holy Spirit who
told him to take his wife to his home. He
was only betrothed to her when she
learned she was pregnant of the Holy
Ghost (found to be with child). But when
God spoke to him (Joseph), instructing
him of the reason for her pregnancy, he
obeyed the Spirit and took her to his own
home.

Jesus meets us in the air when those
of the righteous dead have been
resurrected, and we that remain alive in
these bodies are changed and all of us
caught up together. Those from the West
and those from the East will be in the
presence of our fathers in faith
—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

We, the church, will sit with Him on
His throne as He, Jesus, now sits with
God the Father on His. When it comes to
the church we are asked, "Do ye not
know that the saints shall judge the
world? and if the world shall be judged
by you, are ye unworthy to judge the
smallest matters? Know ye not that we
shall judge angels? how much more
things that pertain to this life?" (1
Corinthians 6:2, 3). We sit with Christ if
we are the overcomers. "To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in
my throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with my Father in his
throne" (Revelation 3:21).

The 1000-year reign of Christ on the
earth is by some referred to as the
millennium. Many of us who are
evangelicals think of ourselves as being
premillennialist, because we believe that
Jesus Christ will come before the
millennium— before the thousand years
of peace. "They shall not hurt nor
destroy in all my holy mountain: for the
earth shall be full of the knowledge of the
LORD, as the waters cover the sea"
(Isaiah 11:9). (Read and compare the
whole 11th chapter of Isaiah with
Revelation 20:4-10.)

(Continued Next Issue)

13

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22
Scripture Reading— Matthew 25:34-

36

DEADLY WEAPON
An old Christian man moved into a
community where lived a notoriously
disagreeable and contentious neigh-
bor. When informed of the character
of his neighbor the old man answered,
"If he disturbs me, I will kill him."

His statement reached the ears of
the villainous neighbor who in various
ways tormented the new settler. But
every offense was met with kindness
until at last the contentious neighbor
was overwhelmed. "I was told that he
would kill me, but I did not know he
would do it this way."— William P.
King

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to
give than to receive." Probably one of
the best ways to conquer someone is
through kindness.

MONDAY, AUGUST 23
Scripture Reading— 1 Chronicles
16:27

GET A TRANSFER
If you are on the Gloomy Line,

Get a transfer.
If you're inclined to fret and pine,

Get a transfer.
Get off the track of Doubt and Gloom,
Get on a Sunshine Train, there's
room,
Get a transfer.
If you are on the Worry Train,

Get a transfer.
You must not stay there and com-
plain :
Get a transfer.
The Cheerful Cars are passing

through,
And there is lots of room for you,
Get a transfer.

If you are on the Grouchy Track,

Get a transfer.
Just take a Happy Special back,

Get a transfer.

Jump on the train and pull the rope,
That lands you at the Station Hope,
Get a transfer.

— Canadian Baptist

PRAYER THOUGHT
If your life is not filled with joy and
happiness, it is time for a transfer. We
are told that it takes lots more effort
to frown than to smile. Why not try it?

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24
Scripture Reading— Matthew 5:14,

16

CLEANING HOUSE

A little Zulu girl, who had given her
heart to Christ, prayed thus :

"O Thou Great Chief, light a candle
in my heart that I may see the rub-
bish, and sweep it out." And along
with this little African girl's prayer
should go the prayer of William
Cowper, the poet :
The dearest idol I have known,

Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,

And worship only Thee.

— Homiletican Review

PRAYER THOUGHT
If our light as Christians does not
shine brightly we ourselves cannot
hope to see the way. We will be like
the old saying, "The blind leading the
blind."

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
2:1-4

"THANK GOD THAT YOU
CAN DO THAT WAY"
Dr. Carl Armerding and his son,
Hudson Taylor Armerding, were
sitting in a meeting. As one of God's
servants preached the wondrous
gospel of the grace of God, tears filled
the eyes of Dr. Armerding. Said he to
his son , ' ' Son , why does a man act like
this?" Said the son, "Dad, thank God
that you CAN act that way." God,
save us from a "dry-eyed"
religion! -W. B. K.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Do we have a religion that can be
felt? If we do not put feeling into our
religion we cannot hope to have some
of it rub off on someone else.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26
Scripture Reading— Genesis 28:16

ALONE WITH GOD
Softly fall the shades of evening,

Twilight spreads her mantle broad,
O'er my soul there comes a longing, i

To be alone — alone with God.
To some quiet place retreating,

Forbidden is each earthly care,
Closed the door to all but Jesus

At the sacred hour of prayer.

Alone with God — could I but tell it,

As by faith my Lord I see,
And the joy of life eternally

In that Home prepared for me.
Alone with God — Ah, yea, I love it,

Naught on earth could sweeter be ;
For my soul is lost in rapture,

When my Saviour speaks to me.

—Selectee

PRAYER THOUGHT
Naught on earth could sweeter be
than to be "alone with Jesus." In the
secret of His presence your soul is lost
in rapture as you commune with Him.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
Scripture Reading— Psalm 17:15

THE BLESSED FUTURE
The doctor did not think the dying
daughter would hear when he said to!
the mother, "Poor child; she has seen,
her best days." But she heard himi
and said, "No, Doctor, I haven't seen
my best days; my best days are still;
to come when I shall see the King in
all His glory." — The Man Nobody
Missed, by W. E. Biederwolf

PRAYER THOUGHT
Have you lived a life that at the'
resurrection your better days will be]
ahead of you? Christ died for us thai
at His second coming we might have
life everlasting.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
6:14

REVEILLE! -NOT TAPS
A soldier said, "When I die do not
sound taps over my grave, but
reveille— the morning call, the
summons to rise." — Streams in the
Desert, by Mrs. Charles E . Cowman

PRAYER THOUGHT
No greater tribute can be made t(
anyone than to say that he is looking
forward to the resurrection. Are we
as the soldier mentioned above
looking forward to the summons U
rise?

(Devotions used by permission o:
Knight's Master Book of New II
lustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Mount :iniM»]
Olive College

SIXTY-THREE FWB STUDENTS
ACCEPTED BY COLLEGE
FOR FALL

Sixty-three Free Will Baptist students
ill enter Mount Olive College this fall as
ishmen, representing 54 Free Will
iptist churches in North Carolina and
e in South Carolina.

From Christian Chapel is Miss Maria
d, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs.
)rman Ard of Pink Hill; from Northeast

Miss Jacquelin Barwick, daughter of
r. James A. Barwick; and Mrs. Donna
hitfield, wife of Michael E. Whitfield;
)m Elm Grove is Wesley Beddard, son

Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Beddard Jr.; from
ay's Chapel is Miss Karen Bowen,
■mghter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Bowen;
id William Tripp, son of Mr. and Mrs.
illiam F. Tripp.

From Marlboro is Miss Shelby
'adshaw, daughter of Mr. Clifton
•adshaw; from Sound Side is Miss
iiannie Brickhouse, daughter of Mr.
jmond Brickhouse; and Miss Monty
iggs, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. N.
. Wiggs (Kinston); from Everett's
aapel is Tony Martin Bunn, son of Mr.
id Mrs. James Bunn; from Mount
abor, Creswell, is Jerry Calhoun, son of
rs. Ina Calhoun; Miss Teresa Oliver,
aughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Oliver;
id Craig Simmons, son of Mr. and Mrs.
antress Simmons.

! From Warden's Grove is Miss Teresa
aroon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
eginald Caroon; from Casey's Chapel is
eorge Harvey Casey, son of Mr. and

rs. Alex R. Casey; from Oak Grove,
larkton, is John Cashwell, son of Mrs.
elories Cashwell; from Oak Grove,
ewton Grove, is Mrs. Willow Starr
aughtry, wife of Travis Daughtry; and
liss Pamela Page, daughter of Mrs.
dna Carroll; from Oak Grove, Vance-
oro, is Miss Vicki Marie Powell,
aughter of Mrs. Bertie M. Powell.

From Yelverton's Grove is Jefferson
aniel Daughtry, son of Mr. and Mrs.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Rommie Daughtry; from Ayden is Miss
Marisa Davenport, daughter of Mr. David
Davenport; from Sidney is Miss Vanessa
Daw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Daw; from Beulaville is Miss Kimberly
Anne Edwards, daughter of Mr. James
R. Edwards; from Cabin is Leroy
Faulkner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Faulkner.

From Holly Springs, Newport, is Miss
Mallory J. Garner, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Nathan Garner; from Welcome
Home is Miss Dianna Golden, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Golden; and Miss
Rebecca Nan Middlebrooks, daughter of
Mrs. Alberta D. Middlebrooks; from
Deep Run is Miss Susie Griffin, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Odell Griffin; from
Friendship, Middlesex, is Timothy Wade
Guffey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wade
Guffey; from Memorial Chapel is Miss
Brenda Kay Hill of the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home.

From Winterville is Miss JoAnn Hines,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Hines;
from Hopewell is Mark Steven Hobbs,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Shelton J. Hobbs;
from Stoney Creek is James Preston
Holland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston
Holland; and Spencer Scott, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Delbert Scott; from First,
Kinston, is Teresa Lynne Holland,
daughter of Mr. C. E. Holland; and Miss
Judy Stroud, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Horace K. Stroud.

From Mount Zion, Vandemere, is Russ
Hudson, son of Mrs. Judy H. Thaanum;
from Gray Branch is Miss Jackie
Humphrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John L. Humphrey; from Free Union is
Terry Keech, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Linwood G. Keech; from Bridgeton is
Daniel Mitchell, son of Mr. and Mrs.
John Mitchell; from Calvary is Miss
Wanda Joy Morgan, daughter of Mrs.
Emily Ruth Morgan; from Spring Branch
is Miss Rebecca Jean Martin, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Martin; from
Daly's Chapel is Miss Lisa Potter,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milo Potter;
from Whaley's Chapel is Miss Sarah

Anne Quinn, daughter of Mr. Bobby
Quinn; from Rains Cross Roads is Miss
Mary Kay Radford, daughter of Mrs. Ann
Radford; from Mount Olive is Miss
Elizabeth Raper, daughter of Dr. and
Mrs. W. B. Raper; from Saint Mary's,
Kenly, is Miss Edith Ann Scott, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Linwood Scott; from
Living Waters is Douglas Seymour, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Seymour; from
Mount Zion, Richlands, is Larry
Shepard, son of Mrs. Lorrell B.
Shepard.

From Bethlehem, Warsaw, is Clifton
Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alton C.
Smith: from Sherron Acres is Miss
Susan Stott, daughter of Mr. Guy Vaden
Stott; from Davis is Miss Sarah Styron,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald T.
Styron; from Smithfield is Miss Debora
Jean Thompson, daughter of Mr. James
E. Thompson; from Little Rock is
Kenneth Thompson, son of Mr. Lewis
Thompson; from New Haven is Miss
Anita Whitford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey Whitford; from Macedonia is
Miss Sharon Whitford, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. James Alton Whitford; from
Shady Grove, Clinton, is Miss Trudy
Wilson; from Grimsley is Pat Wood, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Wood; from
Snow Hill, Duplin County, is Michael
Howard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E.
Howard; from Rooty Branch is Mrs.
Marilyn Carter, wife of Reginald Carter;
from New Haven is David Cauley, son of
Mr. Maezell S. Cauley; from Bethel,
Kinston, is Miss Barbara Humphrey,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Beard.

From Mount Ariel, Conway, South
Carolina, is Joseph Benton, son of Mr.
and Mrs. J. B. Benton Jr.

FALL SEMESTER PLANS

UNDERWAY AT MOC

Applications for the fall semester are
still being accepted at Mount Olive
College according to Russell W. Duncan,
director of admissions.

The number of new students con-
firmed for the fall semester is up
significantly over last year.

"Students interested in dorm rooms
should apply immediately," Duncan
added, "to insure there will be a room
available."

Students interested in obtaining an
application may visit or call the ad-
( Continued on Page 16)

15

ilBHABY

MOUNT OLIVE NEWS

(Continued from Page 15)
missions office at (919) 658-2502.

The Mount Olive faculty will meet for
conferences beginning Thursday,
August 19. Incoming resident students
are scheduled to arrive on campus,
Monday, August 23. Students who have
not preregistered will register for classes
on Wednesday, August 25, before
classes begin on Thursday.

Over 140 classes will be offered in a
wide range of liberal arts and business
courses.

Night classes will be offered on Mon-
day and Tuesday nights only, offering

GW

Tarboro, N.C.

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 7)
behavior as set forth by Christ and record
in the Holy Scriptures. Women can be
wives, mothers, employees, and at the

the courses listed below:

Monday Nights, 7-10 P. M.

Introduction to Old Testament taught
by the Rev. Sheldon Howard.

American Government taught by Mr.
Ken Dilda.

Ceramics taught by art staff.

Tuesday Nights, 7-10 P. M.

Introduction to Data Processing taught
by business staff.

English Composition taught by Mrs.
Margaret Walker.

Preaching and Pastoral Care taught by
the Rev. Frank Harrison.

Introduction to Psychology taught by
Dr. Hilda Owens.

same time they can be individuals. Is it
possible that those who walk in a shadow
have in some ways been denied their
need for self-expression? As the divorce
rate in America climbs to an alarming

rate, Christianity has an obligation to
to preserve the God-given institution a
wonderful experience of marriage. T
need for self-expression can be met i
the women who walk in a shadow. Itc
be met within the institution of marriac
if society will allow it.

Third, she walks in a shadow w
steps of love. How inspiring it is to se<
mother on bended knees comforting r
child who has a problem, or holding li
husband's hand in his deepest mome
of despair! Yes, women have a spec
guality of radiating Christian love a
concern, but we must not take 1
granted those who walk in a shado<
They convey their love in so many way
even while in a shadow, if we will ta
time to see it.

She who walks in a shadow wall
with measured steps; in most instanc<
measured and limited by society, not!
herself. She walks in a shadow as
person— a person who is entitled to full
her need for self-expression in
Christian way. She walks in a shad(i
with steps of love and she must not I
taken for granted. A more accurate w;
of recognizing the women in the lives
good men would be, "Beside every got
man walks a good woman."

1 Civilization , Past and Present (Illinois, 1971),

4.

Coming Events . . .

August 20, 21 — Piedmont Conferenci
Mount Olive Free Will Bapti
Church, Kannapolis, North Carolina

September 15, 16— North Carolina Sta
Convention, National Guard Armor
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 29— Central Distri
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Conventioi
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Chun

near Crisp, North Carolina, wil
Dilda's Grove Free Will Bapti:
Church near Fountain Serving i
Cohost

Special foments

Dear Maggie,

I would like to tell how the Lord has helped me in times of sorrow and
desperation through songs.

Twice in my married life I've faced sorrow through death of two of my children.
First, my four-year old died in the hospital— a mysterious death. We never knew the
cause; but from the time I was told he was dead until after the funeral a song was in
my mind, over and over again. The song was "My Heavenly Father Watches Over
Me." I could not grieve very much as I felt God's presence so strong. I knew He was
there.

About 24 years later, a great tragedy happened. My daughter met a tragic
death. No one but God knows the grief I faced, but God was there again with a song to
help me through. The song was "When We All Get to Heaven."

I thank God that He has been there when I needed Him the most. I know He's a
man of sorrows and is acquainted with grief and has compassion on His children.

Praise His holy name!

16

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

TAKING A HEAVENLY VACATION
OR GOING HOME?

THE DECISION IS YOURS.

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA,
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1976

Going Home or Taking a Vacation?

They pack their clothes, camping equipment, snacks to be enjoyed along the
way, and all the extra money they can spare; they don their most comfortable outfits,
put on their sunglasses to ward off the glare of the sun (or sometimes for cosmetic
purposes), make sure the trailers or boats are secured at the back of the car, get into
their vehicles, unfold the roadmaps, lean back, and begin to embark on a leisurely
trip. A vacation!

Those who have not already enjoyed the pleasure of a vacation trip will no doubt
begin making plans for one soon, as summer is nearly over and most people choose
this time of year for their "rest and recuperation" from the rigors of day-to-day
living. Some "rough it" in the wild, defying both man and beast, pitching their
homemade or professionally-made tents under the stars or in a remote wooded area
near a stream or lake.

Others venture toward the mountains, to the fresh air of higher elevation, where
they can hole up in a rustic mountain lodge built of stone or natural wood. Then others
speed toward the beaches for the ocean water and sunshine and salt air, the good
fishing, the swimming, and all-out "fun in the sun." A few travel to historical points
of interest, gathering bits of information they hadn't had before, or adding to or
affirming their previous knowledge, feasting their eyes on quaint and beautiful sights
of antiquity or of the modern, present day. From Old Salem to Future World, from the
nation's capital to Mexico, from a tiny hamlet in Eastern North Carolina to the
metropolis of New York City— from here to yon they go.

Some persons of the so-called yachters' club or who have bank accounts full of
money (and who have no pressing schedules to maintain) take leisurely cruises to the
Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, or some of the lazy, relaxing south sea isles. Sometimes
they tour for days and nights, attesting to the breath-taking splendor of the sun rising
and setting on the water and the moon and stars reflecting on the quiet, blue-green
waves.

The jet-setters fly to Europe: France, Spain, England; or to Asia: Japan,
Thailand, or Tibet; or to South America: Brazil, Venezuela, or Columbia; or to
somewhere on the big continent of Africa; or "down under" to Australia. Any place
but home is often a vacationland. The strange thing about traveling to the far reaches
is the fact that when one returns to the security of familiar surroundings, he discovers
with the song that "There's no place like home."

There's another song, the haunting refrain of which many persons probably
remember having heard somewhere in their experience. The song tells of spending
one's vacation in Heaven and admits the fact that a vacation there should be
neverending. There is a danger associated with the message of the song, however (in
our opinion), for no one should really consider the heavenly destination a vacation
spot. It should be considered "home."

"When I spend my vacation in Heaven— all things will be wonderful there," the
song propounds; and, yes, the affirmation is correct. Everything will be wonderful
there; but as has been suggested earlier, a vacation is something one returns from
and finds that he is usually more than happy to be back home— upon the return
—from where he started. Now who on earth would want to venture to Heaven, only
to have to return after a brief period of relaxation and recuperation? Certainly not this
writer!

Of course no one knows what Heaven really is like. The purported gold streets
and pearly gates and bejeweled walls may indeed be accurately described in the Book
of Revelation. On the other hand, it is conceivable that when we get to Heaven our
spiritual eyes will not see as do our physical ones and we shall not evaluate things in
the same manner, so it is quite possible— a sure thing, even— that gold and precious
stones will take a backseat to the glory of being in the Father's presence! If we find
that we are more awestruck by the beauty of the place, it is doubtful that we have
arrived in Heaven to begin with. Many places are beautiful before the fire takes over.

Our real point in this discussion is the fact that Heaven should not be considered
a vacation place. It should be thought of as home. And how wonderful a feeling to
know that one is going home!

AUGUST 25, 1976
Volume 91 NumttJ

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THE FREE WILL BAPT;

THE CHURCH-A COMMUNITY

(Part 8)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

IE are continuing our dis-
bcussion of how small groups
reine way for churches to experience
mi of the personal sharing and
el; ng which the people of God need to
xfrience. This week we will talk about
^ori of the things that might happen in

mall group,
i may be called old-fashioned (and
Vic 3d I have), but I for one am con-
*wi3d that God's Word should play a
)«i central and important part in the
jti ch's life. I am just as convinced that
he Bible is not just truth to be un-
lejtood, it is reality to be lived.

jie study of God's Word and ap-
)li;ition to everyday life should be a vital
ia| of any group. Some groups may
:ta|se to work through some type of
ms (there are many good Bible studies
t cal Christian bookstores) while other
liS;jT|ps may want to get into the Bible
ts[f by studying a particular book or
»teped passages. Usually the group
]1wiShave one or more persons with the
i of teaching who will teach and lead
feii'iussions. Or the group could decide
SlDe}rehand what passage to study.
Win the members meet the passage
icrid be discussed with everyone
| Peicipating as the Spirit leads.

/orship should be a central part of
ar< Christian group and the next two
ariles will be devoted to the subject of
^ship in the church.
Jlthough it is actually a part of
I ship perhaps we should point out that
th|small group is the perfect place for
ijstians to be honest and to share and
revive help in a personal way. This is
lire much of the community life we
rtoje talked about can be experienced,
■needs and concerns are shared and
qijstions about the Christian walk are
rajed, members of the group can help
etfi other shed God's perspective.

jo in the small group "we" is the
Cfjter of attention, not a meeting or a
■ P'p ram. People become priority, not
rebrts or schedules. If the small group
fictions as a true community the

members will get more and more in-
volved in each other's lives and will
begin ministering to and relating to each
other every day, not just on Sunday.

Problems

Some pastors might question the
whole idea of small groups functioning
within the context of the larger local
church. They may say you cannot turn
Christians loose all by themselves
without a shepherd. They will quickly fall
to heresy and wolves. To this objection
we should point out several things.

First, do not forget that all the groups
will meet together from time to time for
solid biblical teaching and preaching. If
the preacher of the Word is doing his job
the group may even decide to study or
discuss the sermon in their group
meeting where they can apply the
preached truth to their own situations.

Second, God has placed spiritual
leaders in the church and these leaders
should be ready and willing to counsel,
meet with, and in any other way help the
groups be established in the faith. The
group should not hesitate from inviting
the minister to its meetings if there is
some disagreement over some point of
doctrine. The pastor, if he has "given
himself continually to prayer, and to the
ministry of the Word," will be capable
and willing to be and looked to as the
spiritual leader of his flock (see Acts
6:4). The larger local church and the
spiritual leadership of that church should
provide covering and protection for the
small group.

Finally, we should realize that we
already have smaller groups meeting in
most local churches in the form of the
ladies auxiliaries, youth groups, and
men's groups. This idea of more per-
sonal small group fellowship is not new.
About the only difference is that the
groups we have been talking about
would not include just certain persons in
the church but rather men, women, and
young people, whoever wanted to be
involved.

There are also other possible
problems. Perhaps the major one is that
not all Christians want to be in this type
of ministry. That's fine. You cannot just
stick 10 people together in a living room
and expect good things to happen
without there being honesty, openness,
submission to the Holy Spirit, and a
desire on the part of the ones involved to
be where they are.

Perhaps too often we are held back
from sharing our real selves because we
are not what we think we are supposed
to be. You may say I cannot share some
things I do because a Christian is not
supposed to do these things. We must
realize that we are not a transformed
people, rather we are being transformed.
We are not perfect, we are striving to be
perfect. We should not be afraid to own
up to our mistakes and shortcomings,
especially if we confess them and seek
help from the group on how to live more
godly.

Another question is, Who will lead the
group? Perhaps most groups should be
leaderless in the sense of one person
taking control and doing all the teaching
and leading. The whole point of small
groups is to encourage mutual ministry.
Some will have one or more persons who
will do a minimum of preparing and
teaching, but in a real sense, the Holy
Spirit must lead the group.

Finally, you may ask, What if the
group does not work out? What if it is a
failure? I think it's safe to say that an
unhealthy group should not continue. If
things do not seem to be working out,
and if the members sense the Lord
saying, "Break it up," then do it. Of
course the ideal thing is to be very
sensitive to the Lord's leadership as He
puts the group together in the beginning.

One final thing: Small groups are
springing up everywhere— from the
college campus and the military
bases— to the United States Congress
and rural neighborhoods. Many
Christians are yearning for a more
meaningful relationship with each other
and are finding that in a small group
setting. We often do not hear about these
groups because they do not "make
headlines." The things taking place in
them happen in quiet but real ways in
people's lives. But they are happening.

I say the established, organized local
church in each neighborhood and city

(Continued on Page 15)

T.E FREE WILL BAPTIST

/

(

THE BACKGROUND OF
ARMINIANISM
IN THE REFORMED TRADITION

(Part Three)
by

Dr. Michael Pelt
Mount Olive, North Carolina

^ S we noted earlier, the earliest
Baptists who settled in North
Carolina in the late 1600's and early
1700's were General Baptists, who held
to the doctrines set forth in the con-
fession of 1660, known also as the
Standard Confession. Although we have
no documentary evidence of the use of
this confession as early as the colonial
period, the writings of early nineteenth
century Calvinist Baptists provide ample
evidence that these early North Carolina
Baptists embraced Arminian Baptist
teachings. Referring to the churches of
the Kehukee Association, Burkitt and
Read stated that "the most of these
churches, before they were united in an
association, were General Baptist, and
held with the Arminian tenets. We
believe they were the descendants of
English General Baptists, because we
find from some original papers, that their
confession of faith was subscribed by
certain elders and deacons and brethren,
in behalf of themselves and others, to
whom they belonged, both in London,
and several counties in England, and
was presented to King Charles the
second.8

This is an obvious reference to the
Standard Confession of 1660. Moreover,
the fact that Paul Palmer attended a
yearly meeting which included two
churches in Virginia, known to have
been established by General Baptists
from England, makes it certain that the
churches organized by Palmer were
established on General Baptist prin-
ciples. This helps to account for the fact
that in the 1750's Calvinistic Baptists
from South Carolina and from the
Philadelphia Baptist Association found
the Baptist churches in Eastern North

Carolina to be irregular in their practice
of baptizing persons without what they
termed an "experience of grace." Thus,
a handful of Calvinistic Baptists, with
strong support from the Philadelphia
Association, succeeded in persuading
most of the General Baptist churches of
Eastern North Carolina to disband and
reorganize, admitting to membership
only those who could testify to an
"experience" prior to baptism. The few
churches which did not submit to such
reorganization were mainly those under
the pastoral leadership of Joseph and
William Parker.

Although the General Baptist
movement in North Carolina was almost
wiped out by the prevailing Calvinistic
theology of colonial America, the sur-
viving remnants managed to rally under
the leadership of men like Jesse Heath
and James Roach, who were asked by
their brethren to examine and reprint the
"former Confession of Faith" which had
been set forth by "the former Elders and
Deacons" (a reference to the Confession
of 1660). In 1812 the Free Will Baptist
Conference, meeting at A. Jones' (Little
Creek) Meeting House, adopted the
former articles as revised by Elders
Heath and Roach, along with the rules of
discipline for the government of the
churches. A comparison of the 1812
Former Articles with the Confession of
1660 reveals that Elders Heath and
Roach had based their articles on the
General Baptist Confession of 1660, or,
more probably, an edited version of that
document. They were careful to retain
those articles which have a distinctive
Arminian flavor; nevertheless, their
interpretation of Article X on the per-
severance of the saints does not allow for

the possibility of falling away. It reads:
"We believe that the Saints shall per-
severe in grace, and never finally fall
away. John X, 27, 28, and 29." When
compared to Article XVIII in the Con-
fession of 1660, it appears that in one
point the Arminian tenets in that
document had been altered by early Free
Will Baptists in the direction of the
Calvinist position. The article on election,
which is almost the same in both
documents, lends itself to a modified
Calvinist interpretation of that doctrine,
such as can be found in the New
Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith. It
is significant that the Bethel Conference
of Free Will Baptists in its annual meeting
in 1831, held at Probability Church,
Duplin County, resolved "that the Tenth
and Eleventh Articles of Confession of
Faith be discontinued." 9 No explanation
is given for this action, but the language
of these articles in the Confession of
1812 must have given offense to the
majority because of the implied Calvinist
interpretation found in the wording of
these articles.

Although Free Will Baptists have since
been affected by doctrinal influence from
other traditions, it can hardly be said that
Calvinism has since had any appreciable
impact on the denomination, except in
the form of a continued reaction to the
decidedly Calvinistic reformation of
General Baptists of North Carolina in the
latter half of the eighteenth century.

Meanwhile, in other denominations of
America in which the Reformed or
Puritan influence was strong the in-
fluence of the evangelical revivals of the
18th and 19th centuries, with their
emphasis on "means" for the con-
version of sinners, resulted in a definite
shift toward an Arminian position. As
early as 1791, John Leland, a Baptist
minister who came from Massachusetts
to Virginia, wrote:

"I conclude that the eternal
purposes of God, and the freedom of the
human will, are both truths; and it is a
matter of fact, that the preaching that
has been blessed of God, and most
profitable to men, is the doctrine of
sovereign grace in the salvation of souls,
mixed with a little of what is called
Arminianism. These two propositions can
be tolerably well reconciled together, but
the misfortune is, that men often spend
too much time in explaining away one or

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

the other, or in fixing the lock-link to join
the others together; and by such means,
have but little time in a sermon to insist
on those two great things which God
blesses." 10

The fact that the Baptists had so
readily adopted the methods of the
revivalists during the Great Awakening of
the 18th century and had continued to
increase their membership even during
the Revolutionary War and afterwards,
| meant that some of their preachers were
willing to soften their Calvinism in the
interest of winning more converts.

It was about this time that Benjamin
Randall, who had been brought up as a
j Congregationalist on the strict Calvinism
I of New England, began to serve as
| pastor of a Baptist church and soon
| discovered that his message was not in
I agreement with the Calvinist doctrines of
j his fellow New Hampshire Baptists. It
J was then that the church at New Durham
!' decided to stand with their pastor in
support of his Arminian views, and the
; Free Will Baptist movement in the North
\ had begun. By the end of the century
? that movement had put down roots in
* Northern New England and was
i beginning to make an impact on the
entire area.

In 1830, the Baptist Convention of
New Hampshire appointed a committee

j to prepare and present at the next annual

| meeting a statement of faith and practice
that would be agreeable and consistent

\ with the views of the Baptist churches in
that state. The theological views of these

: Calvinistic Baptists had in fact been
modified under the influence of the
rapidly growing Free Will Baptist
denomination in that area, together with

' the impact of revivalism with its em-
phasis on using "means" or techniques
in order to make larger numbers of
converts. The Free Will Baptist message
had been welcomed with enthusiasm on
the frontier in New England and its warm
evangelism produced a revolt against the
rigid theological system of some
Calvinistic Baptists. 11

It was not until 1833 that the
statement of faith was presented to the
board of the convention and approved,
after which it was published and
recommended to the churches for
adoption. It became known as the New
Hampshire Confession and has rivaled in

importance among Baptists the earlier
Calvinistic Philadelphia Confession.
Compared to the latter it is a very
moderate statement of Calvinist doc-
trines.

Arminian views had also been adopted
by other religious bodies, such as the
Disciples of Christ, because of their
enthusiastic acceptance of the
techniques used in revivals. Even the
traditional Calvinism of the Con-
gregationalists and the Presbyterians
was diluted by the new theological
stance taken by the revivalists. Whereas
the strict Calvinist doctrine held that man
had no power to turn from sin or to turn
to God in repentance and faith, the
revivalists taking their lead from
Nathaniel W. Taylor, appointed professor
of theology at Yale Divinity School in
1822, placed more emphasis on the role
of man in his salvation. In his famous
sermon, "Advice to the Clergy," Taylor
described sin as "man's own act,
consisting in a free choice of some object
rather than God as his chief good." The
"circumstances" of man's nature
makes it certain that he will sin, but he
has "power to the contrary." Taylor was
attempting to provide a more acceptable
version of the doctrine of native
depravity, but he and his followers were
not able to satisfy the orthodox Calvinists
among Congregationalists and Pres-
byterians. This effort to moderate
the most objectional features of
Calvinism was carried forward by a man
who was regarded by many as a
champion of orthodoxy, Lyman Beecher,
who was one of the most successful of
revivalists in New England in the first
quarter of the 19th century. However,
when he went West to become the
president of the new Lane Seminary in
Cincinnati, he found himself facing
charges of heresy in the presbytery of
Cincinnati. The charges were related to
his attempts to soften some of the
harsher features of Calvinism. Although
he was later exonerated, he had to spend
precious time and energy preparing his
defense before the presbytery and the
synod. By the mid-1900's Robert Baird
was testifying that it was necessary in all
progressive churches "to preach to
sinners as if they believed them to be
possessed of all the powers of moral
agency, capable of turning to God, and
on this account, and no other, inex-
cusable for not doing so." 12

8Lemuel Burkitt and Jesse Read, A Concise History
of the Kehukee Baptist Association from Its Original
Rise to the Present Time, Halifax, N. C, 1803.

9Harrison and Barfield, History of Free Will Baptists
of North Carolina, vol. 1 , p. 169.

^From a letter by John Leland quoted in S. E.
Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People,

New Haven: Yale University Press, 1972, p. 322.

11 Lumpkin, op. cit., p. 360.

12w. S. Hudson, American Protestantism, pp. 71-

74, 99-104.

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Rev. Ralph Moden announces that
he is available for revival and evangelistic
work. Any church desiring his services
may contact him by writing P. 0. Box
811, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852.

The Faith Free Will Baptist Church,
Bridge Street, Morehead City, is in need
of a full-time pastor. Any minister, in
good standing with his conference and is
interested in serving this church, please
contact Mr. Robert Coiley, 107 Noyes
Avenue, Morehead City, North Carolina
28557; telephone, 726-2641

The Rev. Jack Scarboro is available for
full-time pastoral services or evangelistic
work. Any church interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 1, Box 285, Elm City, North
Carolina 27822; telephone (919) 236-
4008.

DEATH ON THE HIGHWAY

by Ruth Langley Newsome

Lord of all safety,
be with us
as we travel.
He was so young
lying there.
So silent-
still— motionless.
Never again
to hear the
song of birds.
To feel the
refreshing rain.
See the

dappled shadows.
Smell the

perfume of the rose.

To say,

"I love you."

May we be

ever aware

of Thy presence

as we journey

through life. Amen_

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Q Answering tour
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: Could you please point out
some Scriptures to make clear to my
friends and me that Christ is to reign in a
kingdom on this earth?

(Continued from Last Issue)

Dr. Henry C. Thiessen author of a
popular text book, Lectures in
Systematic Theology, has the following
to say on pages 506-513:

"The word Millennium comes from the
Latin mille and annus, meaning a
thousand years. The doctrine of- the
Millennium is often spoken of as
Chiliasm (fr. chilioi, a thousand). It holds
that Christ will reign over an earthly
kingdom for a thousand years. It implies
that Christ will come back before the
Millennium. This is known as the
doctrine of Premillennialism. Those who
hold that Christ will come back after a
period of universal peace and
righteousness, hold the doctrine of
Postmillennialism. Those who deny that
there will be a Millennium hold what is
known as the doctrine of Amillennialism.
The word 'millennium" does not occur in
the Bible, but the thousand years are
mentioned six times in Revelation 20:2-
7.

"1. Human Expectation. Strange as
it may seem, the expectation of a golden
age upon the earth was 'common among
heathen nations,' according to Prof.
Worman of Drew Theological Seminary,
citing his proof from Hesiod, Ovid, Virgil
and Eusebius.

"2. The Belief of the Early Church.

More distinctly was such a hope en-
tertained by the Christian Church of the
past. We repeat what Fisher says of the
period from 100-313:

"The belief in a millennial king-
dom on earth to follow the second
advent of Christ, was widely dif-
fused. . . . This millennial or chiliastic
belief is found in Justin, Irenaeus, and
Tertullian. The Alexandrians opposed it.
They contributed to the overthrow of the
tenet, which was also hastened by the

unpopularity of Montanism, in which it
was a prominent article of belief.

"We might add the Didache (ca. 120)
as another witness to early premillennial
belief. A. A. Hodge admits that this view
'prevailed generally throughout the
Church from A. D. 150-250.' ...When
Constantine came to the throne, the
Church soon settled in the belief that the
millennial reign, formerly expected to
begin with the return of Christ, was
really begun with the first coming of
Christ, and was especially a realized fact
in the triumph of the Church over the
pagan state.

"3. The Teaching of Scripture. But
man's hope and expectation has value
only insofar as it is based on Scripture.
In this instance we have ample warrant
for such a belief, a 'day' is to come
(Romans 13:12).

"(1) The Day of the Lord. This is the
day of the Lord, referred to in 2
Thessalonians 2:2, and in many 0. T.
passages (Joel 2:11; Amos 5:18; Zeph.
1:14-16; 2:2; 3:8; Mai. 4:2). It is also
referred to as 'that day' (Isa. 10:20;
27:1, etc.). At His first advent Christ
came as the 'dayspring' or 'sun-rising'
from on high (Luke 1 :78). While He was
in the world, He was the light of the
world (John 9:5).

"(2) The Promised Kingdom.
Furthermore, the God of heaven will set
up a kingdom that is never to be
destroyed (Dan. 2:44; 7:13, 14, 26, 27;
Rev. 11:15). This is not the present
spiritual kingdom, for it will be set up
only when the ten-kingdom empire is in
existence. It is evident that this
'kingdom' will not interpenetrate the
kingdoms of this world, but replace
them.

"(3) The Revealed Purpose of
Christ. The revealed purpose of Christ in
His coming back to earth is to set up His
kingdom (Matt. 25:31ff.; Luke 19:12,
15; Rev. 19:11 — 20:6). . . . Jesus is
now seated with His Father in His throne,
but the time is coming when He will sit
upon His own throne (Rev. 3:21; Matt.

19:28; 25:31). The disciples looked
forward to the setting up of such a
kingdom. Jesus refused to reveal to them
the time of its setting up, but He never
rebuked or corrected them for holding
such a belief."

THE CHARACTER OF THE
MILLENNIUM

"1. As Regards Christ. Christ will
be personally present on earth and sit on
the throne of His father David. He will
reign over all the earth (Jer. 23:5, 6;
Zech. 14:9; Isa. 11:3, 4; 2:3, 4; Psa.
72:6-11). Two things will characterize
His kingdom: Universal peace (Isa. 2:4;
Psa. 72:7) and universal righteousness
(Isa. 11:4, 5; Jer. 23:5, 6). But before
this universal peace will set in, there will
first be world-wide war (Joel 3:9, 10).
The rider on the white horse in Rev. 6:1-
4 is not the same as the one in Rev.
19:11. The former is the prince of the
revived Roman empire, and his rule of
peace will be of short duration (1 Thes.
5:3). Righteousness will be maintained
in the earth by the speedy judgment of
sin (Zech. 14:17-19). Truly, He will rule
with a rod of iron (Psa. 2:8, 9; Rev.
2:27; 19:15). Satan being removed from
this earth, there will be comparative
freedom from temptation.

"2. As Regards the Church. The
Church will reign with Christ over the
Gentile world (1 Cor. 6:2; Luke 19:16-
19; Rev. 20:4, 6; 5:9, 10; 2Tim. 2:12).
The Church-State notion of early
mediaeval and mediaeval times was
premature, but it will yet find realization.

"3. As Regards Israel. Most of the
teaching concerning this period affects
Israel, especially insofar as the Old
Testament is concerned. We note that
Israel is to be regathered (Ezek. 37:1-4;
Isa. 11:10-13; Jer. 16:14, 15; 23:5-8;
30:6-11; Matt. 24:20-33). The return of
the Jews to Palestine at the present time
is merely a forerunner of the ultimate
regathering.

"4. As Regards the Nations. We
have already seen that following the
judgment of the nations, the sheep will
enter the kingdom (Matt. 25:34-40).
They will form the nucleus of the
kingdom, together with restored and
converted Israel. But it is evident that
multitudes will be born during that age
(Zech. 8:4-6; Jer. 30:20; Isa. 65:20;
Mic. 4:1-5), and these will need to be
evangelized. Israel will be the
evangelists to these Gentiles (Acts

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

15:16, 17; Isa. 66:19 1.c; Zech. 8:13,
20-23). Finally we note that the Gentiles
will go up to worship at Jerusalem,

\ especially at the annual feast of
Tabernacles (Isa. 2:2-4; Zech. 14:16-

j 19). Then we will have a united people of
God and a united worship.

"5. As Regards Satan. At the

beginning of this period Satan will be
bound and cast into the abyss for a
thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). No doubt,
the evil spirits and demons will be in-
carcerated with him. For this time he will
not deceive the nations, as he has been
j doing (Ibid). He will not only be made
powerless by the binding with a chain,
but also be removed from the scene of
action.

"6. As Regards Nature. This is the
time which Jesus calls, 'the
regeneration' (Matt. 19; 28). It is
creation's rebirth. Creation is now
groaning and travailing in pain, but it will
be delivered from the bondage of
corruption when Christ returns (Rom.
8:19-22). Great topographical changes
will take place (Zech. 14:4, 5, 8, 10;
Isa. 35:1, 2; 55:13). The nature of
ferocious animals will be changed (Isa.
11:5-9; 65:25; Ezek. 34:25; Isa. 35:9).
Rain and soil fertility will be restored
(Joel 2:22-27; Isa. 35:2, 6, 7; Ezek.
34:26, 27); crop failure will occur only
for those who fail to come to worship at
Jerusalem (Zech. 14:17-19). Human life
will be prolonged, but there will be
deaths during that period (Isa. 65:20).
Sickness will decrease with the decrease
of sin, but it will not be entirely removed.
How difficult it would be to spiritualize all
these predictions! Surely, they have a
literal fulfillment.

"7. As Regards Conditions in
General. The Scriptures represent this
period as one of great joy and happiness.
Physical healing will be granted to many
(Isa. 35:5, 6); the ransomed of Jehovah
will return and come with singing unto
Zion; and everlasting joy will be upon
their heads: they shall obtain gladness
and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall
flee away (Isa. 35:10; 51:11). It will also
be a time of great material prosperity and
security (Mic. 4:2-5). This passage
refers to Gentile conditions, not Jewish.
It will be a time when 'the earth shall be
full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the
waters cover the sea' (Isa. 1 1 :9)."

LETTER TO FREE WILL
BAPTIST CHURCHES

Dear Friends:

On behalf of our Children's Home, I
extend my deepest appreciation to you
for your faithful support to this work over
the past years. Each year your con-
tributions have been generous but our
expenses have increased because of
inflation. Our largest increase in ex-
penses has been the same as yours: fuel
and food. Even though the past year has
been a good one, we are quick to admit
that it took all the money coming in to live
on.

During 1974, we were in the midst of a
sizable building program. The Albemarle
I Cottage was renovated and the State
Cottage was built to replace the old
Albemarle II Cottage. The cost of this
construction was $100,000, and we
managed, by your help, to pay for half of
it during 1974. At the present time we
are carrying a $20,000 mortgage note
which is due in October of this year. The
work has been finished but the debt is
ever present. We need your help and
here's how!

Each year a special love offering is
received for the Children's Home at the
State Convention. This year our con-
vention will be held at the National Guard
Armory at Mount Olive on September 15
and 16. We are requesting as we did last
year, that each church either bring or
send a $200 gift to the convention for the
Home. Last year only half of you com-
plied with our request and we only
received $10,000. Let's do more for the
Lord this year and make our offering
double last year's. If each church
representing at the convention honors
this request, then we'll have sufficient
money to pay off this mortgage note.

In summary, I simply remind you that
your Children's Home has a real need
and your church can fulfill that need by
giving a $200 love offering at the State

Convention. With my trust being in God
and my confidence being in your
willingness to serve and share, I believe
each of you will honor this request. Pray
for each of us at the Home daily and
come for a visit as often as possible. May
God bless you and yours for helping us.

In His service,
Sam Weeks
Executive Director

NEW CHILDREN

Pictured from left to right: Michelle
Smith, Melissa Smith, and Mickey
Norman.

Michelle, age 6, Melissa, age 5, and
Mickey, age 4, are brother and sisters.
They came to us on July 19 from the
Washington, North Carolina, area.

They are living in the Rodgers Cottage
of which Mrs. Margaret Holland is
housemother.

Mickey is already sponsored by the
Kenly Free Will Baptist Church Woman's
Auxiliary.

Friendship Free Will Baptist Church
Woman's Auxiliary at Farmville is
sponsoring Michelle and Melissa.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

/

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For September 5

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Lesson Text: Galatians 2:15, 16; 3:1-14
Memory Verse: Galatians 2:16

I. INTRODUCTION

Did you ever have a serious
disagreement with a friend and remained
hostile toward him for a long time, and
yet that friend wanted so much to be in
harmony with you again? Perhaps he
tried to reason with you but you would
not listen; instead, you seemed to grow
farther away from him. Then one day a
mutual friend came to you and after
much personal sacrifice of time on his
own part, brought you to your estranged
friend, showed you how to love one
another again, and a happy reunion
resulted.

This may not be an adequate
illustration of it, but this is basically what
happened to you when you were
reconciled to God. He was the best friend
you ever had, but you pulled away from
Him when you sinned against Him. He
was very sorry that you did this and did
everything He could to bring you back to
Him. He said, "Come now, let us reason
together." But you would not. You
continued in your sin.

Then one day Jesus came to you, and
after great personal sacrifice, even of His
life, He brought you back to the Father.
Because of His grace, and your faith in
Him, God was able to effect a recon-
ciliation with you, and now you are happy
in Him. Jesus did this for you and, in
doing it, justified you before the Father.
His blood covered your sins and God
once more can look upon you with
approval, but only because of Christ.

The lessons this quarter will deal with
the matter of reconciliation, how it is
brought about, the justification that is
effected by it, and the happy results.
-The Bible Student (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. How easy it is to begin in the

Spirit and then seek perfection through
other means!

B. The conditions in the church at
Galatia were very similar to those in some
of the churches of our day.

C. Discuss why men continue to try
to work out their own salvation instead of
looking to Christ for redemption.

D. The power of faith and the
abundance of God's grace can be ours.

E. It is a fact that men in all ages and
under every dispensation have been
justified by faith and not by law or works.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The Old Testament records one of
the most startling attempts to reach God
that man ever conceived. It was a
monumental "works" effort.

All our works of law or works of self-
righteousness to find our way to God
receive the same condemnation.

As the men of that ancient age built
the tower of Babel, the sincerity of their
motives or purpose was not challenged.
The record simply says they proposed to
build a tower "whose top may reach unto
heaven." Its purpose was to preserve
their unity and prevent them from being
scattered one from another. In spite of
their seeming high motive and their
obvious skill, God was not pleased. Their
attempts at self-preservation were
outside His will and did not express faith
in His care for His creation.

Is it possible that we are erecting our
own "towers of Babel" in a futile at-
tempt to find God apart from the high
road of faith? Take a moment to think of
some modern religious efforts or secular
pursuits by which men seek a
righteousness of their own. God will
destroy our "attempts to reach Heaven"
outside of Christ as surely as He did the

original constructors of the tower in the
plain of Shinar. — Selected

B. A movie pictures Martin Luther
finding in the Bible a statement that we
are justified by faith. Impulsively he took
a pen and wrote one more word: sola,
alone. That one-word addition to the
Scripture made a statement that is not
absolutely true. Of course Martin Luther
did not mean it in the absolute sense,
and neither does anyone else. If it were
taken absolutely, it would lead to
conclusions that no Christian could
accept. Consider the following:

" If we are saved by faith alone,
Then we are not saved by anything else.
If we are not saved by anything but faith,
Then we are not saved by grace. ' '

The second statement is obviously
false. We all know we are saved by
grace. Paul says so plainly (Romans
3:24; Ephesians 2:5, 8; Titus 3:7). But if
the second statement is entirely false,
the first one cannot be entirely true.
God's grace is not our faith; it is
something else. It saves us, and so does
our faith.

Faith and some of its companions can
be pictured in this way. God's grace
reaches down toward man. Man's faith
reaches up toward God. The two find
their meeting in the Cross of Christ,
where He gave His life to atone for our
sins and make our justification possible.
We are justified by faith, as we have seen
in this lesson. We are justified by grace,
as Paul declares in the passages
mentioned above. And we are justified by
Christ's blood, as Paul states in Romans
5:8, 9.— Adapted from Standard Lesson
Commentary

C. A teacher asked each member of
her class of Junior girls to approach five
unsaved souls during the week and see if
they could be brought to Jesus. Margaret
plunged into this difficult task with
enthusiasm. At the next class meeting
she was the only one who could report a
success. She explained, "I asked five
people and none of them wanted to come
to Jesus. So I asked myself, and I
answered, 'Yes, I would like to be a
Christian.' " That day she was baptized.
How may we rededicate ourselves, in the
spirit of Margaret, to the task of bringing
converts to Christ?— Selected

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner, Managers
Black Mountain. N. C.

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY, INC.
TREASURER'S REPORT
JULY, 1976

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, treasurer tor Cragmont Assembly, Inc., Black Mountain, reports as follows for the
month of July, 1976:

Balance Brought Forward July 1 , 1976

Churches:
Little Rock
First, Greenville
Hugo

Piney Grove, Kenly
St. Mary's, New Bern
Aspen Grove
Palmer Memorial
Stoney Creek
Milbournie
Spring Hill
Sherron Acres
Hull Road
Unity
Elm Grove
Jackson Heights
Holly Springs, Newport
Trent

Sunday Schools:

Reedy Branch

Winterville
Winterville League

Auxiliaries:
Wintergreen
Friendship, Raleigh
New Bethlehem
Celia Hart Garris, Ayden

AFC Snow Hill

Bible Schools:
First, Warsaw
Whaley's Chapel
St. Mary's, Kenly
Friendship, Walstonourg

Eastern Conference Third Union

Sunday School Convention of
the Second Union, Central Conference

N. C. Free Will Baptist Ministerial Association
First Citizen's Bank and Trust (Interest
Accrued on Savings Accounts)

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Receipts

40.00

100.00
20.00
30.00

137.50
64.56
46.20
75.00
23.00

100.00
41.50

300.00
5.00
75.00
48.55

300.00
25.00

22.00
15.47

30.00

25.00
10.00
25.00
25.00

5.00

20.00
46.40
71.12
100.00

31.00

150.00

76.00
347.16

$ 2,615.41

1,431.31

37.47
30.00

85.00
5.00

237.52
31.00

150.00
76.00

347.16

Disbursements

Operational Expenses $ 66.15
First Citizens Bank
(Transfer of Funds
to Main

Building Account) 610.03
First Citizens Bank
(Transfer of Funds
to General Savings
Account) 1,522.53
Transfer of Interest
Accrued to

Savings Accounts) 347.16
Total Disbursements
Balance on Hand
August 1 , 1976

Earmarked Funds

General Savings
Chapel Fund
Main Building Fund
General Fund
Total

2,545.87

$ 2,500.00

$14,246.66
3,381.67
15,131.50
2,500.00

$35,259.83

2,430.46
$ 5,045.87

Coming Events . . .

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 23— Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention,
Camp Vandemere, Vandemere,
North Carolina

September 29— Central District
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention,
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church
near Crisp, North Carolina, with
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Fountain Serving as
Cohost

October 6— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Selma, North Carolina

October 6— Albemarle Conference,
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1 , Pinetown, North Carolina

October 14— Western Conference,
Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 23— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, East
Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, North Carolina

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

/

NOTES

Spring Branch Announces
Spring Revival

Spring Branch Free Will Baptist
Church near Walstonburg announces its
spring revival for the week of September
6-10, with the Rev. N. D. Wiggs as the
visiting evangelist. Services will begin
each evening at eight o'clock with the
pastor, the Rev. Royce Reynolds,
assisting. Each service will feature
special music along with good gospel
preaching. The public is cordially invited
to attend all these services.

Central District
Youth Fellowship

The Youth Fellowship of the Central
Conference District will meet Saturday
evening, September 11, with the Ayden
Free Will Baptist Church. The fellowship
will begin at 7:30 with all the youth of the
district urged to attend. Visitors are also
welcome.

Juniper Chapel to Host
Fifth Eastern Union

The Fifth Eastern Union Meeting will
convene with Juniper Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church, Vanceboro, Saturday,
August 28, with the Rev. Walter Sutton,
moderator. There will only be a morning
session. The program is as follows:
10:00— Hymn, "The Old Time Power"
10:05— Devotions, the Rev. Melvin

Everington
10:15— Welcome, the Rev. Eddie

Edwards

— Response, Mr. William Earl
Holliday

10:20— Moderator's Remarks
10:30— Reading of Minutes

— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Receiving of Church Reports
—Offering for Children's Home
—Appointment of Committees

10:45— Reports of Denominational

Enterprises
11:1 5 — Business Session:

Old Business

New Business

Reports of Committees

Library Book

1 1 :30— Memorial Service

— Hymn, " 'Tis So Sweet to Trust
in Jesus"

— Special Music, Host Church

— Sermon, the Rev. Donald
Venable

— Benediction

— Lunch and Fellowship

Newly Renovated
Selma Church

The Church May 2, 1937
On May 2, 1937, the members of the
Selma, North Carolina, Original Free Will
Church held their opening consecration
service with the Rev. J. H. Worley
delivering the message.

On May 9, 1976, 39 years later, the
members of the Selma church dedicated
its newly renovated sanctuary to the
glory of God. The pastor, the Rev. Ray
Wells, delivered the dedication message.
Mr. Wells stated, "The beauty of this
new sanctuary was made possible by the
hard work of you individuals, both inside
and outside the church; but the spiritual
beauty of the Selma church is made
possible by the love and fellowship that
lives and grows within the church."

Fifth Eastern District
Sunday School Convention

The Fifth District Sunday School
Convention of the Eastern Conference
will convene Sunday, August 29, with
the Juniper Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Vanceboro. The convention will
begin at 10 a. m. with the president, Mr.
Charles Mason, presiding. The host
Sunday school superintendent will give
the welcome. The Rev. Albert Belangio
from Arapahoe will teach the Sunday
school lesson. The program for the
convention will be presented by the New
Haven Sunday school. Your presence is
requested.

Activity Field Day at
First Church, Greenville

The First Free Will Baptist Church,
2600 Charles Street, Greenville, held an
activity field day, sponsored by the
Sunday school, on Saturday, August 14.
The activity director for the occasion was
Mr. Tracy Warren. Activities were
provided for the different age groups.
These included a hula-hoop contest,
standing broad jump, hopscotch, a bean-
bag throwing contest, and an egg and
water relay race. In the afternoon a
Softball game was held.

Lunch was served by the Sunday
school and the woman's auxiliary to the
53 persons who took part in this activity
ministry. The pastor, the Rev. Davie
Brinson, states: "We just praise the
Lord for the wonderful fellowship that
can be received in a religious at-
mosphere."

Second Union SS Convention
Union Meeting, Central to Meet

The Second Union Sunday School
Convention and Second Union Meeting of
the Central Conference will convene at 3
p. m., Sunday, August 29, at the Little
Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1 ,
Ayden. All member churches and
Sunday schools are urged to be in at-
tendance.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
Scripture Reading— Psalm 27 : 1

LIGHT ON A LIFE RAFT
Jack Crow of the United States
Navy has a remarkable testimony.
"My ship was torpedoed. Four other
men and myself were on a small life
raft for over thirty-two hours. I had
my white Testament. I had hardly
read from it, but sure did read it on
the raft, knowing I was unsaved and
would be a lost sinner if death should
overtake me. Three of the men made
fun of me, but the other man said,
'Buddy, read out loud so I can hear.*
Nightfall came, and one by one the
three men who scoffed slipped from
the life raft, out into a dark eternity,
lost. We two prayed that if God would
spare our lives, we would live for the
Lord Jesus Christ. After what seemed
an eternity, a light came out of the
darkness, a great distance off. The
light came closer. It rested upon us. I
did not think of it as a searchlight
from a United States destroyer, but as
the Light of Jesus Christ shining upon
a sinner. Then and there Jesus Christ
came into my heart." — Baptist
Standard

PRAYER THOUGHT
We are all prone to not see the need
of the light of Jesus Christ until a
crisis arises. Do not put off the ac-
ceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour
for we do not have the promise of
another day of life.

MONDAY, AUGUST 30
Scripture Reading— Job 21 : 14, 15

AN INFIDEL'S FINAL
"ASSURANCE"
Sir Francis Newport, the head of an
English infidel club, said to those
gathered around his dying bed, "You
need not tell me there is no God for I
know there is one, and that I am in His
angry presence ! You need not tell me
there is no hell, for I already feel my

soul slipping into its fires. Wretches,
cease your idle talk about there being
hope for me! I know I am lost
forever." — Sunday School Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
". . . Sad, sad, that bitter wail,"
states an old familiar hymn. And sad
it is to denounce Christ and then
realize on your death bed that it is too
late.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 23 : 20,
31, 32

"GOD LOVES YOU, BUT
HE HATES YOUR
BUSINESS!"
When in Chicago, we passed a
saloon. The keeper was outside rolling
a hogshead of beer along the street.
We passed on by but the man with
whom I was walking turned, went
back and said, "My friend, God loves
you. Did you know that"? The saloon-
keeper said, "God loves me? Do you
know who I am? I am the saloon-
keeper. Does God love saloon-
keepers?" "Yes," said my friend,
"God loves saloon-keepers. He hates
their business, but He loves
them ! ' ' —Louis T. Talbot

PRAYER THOUGHT
Truly God loves everyone! Are you
worthy of His love? Does your daily
walk show to those around you that
you truly love God?

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Scripture Reading— Psalm 28 : 7

PRAISE THE LORD
Praise Him when the sun is shining,

When the winds of trouble blow,
When you see no silver lining

On the clouds that hang so low.

Praise Him when your load is heavy
And the day no comfort brings,

Then your burden God will carry,
Bear you as on eagles' wings.

God delights to have us praise Him,

And believe His holy Word ;
And He knoweth them that trust Him,
For they always praise the Lord.

—Ida A. Guirey in
Sunday School Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
We are all probably guilty at times
of not giving praise to God when the

way is "smooth sailing." But when
the way gets rough we turn to God for
help and then offer our thanks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
2:1-4

PAPA PRAYING, MAMA
PACKING

A minister received a call from a
large church at almost double his
current salary. He replied that he
would prayerfully consider the
matter and give them his decision in a
few days. A short time later the
pastor's son was asked by an in-
terested friend if his father had
decided to accept the offer.

"I don't know," the child replied.
"Papa is still praying, but Mama has
our things all packed." —Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we as Christians willing to let
God have His way in our lives? Or are
we influenced in our choosing of life's
vocation by the "jingle of money"?

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Scripture Reading— Matthew 24:42-

44

"LET US BE READY"

Will He come in the twilight
When the day is done,
And send, as His herald,
The setting sun?

Will He come at dawning,
When the world awakes,
And all the sweetness
Of the morning takes?

Will it be at noontime
When life runs high
With the sun's bright banner
In the midday sky?

Morning, noon, or evening—
When we do not know ;
Let us then be ready
When he comes, to go.

— M. Rawley Lemley in
Herald of Holiness

PRAYER THOUGHT
Be it morning, noon, or evening,
Neither day nor hour we know;
Only let us all be ready,
When He comes, with Him to go.
(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Mount K+DC
Olive College

MOC MINISTERS' INSTITUTE

Chaplain Frank Harrison (left)
coordinator of the Ministers' Institute,
held at Mount Olive College recent,
stands with special guest and con-
sultant, the Rev. Chester Pelt of
Marianna, Florida (brother of Dr. Michael
Pelt); Chaplain Dale Doverspike from
Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro who spoke
on the needs of the elderly; and Dr.

Hervy B. Kornegay of Mount Olive, a
local physican who spoke on marriage
dysfunction in the doctor's office. The
institute's theme centered on caring for
the needs of the family with emphasis
placed on marriage enrichment, divorced
persons, and the elderly. Approximately
40 persons attended the two-day in-
stitute.

A NEW YEAR BEGINS AT
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

(Fall Semester 1976)

Fall Semester Enrollment

Although the fall semester is expected
to show an increase in enrollment, there
are still openings for the fall semester.
Depending upon vacancies, the College
will accept late applications through
August 31. If you know students who
have not yet made college plans, please
have them contact the admissions office

(phone 658-2502). Financial aid, based
on need, is available.

Night and Special Classes

As a special service to ministers,
Sunday school teachers and Christian
laymen, Mount Olive College will offer a
schedule of night classes as follows:

Monday

Introduction to Old Testament

(Religion 201) taught by the Rev.
Sheldon Howard. First class and
registration August 30. Class will meet
7-9:50 p. m., in the Henderson Building

/

(Room 115). Registration for this courses
will close September 7. The course is an]
introduction to the Old Testament and itsj
meaning to the Christian faith in ourj
time. Recommended for Sunday school
teachers, laymen, and ministers.

Tuesday

Preaching and Pastoral Care (Religion
203) taught by the Rev. Frank R.
Harrison. This course will include both
the preparation and delivery of sermons
with an emphasis on the nature and
purpose of preaching as it relates to
human needs. First class and
registration August 31. Class will meet
7-9:50 p. m., in the Henderson Building
(Room 115). Registration for this course
will close September 7.

Introduction to Psychology (Psy-
chology 201) taught by Dr. Hilda F.
Owens. This course is an introduction to
the study of human behavior, with
special attention to the study of learning,
physiology, motivation, and emotion.
First class and registration August 31.
Class will meet 7-9:50 p. m., in the
Henderson Building (Room 113).
Registration for this course will close
September 7.

English Composition (English 101)
taught by Mrs. Margaret Walker. This
course is a study of the basic techniques
of composition and grammer designed so
that each student can concentrate his
effort on those areas of his writing skills
which need special attention. First class
and registration August 31. Class will
meet 7-9 p. m., in the Henderson
Building (Room 111). Registration for
this course will close September 7.

Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons

The Minister and His Work (Religion
105) taught by the Rev. Frank Harrison,
Dr. Michael Pelt, and the Rev. Sheldon
Howard. This course is designed to give
the young minister a general introduction
to the work of a pastor. Included is a
study of pastoral care, worship,
preaching, and Christian education in the
local church. The class will meet on
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3
p. m., in the Henderson Building (Room
115). First class and registration will be
August 31. Registration for the course
will close September 7.

Academic Credit and Cost
for Night Courses

Each course will carry three (3)
semester hours of academic credit.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Those who do not wish college credit
may audit these courses. The listed
charge for each is $135 per course, but
Free Will Baptist ministers and church
workers may qualify for a grant of $125
which reduces the cost to the student to
$10 per course, plus books.

Additional Courses

During the spring semester, which
oegins in January, additional courses
will be offered including: The Free Will
Baptist Church: The History, Doctrine,
Government, and Denominational Pro-
gram. Persons interested in this
course and other courses which are not
listed are encouraged to contact the
College.

Information

Visit or call the admissions office,
phone 658-2502.

1976 MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
DINNERS

Plans for the 1976 Mount Olive College
dinners are now being completed ac-
cording to Harold Herring, director of
development at the College.

Ten of the seventeen organizational
meetings to plan the dinners have
already been scheduled. The dinners
which began in 1963 are held in October
and November.

Each church is requested to appoint a
Mount Olive College Committee to be sent
to these meetings at which additional
information will be provided and the date
and place of each dinner decided.

The organizational meetings planned
to date include:

Lenoir County: Tuesday, August 24,
7:30 p. m., First Free Will Baptist
Church, Kinston

Craven County: Thursday, August 26,
8 p. m., Saint Mary's Church, New Bern

Wayne County: Tuesday, August 31 , 8
p. m., First Free Will Baptist Church,
Goldsboro

Nash County: Sunday, September 5, 3
p. m., Free Union Church, Spring Hope

Johnston-Wake Counties: Thursday,
September 9, 7:30 p. m., First Free Will
Baptist Church, Smithfield

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell, and
Pasquotank Counties: Tuesday, Sep-
tember 14, 7:30 p. m., Mount Tabor
Church, Creswell

Jones County: Friday, September 17,
7:30 p. m., Whaley's Chapel Church,
Richlands

Carteret County: Saturday, September
18, 7:30 p. m., Crab Point Church,
Morehead City

Beaufort County: Tuesday, September
21, 7:30 p. m., Free Union Church,
Pinetown

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland
Counties: Thursday, September 23, 8
p. m., Oak Grove Church, Newton Grove

Mr. Herring said, "The Lord has truly
blessed Mount Olive College and our
efforts with the dinners each year. These
dinners are successful because
everybody is involved doing their best so
that the Christian work of our College
might be sustained. We sincerely hope
that every Free Will Baptist church will
be represented at these organizational
meetings."

"We will again this year distribute a
book to each church represented at the
meetings. They will receive Heaven Help
the Home by Dr. Howard Hendricks. This
book is on the recommended list for the
state woman's auxiliary," Herring
continued.

The remaining organizational meetings
will be scheduled during the next few
weeks.

FEATURE

(Continued from Page 3)
must wake up to this fact and seek, in
light of biblical truth, to recognize these
groups as of the Lord and to give them
the leadership and support they need. If
our established churches do not do this,
I fear that more and more people will
leave the institutional church for the
more personal house fellowships.

Practically speaking, What is hap-
pening and what can happen in our
churches with regard to small groups?

The Sunday school in many instances
is the closest thing to what we have been
talking about. Here is the opportunity for
a small group of people to experience
community. One problem is that too often
a Sunday school class is hindered by
having to meet within a rigid time frame
and a small group should have no time
limit. Some Sunday school classes meet
not only on Sunday mornings but during
the week in private homes and this is a
possibility.

Other churches are experiencing some
of the things we have discussed at their
Sunday night service or at prayer
meeting. When the attendance is off the
smaller group has the opportunity for

more personal sharing and can more
easily submit to the specific leadership of
the Holy Spirit. Some churches meet on
Sunday morning together at the church
building and then the members split up
to meet in various homes on Sunday
night for a more personal sharing time or
perhaps to discuss how the sermon that
morning might be applied to daily life.

If you feel the need for what we have
discussed you might just ask two or
three people in the church who feel the
same way you do to begin meeting in a
home. I would suggest you go to the
spiritual leadership in your church, such
as the pastor, and explain that you would
like to meet with a few other members of
the church for personal discussion and
sharing of Scripture and needs. Many
ministers will be glad to see such
initiative and may even give you some
valuable suggestions. It will be important
to realize and make clear that the small
group is only a part of the larger church
and is fully dedicated to the upbuilding of
the local church. You will still attend the
larger meetings of your local church but
the small group will, give you an op-
portunity for more personal sharing and
exhortation.

The possibilities are many and all that
is required is for the pastor, leaders, and
members to be willing to seek the
leadership of the Holy Spirit in seeking to
have a more vital, personal, active, life-
giving fellowship.

(Continued Next Issue)

Family Fireside

(Continued from Page 11)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Scripture Reading— Psalm 138:7

REVIVAL
My love is cold, my faith is small,
My zeal is lacking, doubts appall,
My footsteps falter, oft I stray,
And weakness marks me for its prey.
God of Revival, hear my plea,
Empower, endue, revive e'en me.

—A. Gardner

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we, as the church, ready for
revival, or do we have such because it
is the custom and other churches do
likewise? Please remember that
revival must begin within you!

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

"Go ye into all the world,^^
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N, C 27530

A SUMMER MISSIONARY

The Vance Link family reports that
they have been enjoying a summer
missionary. Early in the spring they
requested permission from the mission
board to have two Christian girls spend
five to six weeks with them to help them
in their work.

Only one girl came. She is Sherry
Sprouse, the daughter of the Rev. and
Mrs. Lewis Sprouse of Freedom Free Will
Baptist Mission, Lumberton. Sherry is a
junior at Columbia Bible College and
seems to have one purpose in life: living
for her Lord!

During the month of June, Sherry has
helped with some of the normal duties of
the upkeep of the campus buildings and
has been helpful in many ways, such as
making flannelgraph boards for the new
church and for the youth work in
general.

The Links decided to try a new
program this summer. So with Sherry's
help they advertised classes for different
age groups of children on different days
and times. This was done for three
weeks straight and the children were all
picked up at one place in Quemado,
rather than having to spend so much

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Aisenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

time picking up and delivering children.

Some of the mothers said that they
especially liked this because their
children had something to do each week,
and to look forward to. Sherry and Jodi
looked through crafts books to find items
that the young people could make
inexpensively. The children made
puppets, paperweights, trash cans, and
decorative bottles.

On Tuesday mornings Sherry and Jodi
had a class for the children while the
ladies attended a weekly Bible class at
the Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church.

On Thursday afternoons Sherry
usually attended the Bible class at the
Retama Rest Home in Eagle Pass where
Mrs. Link and Mrs. Snyder teach in
English and Spanish. Sherry relates well
to children and at the rest home she was
a big help in keeping Paul Link and
Sonnie Snyder out of trouble.

The fact that Sherry is a careful driver
also increased her usefulness. She went
on errands and was able to work in-
dependently in Bible clubs, thus allowing
for two clubs to be going on at the same
time, in different areas (Mattie Link in
one place and Sherry and Jodi in
another). She has also been a big help to
us in the office.

On Sunday mornings Sherry taught
the children's ctiurch, at the Lighthouse
church. She also conducted the
devotions and opening of the children's
division of the Sunday school. At times
she taught the Sunday school lessons in
place of a teacher on vacation. She sang
in the church choir and never complained
over all she was asked to do.

The most important responsibility of
her summer work has been working with
the teenagers in weekly night meetings.
Young teens need happy, wholesome
times together and have enjoyed the
recreation and Bible devotions that
Sherry has provided for them at the Bible
Institute.

Thank God that many of the world's
youth love the Lord and are accom-
plishing great things for Him!

Respectfully submitted,
Vance Link

ANOTHER MINISTER OUT

OF HOME MISSIONS

Approximately thirteen years ago the
Rev. Taylor Hill came out of the First Free
Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro, and
started a new work on Raeford Road in

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Fayetteville. Out of this work have come
five ordained ministers: Mr. Hill, the
Revs. Jesse Caton, Charles Parrish,
John Gilliland, and Alton Howard.

Also from this work came the Victory
mission with the Rev. Joe Gerald, pastor;
the Catalpa mission with the Rev. Alton
Howard, pastor; and the Happiness
mission with the Rev. Taylor Hill, pastor.

Recently from the Catalpa mission has
come Brother Roger Heath answering the
call to the ministry. Pictured on opposite
page are Roger and his wife, Mary; also
their three children: Glenda, Denise, and
Tony.

Scriptural basis: "Therefore we ought
to give the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard, lest at any
time we should let them slip" (Hebrews
2:1).

THE DANGER OF PUTTING
OUR CHURCH ON A
LEASH

In the verse of Scripture used as a
scriptural basis for the four articles I am
now writing, you will notice two very
strong words. Their combined use leaves
no room for carelessness on our manner
of living. The word earnest means to be
with full and serious intent— no room for
pretense or trifling. The earnest soul
deals with what he has heard from the
Word of God with gravity. Having come
into a knowledge of the truth we are
warned to heed earnestly what it
teaches. If indeed we have heard what
the Bible teaches about certain com-
mandments, doctrines, and what our
conduct toward them should be, we are
warned to earnestly heed them.

Take, for example, the com-
mandments which say, "Remember the
sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus
20:8). This was God's way of "tagging"
His people. God wanted "Sabbath
observance" to be a means of iden-

tification or distinction between His
people, the Jews, and the rest of the
people in the world. You may want to
argue about the Jewish Sabbath and say
that the Christian does not have to
observe it in this manner. However, we
must remember that the Lord's Day
became a replacement of the Jewish
Sabbath and the Lord has accepted the
Lord's Day as a day of worship for the
"Age of the Church" in the world. The
disciples honored the Lord on the first
day of the week and encouraged all
Christians to use the first day of the week
as a day of worship and praise of
almighty God. We are to serve Him and
obey His commandments concerning our
keeping of the Sabbath Day holy. Jesus
is the Lord of the Sabbath and this
means the day of worship which honors
Him. The Lord's Day is our holy day and
the Christian is required to do or not to do
on the Lord's Day what was required of
the Jews to do or not to do on the
Sabbath. There may be some exceptions,
but Jesus recognized the need of these
changes and honored them. The
strictness of the law required that certain
sins committed by the people required
punishment by death; but since Jesus is
Lord of His day, He forgives sinners and
offers salvation to them. When and if it is
accepted, the sinners are set free. We no
longer stone people caught in the act of
adultery or if they are caught working on
Sunday. The same abuses which the
Jews made of the Sabbath, if they are
repeated by Christians today in con-
nection with the Lord's Day, would bring
the displeasure of God down upon those
who are guilty.

If there is any doubt in your mind as to
which day (the seventh day or the first
day of the week) you should honor, I
suggest that you study the Bible, pray
and seek the leadership of the Holy
Spirit, and you will find the honest truth
about it. When you find the truth, the
truth will set you free. Under no cir-
cumstance are you to continue to abuse
the use of the holy day of worship.

The secret in obeying God's law
concerns itself with the fact of the new
birth. If you are a born-again Christian
you will know for sure that you cannot
abuse the use of the Lord's Day. Sinners
are not expected to be like Christians.
They take their weekends and go fishing,
work, or do anything they wish. Not so
with the Christian; they honor their Lord

by serving Him, witnessing for Him, and
worshiping Him in religious gatherings.

There are many weak Christians who
use the church to have friends or to gain
business or for any other advantage the
church can be to them. But when it
comes to really and sincerely serving the
Lord, oftentimes they put the church on
a leash and by that act they are saying,
"You stay here, I'll come and get you
when I want you." Just like a man says
to his dog, "Down boy, you stay here on
this leash and I will set you free when I
please." The advantages in putting the
church on a leash to the weak Christian
are numerous. One advantage is that the
so-called Christian is free to do what he
wants and reasons that he has a perfect
right to his own interpretation of the
Scriptures. He does not realize that no
man has this right. Only the Holy Spirit
has the right to do this and He will in-
terpret only for saved people. He will not
reveal the sacred fevelation to the
ungodly.

BOOKSTORE AND PRESS FOUNDATION
HOURS

The Ayden Bible Bookstore, 811 North
Lee Street, Ayden, working hours are as
follows:

8:30 A. M. - 5 P. M.— Monday Through
Friday

9 A. M. - 5 P. M.— Saturdays

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
working hours are as follows:

7:30 - 4:30— Monday Through Friday

Life is a like mirror— we get the best
results when we smile at it. — Selected

An old Spanish proverb says, "To
return evil for good is devilish; to return
good for good is human; but to return
good for evil is Godlike."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

reminder. .

September 5 is the
date of the first lesson
in the 1976-77

STANDARD LESSON
COMMENTARY

Will you be ready?

Order your Standard Lesson
Commentary soon and be pre-
pared for the first Sunday of
the new Bible school year!

Kivar, no. 1977, $4.25
Cloth, no. 74003, $5.25

Have you purchased your 1976-77 Sunday school commentary yet? If not,
we urge you to do so immediately as the commentaries

begin with the fall quarter: September, October, November.

Below are some suggested helps for you in your teaching.

Peloubet's Notes (Baker)

Higley Sunday School Commentary

• Tarbell's Teacher's Guide

Broadman Comments

Rozell's Complete Lessons

• The International Lesson Annual

Arnold's Commentary

Points for Emphasis (large type)

Points for Emphasis (small type)

Kivar $4.95
Kivar $4.79

Cloth $4.95

Kivar $3.95
Kivar $5.95 1
Kivar $3.95
Kivar $4.95
Kivar $2.25
Kivar $1.50

The above commentaries for the 1976-77 Sunday school year may be purchased at the Ayden
Bible and Bookstore, 81 1 N. Lee Street, or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Beware of the man— or woman— who, like the Pharisees,
cleans the outside of the cup but drinks the dregs of corruption.

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

Beware of the Man

Beware of the man—

Who has all the answers but hasn't a problem . . .
Who wants to remake everything but refuses a restructuring of himself . . .
Who walks through life proudly but doesn't run with humility . . .
Who rakes the whole yard of someone else's past but denies that his is as
cluttered . . .

Beware of the man—

Who hits hard but injures easily . . .
Who speaks much but listens little . . .
Who wants everything but gives naught . . .
Who sees right but does wrong . . .

Beware of the man—

Who boasts of courage but is spineless in defeat . . .
Who promotes blamelessness but is much to blame . . .
Who speaks golden words but tarnishes the truth . . .
Who honors the rich but detests the poor . . .

Beware of the man—

Who teaches caretaking but never takes care . . .

Who reaches up but never bows down . . .

Who chastises freely but never admits to a mistake . . .

Who fords the raging river but avoids the quiet streams . . .

Beware of the man—

Who basks in the sunshine but hates all the rain . . .
Who hates liars but is bent on telling lies . . .
Who swears by authority but refuses to accept advice . . .
Who (in deference to Kipling) wishes to walk with kings but despises the
common touch . . .

Beware of the man—

Who seeks the friendship of the prestigious but dissociates himself from the
lowly . . .

Who is quick to make promises but not apt to fulfill . . .

Who dismisses all slights but is slow to forget . . .

Who harnesses action but is unable to bridle his tongue . . .

Beware of the man—

Who walks in the counsel of the evil but condemns another's erring . . .
Who stands with sinners but sits with Christians . . .
Who scorns without reason but never commends . . .
Who delights in himself but forgets about his Lord . . .

Beware of the man—

Who advocates separation but frolics with the ungodly . . .
Who preaches religion but makes little mention of Christ . . .
Who cries for fairness but deals in injustices . . .
Who pretends to be all things but proves he is nothing . . .

Bewareof the man— or woman— who, likethe Pharisees, cleans the outside of thecup
but drinks the dregs of corruption.

Tommy Manning|
Editor

SEPTEMBER 1, 1976
Volume 91 Number 34

Edited and published weekly by the Free Willi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee;
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the,
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one!
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years,
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists"
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appears
under the title or to the person submitting said
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m — 5
p m , Monday— Friday; 9 a. m — 5 p. m.,
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30
a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
D. W Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser,
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE CHURCH-WORSHIP

(Part 9)

by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

ONE of the smartest tricks Satan
has played on conservative,
fundamental, Bible-believing Christians
fs to get us confused about what we
should do when we come together and
what we should do when we are in the
World.

Satan knows how important worship is
and he will do everything he can to keep
us from it. One trick he has played (and I
Ihink successfully) is to get believers
meeting for worship to think evangelism.

The world is the proper place for
evangelism and when Christians meet we
should worship, not evangelize. Too
often we have come Sunday after Sunday
to hear the simple plan of salvation and
the gospel call. But Christians need
worship, not evangelistic preaching.

How often have you walked out of a
meeting with the refreshing feeling that
you have truly worshiped the living God
of the universe. This is the hardest
subject I've attempted in this series,
perhaps because it just might be the
most important. It is hard also because I
do not think I have had much real
practice at worshiping God in a group.

I always had a conception of what
worship was. It was what I did when I
went to church on Sunday morning. Now
I am beginning to see that worship, true
worship, is much, much more than going
somewhere and doing things.

The more I consider what it is the more
I become convinced that to a large
degree the people of God have lost
worship. I think we are trying, perhaps
subconsciously, to regain it. We try for
harder preaching, more beautiful hymns,
and newer choir robes. But this, my
friend, does not make worship.

Sometimes we relate worship to
statistics. If there were a lot of people at
the meeting we say we had a good
worship service. That's stupid! Numbers
have absolutely nothing to do with quality
of worship.

In past articles dealing with com-
munity we have talked about the church

as a group of Christians who minister to
each other and allow the Lord to minister
to them. In the next two articles after
this one I will talk about leadership in the
church and how leaders minister to the
body of Christ. But something is left
out— God. We have left out God. Worship
is, in a sense, ministering to God.

In my search the basic thing I have
found is that worship must be God-
centered. Our Statement of Faith and
Discipline hits the nail on the head in
what it says about God in Chapter II, that
He is "... the only proper object of
worship."

Luke 10:38-42 paints a striking
picture of many churches today. Jesus
came into a certain village and was
received into a home where two sisters
lived. With such an important guest in
her house Martha was busy sweeping
the floor, making a nice dinner, and
seeing that everything looked good for
the visitor. But Mary simply sat at Jesus'
feet. This infuriated Martha. How could
Mary just sit at the feet of Jesus! She
should be up working and doing things
and being busy. Martha asked Jesus to
make Mary get up and help her. I can
almost hear Jesus as He replied with a
sad look in His eyes, "Martha, Martha,
you are running around so worried about
putting on a good show. One thing is so
necessary and you have completely
overlooked it. Mary has chosen what is
good and I will not make her stop. ' '

Is this true today? Are we so busy
building buildings, inventing new
programs, and running the machine that
we forget at regular times to just stop
and sit at Jesus' feet? Mary was wor-
shiping her Lord; so should we.

The word worship in the Old
Testament is a rich one meaning to
serve, prostrate oneself, draw near, and
seek the face of. The most common New
Testament word means to prostrate
oneself; in effect to lay down. The
biblical emphasis on worship goes
farther than the word's literal meaning.

For Christians the worship, the drawing
near, the seeking the face of, the
prostrating oneself, are always directed
Godward. Worship is to be God-centered
or it is not Christian worship.

Several passages give us a hint as to
what actually took place in an early
worship service. They included
fellowship, communion, prayer, praise,
preaching, singing psalms, singing
spiritual songs, making melody in the
heart, giving thanks, teaching and
admonishing one another, exhortation,
and submitting to one another. These
things are found in such passages as
Acts 2:42-47; 20:7-12; Ephesians 5:19-
21; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:13;
Hebrews 2:12; 10:25.

The Bible teaches no set and sacred
form which is to be used in every
worship service. From the above
passages worship seems to be marked
by simplicity, freedom, realness,
naturalness, and leadership of the Spirit.
It is simple in that we find no elaborate,
rigidly structured form in early worship,
real in that it is not something you do
because you are expected to or because
your parents did or for any other reason
than the overflow of love to God and the
desire to minister to Him; natural in that
we should feel at ease in worship; and,
Spirit-led in that we need freedom to be
led by the Holy Spirit. He should not be
bound by tradition, form, structure, or
wordly ways. We must worship God in
spirit as well as truth as Jesus told the
Samaritan woman.

With this in mind we will discuss the
content of worship.

Prayer: Sometimes our prayers are not
characterized by simplicity, realness,
and Spirit-led freedom. Often we repeat
prayers, using the same phrases and
content. If we talked to a person like we
sometimes pray he would probably get
bored after the first conversation.
Perhaps God does too. Maybe He wants
to hear prayers more directly related to
our everyday lives. We all know what
Jesus said about vain repetitions.

Some groups today practice what has
been called "conversational prayer,"
which is simply praying as the group
feels led by God. The prayers may be
only one sentence or they may be longer.
There may be periods of silence
providing an opportunity for the group to
meditate on the Lord until He prompts

(Continued on Page 7)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

HOW DO YOU KNOW
YOU ARE SAVED?

by

Mrs. Dera Strohm
Monroe, Louisiana

Q F I could only be sure,"
_/ a dying soldier moaned to
his pal by his side, "that when I leave
this world, I would not go to hell, then I
would not fear death." His voice was
puzzled. "This torment of uncertainty
hurts more than this physical pain."

This soldier was not alone in his
doubts, for there are many people today
who are puzzled, and who doubt that
they are saved. God foreknew our fears,
so words of assurance were written to us
that believe on the name of the
Son of God that we may know that we
have eternal life.

A fear of death, and doubts of
salvation are natural and common
because we still live in the human body.
Especially in later years, we are ap-
prehensive of our approaching the end of
physical life. The fact that we do not
understand God's assurance policy does
not alter His provisions for our eternal
life.

Jesus explained the provisions and
assurance to His disciples, who believed
Him and loved Him, yet were not sure of
their beliefs. We are also believers, but
some of us are like the disciples— slow
to believe all that Christ said.

Knowing for sure that we have eternal
life in this day of uncertainties can give a
Christian something to hold onto and
anticipate for the future.

The story is told of Henry, a church
member of many years. He thought that
he was saved, but sometimes he was
unsure. Years later, as he lay on his
death bed, an angel appeared to him in a
dream. "Come with me," she said as
she grasped his hand.

She led him to a wall without a door,
only a small peephole. "Look," she

said, and pointed with her finger. He
pressed his face against the opening and
way below, saw a deep, dark abyss.
Inside was a lake of fire. In this fire were
many souls writhing and screaming in
pain and horror.

He drew back and screamed in terror.
"That one is me," he cried as he
pointed, and recognized his own face
among them. At that moment he awoke
with the stark realization that he was not
saved, but was lost!

Few of us would have such an unusual
opportunity to solve our doubts in this
manner, but there are tests that we could
give ourselves by which we could
strengthen our faith and dissolve our
uncertainties. Christ himself gave us
these by which to measure ourselves in
Matthew. He said, "Ye shall know them
by their fruits. . . . (7:16). By these
things we can know ourselves also.

Though we desire these fruits, and
though we believe, often because of
certain walls or obstructions that we
allow to be built in our lives, full con-
fidence and trust is blotted out. Just as
there was a wall in the soldier's dream
that prevented him from seeing himself
in hell, there are also walls in our lives
that prevent our salvation assurance.

These walls are ignorance of God's
Word, sin in our lives, misplaced trust,
and disobedience.

The ignorance of God's Word is a very
common wall to salvation assurance.
Often, after we are saved, we neglect to
read or study the Bible. Then we wander
back into the ways of the world, ignorant
of God's Word and of His will for our life.

In the days of Jeremiah, God's people
were ignorant of His will and His Word,
too. They were wise to do evil, but did

not know that they should learn mor
about God, the Author of their salvation
Man's learning alone, without God'
knowledge, can lead to doubt anl
confusion about spiritual matters.

We can remove this wall of ignoranc
by getting acquainted with God's Word'
the Bible. Of course we can read or study
our Bible at home, but better than this
we can attend the church of our choict
where we can hear the Word preacher,
and taught. When we know His truth1
this truth will free us from doubt. We car1
search the Scriptures for in them wt
know we have eternal life.

Sin in our lives may also become a
hindrance or a wall to full assurance ol,
salvation. These sins can sneak up
without warning, encircle our lives as an
octopus does its victims, and before we,
know it we are entangled by desires of
sin. All sinful desires may not be shown
externally; such as, evils of murder,
adultery, etc. But could there be an evil;
living in our hearts known only toj
ourselves and to God? This can blot out a|
clear image of His complete truths of:
salvation.

"My sin hurts no one but me," John
boasted. He was a respected Christian!
who practiced adultery for years. Later,
he admitted to the Lord and to himself,
"This secret habit had blinded me in my
relationship to God, blocked out my
salvation assurance, and the closeness
of God. Then, after confessing his sin to
God, the light of truth revealed his
certainty of eternal life.

Christ said that the soul that sinned
would die. He also said that because He
lived, we would live also if we believed
Him. Beyond death we receive mortality
because Christ has conquered and
transformed our enemy (sin in our lives
and death) into eternal life. Then we can
say with Paul, ". . .1 know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have committed
unto him . . ." (2 Timothy 1 :1 2).

First John 2:16 tells us that ". . . all
that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the
world." These things come from Satan
and the world.

But what if worldly sins are not our
hindrance or wall to assurance? Could it
be one of misplaced trust? We are not
saved by our faith and trust alone, but by
our faith and trust in God! It is so easy

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

and natural to trust in man. But when we
ely on friends or build other temporal
oundations, we are tempted to leave God
)ut. He is the only one that can give us
this security that we so badly need.

Our nation also needs and longs for
Security, but frequently our trust is
based on federal reserves, on armies,
and on man-made power. Yet today, as
in Bible times, without God in battle,
humanity is lost and doomed with this
type of trust.

We trust elevators to take us through
buildings; we trust buses, cars, and
planes for transportation. But cars can
wreck, planes will crash, and friends will
let us down. God's prophet tells us not to
place our trust in any brother, but trust
God completely!

James Truett was a good Christian
man but he trusted in himself and his
friends for all his needs. "Why should I
bother God when I have all I want or
need?" he asked confidently. "I have
friends, I own my own business, and I
am happy." But suddenly, one day
tragedy struck! His business failed, his
money disappeared, and so did his
friends! Then his self-assurance
weakened and he faced the folly of
misplaced trust. He faced eternity
without knowing for sure if he were
saved or not because he had trusted his
own righteousness and trusted in others.
Christ said that our righteousness is as
filthy rags.

Let's look at others who misplaced
their trust. The Germans put their trust in
Hitler, yet they were destroyed. Look at
Peter! He went for a walk on the water.
Then he let his surroundings attract his
attention from Jesus to the turbulent
waters and wind around him. Suddenly,
fear and doubt possessed him and he
began to sink. "Lord save me," he cried
fearfully.

"0 thou of little faith," Jesus rebuked
him, "Why did you doubt?" (See
Matthew 14:25-32.) Why should we too
doubt and walk through this life with
faltering faith when we can change our
thoughts from ourselves to God and
security?

After we destroy these walls that
prevent salvation assurance, we need
positive proof, not just the negative
outlook, but something solid to stand on.

We can stand on faith in action which
is a concrete, dependable test. An
inactive faith, or a faith which is never
expressed or exercised, leaves room for

doubt. If your arm is held in an unusual
position for a long period of time it will
become useless and inactive. Just so,
though your arm is still there, due to lack
of exercise, it is useless. Faith is also
useless when we fail to exercise it by
action and service for God.

When we admit our sins and commit
our services to God, not only will we be
sure of salvation but we will desire and
enjoy things of spiritual nature. We will
enjoy the fellowship of other Christians in
God's church or wherever we meet them.
Our interest will center on spiritual affairs
instead of worldly wants. We will visit the
sick, share each other's burdens, and
witness to the lost. By these actions we
can know that we are eternally saved!

Action and service for God will
dominate our lives if we have truly been
reconciled, redeemed, and trust in God.
Faith and righteous deeds are in-
separable.

With true faith in our hearts, then we
will obey God. Obedience is another
positive proof of saving faith, and we will
obey God as the Lord of life. He that
believes on Christ has eternal life, but he
that does not obey shall not see life (see
John 3:36).

Abraham's obedience proved his faith.
"Take your son and offer him up for a
sacrifice to me," God told him. (See
Genesis 22:2.) This was after God had
promised Abraham many things through
this very son. He did not question God's
former promise of a future generation
through this only son; he just blindly
obeyed.

After Jim became a Christian he was
called by God to preach the gospel. He
gave obedience to his wife who did not
wish him to preach, and for 20 years he
disobeyed the call. His spiritual life was
empty; he suffered financial reverses
and physical illness. Then his wife died.
Many years afterwards he discovered
that he did not even know for sure if he
were saved. The call to obedience came
no more, and he was too late.

We also neglect to obey when we fail
to heed God's words: "Forsake not the
assembling of yourselves together."
(See Hebrews 10:25.)

Obedience and belief are so closely
bound that we can be sure that where
there is no obedience to God, there is no
true faith! "Know ye not," Paul said,
"that to whom ye yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to
whom ye obey; whether of sin unto

death, or obedience unto righteous-
ness?" (Romans 6:16).

With this active, obedient faith we can
also add another worthy proof— love for
our fellow man. We are not saved
because we love the brethren, but we
love the brethren because we are saved.
He that does not love his brother in Christ
abides in death.

Because Ruth loved Naomi so much,
she abandoned her own home, her
beloved relatives, her religion, and went
to dwell with Naomi in a strange land.
Jonathan loved David so greatly that he
risked his life to protect David from his
angry father. He gave him his sword and
the clothes from his back that he might
escape.

How far does our love reach? There
are many others in need of our love: the
aged, the sick, the grief stricken, the
lonely, and the afflicted. These all need
our expression of love and sympathy in
the form of visits, of food, of clothing,
and other kindnesses.

When we fail to share our time and
worldly goods with those in need, when
we have no pity in our hearts, we may
well doubt our salvation! "... whoso
hath this world's goods, and seeth his
brother have need, and shutteth up his
bowels of compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1
John 3:17); "He that loveth not knoweth
not God; for God is love" (1 John 4:8).

God's own Word gives a perfect proof
of salvation! In this day, God's
predictions have been fulfilled in detail
which no man could have done ac-
cidentally. Foretold warnings are brought
to pass by men who were ignorant of
God's prophecy.

God declared through His Prophet
Amos that He would send a famine in the
land, not of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord. At
this moment there is a hunger and thirst
in China, in Poland, in North Vietnam,
and other lands for God's Word.

Also, many years ago, God predicted
the destruction of millions of Jews in gas
chambers. This happened after World
War II. Jerusalem was destroyed as God
had said. The return of the Jews to
Palestine in 1945 was presaged by His
Word. Mankind grows weaker and
wiser, (as God predicted) and no one has
ever proven God a liar!

Add these up and test yourself. The

(Continued on Page 14)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

CRAGMONT WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
CONFERENCE

(August 9-14, 1976)

"Continuing in the Faith" was the
theme for the 1976 Cragmont Woman's
Auxiliary Conference, with "Have Faith
in God" as the theme song.

There were 1 28 women who attended.
We boarded three buses from various
designated places Monday morning,
August 9, arriving at Cragmont Assembly
about 4:30 p. m.

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
and their staff greeted us and graciously
helped us with our luggage to our
assigned sleeping places (for some,
"dozing" places).

The evening meal was served at six
o'clock, thus began a trek to the dining
hall for some of the best food ever.
(Imagine, a salad bar at Cragmont!)

The managers and their staff did
everything possible to make our stay
most enjoyable.

Our codirectors were Mrs. Lillie Mae
Sasserand Mrs. Dola Dudley. As always,

they planned our program and our trips
with prayer for spiritual blessings and
pure enjoyment in mind for those in
attendance.

The Monday evening devotional by
Mrs. Dudley was the 121st Psalm,
traditionally read the first night of the
conference.

The overall subject for morning
devotions for the week was "Govern-
ment Obligations." On Tuesday morning
Mrs. James Joyner from the Kenly
church brought a message on the
subtitle, "Christian Allegiance."
Wednesday morning Miss Sara Willough-
by of the Hickory Chapel church near
Ahoskie spoke on "Authoritative
Respect." Mrs. Olive McGowan of the
Black Jack church near Greenville spoke
Thursday morning of "God's Expec-
tation." She also paid tribute to Mrs.
Queenie Clark, deceased, who had
attended our Cragmont Conferences for

many years. Mrs. Kenneth Carter from
Dawson's Grove church near Scotland
Neck, closed the morning devotions on
Friday with the subject "Christ's
Acclamation." Truly these Christian
women set the mood each morning for
the wonderful fellowship and expectancy
for spiritual blessings in the worship
services in the tabernacle.

Each day at 9:45 a. m., we assembled
in the tabernacle for "Rejoicing in Our
Faith Through Music." Mrs. William
(Alma) Dale, director, and Mrs. Fred
(Nina Grace) Register, pianist, were just
the greatest! They taught us new songs
and led us in old favorites. We had a
choir each service that really put their
hearts into every chorus and hymn sung
(someone suggested that we have an
album made). Anyone who said that the
acoustics in the tabernacle were not good
just have not heard the Woman's
Conference choir.

We had special music by Mrs. Dale;
Mrs. Matthew (Carol) Prescott; a trio
from Vanceboro (Velma Morris, Vera
Morris, and Ruby Wilson); Mrs. Robert
Phillips; also a quartet and the Prescott
Family from Grantsboro.

The morning worship speakers were
given the subject, "The Four 'alls' in the
Great Commission."

Mrs. Sterling (Rachel) Duncan,
president of the State Woman's Auxiliary
Convention, brought a message on
Tuesday entitled, "All Power." Mrs.
Duncan is from the Beaverdam church
near Chadbourn.

Mrs. A. B. (Minnie) Chandler,
treasurer of Cragmont Assembly and
program-prayer chairman of the State
Woman's Auxiliary Convention, was the
speaker for Wednesday morning on the
subject, "All Things (Stewardship)."
She is from the Oriental church.

Mrs. Almond (Ruth) Warrick,
corresponding secretary of the State
Woman's Auxiliary Convention, spoke
Thursday on "Always (Christian
Reward)." She is from the Johnston
Union church near Clayton.

The Rev. Joe Ingram, director of
foreign missions, brought a sermon on
"All Nations," on Friday. He read a
letter he had received that morning from
the Rev. Wayne King, missionary to the
Philippines. It was a thrill to hear that
souls were being reached and won to the
Lord and that we could share in this
ministry. Brother King asked for a boat or
"bonka" in the letter to go to islands

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

c

unaccessible any other way. Needless to
say, we were challenged to fill the need.

Mrs. Bob (Jean) Ackiss, secretary to
Dr. Raper, president of Mount Olive
College, and a member of Spring Hill
church, presented our Bible study on the
subject, "Continue Ye in the Word," at
' the evening worship services on
i Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
She based her remarks on the Book of
First Thessalonians. On Wednesday
evening a processional offering was
taken for "Stewardship" which had
j been designated for the construction of
the new building. The Revs. Willis
Wilson and Harry Grubbs came up and
showed us tentative plans for the first
floor which will be constructed on the
sight of the main building. We were told
that the building would be two-storied
with 54 beds (also many other things
that will be released later by the
Cragmont board). Our women responded
with some over $3,000 at this con-
ference. With the three previous con-
ferences' offerings, Mrs. Sasser assured
us that we would be able to present the
Cragmont board with $10,000 to be
applied to the cost of the new building.

Mrs. N. B. (Alice) Barrow, editor of
the yearbook of programs, "Devotion,"
conducted a memorial service Friday
afternoon for the members of the con-
ference deceased the past year.
"Beyond the Sunset" was sung by
Geraldine Summerlin and Irene Morris. A
bouquet of pink roses was made as
members of the conference were
designated to honor the homegoing of
Mrs. Queenie Clark, Mrs. Cora Lee
Spivey, Mrs. Betty Copeland, Mrs.
Mozelle Bennett, Mrs. Lola Hinton, Mrs.
Blanche Snell, and one for those
unknown to the conference.

The Friday night service is always
the highlight of the conference and is
dedicated to missions. The Rev. Joe
Ingram brought the message on the
"Miracles of Feeding the Multitude." It
was a very challenging sermon and we
were delighted and humbly grateful that
the mission offering that night amounted
to $1,326. Brother Ingram closed the
service with an altar call for any need in
our lives or rededication of the task
before us. Many accepted the challenge.
The warmth of the service and the
fellowship will long be remembered.

Perhaps you are thinking that all of our
time was spent in assembly. I write
about these first because of the

preeminence of the spiritual blessings
we desire when we go to Cragmont; but
our directors had also planned some
other things women like to do.

We went to the Asheville Mall
Shopping Center Tuesday afternoon.
Wednesday afternoon some of us were
found at the fabric shops, and some
shopping and eating ice cream in Black
Mountain.

On Thursday, one bus went to
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to the Christus
Gardens. Two buses went to the
Westgate Shopping Center in Asheville.
Friday afternoon several ladies explored
Cragmont. Some went up the mountain
and were caught in a thundercloud.

We arose early Saturday morning, had
a short devotional and breakfast, bid old
and newly made friends good-bye, and
boarded the bus for home. Surely, we
had a little glimpse of Heaven last week
at Cragmont!

Respectfully submitted,
Ruth L. Warrick

THE CHURCH— WORSHIP

(Continued from Page 3)

someone else to pray. Granted this type
of prayer works better in the small
groups we talked about in the last article,
but the point is that prayer should be
talking to God and nothing less.

How about praise? Too often our
prayers are filled with petitions and
requests— in short pretty much self-
centered. But we need at times just to
praise God. What is wrong with telling
God you love Him and appreciate Him?

Singing can be a tremendous way to
worship. Many Bible passages have
been set to music and a trend now is to
sing Scripture. This is probably a
healthly trend since the Bible speaks of
singing psalms and spiritual songs. Your
group might want to order
Psalter— Scriptures Set to Music (5th
edition) from Bethany Missionary
Association at 2209 East 6th Street,
Long Beach, California 90814. This
songbook contains almost 100 passages
of Scripture set to piano and guitar
music.

Eating and drinking at the Lord's table
is certainly important although I fear it
has for many become a dead
ritual— something to be done every
quarter. It is much more than that. We
need to take more seriously the Lord's

Supper and washing our brothers' feet
and the tremendous meaning it has.

We could talk about various other
things which can be involved in worship
but the list is useless unless we keep in
mind that you cannot just put together
three or four songs, a prayer time, a
testimony period, and presto— have
worship. It does not work that way. The
content of worship is important but so is
one's attitude and the degree to which
the service is led by the Spirit rather than
by man. Worship must be God-led just as
it is God-centered. We must hear what
God is saying to the group and heed His
leadership rather than worry about what
comes next or how this looks.

A final thing is the importance of unity
in worship. Such phrases as one mind
and one soul, all of one accord, all things
common, and one heart and mind occur
often in the Book of Acts. We must be
unified or we cannot truly worship in
Spirit. God is one and we must reflect
that as we approach Him.

So worship is much more than songs,
prayer and preaching— it is unity, the
Holy Spirit, proper attitude, and most of
all, it is God-centered. I hope the spirit of
truth will guide us to a more real worship
of our Lord. If our services are structured
so that they do not promote worship, may
we have the courage to change the
structure and do away with any tradition
which hinders our worshiping God in
spirit and in truth.

May God help us not to be impressed
at the size of the crowd, the pretty
flowers, or the pastor's sermon, but
rather that we met God and worshiped
Him.

CORRECTION PLEASE
In the August 25 issue of "The Free
Will Baptist," in the News and Notes
session, the article concerning the
Central District Youth Fellowship to be
held in the Ayden Free Will Baptist
Church, please note a change in the date
from September 11 to September 18.
This change is being made due to
previously scheduled activities in the
town of Ayden for the weekend of
September 11.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Scriptural basis: "Therefore we ought
to give the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard, lest at any
time we should let them slip" (Hebrews
2:1).

THE DANGER OF PUTTING YOUR
BIBLE ON A LEASH

The reason for putting the Bible on a
leash is that you may use it and also limit
it to whatever use you want from it. The
people who put the church on a leash
want social fellowship or sympathy,
financial assistance or popularity, or
some other advantage which pleases
them. Many times people use the church
for entertainment. If the preacher en-
tertains them or if the youth programs
take them to places where entertainment
is likely, that is what they want. The
church often provides you with these
advantages. However, when the church
really needs help, you put a leash on it
and forget it for a season. You are using
the church to satisfy your own desires. A
person who lives this way cannot and will
not be used of the church, especially if
the church demands blood, sweat, and
tears.

The born-again Christian is one who
allows the Lord to become his Master. If
the Lord does become your master, He
will in turn become Lord of your life.
When this happens, the Lord, through
the church, can use you as a wit-
ness—One who will faithfully attend all
the services of the church, will pay the
tithe, make offerings unto the Lord, and
will learn the value of real sacrifice. He
will give of his time, physical power, and
mental know-how. The mission of the
church through its evangelistic,
benevolent, and missionary endeavors
will be met with enthusiasm and support.

In the same sense as you put the
church on a leash, you can also put the
Bible on a leash. To do this simply means

that you will limit the Bible in what it
teaches. The Bible is on a leash when
you tie it up and put its teachings aside.
You will not accept what it teaches if it
has to bear upon some of your pet sins.
People excuse themselves on the
question of divorce, fornication, and
adultery. They will not let the Bible speak
but allow human indulgences and man-
made laws to intervene. This makes it
easier for them to live with their con-
science.

Then there is the question of what the
Bible teaches about proper dress. The
sinners and the ungodly have no real
scrupulous or conscientious concern for
what the Bible teaches. The Bible
condemns improper dress and it is an
abomination in the sight of God for men
and women to deliberately evade these
commandments. God is not pleased with
the sin of dress that invites the physical
and unlawful actions of those of the
opposite sex. It seems that with every
generation there is a relaxing of what the
Bible teaches by a deeper participation in
sex crimes. This so-called "New
Morality" by which many people are
living is a disgrace and an abomination in
the sight of God. All who are guilty will
pay for their sins. You may "... be sure
your sin will find you out" (Numbers
32:23). God will not forget and He will
bring everyone into judgment. This
judgment will take all sinners into the
eternal lake of fire, where there is
weeping and gnashing of teeth forever.

There are many things the Bible
teaches, but weak and careless
Christians will not expose themselves to
its teachings. The teaching ministry of
the church, like the midweek prayer
meeting and Bible study on Wednesday
night, is not well attended. Even the
"faithful ones" who do attend, spend
very little time reading the Bible and
comparing Scripture with Scripture. It is
very difficult to organize a Bible class to
teach the many precepts, doctrines, and
prophecies of the Bible. The Bible is laid
aside on Wednesday night, or the time of
the class, and you do not learn the deep
truths from God's Word. Many students
who take religion (or Bible) in college
complain about its being so difficult to
learn and to understand. Most of them do
not grasp its teachings. One reason is
that they are not in dead earnest about
the advantages of the knowledge.
Another reason is that they are hoping to

chalk up some more points or please
their parents who are financing their
schooling.

Second Timothy 2:15 is a good verse
to learn now: "Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth."

Coming Events . . .

September 15— State Mission Rally,
National Guard Armory, Mount Olive,
North Carolina, Wednesday Evening
Session of the North Carolina State
Convention

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 18— Youth Fellowship of the
Central District, Ayden, North
Carolina, Free Will Baptist Church,
7:30 P. M.

September 23— Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention,
Camp Vandemere, Vandemere,
North Carolina

September 29— Central District
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention,
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church
near Crisp, North Carolina, with
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Fountain Serving as
Cohost

October 6— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Selma, North Carolina

October 6— Albemarle Conference,
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Pinetown, North Carolina

October 14— Western Conference,
Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 23— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, East
Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, North Carolina

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Scripture Reading— Matthew 24:34-

36

HE BELONGED TO SOME
ONE

A businessman crossed the ferry to
New York every day. One day he
spoke kindly to a little bootblack who
was shining his shoes. After that he
noticed that the boy never saw him
without wistfully approaching him.
The boy v/ould pick up his bundles and
brush off his clothing, without ex-
pecting any reward. The man was so
deeply impressed that one day he
asked the boy what inspired him.
"Why, Sir," he replied, "the first time
you met me you call me, 'My boy';
until then I had thought I was
nobody's boy. I'll do anything for
you." So Christ made us know that we
are not orphans in a storm, but
children of a Father who knows and
loves us. — Presbyterian

PRAYER THOUGHT
A kind word or deed may sometime
be the means of saving a soul. It takes
a lot more effort to grin than to smile.
Make this your slogan: "Smile, God
loves you! "

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Scripture Reading— Matthew 5:16

BURNED OUT BULB
We read in a town newspaper: Mrs.
C. E. McLeroy is mighty proud of her
refrigerator. The inside light bulb,
which goes on when the door is
opened, just burned out. But it had
been in constant use since Mrs.
McLeroy bought the appliance
fourteen years ago. "I think that's
pretty good service from a little old
light bulb," she said.
Would that all Christians
everywhere would be as that bulb in
letting their light shine before
man— in loving light rather than

darkness because their deeds are
righteous.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Regardless of the life you live, your
light will shine and influence
someone's life. May we as Christians
live such lives that our light may be a
path to some lost soul.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 23 : 23,

24

THREE PERSONS PRESENT
A friend asked Lord Moynihan, a
former president of the Royal Cqllege
of Surgeons and one of the greatest
surgeons of all times, "How can you
operate before groups of dis-
tinguished fellow surgeons?"

Lord Moynihan smiled and replied,
"There are just three persons present
when I operate— the patient and
myself."

"Who is the third?" questioned the
friend. "You only mentioned two."

Reverently the great surgeon
replied, "God."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Is the unseen guest (God) living in
your presence? Do you feel His
presence in time of need? If not, I beg
of you to let Him come into your life
and abide there.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Scripture Reading— Psalm 148:12,

13

WHAT THINK YE OF
THE CHRIST?
Youth : Too happy to think— time yet.
Manhood: Too busy to think— more
gold.

Prime: Too anxious to think— worry.
Declining Years: Too aged to

think— old hearts harder get.
Dying Bed: Too ill to think— the spirit

has flown.
Death: 'Tis too late to think— the

spirit past.
Eternity: Forever to think— God's

mercy past. Into hell I am

righteously cast, forever to weep

my doom.

—Copied

PRAYER THOUGHT
Whatever your life span, it is time
to ask yourself, "What do I think of
Christ?" You are never too young or
too old to accept Christ as your

Saviour. Please do not enter into
eternity knowing that God's mercy is
past.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Scripture Reading— Psalm 146:5

THE ROOT OF ALL
HAPPINESS
I believe the root of all happiness on
this earth lies in the realization of a
spiritual life with a consciousness of
something wider than materialism;
in the capacity to live in a world that
makes you unselfish because you are
not overanxious about your personal
place; that makes you tolerant
because you realize your own comic
fallibilities; that give you tranquility
without complacency because you
believe in something so much larger
than yourself . —Sir Hugh Walpole

PRAYER THOUGHT
Do you have real happiness? Do you
have the peace of mind and soul that
assures you of eternal life? If not,
please seek God and accept Him as
your Saviour and true happiness will
be yours.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 53:5

WHO WORKS THE CURE?
A great professor said at the
dedication of a new operating am-
phitheater: "Every patient entering
here should bring us the faith and
hope that the God of grace and
compassion can and will heal him of
his sufferings. Every operator who
takes knife in hand should feel a full
sense of responsibility; and if he has
the joy of receiving thanks of a
recovered patient, he can use the
words of the famous Huguenot
physician addressed to a king: 'I have
treated thee: God has cured thee.' "
—King's Business

PRAYER THOUGHT
Thank God for our great doctors!
But more than that, thank God for
Christian doctors who know that
without God's presence and guidance
their work as physicians would be
nothing.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Scripture Reading— Romans 12:14,
17, 19, 21

(Continued on Page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

NEWSX
NOTES

Homecoming and Sing at
Sweet Gum Grove Church

The annual homecoming service of the
Sweet Gum Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Stokes, will be held
Sunday, September 5. The day's
services will begin with Sunday school at
10 a. m., followed with the worship
service at 11 a. m. The pastor, the Rev.
Frank Brinson, will bring the
homecoming message. Lunch will be
served on the church grounds at the
noon hour.

An afternoon service of singing will
begin at 1:30 p. m., featuring special
singing by the Haddock Family of
Greenville and the Memorial Chapel
Quartet from the Children's Home in
Middlesex. Everyone is invited to
worship with the church on this occasion
and enjoy the worship and Christian
fellowship.

Floyd Cherry to Conduct
May's Chapel Revival

The Rev. Floyd B. Cherry of Pine Level
will be the guest evangelist for revival
services at May's Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church near Dudley, beginning
Monday evening, September 6, and
continuing through Saturday evening,
September 11. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30 with the pastor, the Rev.
Billy R. Jordan, assisting Mr. Cherry.

The church and its pastor extend to

10

each of you a warm invitation to attend
these services.

West Clinton Church
Announces Fall Revival

The West Clinton Free Will Baptist
Church, Pierce Street, Clinton, an-
nounces its fall revival for the week of
September 13-17. The guest speaker
will be the Rev. Robert (Bobby) Jones.
Services will begin each evening at 7:30.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

Piedmont District
Youth Rally

The Piedmont District Youth Rally will
be held at the Gethsemane Free Will
Baptist Church, Waterworks Road,
Wilson, Saturday, September 11. Lunch
will be served at twelve noon, with the
rally beginning at one o'clock.

Mrs. George Greene, Piedmont District
youth chairman, states: "We extend a
cordial invitation to all the youth of the
district to attend; visitors are also
welcome."

Central Layman's League
Quarterly Meeting

The Layman's League Fellowship of
the Central Conference will hold its
quarterly meeting Monday evening,
September 6, with the Gum Swamp Free
Will Baptist Church near Greenville
(Belvoir). All laymen of the district are
urged to attend regardless of whether
you have an active league in your church
or not.

Fred Wainright, secretary-treasurer,
states: "The fellowship needs your
support and wants you to be a part of our
league. Please have your church
represented."

Highland Pines Church to
Observe Annual Homecoming

The Highland Pines Free Will Baptist
Church of Hamlet will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, September 5.
The homecoming message will be
delivered by the Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark

of Durham. Following the message, a
picnic lunch will be served on the church
grounds.

In the afternoon a program of singing
has been planned featuring the
Thompson Family Singers of Henderson.
The pastor, the Rev. Fred Johnson, and
the church membership invite the public
to attend and enjoy a day of Christian
worship and fellowship.

N. C. State Convention
To Meet September 15,16

The Sixty-Fourth Annual Session of
the North Carolina State Convention of
Original Free Will Baptists will convene at
the National Guard Armory, Mount Olive,
North Carolina, beginning with
registration at 8:30 on Wednesday
morning, September 15. The scheduled
program is as follows:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Morning Session

8:30— Registration of Ministers and
Delegates

9:30— Convention Called to Order, Mr.
Gary Barefoot, Secretary

— Congregational Singing, Mr.
Matthew Prescott, Leader

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.
Bruce Dudley
9:50— Welcome, Mr. Harold Herring

— Response, the Rev. David W.
Hansley

9:55— Partial Report of Credentials
Committee

— Recognition of Visitors
—Appointment of Committees

10:05— President's Message, the Rev.
Robert May

10:20— Report of Foreign Mission?

10:40— Report of Free Will baptist
Children's Home

11 :00— Morning Worship:

"Miracles," Hickory Chapel
Church, Ahoskie
Congregational Singing
Morning Offering
Solo, Mr. George Harrison
Introductory Sermon, Dr. W.
Burkette Raper

12:00— Noon Recess

Afternoon Session

1 :00— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.

Charlie Overton
1 :1 5— Report of Free Will Baptist Press

Foundation, Inc.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

1 :30— Report of General Conference

1:40— Business Session:

Report of Executive Committee
Report of Commission on
Scouting

Report of State Woman's
Auxiliary Convention
Report of North Carolina
Ministerial Association
2:30— "Miracles"

— Business Session Continued:
Report of State Sunday School
Convention

Report of Board of *Home
Missions and Church Extension
Report of Superannuation Board
Report of Camp Vandemere
Report of Chaplain's Com-
mission

Report of Cragmont Assembly
Miscellaneous Business

Evening Session

7:30— Missionary Rally, National Guard
Armory, Mount Olive

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Morning Session

9:30— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.

Charles Renfrow
9:45— Business Session:

Final Report of Credentials

Committee

Report of Layman's League
Board

Report of the Historical Com-
mission

Report of Christian Action
League, the Rev. D. P.
McFarland
10:25— Miscellaneous Business
10:40— Report of Mount Olive College
11:00— Morning Worship:
Vanguard Brothers
Congregational Singing
Offering

Sermon, the Rev. Floyd B.
Cherry
12:00— Noon Recess

Afternoon Session

1 :00— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.

L. B. Woodall
—Vanguard Brothers

1 :25— Report of Obituary Committee

— Report of Temperance Com-
mittee

— Report of Resolutions Committee

— Report of Nominating Committee

— Report of Treasurer, Mrs. Frank
L. Walston

—Adjournment and Benediction

Song leader for the convention will be
Mr. Matthew Prescott with Mrs. Robert
May and Mr. Tommy Manning serving as
organists. Pianists will be students from
Mount Olive College.

Homecoming and Revival
At Jackson Heights Church

The annual homecoming celebration
will be observed at the Jackson Heights
Free Will Baptist Church, Kinston, on
Sunday, September 5. The day's
services will begin with Sunday school at
9:45. The morning message will be
brought by the pastor, the Rev. Everett
Harper; and a picnic lunch will be spread
on the church grounds at the noon hour.
A songfest will follow at 1:30 p. m.,
featuring the Heaven Bound.

Revival at Jackson Heights will begin
Monday night, September 6, at 7:30 p.
m., and will continue through Friday
night, September 10, with the Rev.
Harry A. Jones, pastor of the Hugo
church near Grifton serving as guest
evangelist. Mr. Jones will be assisted in
the services by Mr. Harper.

A cordial invitation is extended to the
public.

A TRAGIC DEATH BED

A young woman, dying, said to her
father, "Father, why did you not tell me
there was such a place?" 'What place?'
"A hell!" He said, 'Jenny, there is no
such place. God is merciful. There will be
no future suffering!' She said, "I know
better! My feet are slipping into it at this
moment. I am lost. Why did you not tell
me there was such a place? "—Sunday
School Times

CHILDREN'S HOME

HELP WANTED

The Children's Home is seeking a
couple who is interested in working at
the Home. Some of the qualifications are
as follows: (1^ Be dedicated Christians;
(2) prefer ages to be between twenty-five
and fifty; (3) possess a strong concern
and love for children; (4) have a desire to
work hard and long hours; (5) prefer that
the man possess some carpentry and/or
automotive mechanical abilities.

Persons interested in making ap-
plication should call Sam Weeks at 235-
4079 or write to P. 0. Box 249, Mid-
dlesex, North Carolina 27557.

YARD SALE/AUCTION

On Saturday, October 2, St. Mary's
Free Will Baptist Church, Kenly, and
Calvary Free Will Baptist Church, Wilson,
will sponsor an auction sale at the Free
Will Baptist Children's Home, Middlesex.
The sale will commence at 9:30 a. m.,
and will last throughout the day. All
proceeds from the auction will be given
to the Children's Home.

There will be a wide variety of goods
available and surely there will be
something for everyone; so, be sure to
come to the Home on that day. Lunch will
be served at the Home at 12 noon, and,
weather permitting, it will be outside. In
the event of a rainy day, the auction sale
will be postponed until Saturday, October
9.

If any church or individuals have
usable items which they would like to
contribute for the sale, then they can be
brought to the Home anytime during the
week prior to the auction.

Let's all back this project and make it
a huge success so that the Children's
Home will receive a large gift.

BOOKSTORES AND PRESS
CLOSED

The Ayden Bible and Bookstore and
Press Foundation, 811 North Lee Street,
Ayden, along with the branch bookstores
at Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, will
be closed Monday, September 6, In
observance of Labor Day. They will all be
opened Tuesday, September 7, at the
regular hours.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

/

Aiswerirg four

UESTIONS

Question: As a young Christian can I
distinguish between those who are real
Christians and those who profess to be
Christians but are not by their conduct?

Answer: Jesus could, and He said and
taught us to apply simple tests in doing
this. He said, "Beware of false prophets,
which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do
men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles? Even so every good tree
bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree
cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is
hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them" (Matthew 7:15-20).

If they exercise leadership ability like
the chief priest and scribes of Jesus' day
and do things unworthy of their office
and profession, one is to follow Christ
instead of them. Jesus said that we
should obey the law. We are to obey the
teachings of the Bible, and not act as did
the priests and scribes of Jesus' day,
who often were hypocritical. Note:
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and
to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and
the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All
therefore whatsoever they bid you
observe, that observe and do; but do not
ye after their works: for they say, and do
not" (Matthew 23:1-3).

There are those who pretend to be
preaching the gospel in this our day, but
whose belief and intent with reference to
it are warped. We are to remember in
such times of question that even the devil
in his encounter with Christ quoted
enough Scripture to pervert the thought.
The Bible reminds us that there will be an
increase in the number of such teachers
as this age draws near its end. "This
know also, that in the last days perilous
times shall come. For men shall be lovers
of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, Without

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers
of those that are good, Traitors, heady,
highminded, lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God; Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power
thereof: from such turn away" (2
Timothy 3:1-5).

May we here refer back to Matthew 7,
In Verse 15 we are told of false teachers
which, of course, refer to those calling
themselves preachers, prophets, wit-
nesses, and priests; for the hypocrites of
Jesus' day, as do those of our day,
referred to themselves as all of those.
When such as these quote or refer to a
statement in the Bible we obey that, but
do not do something contrary to Jesus'
teaching in following them in their folly.
You say that this takes a full knowledge
of the Bible. Not so! It requires really a
minute knowledge. However, we must
pay special attention to this advice:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Compare this
with the two verses that follow: "But
shun profane and vain babblings: for
they will increase unto more
ungodliness. And their word will eat as
doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus
and Philetus" (2 Timothy 2:16, 17). Also
compare the principles found in the
following: "But his delight is in the law
of the LORD; and in his law doth he
meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:2);
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that
I might not sin against thee. . . . Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path" (Psalm 119:11, 105).

The true and obedient Christian is
consumed in Christ. He has the mind of
Christ; therefore, he is obedient to Christ m
and the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent as
another Comforter and Teacher. He is a
Teacher capable of making the Christian
understand the teaching of the Word as
long as he himself is obedient to what he
knows of the teaching. (See John 13:17;
14:6, 23, 24, 26; 15:4-9, 26, 27; 16:7-

11; 17:11, 17-26. Now turn to Romans,
read Chapter 8 and compare with these
Scriptures in John.) "Likewise the Spirit
also helpeth our infirmities: for we know
not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts
knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the
saints according to the will of God"
(Romans 8:26, 27); "If a man abide not
in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is
withered; and men gather them, and cast
them into the fire, and they are burned. If
ye abide in me, and my words abide in
you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it
shall be done unto you. Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:6-
8); "Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you" (James 4:7).

The true Christian walks in the light as
Christ is in the light (see 1 John 1 :7-10),
and this light comes to us in the form of
God's Word revealing Jesus as God's
Son. He is always growing in the grace
and knowledge of Jesus because by
feeding on the Bread of Life he is assured
of the Holy Spirit in this growth. No
Christian who is obedient fails to pray
without ceasing, nor to meditate on
God's Word day and night. In this way he
makes practical, in correct application to
himself, God's words in John that says,
"If any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine, whether it be of
God, or whether I speak of myself"
(John 7:17).

It takes the will and the determination
prescribed in the Bible to gain that which
God offers in His Word. One lacking in
this dedication that God's Word requires
of a Christian, lacks in the same degree
coming up to the Word's requirement
upon those calling themselves Chris-
tians. The Word holds up perfection
in conduct for the professed Christian,
but at the same time divine forgiveness
when restitution, contrition, and con-
fession are made by those who sin.

Here is what George H. Sandison says
in answering a similar question in his
book, 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered:

"A true Christian will endeavor to live
and act in accordance with Christian
principles. He will do nothing that 'may

(Continued on Page 14)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For September 12

HEIRS OF GOD'S GRACE

Lesson Text: Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-7
Memory Verse: Galatians 3:26

I. INTRODUCTION

An heir is one who receives certain
properties willed to him at the death of
another, usually a parent or a close
relative. He does not work for it or earn it
in the usual sense of the word. The
giving of it is a form of grace. It cannot
be bought but may be received through
the prompting of love.

When Clara Barton was engaged in
Red Cross work in Cuba, during the
Spanish-American War, Theodore Roose-
velt came to her offering to pur-
chase some supplies for his soldiers. His
request was refused. He wanted them so
badly that he offered to pay for them out
of his own money. Still refused, he asked
why. "How can I get these supplies?"
he asked.

"Just ask for them, Colonel," said
the officer in charge of the Red Cross
headquarters. This he did and received
them readily. The point is he got them
through grace, and not through pur-
chase.

As Christians, we are heirs of the
grace of God; but we did not purchase it,
for it was freely given to us when we
asked God for it through Christ. Because
of His love for us we are heirs of all that
He has, heaven included. We are also
joint heirs with His Son, our elder
Brother, of all the blessings God can
give— The Advanced Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. "Fulness of time" means God's
purposes will be achieved in history,
though He works patiently (nearly two
thousand years separate Christ from the
promises to Abraham). He works in a
similar fashion today.

B. Sons of God are heirs of His
promises. Since the sons of God are led
by the spirit of God, their lives will show
the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-

25) .

C. Since one cannot be saved by his
good works, he has no ground for
boasting.

D. The law served as a schoolmaster
to bring the children of Israel to Christ.

E. The Old Testament law resembled
a jail to the Jews by showing them their
sins without showing them a way to
escape sin or its penalty.

F. After faith came, the people no
longer needed a schoolmaster to lead
them around.

G. "By faith in Christ Jesus" (v.

26) . But Verse 27 clearly shows that one
does not become a child of God by faith
alone. (See also John 1 :12; 3:3-7.)

—Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. At a youth camp I heard a
campfire testimony that has stayed with
me. One of the campers told of the
resentment he had had over the fact that
he was an adopted son. No amount of
assurance of his parents' love dented his
growing irritation that he had not been
born into his family. He had even tried to
discover who his natural parents were
but was unsuccessful. He had become
sullen, unruly, and a dropout, blaming
all his problems on his adoption.

While on one of his regular runaway
episodes from his home, he had been
touched by the gospel and had accepted
Christ as Saviour and Lord. One thing
that had helped his decision was the
promise that by the new birth he could be
part of the family of God.

His life did change, and more
scriptural information brought him back

to his parents' home as he discovered
that God also adopted him as a son. His
words were, "If God adopted me to make
me a son and His heir, my parents were
really loving me when they said my
adoption into their family made me heir of
all they were and possessed."

God wants to change your status from
slave to son. He does it by adop-
tion.—W. P.

B. The lesson title calls us "Heirs of
God's Grace." The word "grace" does
not appear in the printed text, and yet the
title is fitting for two reasons. First, it is
by God's grace that we become His
children and His heirs. Sinners that we
are, we do not deserve the least of His
blessings. Yet He extends to us His
favor. Second, God's grace is one of the
things we inherit. It is a present
possession, a treasure always with us. It
not only wiped out the sins we committed
before we became Christians; it is great
enough to wipe out our daily wrongs and
shortcomings. Because of it we have a
living hope of endless life in that city
where they have no need of sun. Oh,
wonderful, marvelous, infinite grace!
This indeed is the "grace that is greater
than all our sin!"

It is trite to say that every privilege
carries a responsibility with it, but it is
true. It is tiresome to be reminded of our
responsibilities, but they will not go away
because we ignore them. Every child of
an honorable family ought to be
honorable. Are you satisfied with
yourself today?

Are you satisfied with the image you
present to others? Are you careful to give
a full day's work for a day's pay, or a full
dollar's worth of value for each dollar you
get? Is your word as good as your bond?
Do people know they can depend on you?
Are your friendships firm and happy? Are
you slow to speak evil and quick to speak
good of a neighbor?

Are you satisfied with your service to
Christ and the church?— Standard
Lesson Commentary

C. Every blessing you need is
treasured up in Christ. Young or old, rich
or poor, may now obtain the blessings of
forgiveness, justification, and eternal life
"without money and without price,"
without groans and sighs, "Good
works," or religious observances.
—Alexander Marshall

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

/

"Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N. C 27530

DON'T FORGET HOME MISSIONS

The Home Missions Department of our
church is in trouble— money wise. What
has happened to the vision of all of our
Free Will Baptists? God has blessed us
greatly in the past years with the
establishment of many new missions.
These people are looking to us and
wondering if we are going to let them
down.

Brother Taylor Hill has done a won-
derful work in this field, without any
salary. He has given of his very self,
going out on a limb many times to further
the cause of Home Missions. His record
speaks for itself. He is so devoted to the
cause; however, without our help
financially, he cannot do the work that
must be done in this field.

Surely, we all can go down a little
deeper into our pockets and give a gift,
from the heart, for this program at this
time. Please pray about this, and then do
as God leads you to do.

God bless you!

Respectfully submitted,
Hazel Casey
Goldsboro, N.C.

HOME MISSIONS BAPTIZED
THIRTY-FIVE CANDIDATES

On Sunday, August 22, three home

14

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville, N C 28305

mission points in Fayetteville and Hope
Mills baptized thirty-five people at a joint
baptismal service. Thirty-four were
candidates from the Catalpa and Victor
missions and one from the Happiness
mission.

It was said by many who were present
that this was one of the most beautiful
sights they had ever witnessed in their
lifetime.

HOME MISSIONS
PRESENTATION

Recently the Rev. Taylor Hill, director-
treasurer of the North Carolina State
Convention Home Missions Department,
made a presentatation for the cause of
home missions at the Cabin Free Will
Baptist Church near Beulaville. Also on
hand for this occasion was a group from
the Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist Church
also near Beulaville. After the presen-
tation, a generous contribution was made
by the two churches in support of home
missions.

Pictured above are those who took part
in the presentation (back row, left to
right): Nathan Hinkle, Craig Mercer, and
Dean Kennedy. (Front row, left to right):
the Revs. W. L. Littleton and Taylor Hill.

Respectfully submitted,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

(Continued from Page 12)
cause his brother to stumble or offend';
he will avoid even 'the appearance of
evil'; he will not stifle the voice of
conscience or compromise with sin; he
will cultivate temperance in his own
person and will help others to do
likewise. He will engage in no business
that involves the impoverishment of
moral or physical degradation of his
brother man."

HOW DO YOU KNOW...

(Continued from Page 5)
total for Christians will equal peace with
God, and lasting proof of eternal life! The
Holy Spirit witnesses to us that we are
the children of God. We can know that
we have passed from death unto life for
we will have the spiritual marks of love
and hope in our hearts.

A scientist once said, "Nothing in this
world is ever lost, but only undergoes a
change in form." Just so, the Christian
life and death is only a change from an
earthly body to a spiritual body that will
live forever. In a moment, at the last
trumpet sound, the dead shall be raised
incorruptible. This mortal shall put on
immortality in the last day.

When we remove the walls and
identify ourselves with these positive
proofs, we can know for sure that we are
saved. Remove the ignorance of God's
Word, the sin in our lives, the misplaced
trust, and the disobedience. Replace
these with faith in action, obedience,
love for our fellowman, and God's Word.
Then God gives us this understanding of
our everlasting life in Heaven (see 1 John
5:20).

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and for
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please send
the necessary information to the editor of "The
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
issues only.)

The Rev. Jack Scarboro is available for
full-time pastoral services or evangelistic
work. Any church interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 1, Box 285, Elm City, North
Carolina 27822; telephone (919) 236-
4008.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SpectaC foments

Dear Readers,

God's dedicated column is six months old!

During this time I know "Special Moments" has touched your hearts and lives
as it has touched mine. Each week the article has given special insight into how God
works among His people. The sincerity of each contribution has touched someone in a
special way. Each experience has been so precious, leaving one moved by the same
warmth and glow that only an experience with God leaves in one's life.

There's an enormous wealth of God's work in the hearts of His people. We're a
storehouse of blessings, large and small. I believe that "Special Moments" pleases
our Lord, serves His people; and it should continue until every person who wants to
share a special experience has had the opportunity to do so.

If you agree, now is the time for you to write your special moment. The column
can only continue if responses are received from the readers. If you have already
written, I invite you to do so again. You can help the column grow by mentioning it to
your church groups, your friends, your relatives, and then invite them to share a
Christian experience with others.

Whenever you share your love and faith in Jesus, you always receive a blessing.

Maggie

Address your article to: "Special Moments" in care of the Free Will Baptist
Press, P. 0. Box 158, Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

FORGIVENESS

by

Hazel Casey
Goldsboro, North Carolina

Q N the day and age in which
we are living, there is
much talk of the word "Forgiveness."
Now let's analyze this word and see what
it means.

Webster defines the word as "To
cease to feel resentment against; to give
up a claim on account of; to grant
remission of an offense, debt, fine, or
penalty; to pardon."

In our daily living there are many
opportunities for us to use this type of
forgiveness. We have so many com-
plaints about what others have done to
us, and how hard it is to accept and to

forgive without revenge. Now this word
revenge is hard for us to put out of our
minds at a time when we feel that we
have been treated so badly. Again I like
to think of the words of the Master who
said, ". . . Vengeance is mine; I will
repay, saith the LORD" (Romans 12:19).
Yet, we human beings, in our finite
minds, try and let revenge enter into our
lives, and take some of the joy of
salvation away! We find that revenge
often enters our mind as soon as the act
is done against us, and we become bitter
in our thoughts and minds. This type of
thinking places a stumbling block in the

way of letting our light shine out into the
world. It is only a natural order of life for
us; yet, we block the moving of God's
spirit! Sure, we have been wronged, and
maybe we should be shocked and
amazed; but the real test of our faith
comes when we can give the whole thing
to God and let Him work it out for us.
Sometimes this takes a lot of time and a
lot of praying; but finally, victory is
recognized as we submit our very lives to
Him.

Our Lord was mistreated. He was
rejected of men, despised by many, and
was not even accepted in His own
hometown. As if that were not enough,
He was tried in a mock trial, found guilty,
and crucified on a cruel cross for us. He
was actually spit upon and humiliated.
Yet, as He hung upon the Cross, He did
not seek revenge, but instead cried out,
". . . Father, forgive them; tor they
know not what they do. ... " (Luke
23:34).

This is an example of divine
forgiveness, demonstrated to the world
and put into action for us to see
throughout all the ages to come.

Why cannot we, as Christians in this
day and time, demonstrate this type of
Christlike forgiveness in our daily lives?
He is our example; He is our model;
therefore, let us seek to follow His
example in our day-to-day relationships
with ourfellowman.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS

(Continued from Page 9)
BETTER THAN HAVING
REVENGE
"A little boy, being asked what
forgiveness is, gave the beautiful
answer: 'It is the odor that flowers
breathe when they are trampled
upon.' Philip the Good, when some of
his courtiers would have persuaded
him to punish a prelate who had used
him ill, declined, saying, 'It is a fine
thing to have revenge in one's power;
but it is a finer thing not to use it.' "
—Baptist Leader

PRAYER THOUGHT
If we have revenge in our hearts, we
cannot have forgiveness. If we have
ought against anyone, how can we ask
God for forgiveness? Remember, God
forgave us and gave His Son to die in
our stead.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND
THE STATE

MISSION RALLY

Theme: "One Body in Christ"
(Romans 12:5)

The Rev. J. B. Starnes
Speaker

When : Wednesday Night, September 15
Where: National Guard Armory, Mount Olive, N. C.

AN INSPIRING RALLY IS EXPECTED!

BRING A GENEROUS OFFERING FOR BOTH HOME AND

FOREIGN MISSIONS!

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Matthew 24:42 advises us to "Watch therefore: for ye
know not what hour your Lord doth come." Just "how
far" are we to take that advice?

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1976

Cover Photo by Camerique

The Injunction "Watch Ye" Taken Too Far!

Even at the expense of losing their children and their jobs, twenty-five
adults refused to leave a small brick house where they awaited the Second
Coming of Christ. This particular vigil was kept for several weeks, according
to reports, in a little town in the midwest; and the members of the "watching"
group defied all efforts of local officials to break up what some townsfolk called
a "foolish and absurd meeting."

While some area people considered the group prime material for a mental
institution, others were a little more tolerant and afforded the vigil members
the prerogative to practice this phase of their religion, disdaining to deny them
their "rights." A few persons found a novelty in pointing out the house where
"they were spending their time." Some others talked up the situation to the
good pleasure of newspaper, radio, and television reporters, who, as is so often
the case, capitalized on this "spectacular occurrence," expressing dismay that
people in the twentieth century would take things so far.

When asked why they persisted in watching and waiting in a small house
which afforded insufficient sanitary conditions and sleeping accommodations,
a spokesman for the group of men and women explained that they were
maintaining the vigil because they believed God wanted them to do so. And,
when questioned in particular about the small dwelling in which they had
chosen to hole up, the spokesman replied: "... this is where the Lord wants
us."

Oddly enough, the watchers belong to no organized religious group.
Though they did (and still do) attend church, they purportedly have no af-
filiation with any known denomination; and for the most part, those who kept
the vigil are related by blood or marriage. Clannish indeed, they refused to
"betray" themselves or their cause by talking at length about what they were
doing. They explained simply (through their spokesman) that they were
awaiting the Lord's return and the end of the world. Naturally upset by the fact
that authorities took their children away and placed them in foster homes, the
watchers nonetheless remained firm in their stand.

Interested observers became a little frightened by some of the activities of
the group. Especially disconcerting had been their late-at-night religious rites,
close akin to some of the behavioral patterns of the churches of Satan or
witches' covens. A lady who lived near the house where the twenty-five-
member group congregated reported that she saw the men and women dancing
around in a circle and vocalizing in "blood-curdling screams." In accord with
the spokesman, most people would agree that no one can quite understand such
goings-on as being representative of Christian practices. When the Lord did not
come at the expected time, those in watch shrugged off the disappointment as a
"change of His mind."

Though we have not the right to condemn, we do claim the privilege of
questioning. We do not doubt the sincerity of those who participated in the vigil,
but we cannot help but wonder if they were not sincerely wrong in carrying on
so. If they were witnesses, they seemed to be exemplifying something other
than the type of Christianity to which we have become accustomed and which,
to our satisfaction at least, has withstood the proverbial test of time and deluge
of abuse. Hypnotic trances, frenzied gyrations, earsplitting screams, and
around-the-clock watchings are not consistent with the majority of Christian
faiths and practices.

To be sure, we are familiar with our Lord's injunction in Matthew 24:42,
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Still, we
are behooved not so much to cease what we are doing and sit or stand idly
waiting for Him to return, as we are behooved to be ready, to keep our lives in
tune with His, and to remain faithful so that when He does come we shall be
taken away with Him.

We should "watch," yes; but we are of the opinion that just as "all that
glitters is not gold," neither is all that is done under the guise of Christianity
really Christian. Therefore, it is our firm conviction that even watching for the
Lord's return can be taken too far— especially if done in the manner of the
twenty-five gatherers in that little midwestern town.

Oh— when did the watchers in question begin their vigil? A year ago. And
we are informed that they are not "watched out" yet. Comment?

Tommy Manning
Editor

thef r!

tree!

II

bap^

SEPTEMBER 8, 1976
Volume 91 Number35
Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years,
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches;
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists'"
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes'
these A 50 percent discount is offered under'
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect;
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The'
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each;
article is given the person whose name appears,
under the title or to the person submitting said;
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m — 5
p m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9:30
a m — 5p. m., Monday — Saturday

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.
Walter Reynolds. Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE CHURCH-LEADERSHIP

(Part 10)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

JN the next two articles I
want to deal with leadership in
,!hhe local church. This week we will
talk about leadership in general and next
week we will talk about the more specific
offices in the church.

Let's begin by describing the various
kinds of church government that exist
today. There is the autocratic form. The
Roman Catholic Church is the major
{example of this. At the top of the
structure is the pope with much authority
and power and at the bottom is the local
{congregation with very little voice in
church affairs. Many changes are taking
i place in the Catholic church today but
basically they are autocratic— what you

* jmight call "top heavy."

s | Next to the autocratic form is the
i ^episcopal form as exampled by the
k 'Episcopalians and Methodists. Much
j .authority is vested in a higher order, the
a | bishops, and under them are the laity.

In the presbyterian form of govern-
!j jment the elders of the local church have
j. j a lot of local authority although the congre-

* gatton has more authority than in the
other forms.

,b Finally there is the congregational
« government where each local church
|t; ^manages its own affairs and is in-
m .dependent from outside authority. The
»• 'Southern Baptist denomination perhaps

* {best represents this kind of government,
' which we might call "bottom heavy."

What do we make of this? Which one
is in accordance with Scripture? That is a
4 difficult question and one which has
r' been argued by many. My own study
., {leads me to believe that each of the forms
{above, especially the last three, contains
{elements found in the New Testament
i1 (church. Yet, in a pure sense, none of the
forms are correct for the only Leader and
Head of any local church is God. We are
on safer ground when we ask not what
people lead the church but rather how
does God lead.
With this in mind, that God is the

Leader of the church and He does it
through men, let us go on to consider the
biblical concept of leadership. We know
that the Early Church did have leaders
through whom God supervised and cared
for the church. The New Testament
speaks of apostles, prophets, pastors,
deacons, elders, etc. In the next article
we are going to deal with these offices
and see what the Word says about them,
but for now we want to talk in more
general terms.

First let's realize that the New
Testament leaves room for great
flexibility in organization and structure
according to particular and varying
needs of each local church. Yet certain
things are clear.

The modern day distinction between
laity and clergy, the one in the pew and
the one in the pulpit, is unknown in the
New Testament. Our conception today is
that a young man is called to preach. He
goes off to school to learn how to be a
minister. Then he is ordained, and
presto— he is a bona fide preacher and
marked for life as such. Forever and ever
he is different and separate and unlike
the average layman. He is special,
almost sacred, because he is an expert
on religious matters and a professional
Christian. No doubt this is an over-
simplification of the problem, but if your
idea of Christian leadership is anything
like this, you need to rethink your
position.

We cannot hire a professionally trained
religious person to do the praying,
preaching, witnessing, and worshiping
for us. Leaders in the New Testament did
just that— they led, they helped, they
built up the body so the body could do
the work of ministry.

We have already dealt with this from
the viewpoint of the "layman." In our
discussion on community we pointed out
that each Christian is gifted and em-
powered; he is also called to do a work
and he needs to be about it. The

preacher cannot do the job of every
Christian.

This idea arises in part, I think, from
being influenced by the world. In the
world we have a lawyer who handles our
legal work, a doctor who cares for our
physical problems, and a mechanic who
is responsible lor our cars. Somehow we
have gotten the idea that our preacher
should handle all spiritual matters.
Needless to say it does not work that
way.

CALLED

People singled out for leadership in the
Early Church were called by God. Paul
was a "called apostle" (see Romans
1:1, 5). Ephesians 4:11, 12 speaks of
apostles, prophets, evangelists, and
pastors-teachers, but it does not say
they went to school to learn how to do the
work; it says that God gave them to the
church.

The point here is that every person in
the church who is a leader has been
called and equipped for the job. Likewise
this means that every person trying to
lead or do anything in the church for
which he has not been called and
equipped is in trouble. You should not
teach a Sunday school class because
there is no one else to do it. You should
do it because you have the gift of
teaching and desire to use that gift for
the upbuilding of the body.

AUTHORITY

Leadership in the church is also
characterized by authority. Because of
Watergate and other such instances
authority is a rotten word for many today.
The problem is there is good authority
and bad authority. Bad authority should
be rejected but good authority is biblical
and necessary in the church.

Good authority in Scripture is a leader
who is called by God and is submitting to
the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ
over the church. All authority is derived
from Christ and is exercised in His name
and Spirit. In the final analysis it is not
really the leader's authority, but the
authority of Christ, His Word, and His
Spirit. With good authority in the church,
Christians should have less trouble
submitting.

This naturally leads to the fact that
leaders in the church, in order for their
authority to be effective, must maintain a
healthy relationship with God's Word and
the Holy Spirit. Teaching God's Word and
ruling are closely associated in the New
(Continued on Page 6)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

fellowman. Fueding within
church, God will not tolerate.

the

« — rs

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Scripture Reading— John 13 : 15

THE FINGER OF GOD
Mr. H. C. Mason tells of the man
who in prayer meeting prayed ear-
nestly that God would with His finger
touch a certain man. Suddenly he
stopped his prayer. A brother asked
him, "Why did you change your
prayer?" He replied, "Because God
said to me, 'You are my finger.' So
now I must go and touch the man for
God." — Gospel Herald

PRAYER THOUGHT
There is an old adage that goes
something like this: "God has no
hands but our hands." Truly, God has
no one to carry on His work here on
earth but His Christian followers.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Scripture Reading— Romans 12:18

PRAYING TROUBLEMAKERS
OUT OF CHURCH

In a church there was a family that
caused endless trouble and con-
fusion. What a diseased appendix is to
the human body, that family was to
the church. Hardheartedness seemed
to characterize each member of the
family.

In time, the family incurred the
deadly hatred and enmity of another
family of the church. After futile
efforts with the two feuding families,
the pastor and other Christians
prayed that God would either remove
them from the church or save them.
God answered the cries of His
children. Both families soon withdrew
from the church.— Told by F. B.
Meyer

PRAYER THOUGHT
Troublemakers (in or out of the
church) should seek God's guidance
and make peace with their

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Scripture Reading— Philippians
1:6, 9-11

A TASK

To be honest, to be kind— to earn a
little and to spend a little less, to make
upon the whole a family happier for
his presence, to renounce when that
shall be necessary and not be em-
bittered, to keep a few friends, but
these without capitulation— above all,
on the same grim condition, to keep
friends with himself— here is a task
for all that a man has of fortitude and
delicacy . —Robert Louis Stevenson

PRAYER THOUGHT
No prayer thought could be more
appropriate than the words of the
beloved song, "My Task." Look this
up and meditate upon the words.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Scripture Reading— John 11 : 11

IN THE MORNING
What is our death but a night's
sleep? For as through sleep all
weariness and faintness pass away
and cease, and the powers of the spirit
come back again, so that in the
morning we arise fresh and strong
and joyous ; so at the last day we shall
rise again as if we had only slept a
night, and shall be fresh and
strong. —Martin Luther

PRAYER THOUGHT
Death, though dreadful the thought,
is only a deep sleep. Everyone will
someday awake from this sleep and
receive his award. Hopefully your
reward will be a home in Heaven.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Scripture Reading— Matthew 28:19,

20

REACHING THE MOON-
LOSING THE EARTH
Clay Cooper warned, "While we are
striving for the moon, we could be
losing the earth. Let us not deceive
ourselves. Are we going to be guilty of
spending billions to send a man to the
moon and mites to send Christ's
heart-transforming gospel to the
millions on earth?"

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we guilty of spending more
money and time on physical things
than spiritual things? Do we hope to
spend eternity on the moon or in
Heaven? Think about this!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Scripture Reading— John 3 : 16

PERISH THE THOUGHT
David Livingstone said, "I have
suffered severe attacks of fever no
fewer than twenty-seven times in the
space of two and one-half years.
These sicknesses, I beg you to ob-
serve, are not mentioned as if I
considered them in the light of
sacrifice. Perish the thought! I think
the word sacrifice ought never to be
mentioned in reference to anything
we can do for Christ who, though He
were rich, yet for our sake, He
became poor."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Man cannot make any sacrifice that
can compare with God's sacrifice of
giving His Son to die that we might
have eternal life. As David
Livingstone said, "Perish the\
thought! "

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Scripture Reading— Romans 4:4, 5, i

16

CHEMICAL SALVATION
Professor B. F. Skinner of Harvard
University said, "We are entering the
age of the chemical control of human
behavior. The motivational and
emotional conditions of normal daily
life will probably be maintained in
any desired through the use of
drugs."

Until man's "deceitful and
desperately wicked" heart is changed
by God's grace, he will continue in his
sinful way.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Man, with all his wisdom,
chemicals, and inventions, has not yet
been able to change a wicked heart.\
Only God's grace can take away sin
and assure you a home in Heaven.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Questions

' by J P. Barrow
Route 1 . Box 475
LaGrange. N. C 28551

Question: What can a Christian do to
avoid ill criticism from those that dislike
him and the way he carries out his

I Christian duties?

Answer: He cannot do anything. If he
is consciously fulfilling in every way his

! Christian duty to himself, to God, and to

| his fellowman, then he must learn to bear
with whatever unfair criticism worldly
people offer. The world criticized Jesus.

\ It will criticize His followers. His
followers that lacked complete dedication

: criticized Him or disagreed openly with

j Him and we may expect nothing d if -

) ferent.

When Jesus told His followers of His
pending trial, conviction, death, burial,
; and resurrection, they disagreed. "From
that time forth began Jesus to shew unto
! his disciples, how that he must go unto
; Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the
elders and chief priests and scribes, and
be killed, and be raised again the third
day. Then Peter took him, and began to
rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee,
Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he
turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee
behind me, Satan: thou art an offence
unto me: for thou savourest not the
things that be of God, but those that be of
men. Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
• If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me" (Matthew 16:21-24).

Peter and the other disciples wanted to
; have Jesus' presence with them
evidently that they might be better
established here on earth, enjoying the
; good things that fellowship with God and
prosperity in Him might bring in this life.
At that time, Jesus desired for them who
E followed Him the things that He desires
for us who now follow Him (in terms of
our present fellowship with God and all
j the pleasant and unpleasant things that
I go with it) as a means to that better and
1 perfect life He has provided for us.

He talked about a world to lay down
with the natural life and a cross to take
! up and bear with all its desires to forsake
iand follow Him. He also assured His
followers that if they made the dedication

to the task He had made, they would
meet with the same unfriendliness from a
lost world He was meeting with. "If ye
were of the world, the world would love
his own: but because ye are not of the
world, but I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you.
The servant is not greater than his lord.
If they have persecuted me, they will also
persecute you: if they have kept my
saying, they will keep yours also. But all
these things will they do unto you for my
name's sake, because they know not
him that sent me" (John 15:19-21).

Another time Jesus said, "Go your
ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs
among wolves" (Luke 10:3). On another
occasion J<isus said, "The disciple is not
above his master, nor the servant above
his lord. It is enough for the disciple that
he be as his master, and the servant as
his lord. If they have called the master of
the house Beelzebub, how much more
shall they call them of his household?"
(Matthew 10:24, 25).

We are His representatives throughout
this short life and it behooves us to get
well enough acquainted with the Bible to
rightly fill the place He has assigned us.
We learn from the Apostle * Paul's
writings, "To wit, that God was in
Christ, reconciling 'the world unto
himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; aiid hath committed unto us
the word of reconciliation. Now then we
are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you -by us; we pray you
in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God. For he hath made him to be sin for
us, who knew no sin; that we might be
made the righteousness of God in him"
(2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Having been commissioned we have a
mission. ". . . ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and
in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

While we carry this out in an un-
friendly environment, the same hostility
Christ encountered will be coming our
way. Like with Christ, when Peter
rebuked Him, some of our more
unreasonable interferences will just as
likely come from those who claim to
admire and follow with us the purpose of
God. Men, both friends and others, are
fallible; only God is infallible and only as
we are sure through a correct diligent
use of His Word can we be certain that
we are right as we execute His infallible
orders.

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question on Page 199 in his book, 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered, as

follows:

"Christians need not expect to escape
unjust criticism at times. There are good,
well-meaning people who take the
narrow view, and would compel all
Christians to be of one type— their type,
of course— and to believe precisely what
they believe and worship in all respects
as they themselves worship. This is
altogether wrong. You may remember
what Jesus said to some of these
faultfinding folk who desired him to
rebuke an independent worker (see
Mark 9:40). Our heavenly Father looks at
the hearts of men and regards their
inmost thoughts and desires as of far
greater consequences than outward
forms and ceremonies. Moses had
trouble in his time with the formalists,
and see how he answered them (see
Numbers 11:26); ar^'d .Paul, in the midst
of his great apostohc missionary work,
,had occasion to rebuke some of his
followers whose overzeal led them to
criticize a few good people who did not
choose to copy their methods, but struck
out a path for themselves (see Philip-
pians 1:15-18). If you go on
energetically doii^g your best in a humble
way, and asking divine guidance daily,
you can afford 'to overlook the critics.
Keep in constant touch with your church
and get on friendly terms with your fellow
members. Try hard to put aside all
feeling against individuals, no matter
what their attitude has been in the past.
We think you might cultivate the social
side of church membership to ad-
vantage. One who holds aloof certainly
misses much in the way of Christian
fellowship and sociability."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
JULY, 1976

Albemarle Conference

Free Union

$ 18.00

Mt. Tabor

66.46

Total

$ 84.46

Blue Ridge Association

oeoar run

Cape Fear Conference

Goldsboro, First

$ 55.00

Johnston Union

200.00

Lee's Chapel

280.00

Mt. Olive

75.00

Palmer Memorial

160.30

Pleasant Grove

100.00

Robert's Grove

250.00

St. Mary's Grove

5.00

Victory Mission

40.60

Wooten's Chapel

60.00

Total

$1,225.90

Central Conference

Aspen Grove

$ 307.00

Ayden

220.00

Black Jack

319.80

Community

73.83

Edgewood

5.00

Elm Grove

1 25.00

Free Union

197.61

Friendship

53.19

Greenville, First

180.00

Grimsley

50.00

Howell Swamp

50.00

Hugo

100.00

LaGrange

60.00

Little Creek

55.00

Marlboro

25.00

Layman's League

96.66

Ormondsville

15.00

Otter's Creek

67 09

Peace

15.50

Pleasant Hill

25.00

Rose Hill

125.00

Saratoga

92.34

Spring Branch

100.00

Tarboro, First

352.17

Watery Branch

15.00

Williamston, First

17.71

Winterville

292.45

Total

$3,035.35

Eastern Conference

Antioch

$ 50.00

Bridgeton

5.00

Cabin

50 00

Core Creek

84.50

Davis

275.00

Deep Run

60.00

Folkstone

25.00

Friendship

24 48

Grant's Chapel

15.00

Hillsberry

39.78

Holly Springs

300.00

Jackson Heights

205.64

Juniper Chapel

200.00

Lanier's Chapel

10.00

Macedonia

190.00

Eula Jones

5 00

New Bethlehem

19.06

New Haven

27.68

Northeast

77.57

Oak Grove

5.00

D ripnta I

1 "in

Rock of Zion

115.13

Russell's Creek

10.00

Sandy Plain

100.00

Sound View

110.00

Spring Hope

100.00

St. Mary's

300.00

Trent

25.00

Verona

44.61

Warden's Grove

500.00

White Hill

25.00

White Oak Grove

20.00

Total

$3,270.75

Pee Dee Association

Rpavprrlam

$ 25 00

Piprimnnt Pnnfprpnrp

IIGUIIIUIIl OUIIIG1GIIOG

Durham, First

$ 25.00

Gethsemane

10.00

Total

$ 35.00

Western Conference

Barnes Hill

$ 10.00

Branch Chapel

75.48

Everett's Chapel

80.44

Free Union

120.00

Fremont

65.00

Friendship

30.00

Kenly

135.00

Marsh Swamp

30.00

Memorial Chapel

15.00

Milbournie

83.00

Mt. Zion (Wilson)

37.31

New Sandy Hill

50.00

Pine Level

40.00

Piney Gtovg

125.00

Plpa^nt Hrnvp

i icrjoai it ul UVC *

10.00

Pleasant Plain

134.30

RosGbud

5.00

Selma

75.00

Sherron Acres

200.00

Stancil's Chapel

37.48

Stnnpv Trppk

325.00

Union Chapel

32.50

Union Grove

150.35

Unity

10.00

Total

$1,875.86

inner oiates

Flint M irh

1 Mill, 1 VI 1 L. 1 1

$ 60.00

Bim, W Va.

20.00

Total

$ 80.00

Total Religious Contributions $9,548.42

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR
JULY, 1976

Memorial contributions tor July, 1976 totaled
$135.60, and were given as follows:

Victor Penny by the Board of Deacons, Providence
Presbyterian Church, the Providence Presbyterian
Church, Mr, and Mrs. Elton Tripp, Mr. and Mrs.
Magnus Hoye, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Penny, Marie
Sealey. and H J. Wrigley.

Mrs. Bill Winstead by C. Johnson Moore.

Betty Bedford by Ella V. Rich.

THE CHURCH-LEADERSHIP

(Continued from Page 3)

Testament as can be seen in the qual-
ifications for elders and deacons.

SERVING

Leaders must be servants of the
body. Christ's humility provides the
pattern for the Christian leader. Although
all power and authority were given to
Him, He was still a servant, the Son of
Man who went about doing good.

Pride keeps many ministers from
serving humbly and effectively. Authority;
and power can be corrupted and leaders
in the church should be careful to be:
humble servants rather than rulingi
tyrants (see Matthew 23:1-12).

A serving leadership that constantly
seeks to build up, nurture, and care fori!
the local church is one which follows in
the footsteps of the greatest of leaders.

Finally, leaders can rule and serve
only if the people of God recognize their
authority and submit to it. Leaders
cannot force people to follow their|i
leadership. They must seek to exercise
good authority, be humble servants, andj.
be sincere ministers of the Word andj-
then trust God to evoke godly i
submission and cooperation fromj!
the flock.

(Continued Next Issue/

6

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Scriptural basis: "Therefore we ought
IJto give the more earnest heed to the
■tilings which we have heard, lest at any
; Jtime we should let them slip" (Hebrews
2:1).

THE DANGER OF
PUTTING RELIGION
ON A LEASH

The seriousness of observing religious
rites, ceremonies, and practices may be
measured from the inner sanctum of the
heart. God looks upon the heart of an
individual and measures his life from
within. At one time God honored the
sacrifices of animals upon the altar.
When God's people obeyed from the
heart and honestly performed at the altar
in faith and in love for God, He was
pleased. There was a sweet-smelling
savor rising from the burnt offerings.
Later, however, when the people became
careless and lived loose, sinful lives and
disobeyed God, He became disgusted
with them and despised their sacrifices.
"... to obey is better than sacrifice, and
to hearken than the fat of rams" (1
Samuel 15:22).

Weak Christians are like Saul of
!; old— they live with the idea that as long
l! as they put a "reasonable" amount of

money, time, and effort into the religious
r4 j activities of the church, that is all they
cl should be required to do. Saul had a
' feeling that those nice, fat cattle cap-
* tured from the Amalekites, the enemies

of God's people, would please the Lord
f more so than the thinner, less beautiful

cattle of the herds of Israel. Christians

are not to use the spoils of their enemies
[t:| as a sacrifice. The real sacrifice comes

from a hallowed heart of the child of God

as a personal gift.

The honest to goodness earnings of an
individual are what God wants from him.
No gambling, no improper earnings
through fraud and misrepresentation, or
evil gains in any sense are to be offered
as a sacrifice. Sinners have no right or
memorial in God's house. His house, the
church, is a sacred and religious body
and we must honor it with the best we
have to offer. We begin with the tithe;
later it is the tithe plus an offering; still
later the order is the tithe, an offering,
and finally a sacrifice. God exacts the
tithe from everybody, saint and sinner
alike, but the offerings and sacrifices
come only from His people. God is a good
collector and He will get what belongs to
Him. One way or another He will collect.
Sometimes He has to collect by taking
from us in the form of famines, disasters,
accidents, death, or some other means.
God can even take your health away from
you so that you will have to pay and pay
and pay for doctors, medicine, etc.

There is another way weak Christians
put their religion on a leash. These
people are among the many excuse
makers and there are several classes of
these. Some excuse themselves from
worship and service in the church on the
grounds that they work so hard during
the week days that they have to rest on
Sunday. Others say that Sunday is the
only day they have to catch up with
chores. They cut their grass, work in the
garden, paint, do repairs, and clean
house. Still others put their family in the
car and head for the beach where they
fish or do any thing they desire to do but
worship God. No wonder God is sending
natural disasters upon us. God governs
and controls the weather and is
responsible for storms, earthquakes,
floods, and other like conditions. Some
professors of faith go from their churches
on Sunday, during the harvest season, to
harvest their crops. They have no
respect or regard for the sacredness of
the Lord's Day of worship.

Religion is put on a leash when people
allow themselves to lay aside the
religious demands and commitments to
indulge in the earthly activities and
involvements. The Christian religion is
the only religion which God honors and
accepts. This is the religion that includes
and honors the only begotten Son of God,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

ATTENTION,
Concerned Pastors!

by

The Rev. Delmas J. Brown
Dover, North Carolina

A S I write this, I am deeply
— ™ concerned over what is taking
place in this country. I have been
waiting for someone else to write this
article, but since no one else has, then it
must be what the Lord wants me to do.

I'm referring to the Rev. Sun Myung
Moon movement in this country. This is
causing much concern. My people have
asked me about it and I've shared all the
information I had up until what I received
today. So because of its importance, I
feel I should share with other pastors and
Christians what I know. I have already
been confronted by one of his workers,
also have several members of my
church.

According to my information, Mr.
Moon is from North Korea. There he is
considered a failure, but in America his
movement has caught on and is really
growing. According to his followers:
"Mr. Moon received from Jesus the
word to go out and return to the Father
the perfect family and redeem mankind
physically." Senator Dole from Kansas
has pledged himself to find out and
expose all he can about this movement
because of its effect upon the youth and
taxes.

This movement works mostly with
high school and college levels, winning
them mostly because they were never
founded in the faith. They are mostly
from wealthy families but not entirely.

Mr. Moon is the founder of the
Unification Church and already it has
over $3 million worth of property in one
location where his followers are taught.
This movement received over $7 million
dollars last year from its missionaries
selling flowers, peanuts, and candles. It
seems that this movement is more
concerned with raising money than
leading people to the Lord.

Mr. Moon, according to the (AP,
September 22, 1974) stated: "God did
not intend for Jesus to be crucified to
atone for man's sin. It was all a ghastly
mistake." But we believe Isaiah as he
foretold of both His birth (Isaiah 9:1-7)
and His crucifixion (Isaiah 5.3) hundreds
of years before these events.

(Continued on Page 9)

I1

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

I

Coming Events . . .

Specie^ L/Uomenfc

Dear Maggie,

As I was going through a box of things this morning, I ran across something I
would like to share with your readers. Working with young people for over ten years
has given me many memories— some of them were good and others that I try not to
think of too often. The good outweigh the bad and make working with our youth a
reward rather than a task, most of the time. (I had to add most of the time to be
honest.) Often I become so discouraged and then I run across a special memory as I
did this morning.

Below are the words of a song written by Mike Andreoli, and I know he doesn't
care if I share them with your readers. At the time Mike wrote this, he was a member
of the Free Union Free Will Baptist Church, Albemarle Conference. Some of your
younger readers might remember singing it at Cragmont.

"I'm not too young for Him; I'll tell you how I know;
Because for me He died one day on Calvary.
He took my sins away; He lives with me each day;
That's how I know that I'm not too young for Him.

"Some folks may try to say, my faith is childish play;
That I'm too young to understand God's loving words.
But I'm telling all that I have heard His call;
And so I know that I'm not too young for Him.

"God always leads the way, and though I often stray,
He reaches out, takes my hand, and guides me home.
This is my solemn cry; for Him I'd gladly die;
And my heart knows that I'm not too young for Him."

These words should have a special meaning for all who work with our youth and
maybe it will inspire others to want to work with them.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this special moment.

CJK

New Bern, N. C.
8

September 15— State Mission Rally,
National Guard Armory, Mount Olive,
North Carolina, Wednesday Evening
Session of the North Carolina State
Convention

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 18— Youth Fellowship of the
Central District, Ayden, North
Carolina, Free Will Baptist Church,
7:30 P.M.

September 23— Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention,
Camp Vandemere, Vandemere,
North Carolina

September 29— Central District
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention,
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church
near Crisp, North Carolina, with
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Fountain Serving as
Cohost

October 6— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Selma, North Carolina

October 6— Albemarle Conference,
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church.
Route 1, Pinetown, North Carolina

October 13— Cape Fear District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, St. Mary's
Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Benson, North Carolina

October 14— Western Conference,
Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 23— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, East
Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, North Carolina

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

"The Mountaintop Experience'

ont

iull<§tin

Mr. and Mrs Douglas Skinner. Managers
Black Mountain. N C

WOMAN'S CONFERENCE
CONTRIBUTES $11,200
TO CRAGMONT!

At the Woman's Conference in 1972, a
penny was given by Mrs. Mary Lou

j Jackson to each of the ladies attending
the conference. Each was to take her
"talent" home and use it in some way to

■ make it grow for the purpose of

| renovating the Main Building at

f Cragmont. Since the majority of our
people voted to build a new building

\ instead, the ladies very graciously
agreed to support the New Building. The

\ first offering was taken in 1973 and the
plan has continued through 1976. This
year the Woman's Conference raised
$3,026, bringing the total to $1 1,200.

' We appreciate this contribution very
much.

The board had hoped to have $50,000
by September 1 , with which to begin the
New Building. At present (August 25) we
; have $35,362.22 in the combined
Chapel, Main Building, and General
Savings Funds. Thanks to the women of
North Carolina this amount has been
raised to $46,562.22. We still need
$3,437.78 to begin the New Building on
schedule.

By way of explanation, we were
expecting the youth to contribute
$2,000 to this goal. The State Youth
Fellowship which met in April voted to
allow the $2,000 which they had raised
' for a chapel to be used in the New
\ Building. However, the State Youth
! Executive Committee decided that since
I the money had been raised for a chapel
that this money would be held until after
! the New Building and chapel had been
: begun and then it is to be used directly in
j the chapel itself. Although the $2,000
) will be given later, and we appreciate it
; very much, we cannot depend upon it as
; a part of our goal of $50,000.

If your church has not contributed to
I Cragmont this year (and many have not),

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

now' would be an ideal time to do so. We
need the support and prayers of each
church and each church organization to
make Cragmont (and each area of our
denominational work) what it should be.

If your church has already contributed
to Cragmont, perhaps you may wish to
do more, to "go a little farther," and to
give extra in order that we may begin the
New Building. The old one is in a very
bad state of disrepair and we must
replace it before it is condemned
altogether and before some catastrophe
occurs. It has served us well but in its
present state, it cannot serve much
longer.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler
Treasurer-Promotional Secretary

CRAGMONT NEWS

The conference season is over. It was
a good year because souls were saved
and many were drawn nearer to God. We
finished up this phase of the season with
the Young Peoples Bible Conference held
August 2-7. This was directed by the
Rev. J. B. Starnes. Although they had
only 56 campers, they had a very en-
joyable time. This was a nicely behaved
set of young people.

During the next week, August 9-14,
we hosted the Woman's Auxiliary
Conference, directed by Mrs. Lillie Mae
Sasser and Mrs. Dola Dudley. There
were 132 campers, and what a time they
had! Although the staff had to work
harder, it was well worth the effort. What
an adorable group of women! Our hats go
off to these women for their $10,000
contribution toward our building fund.
Their gift took a sizeable chunk from the
balance we needed.

Family Week was a "great success"
with no people in attendance. While we
were disappointed with having no

campers, we were busy enjoying a
much-needed rest.

This past weekend we hosted a group
from Wooten's Chapel church near
Garner. There were 32 campers who
seemed to have a blessed time. With
their arrival on Saturday and their
departure on Sunday, it seemed they
were hardly here.

We have been busy taking down some
unneeded pieces of furniture in
preparation for the tearing down of the
old "Main Building." It is a tedious job,
yet it is quite interesting to go through
this building packed with many
memories.

Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work at Cragmont.

In His service,

Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

ATTENTION,
CONCERNED PASTORS!

(Continued from Page 7)
Without giving you a lot of quotes and
reprints of articles that I have, I'd like to
give my personal views. This movement
is one of over 500 groups which have
sprung up in the last several years in this
country. I feel that it is a fulfillment of
what Jesus said in Matthew 24:5-11,
that false teachers and prophets would
come and deceive many. And many
which have been deceived are the results
of a cold and indifferent homelife and
cold churches. As ministers and parents
we need to teach our children and
prepare our churches against
movements such as this. If we fail, then
God have mercy.

This movement is not to be taken
lightly— many have already fallen victim
to it— over three million. And its workers
are now working in North Carolina. How
can you tell when you are confronted by
them? They'll be selling something to
raise money for the Unification Church.
Paul said, "Be founded in the faith";
therefore not so easily tossed about.
Know your Bible; it is your tool by which
to know the false from the true workers
of God.

Let's arm ourselves and put down this
act of Satan. How? By exposing it!

9

NEWSX
_NOTES

The Collie Singers in Concert At Mount Zion Church, Roper

The Collie Singers from Nashville,
North Carolina, will present a concert of
gospel music at the Mount Zion Free Will
Baptist Church, Roper, Saturday
evening, September 25, beginning at
7:30. This is a group of dedicated
Christians, singing praises unto the
Lord. You will be spiritually blessed by
their singing.

The Collie Singers have appeared in
many churches throughout North
Carolina, and have recently returned
from a tour in Chatham, Ontario, Canada,
where they were well received with their
southern style of singing.

The pastor of the church and the
church membership invite everyone to
attend this gospel sing.

Friendship Church Observed
Youth Sunday, August 29

The Friendship Free Will Baptist
Church near Farmville (Greene County),
observed Youth Sunday, Sunday,
August 29. The services were directed
by Johnny Lewis, with Susan Beamon
serving as pianist for the church ser-
vices.

Teresa Cobb, president of the young
woman's auxiliary, presented the flowers
in the sanctuary and dedicated them to
all the Sunday school teachers for their
faithful work. The younger children of
the church sang a few songs under the
leadership of Gladys Oakley and Verna
Heath.

"The Lord Is My Shepherd" was sung
by the youth choir, directed by Johnny
Lewis. "Gifts" was the topic of the
morning message presented by Jean
Brock, a member of the young woman's
auxiliary. Ushers for the service were
Perry Beamon, Billy Craft, Jeff Heath,
and Luther Walston. The benediction
was prayed by Jeff Shirley.

The Rev. Walter Reynolds is pastor of
the church.

Third Annual
Gospel Sing

The third annual gospel sing spon-
sored by Pilgrim's Home Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Dover, will be

held Sunday afternoon, September 12,
from two o'clock -until —

The sing will be held at the Wysefork
Community Building on Route 2, Dover.
Featured singers will be the Baker Family
of Kinston, the Boswell Family of New
Bern, the Taylor Family of Kinston, and
the Pilgrim Quartet from Pilgrim's Home
church. There will be no admission
charge.

The sing will be held on the grounds of
the community building, weather
permitting. It is suggested that you bring
your lawn chairs so you can sit back and
enjoy the good gospel music. The public
is invitied to attend.

Community Revival
August 6, 7, and 8

Friday evening, August 6, a com-
munity revival began at the Trent Free
Will Baptist Church of Merritt. This was
the third year that this type of community
revival has been held, involving the three
churches in the community. The speaker
for this first service was the Rev. James
Howard, pastor of the Bethel Free Will
Baptist Church of Whortonsville.

On Saturday evening, August 7, the
services continued by moving on down
the road to the Concord Christian
Church. For this service the Rev. A.
Graham Lane brought the message.

On Sunday night, August 8, despite
hurricane "Belle," the services met with
the Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. The
Rev. Mike Scott, pastor of the Concord
Christian Church, brought the message
for this service.

These ministers are truly men of God
and brought messages straight from the
heart of God that stirred the hearts of all
those who attended. Each night the choir
of the host church brought special
music, and the pastor of the church
greeted everyone and extended a cordial
welcome. One person rededicated his life
during the revival.

The attendance each night was very
good. Everyone experienced good
fellowship, smiles, and just a good
feeling that he was in God's presence.

These three churches by the side of
the road, for those who went to worship,
truly experienced a great revival.

On the fifth Sunday night in August,
the Rev. Charles Richardson, pastor of
the Trent church, preached and again
brought the three churches together at
the Trent church. Your prayers are

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

requested that these three churches by
the side of the road will always be a soul-
saving station for anyone who happens to
be passing by. You are extended a
cordial welcome to any of these churches
anytime you feel so led.

Saint Mary's Church, Kenly
To Observe Homecoming

Saint Mary's Free Will Baptist Church
near Kenly will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, September 12.
The day's services will begin with
Sunday school at 9:45 p. m. The
"Redeemed," a very popular singing
group from Winnabow, North Carolina,
will be featured during both the Sunday
school and morning worship hour. The
Rev. Dwight D. Hawley, pastor of Zion
Free Will Baptist Church of Blakely,
Georgia, will deliver the homecoming
message. Mr. Hawley is the son of the
Rev. and Mrs. Leslie Hawley, the
present parsonage family.

A special feature of the day's activities
will be the dedication of the new
fellowship building. The noon meal will
be served in the newly dedicated
building.

In the afternoon a memorial service
will be held, followed by a program of
singing. Several groups have been
invited to participate, including groups
from the local church.

The church extends a special in-
vitation to former pastors, members, and
friends to share this day of worship and
fellowship.

OUR FINAL
MEETING PLACE

by the Rev. J. Elmer Thompson

Throughout this life in this old sinful
world

We have had our many, many meeting
places.

While everyone is seeking and
everything is in a whirl,
Someday we will meet Jesus in our
final meeting place.

One Sunday evening on a country road

we met for the first time.
I remember very well when I saw your

smiling face
That someday you were going to be

mine.

Now we are looking forward to our
final meeting place.

Throughout the many years we have
watched our children growing
While gathered around the dining table
and sharing God's grace.
On each little face we could see God's
blessing flowing,
Knowing how happy we would be
when we reach our final meeting
place.

Thoughout our lives we have had our ups
and downs;
Truly this life has been a hard,
tiresome race,
But our divine faith in God has always
brought us around.
Oh, what a happy day when we reach
our final meeting place!

(This poem was written in honor of the
mother of my four wonderful children:
Eunice B. Thompson.)

BAZAAR AT
MOSELEY'S CREEK

The Woman's Auxiliary of Moseley's
Creek Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1 ,
Dover, is sponsoring a bazaar in the
church fellowship building Saturday,
September 1 1 .

A ham supper at $2 per plate will be
served from 5 to 8 p. m. This will be
followed with an auction sale of crafts,
gifts, and baked goods. The public is
invited to attend.

WE BELIEVE:

1. That there is only one God who Is
infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver,
and Righteous Governor of the Universe;
that His eternal existence is in three per-
sons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that
all three are equal, but distinct persons.
They are the divine Trinity.

2. That Jesus Christ is the only begot-
ten Son of God; that He was born of the
Virgin Mary; that He died for man's re-
demption; that He ascended to heaven
and is today at the right hand of the
Father as our intercessor.

3. That both, the Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments, were given by
inspiration of God, and that they only
constitute the infallible rule of faith and
practice.

4. That man was created innocent, but
by disobedience fell into a state of sin
and condemnation and stands guilty be-
fore God and separate from Him.

5. That it is the privilege of all men
to be saved; that God desires the salva-
tion of all; that the gospel invites every-
one; that the Holy Spirit strives with all,
and whosoever will may come and take
of the water of life freely.

6. That the human will is free and
self-controlled; that it is possible for a
person who has been saved by divine
grace to make shipwreck of his faith and
become lost. The person (believer) who
through grace perseveres unto the end
of life has promise of eternal salvation.

7. That sanctification is initial at re-
generation and continues progressively
through the Christian experience, becom-
ing final and complete in heaven.

8. That there are three gospel ordi-
nances to be perpetuated under the gos-
pel teaching: baptism by immersion, the
Lord's Supper, and washing of the saints'
feet,

9. That tithing is God's financial plan
for supporting the work of the church
here on earth.

10. That our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, who ascended on high, and sits
at the right hand of God, will come again;
that there will be a resurrection of all
men at the last day; that they which are
saved will come forth to the resurrection
of life, and they which are lost unto the
resurrection of damnation; that the wick-
ed will "go away into eternal punish-
ment, but the righteous into eternal life."
This is the final judgment,

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For September 19

SET FREE!

Lesson Text: Galatians 4:8-11 ; 5:1-10
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:1

I. INTRODUCTION

Though Paul was faithful in expressing
the fact that the freedom which
Christians find in Christ is a very
precious freedom, he is never negligent
to let it be known that this freedom
carries in its wake a proportionate
responsibility to Jesus and the cause
which He espoused, and therefore must
find expression through loving service to
Him through His church.

To perform this work in a satisfactory
manner will require the making of right
choices. Though there will be times
when it is difficult to determine the way
which we should follow or the work
which we should perform, we have the
presence of God's Spirit that we can look
to for guidance. Since the choices which
we make determine the type of work
which we perform, it is incumbent upon
us to make right choices.

As long as our actions are motivated
by the spirit of love and a sincere desire
to render right and acceptable service to
our Lord as we are guided by the in-
dwelling Spirit of God, we are not likely to
make any serious mistakes of judgment.
—The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. There are ways by which we
bring ourselves under law.

B. There is danger of allowing ritual
and ceremony to replace genuine
religious faith.

C. Jesus is the answer to all of our
problems.

D. Discuss our freedom in Christ and
all that it implies.

E. Emphasize the relationship of
faith and love to each other in the
Christian walk.

-The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. We do not make terms with the
Lord and say, "If you will save me, I

won't do this, and I will do that," but we
come throwing up our hands and saying,
"Lord, I cannot do a thing to save
myself; thou must do it in thine own free
grace or I am eternally lost." We must
not say, as we come to Christ, "Lord, I
come with something in my hand," but
rather, "Lord, I come to thee empty-
handed; in my hand no price I bring,
simply to thy cross I cling." When we do
this and mean it, we have learned that it
is all of grace and nothing of ourselves
that brings salvation.— The Advanced
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

B. Few Christians, perhaps none,
now would make the whole law of the
Jews the law of the church. However,
the church has always had some
members who would like to have all
Christians bound by specific laws. One
powerful denomination has long for-
bidden its priests to marry and com-
manded its people to abstain from meat
on certain days despite the warning of 1
Timothy 4:1-3. Other people have said
that no one can be saved without keeping
the Sabbath, regardless of Colossians
2:16. A small denomination in its
convention adopted a resolution that in
effect expelled any member who made
any use of the Revised Standard Version
of the Bible. Many people now living can
still remember church leaders who
strongly advocated very definite rules
against dancing, against card playing,
against going to movies, and against
other things they considered "worldly. ' '

Rules such as these are not always
forced on unwilling church members by
domineering leaders. Often the members
welcome or even demand specific laws of
conduct. Given a list of things to do and
things not to do, they need not think and
make decisions. It is harder to study the
Scriptures, and pray, and think, and so
discern the mind of the Spirit. But to be
led by the Spirit of God is a proper aim of
every Christian.

On the other hand, the church has
always had some members who have

cared little whether they did right or not.
We are saved by grace, they say. God's
grace is greater than all our sin, so why
bother to limit our sin? Do what you like,
and trust God to forgive anything that is
wrong. Paul sharply challenged such
thinking (Romans 6:1 , 2), yet respected
leaders since his time have said that
Christians ought to sin so that God's
grace may forgive them and He may be
glorified thereby. — Standard Lesson
Commentary

C. If any being in all the universe is
free, surely God is. He has all power. He
can do anything He wants to do. Yet God
never does wrong. He does right
because He prefers to do right. This is
the highest freedom.

The godly person is the freest person
in the world. The laws of God and man
are no burden to him. He is not com-
pelled to obey them; he does right
because he wants to. Even in those rare
times when doing right brings trouble, it
is the way of liberty. Paul in prison was
freer than the corrupt officials who put
him there, for Christ had redeemed him
and they were still slaves of sin. Jesus
said, ". . . If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye
shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free. ... If the Son therefore
shall make you free, ye shall be free
indeed" (John 8:31-36). So Paul urges
us, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty
wherewith Christ hath made us free, and
be not entangled again with the yoke of
bondage" (Galatians 5:1 ). — Selected

D. "A factory foreman, concerned
about the salvation of one of his work-
men, could not get the man to show any
faith in God . One day he sent the man a
note saying/ 'It is of uttermost; im-
portance that you return after work and
meet me in my office at exactly 6 p. m. I
do not want you here one minute before
or one minute after. The fact that you
come back after work at exactly six
o'clock is important to your future.' At
exactly six o'clock the man walked into
the foreman's office and announced his
presence. 'Why did you do as I asked?'
the foreman inquired. The man replied, 'I
believed it was important or you would
not have sent me the note, and fur-
thermore, I knew I could trust you.'
'Then,' askfid the foreman, 'why will you
not have the same faith in God and trust
His message and His invitation and His
salvation?' The workman was con-
verted '—Illustrating the Lesson, 1967

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Mount [mil+K
Olive College

1976 MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
DINNERS

Harold Herring (left), director of
development at Mount Olive College,
examines the annual church dinner
schedule with Wilbur Shirley of Wilbur's
Barbeque of Goldsboro. Mr. Shirley
catered 10 of the 17 county dinners last
year, serving about 2,500 Free Will
Baptists. Mr. Shirley is a member of the
First Free Will Baptist Church in
Goldsboro.

Mr. Herring states that 15 of the 17
organizational meetings to plan the
dinners have already been scheduled.
The dinners which began in 1963 are
held in October and November each year.

Each church is requested to appoint a
Mount Olive College Committee to be sent
to these meetings at which additional
information will be provided and the date
and place of each dinner decided.

The remaining organizational meetings
planned to date include the following:

Johnston-Wake Counties: Thursday,
September 9, 7:30 p. m., First Free Will
Baptist Church, Smithfield

Greene County: Sunday, September
12, 3 p. m., Hull Road Church near
Snow Hill

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell, and
Pasquotank Counties: Tuesday, Sep-
tember 14, 7:30 p. m., Mount Tabor
Church, Creswell

Duplin County: Thursday, September
16, 7:30 p. m., Sarecta Church near
Kenansville

Jones County: Friday, September 17,
7:30 p. m., Whaley's Chapel Church,
Richlands

Carteret County: Saturday, September

18, 7:30 p. m., Crab Point Church,
Morehead City

Pamlico County: Sunday, September

19, 3 p. m., Mount Zion Church,
Bayboro

Beaufort County: Tuesday, September
21, 7:30 p. m., Free Union Church,
Pinetown

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland

Counties: Thursday, September 23, 8
p. m., Oak Grove Church, Newton Grove
Wilson County: Tuesday, September
28, 7:30 p. m., Daniels Chapel Church
near Wilson

Mr. Herring said, "The Lord has truly
blessed Mount Olive College and our
efforts with the dinners each year. These
dinners are successful because
everybody is involved doing their best so
that the Christian work of our College
might be sustained. We sincerely hope
that every Free Will Baptist church will
be represented at these organizational
meetings. ' '

"We will again this year distribute a
book to each church represented at the
meetings. They will receive Heaven Help
the Home by Dr. Howard Hendricks. This
book is on the recommended list for the
state woman's auxiliary," Herring
continued.

The remaining organizational meetings
will be scheduled during the next few
weeks.

PAUL PALMER
ENDOWMENT FUND
AT MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

W. Burkette Raper, President
Paul Palmer is credited with
organizing the first Free Will Baptist
church in America according to the most
reliable historical information available.
This church was organized in 1 727 in
Chowan County, and by virtue of his
leadership in giving birth to what later

came to be known as the Free Will
Baptist Church, Palmer is generally
recognized as the founder of the Original
Free Will Baptist Denomination.

In recognition of the contribution of
Palmer to our church, the North Carolina
State Convention some twenty years ago
established at Mount Olive College "The
Paul Palmer Endowment Fund." The
purpose of this fund is to provide a
permanent source of support at Mount
Olive College for the education of
Christian leaders.

Each church is asked to contribute
$10 annually to this fund. Contributions
for this purpose should be sent with the
church report to the North Carolina State
Convention and clearly earmarked Paul
Palmer Endowment Fund for Mount Olive
College.

The money which goes into the Paul
Palmer Endowment Fund is not spent,
but rather it is invested, and each year
the earnings come to the College as a
memorial to the man who founded our
church in America. Through this fund,
we have an opportunity to prepare
ministers and other Christian leaders
who will advance those principles of
biblical truth and Christian service for
which Paul Palmer stood.

STATE CONVENTION
PLANS UNDERWAY

The Rev. Robert May (center),
president of the North Carolina State
Convention of Original Free Will Baptists,
recently met with Harold Herring (left),
director of development, and Dr. W.
Burkette Raper, president of the College,
to discuss State Convention plans. The
State Convention will be hosted by Mount
Olive College September 15, 16 in Mount
Olive. The activities will be held in the
National Guard Armory. A Home
Missions Rally will be held on Wed-
nesday evening, September 15.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

13

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel"

mission woi

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro N C 27530

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Aisenal Ave.
Fayetteville N C 28305

YEARLY REPORT OF THE HOME MISSIONS
DEPARTMENT

(July 1 , 1975— June 30, 1976)

The Rev. Taylor Hill, secretary-treasurer of the North Carolina State Convention
of Original Free Will Baptist Home Missions Department, reports as follows for the
department from July 1 , 1975— June 30, 1976:

Balance Brought Forward July 1 , 1975 $ 1,862.88

Receipts

Albemarle Conference $ 2,988.91

Cape Fear Conference 10,397.82

Central Conference 1 8,738.16

Eastern Conference 13,113.84

Western Conference 1 2,745.92

Pee Dee Association 1,637.32

Piedmont Conference 1,049.81

Woman's Auxiliary (Christian Service Fund) 332.29

Individuals 2,710.89

Total Receipts "r~ 63,714.96

Refunds to Missions 144.44

Payment on Loan 825.00

Total to Account For 66,547.28

Disbursements

Missionaries $51,516.30

Director's Salary 800.00

Director and Board Members' Travel Expenses 1 ,444.33

Church Finance Association 2,969.16

Legal and Audit Expenses 125.00

Supplies and Printing 1,770.31

Secretary and Office Expenses 1 ,895.00

Utilities and Rent 2,157.78

Miscellanesous Expenses 32.92

Total Disbursements

Balance on Hand July 1 , 1976

62,71 0.80
$ 3,836.48

NOTE OF THANKS

The Rev, and Mrs. E. C. Morris would
like to take this means to offer thanks to
all churches, ministers, friends, and
relatives for the many prayers, cards,
and gifts during Mr. Morris' recent stay

in the hospital. They request your
continued prayers and thoughtfulness
that God's will may be done in their lives.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. and Mrs. E. C. Morris
Walstonburg
North Carolina 27888

SIXTY-FOURTH
ANNUAL SESSION
OF STATE CONVENTION

All Free Will Baptists are reminded
that the 1976 annual session of the North
Carolina State Convention will be held
September 15 and 16, in Mount Olive, at
the National Guard Armory. Registration
will begin at 9 a. m. each morning.
Churches may represent with one
delegate for each one hundred members
or fraction thereof; however, all in-
terested in the work of the denomination
are invited to attend. Lunch will be
catered on the grounds each day.

Each church clerk has been mailed the
annual church letter to be filled out and
mailed to the convention's secretary,
Gary Fenton Barefoot, 302 North Church
Street, Mount Olive, North Carolina
28365, prior to the convention meeting.
If by chance your church failed to receive
a copy or has misplaced it, you may
obtain another by contacting Mr.
Barefoot at the address given above.

THE RIGHT ROAD

by

Mrs. Luther Tugwell
It is written in God's Holy Word,

That as we travel life's busy road
We have our choice— right or wrong —

The path we choose to bear the load.

So walk closely, my friend

And be careful the road you take;
God will always be near,

If Him, you will not forsake.

Time is swiftly passing by,
So don't delay. Win or lose,

It is all up to you to decide
The road you will choose.

Churches and Ministers
Available

The Rev. J. Elmer Thompson an-
nounces that he is available for full-time
or half-time pastoral services. He is a
member, in good standing, of the Cape
Fear Conference. Any church within 50
miles of his home that is interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 2, Box 384-K, Smithfield, North
Carolina 27577; or by calling 965-6274.

14

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

TRUCKLOAD SALE

September 15— October 15
(While Supply Lasts)

Get Your Chairs and Tables Now!

No. 701 Full-Size Tubular Steel Folding
Chair with contoured seat for
comfort and good looks. Pivotal
points are reinforced to maintain
rigidity; legs and crossmembers are
heavy-gauge steel. Back and seat
have smooth, rolled snag-free
edges. Highest quality finish is
electrostatically bonded to the chair
and then heat-treated to assure
lifetime beauty.
Color: Beige

Special Price (at Ayden or one of the
other bookstores):
12-48: $6.50 Each
52-100: $6.25 Each
104+: $5.75 Each

Folding Tables (30 x 72) with
staingard tops, beige enamel trim.
Finished hardboard that is ex-
tremely dense; this fine-grained
tempered hardboard resists stains.
Color: Tan (Only)

Special Price (at Ayden or one of the
other bookstores):
2-4: $37.95 Each
6+: $35.95 Each

GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

:

ANNOUNCING

A

New Publication

by

C. F. BOWEN

PRICE: $1 .95 each or $1 .50 in quanities of 10 or more

"MISSIONS IN THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH" IS A BOOK THAT EVERY FREE
WILL BAPTIST SHOULD READ. THIS IS A BOOK THAT CAN BE USED FOR STUDY

COURSES.

THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PUBLISHER - THE BOARD OF
FOREIGN MISSIONS, P. 0. BOX 979, GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
27530

OR

THE PRINTERS - THE FREE WILL BAPTIST PRESS FOUNDATION, INC.,
P. 0. BOX 158, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28513, OR ONE OF THE BIBLE
BOOKSTORES [AYDEN, NEW BERN, SMITHFIELD, OR WILSON].

Please send me:

Copies of MISSIONS IN THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

S .

Tax .

*30 cents for the first dollar and

10 cents for each additonal dollar. * Shipping and handling «

Total

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE VIRGIN BIRTH MAKES NO DIFFERENCE? WHY,
THEN, BELIEVE ANYTHING THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY?
ISAIAH PROPHESIED THAT "A VIRGIN SHALL
CONCEIVE." DARE ANYONE SUGGEST THAT MARY,
THE MOTHER OF OUR LORD, WAS NOT A VIRGIN
WHEN SHE CONCEIVED CHRIST?

THE VIRGIN BIRTH MAKES NO DIFFERENCE!

That is exactly what some ministers are saying: "The doctrine of the
Virgin Birth of Christ makes no difference insofar as His being our Saviour is
concerned." Oh no? Well, the doctrine of the Virgin Birth makes some dif-
ference to me— a whole lot of difference! If Christ were illegitimate, then the
whole gospel He preached was and is illegitimate. And if Mary were not a
virgin when she conceived our Lord, then He was indeed baseborn.

Admittedly, I do not have the answer to the question, "How was Christ
conceived and born without the benefit of a male parent?" We must be careful
not to try to reduce every thing of Scripture to human reasoning. Not many
persons would say that it is impossible for one to be saved by faith, but many
ministers (and lay professors) claim that it is impossible for Mary to have
been impregnated by supernatural means. If, however, this miracle must be
discounted, how does one then explain the feeding of the five thousand (a
conservative number, as the women and children were not included in this
estimate)— how does one explain the feeding of the five thousand with a few
loaves and fishes, or Christ's turning of the water to wine, or His calming the
tempest, or His walking on the sea, or His raising of the widow's son, or His
calling forth Lazarus from the tomb, or He himself rising from the grave? The
list of miracles performed by the Man, God, is almost endless; and though
learned men might try to explain His miracles by the way of human reasoning
and physical phenomena, and though learned men are able to explain some
biblical mysteries to the satisfaction of those who have "itching ears," the
miracle of the Virgin Birth still baffles men of wisdom to the point that they
have entered upon the idea that Mary was made with child by a Roman soldier
and that God saw fit to use this child as His instrument for the salvation of the
world. God's using a bastard for the salvation of the world and calling him His
Son? Never! Such is not consistent with God's Word, to say the least. And,
moreover, the whole idea seems ridiculous.

A little education is dangerous, we've been told; and we'd venture to
believe that a lot of education is even more dangerous— if such advanced
learning causes one to explain "away" the birth of Christ in any manner except
as is set forth in the Scriptures. The angel said to Joseph, as recorded in
Matthew 1 : 20, " . . . that which is conceived in her ( Mary ) is of the Holy Ghost. ' '
Further, we are taught in the twenty-third verse of the same chapter (which
alludes to Isaiah 7:14), "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring
forth a son, ..." Virgin, here, we contend, means a woman (young or old) who
has never had a physical, sexual relationship with a man. We do not subscribe
to the belief that virgin in the Scriptures means merely young girl! Mary
herself asked how this (her being with child) could be, inasmuch as she knew
"not a man." (See Luke 1:34.)

Surely we do not go so far as do the Roman Catholics who insist that Mary
remained a virgin all of her life. The Scriptures say that Joseph knew her not
till she had brought forth her firstborn son (see Matthew 1:25). "Knew," in
most contexts concerning man- woman relationships, refers to sexual unions;
and the assumption is that Joseph and Mary did have children of their own via
physical relationships, who were, of course, half-sisters and half-brothers of
our Lord. How, indeed, could Christ have been the only begotten Son of God
unless God, through His Holy Spirit, did cause Mary to conceive?

Of course there is the argument that the Scriptures were translated in-
correctly. If this supposition be true, why do we bother to believe anything in
the Bible? We might as well forget about Christianity altogether if its scrip-
tural teachings are invalid! As far as I am concerned, the Virgin Birth makes
all the difference in the world ! In this one and the one to follow. How say ye?

SEPTEMBER 15, 1976
Volume 91 Numbers

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wil
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must'
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance: one
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four years
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discounl
given when local churches send the "Baptist" tc|
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists'
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute."
these. A 50 percent discount is offered undei
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec^
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The!
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacr
article is given the person whose name appear;
under the title or to the person submitting saic
article.

Items for publication should be addressed tc
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— I
p. m , Monday— Friday ; 9 a. m — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithtield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9:3(
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Rober
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor ol Literature; Raymond T. Sasser;
Comptroller.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

SPECIAL

1/

ELEBRATION

f\T

BRITISH

HAPEL

'UNDAY, July 11, was a
very special day for the con-
gregation of British Chapel Free WiH
Baptist Church, Route 6, Kinston. Not
Inly was it the day they had chosen to
observe the nation's bicentennial, but
jilso it marked for British Chapel the
beginning of full-time services at the
Church.

The Rev. and Mrs. Carlton Lucas

The day began with Sunday school at
9:45 a. m. The beauty of the sanctuary

was enhanced by two lovely bouquets of
flowers: one arrangement of red, white,

Children gather in front of the picnic tables prior to
the beginning of the colonial games.

and blue flowers (given by Mr. and Mrs.
R. B. Shepard), and another ar-
rangement of wild flowers gathered
irom the countryside around the church.
A good bit of time was consumed in
admiring the many costumes which were
worn, representing elegant colonial

dames, sturdy pioneer women, rugged
farmers in overalls, and men and boys in
ruffled shirts and knee breeches. Straw
hats, tricornered hats, sunbonnets, and
ruffled "mobcaps" bobbed above the
pews.

During the worship service at eleven
o'clock, Betsy Stallings, Kim Abbott, and
Alex Daughety were recognized for
graduating from high school during the
bicentennial year, and were presented
with Bibles. Special music for the service
was provided by the pastor and his wife,
Carlton and Karen Lucas. They per-
formed two selections from the hymnal
The Sacred Repository— Part II, which
was published in 1813. The guitar was
used as accompaniment. Mr. Lucas'
sermon for the day concerned new
beginnings, both for the country and for
the church.

The congregation gathers in front of the church.
(Mrs. Lucas is holding Theodore Bryan Taylor, the
youngest person to attend the services that day.)

Following a delicious and plentiful
lunch on the grounds, a short song
service was held, using Early American
and patriotic hymns from the Free Will
Baptist Hymnal. Mrs. Bertha Daughety,
Mrs. Ruth Hill, and Mrs. Fanny Freeman
then served as judges for the beard
contest. The winners were as follows:
longest beard, Tom Jones; shortest
beard, Tommy Daughety; best-groomed
beard, Carlton Lucas; and ugliest beard,
Harold Kilpatrick.

The afternoon was spent playing
colonial games; such as, sack races,
three-legged races, horseshoes, and
bobbing for apples.

The day proved to be a memorable one
for those who attended and a fitting
beginning for the new responsibilities of
full-time work that the church has
undertaken.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

/

THE CHURCH-LEADERSHIP

(Part II)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

Apostle

^7 HE word apostle means one who
is sent. Paul is probably the
classic example of an apostle. The
primary qualification of an apostle seems
to be that he was called (see Romans
1:1, 5; Ephesians 1:1). Some have said
that only those men who saw the
resurrected Lord were apostles and that
the office did not exist after New
Testament times. Perhaps this is so in a
strict sense, but it seems to me that it is
best to view the apostle as a missionary.
Our word missionary comes from the
word for apostle, and missionary activity
is what Paul was engaged in.

Prophet

The Old Testament prophet was
primarily one who spoke the word of the
Lord rather than one who predicted the
future. Although various opinions are
held I see no reason to view the New
Testament prophet any other way.

Evangelist

The evangelist was probably one who
traveled around proclaiming the good
news of Jesus Christ. Billy Graham is
thought by many to be a good example of
an evangelist.

The three offices so far— apostle,
prophet, and evangelist— seemed to be
extralocal people. In other words, they
did not remain in one place but rather
traveled over the country doing their
work: the apostle or missionary
establishing churches, the prophet
proclaiming the word of the Lord, and the
evangelist calling people to repentance
and faith in Christ.

The remainder of the offices were
probably local in character. These
persons surfaced from inside the local

fellowship and ministered locally rather
than traveling over the country.

Elder

The word elder really means a grown
man, and in the Christian sense would
refer to a mature Christian. In the Old
Testament each community had a group
of elders who governed the community
and made all the major decisions. This
carried over to the church age, and
elders were appointed in each
congregation by the apostles (see Acts
14:23; Titus 1:5). There were always
more than one elder at each church.
Never in the New Testament do we find
the idea that one man led the church.

The elders at Ephesus were called
overseers and were told by Paul to feed
the church. It seems that there were
various kinds of elders because 1
Timothy 5:17 says "Let the elders that
rule well be counted worthy of double
honour, especially they who labour in the
word and doctrine." So perhaps there
were elders whose special gift was
teaching or preaching and others who
were good at counseling and maybe
another whose gift was ruling or making
major decisions. It is implied that elders
who did a lot of work for the church were
supported financially by the group (see 1
Timothy 5:17, 18).

There is some question as to whether
the words elder and bishop, which
mean overseer, refer to the same
person or to different offices. From my
study I did not find a great distinction
between them. Passages like Acts
20:17, 28 and Titus 1 :5, 7 seem to use
the two terms interchangeably. Perhaps
bishop was used for the elder in the
church who was looked to as the top
leader, if we can use such terms. Or
perhaps there was one or more elders in
each little house church and bishop
refers to the elder who was the overseer
for all the small groups in the city.

In any case for the qualifications ol
bishops or elders see 1 Timothy 3:1-7
and Titus 1:5-9.

Deacons

Deacon means minister or servant
The description of the choosing of thi
first deacons is often thought to be fount
in Acts 6:1-7. It should be noted thatthi
Scripture does not specifically designate
these men as deacons. Yet it does seen
that while elders were responsible foi,
much of the spiritual authority and need: !
of the congregation, the deacons acted ill
regard to the physical and more practica
needs of everyday life. They were
probably the ones to see that the poor
widowed, and needy were cared for.

Pastor-Teacher

A final person is the pastor-teacher.
We hyphenate this because the two!
functions of teaching the Word of God;
and pastoring or shepherding the flock i
are closely related in the New Testament.!
We will deal in a little more depth with' I
this office at the end of this article.

This is certainly an all too brief survey I
of the offices mentioned in the New
Testament, but it does give us an idea of i
early church leadership. Let me share1
with you my personal struggle as I read
through the New Testament and
discovered these different offices or!
gifts.

I went through a period when I felt that,
perhaps churches should rename their
leaders in line with the biblical pattern.
Then I realized that I was thinking in
terms of law not grace— flesh not spirit.
It is not the name that is important but
rather the way these leaders are func-
tioning in our churches. Call a man by
what you will— pastor, bishop, on
president— it is not the name but rather
the function that really matters.

Is the man God has called and
equipped to teach His Word and
shepherd the flock doing that? Is the
spiritual authority in the church exer-
cising that authority on the basis ofj
God's Word and the Holy Spirit in a
serving, humble way? Are there people
in the congregation that God has raised^
up to make sure the poor, widowed, and
needy of the church and community are
cared for? These are the questions most
important.

Also, God uses more than a single
person to lead the church. Leadership

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

and spiritual authority are always vested
n more than just the pastor. God has
placed in the church various persons
with different talents and gifts who when
hey are working in unity of the Spirit are
sufficient to provide adequate leader-
ship.

It is clear that the pastor or preacher
s the central spiritual figure in most
churches today. In light of scriptural
principles we can say that the pastor
'should not seek to lead the church all by
himself. Rather he should concentrate on
lis own gifts and try to exercise them
{veil.

! Probably most ministers today have
jhe gift of teaching or preaching. If so
Ihey should be men of the Word and seek
;jo feed their people. I believe in the
lower of the preached Word, but I also
Relieve it should be preached and applied
h a life context. My conception of what
constitutes preaching has changed
because I used to think preaching meant
iollering. Now I see it is much more. It is
jommunicating the Word of God to
leople and helping them apply it to their
ves that they might grow to maturity in
prist.

j All the preaching some people hear is
Jn 11 o'clock sermon on the plan of
jalvation. The plan of salvation is milk,
lot meat, and we cannot grow to

EASTERN DISTRICT WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Eastern District Woman's
auxiliary Convention will convene at
!;amp Vandemere, Thursday, September
!3. The convention theme will be
'Seeking a Greater Knowledge Through
iis Word." The Scripture is taken from
'roverbs 2:6, ". . . the LORD giveth
Visdom: out of his mouth cometh
;nowledge and understanding." Mrs.
)arol Prescott, assistant secretary, will
erve as music director for the con-
ention, with Mrs. Fred Register, state

maturity on milk. The pastor, when he is
with his people, must function not as an
evangelist, but as a pastor-teacher,
feeding his people on the deep things of
God from His Word.

Again we will say that today's pastor
must concentrate on exercising his
particular gifts. The fact that the heart
attack rate for preachers is well above
the national average bears witness to the
fact that many ministers may be trying to
do too much. They cannot do the whole
ministry of the church themselves and
God never planned it that way. They
should discover their particular gifts and
then concentrate on what God has called
and prepared them to do. This will give
the other leaders of the church an op-
portunity to accept and fulfill their
responsibilities.

The goal of pastors or shepherds must
always be to produce maturity in the
flock. Many pastors are bombarded with
literature and advice on how to organize,
promote, advertise, preach, and handle
people so they can be a success in the
ministry which usually means getting
more people in the church. But if the
church leadership will seek to produce
spiritual maturity in the church, the body
itself will come alive and reproduce itself
not only in numbers but in maturity.
(Continued Next Issue)

study course chairman, at the piano. The
scheduled program is as follows:

Morning Session

9:30— Registration

10:00— Hymn, "Standing on the
Promises"
—Welcome, the Rev. Ralph
Sumner

— Devotion, Mrs. Cynthia Smith

— Program, Prayer Chairman

— Prayer

10:30— President's Remarks, Mrs. John
W. Taylor

— Business Session

— Camp Vandemere Report, Mrs.
Rom Mallard, District Treasurer

11:10— Hymn, "Wonderful Words of
Life"

— Offering

11 :20— Special Music, the Rev. Buddy
Sasser

11 :30— Speaker of the House, the Rev.
Buddy Sasser, Pastor of Deep
Run Church
12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session
1:00— Hymn, "Open My Eyes That I
May See"

— Prayer

1 :10— Memorial Service, Mrs. Rena
Kirk, Vice-President

1 : 20— Presentation of Pin Award, Mrs.
Wilbur Sumner

1:25— Reports:

Mount Olive College, Mrs.
Judith Kennedy, Christian
Education Chairman
Cragmont, Mrs. Dorothy
Kennedy, Youth Chairman
Children's Home, Mrs. Jennie
Banks, Benevolence Chairman
Superannuation, Mrs. Nora
Winstead, Field Secretary
Free Will Baptist Press, Mrs.
Peggy Bryan, Study Course
Chairman

Missions, Mrs. Adaline Gray,
Missions Chairman

— Miscellaneous Business

— Benediction and Adjournment

OBITUARY
MRS. RUTH LUPTON

Mrs. Ruth Lupton, of Cedar Island,
died Wednesday, August 25, at the
Craven County Hospital in New Bern.
Mrs. Lupton was 80 years old and a life
long resident of Cedar Island. She was a
member of the Pilgrim's Rest Free Will
Baptist Church.

Funeral services were conducted on
Friday, August 27, at 3 p. m., by her
son, the Rev. James G. Lupton, a
Methodist minister of the Salem United
Methodist Church of Simpson. He was
assisted by her pastor, the Rev. Clifton
Styron of Davis. Burial was in the Cedar
Island Community Cemetery.

Surviving are her son, the Rev. Mr.
Lupton; a daughter, Mrs. Braxton
Lupton, Vandemere; two sisters, Mrs.
Lula Goodwin, Beaufort, and Mrs. Ruby
Goodwin, Cedar Island; five grand-
children; and six great-grandchildren.

Auxiliaries 4 r

in Action

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

/

Q Answering Your
CJESTIOPfS byJ. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: By what means would you
suggest a Christian strengthen his belief
in the validity of the Scriptures?

Answer: A constant use of the
Scriptures by reading, memorizing,
studying, comparing one with another,
and making a continuous application of
their teachings to the daily problems and
needs one has. James writes: "If any of
you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally, and up-
braideth not; and it shall be given him"
(James 1:5).

There, is to be found life-giving and
transforming power in God's Holy Word.
"For the word of God is quick, and
powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and
of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart" (Hebrews 4:12); "... I am
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).

It is through this quickening force of
the Word of God that we each who are
saved have been regenerated. "Of his
own will begat he us with the word of
truth, that we should be a kind of first-
fruits of his creatures" (James 1:18);
". . .the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the
truth in unrighteousness" (Romans
1:18); "He that believeth on the Son
hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him"
(John 3:36).

This belief or faith comes through no
other tangible means than the Word of
God itself. "That if thou shalt confess
with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved. For with the heart man believeth
unto righteousness; and with the mouth

6

confession is made unto salvation. For
the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth
on him shall not be ashamed. ... So
then faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God" (Romans
10:9-11, 17).

David hid God's Word in his heart by
memorizing it so that he would have it in
store against his and God's enemies
when they came against him like a flood.
He meditated upon it constantly that it
might be ever available to withstand the
evils Christians of necessity meet day by
day. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee. . . .
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path" (Psalm 119:11,
105); "But his delight is in the law of the
LORD; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night" (Psalm 1:2); "Blessed
art thou, 0 LORD: teach me thy statutes.
With my lips have I declared all the
judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced
in the way of thy testimonies, as much as
in all riches. I will meditate in thy
precepts, and have respect unto thy
ways. I will delight myself in thy
statutes: I will not forget thy word"
(Psalm 119:12-16).

God's Word says the same to all
Christians (both Jew and Gentile) the
same concerning the Scriptures, His
Word: "But to Israel he saith, All day
long I have stretched forth my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying
people" (Romans 10:21). Then He says
to the Laodicean church members and of
course to all church members: "Behold,
I stand at the door, and knock: if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I
will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with me. To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in
my throne, even as I also overcame, and
am set down with my Father in his
throne" (Revelation 3:20, 21).

We are overcome by the blood of the
Lamb, and the Bible is our only source of
gaining intelligence on this subject. If
one claiming to be a Christian does not
have an urge to read, study, and be
better acquainted with the Word of God,

he may be mistaken about his own
personal salvation and needs to establish
this fact before he progresses any
further. A constant and wide use of, as
well as a heartfelt devotion to God's
Word, is necessary to the living of the
kind of devoted Christian life the Bible
calls for. Paul writes, ". . .they that are
Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24);
"Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,
that we might be justified by faith"
(Galatians 3:24).

The born-again Christian, we are told,
"... are members of his body, of his
flesh, and of his bones" (Ephesiansi
5:30). Then, of course, there are things :
to be refrained from: "... this ye know, 1
that no whoremonger, nor unclean
person, nor covetous man, who is an
idolater, hath any inheritance in the!;
kingdom of Christ and of God. . . . And
have no fellowship with the unfruitful'
works of darkness, but rather reprove ]
them. . . . And be not drunk with wine,
wherein is excess; but be filled with the*
Spirit" (Ephesians 5:5, 11 , 18).

To be fully equipped we are to ' ' Put on
the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. . . . Above all, taking the shield of
faith, wherewith ye shall be able to!
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. t
And take the helmet of salvation, and |
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God" (Ephesians 6:11, 16, 17).

Again, there is no other way oft;
becoming thus equipped so as to perform!
in the battle of the Christian than to da
our duty in acquiring a sufficient skill in,
the knowledge and effective use of the:
Word of God, the same as an apt soldien
is in the use of his efficient weapons ofi
battle. It's one certain fact that we are;
going to be lacking in battle againsti
Satan and his hosts if we lack any i n f
being fully equipped and skillful in the
use of God's Word. Turn to Matthew 4
and Luke 4 and you will be impressed in
our Lord's skillful use of God's Word in
putting Satan behind Him and shutting
his mouth once and for all in that cardinal
time of testing that our Lord triumphed
on your behalf and mine.

Mr. George H. Sandison answers a
similar question on Page 7 in his book,
1000 Difficult Bible Questions Answered,

as follows:

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

"The first step is to stop all anxious
worry about this matter. God is going to
take care of you. Christ is a very kind
physician, and his first treatment for one
who is all worn out and weary with
fruitless mental effort is rest. 'Come unto
'me, and I will give you rest,' he is
urging. He would say to you, as he said
once to his disciples: 'Come ye your-
selves into a desert place, and rest a
while.' The mental effort you have been
making is in the wrong direction. One
does not find the Christian life as one
masters the multiplication table, by
mental effort and application. It is as if
(you were longing to hear a beautiful
piece of music; and instead of going to
hear the music when you were near the
place in which it was being rendered,
you should spend your time and strength
studying the scientific meaning and
methods of melody, harmony, etc. To
delve into these studies does not make
you hear music. You must go where the
music is being made and listen to it.
While you are listening you will not be
puzzling your own brain, or trying to
understand anything. It is in some such
way that the soul finds and touches
Christ— by ceasing to struggle, by
ceasing to figure things out, by yielding
the soul to him in complete aban-
donment. You will be greatly helped by
going among the most intensely spiritual
people you know. You may shrink from
jhis. You may find their ways and
heir sayings distasteful, because
i/our heart has not yet been put
n tune. But go to their meetings; give
/ourself up to the atmosphere of them;
De reasonable enough to admit that God
would like to do for you what he has done
;or them, to bless you as he has blessed
:hem, We can get help reading our Bibles
alone, but we get added help in un-
derstanding the Bible and in getting
acquainted with Christ by associating
with spiritually minded people. Above all,
begin and begin now, to trust Christ
himself. Test him. Accept the fact of his
divinity and his power to forgive and
cleanse you and become your friend as a
mathematician or logician accepts a
'hypothesis.' Take for granted it is true,
jand as you take it for granted you will
begin to find the evidence in your own
heart and mind that it is true indeed.
Then begin at once to help others. Forget
yourself in helping them, and the light of
prist will keep growing brighter and
brighter in your life."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Scriptural basis: "Therefore we ought
to give the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard, lest at any
time we should let them slip" (Hebrews
2:1).

THE DANGER OF PUTTING
YOUR LORD ON A LEASH

In our cities the law requires the
owners of dogs to keep them confined in
definite quarters. If the dog is not
confined he must be on a leash. Many
dog owners break the law when their
dogs are allowed to run free. Many
owners lose their dogs to the city pound
when the dogcatcher picks them up. The
owner then has to go to the city pound
and pay a fee to gain the custody of his
dog again. Many times the owners do not
claim their dogs and the animal-control
center is obliged to dispose of them in a
lawful manner.

In previous articles I have dealt with
the "leash" idea and applied it to the
danger of putting a leash on your church,
Bible, religion, and now your Lord. Weak
and unconcerned Christians use the Lord
for selfish purposes, and when they feel
that the Lord will not agree with them in
what they want to do, they feel free to put
Him on a leash. You put the Lord on a
leash when you decide that you do not
need the mid-week study period with
other Christians at church, but you have
some other place you want to go or some
other things you want to do. There is also
the evil of putting the Lord on a leash
when He needs you to attend choir
practice. Oftentimes this is done because
of something you want to do. I have
known people to use this precious time to
do canning or freezing veqetables and
fruits. The Lord knows about things you
do and He is aware that you love

yourself, your family, and your physical
well-being better than you love Him. We
should "... seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you"
(Matthew 6:33). This means that we are
obliged first to keep all our respon-
sibilities to God through the services of
the church; then do the things we need
to do for ourselves.

When you put your Lord on a leash it
means that you have allowed your love
for earthly advantages to come first and
you are leaving the Lord out. You need to
remember that as long as this condition
exists, the Lord cannot help you. He is
not privileged to prepare a mansion for
you in Heaven because you have cut off
the materials He will use in preparing the
mansion. It is a dangerous thing to put
the Lord on a leash.

Another way to look at it is this:
salvation is something like a part-
nership—one cannot do without the
other. You cannot save yourself without
Christ and His grace. Christ cannot save
you unless you give Him the opportunity.
He has put everything He has in the
business of saving your soul; therefore,
He expects you to put as much, and that
means all that you have. All your earthly
possessions, all your loved ones, all your
days, and all your hours belong in this
partnership.

Our Lord deals with us honestly and
He does not lay burdens upon us or deal
with us too harshly. He knows what is
best for us and He loves us enough to do
whatever is right and just and holy. Why
don't you take Jesus off the leash? Quit
sinning against Him by turning all your
days and hours over to Him in faith,
believing that He knows best. I know
that God knows everything and He
knows how much we need Him. God is
everything to me and I love Him with all
my heart.

The whole world is in need of
dedicated Christians who can say
"no" to evil ways and things. You really
can quit smoking. You really can quit
cursing, drinking, or indulging in any
sinful habit of conduct. Take the Lord off
the leash and be a free man in Christ to
do only His bidding, and God's glory will
shine in your soul and in your life. All
people with whom you come in contact
should be able to say that you are a
Christian and they have confidence in
your religion.

7

JNOTES

Stancil's Chapel Church
Observes Annual Homecoming

The annual homecoming services of
Stancil's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Kenly, will be observed
Sunday, September 19. The day's
services will begin with Sunday school at
10 a. m., followed with the worship
service at eleven o'clock. The pastor, the
Rev. J. B. Godwin, will bring the
homecoming message. Lunch will be
served on the church grounds at the
noon hour.

An afternoon of singing will begin at
1:30, featuring local and visiting
singers. Everyone is invited to worship
with the church on this occasion and
enjoy the worship and Christian
fellowship.

Sneads Ferry Church
Revival Announced

Revival services will be held at the
Sneads Ferry Free Will Baptist Church
the week of September 20-24, beginning
each evening at 7:45. The visiting
evangelist will be the Rev. James B.
Hardee, pastor of the Oak Grove Free Will
Baptist Church of Bladenboro. The
pastor, the Rev. 0. B. Taylor, will be
assisting in the services. He and the
church membership invite the public to
attend.

Otter's Creek Church to
Observe Annual Homecoming

Sunday, September 19, the Otter's
Creek Free Will Baptist Church, near
Macclesfield, will observe its annual
homecoming. Sunday school will be held
at 9:45 a. m., followed with the morning
worship service at eleven. The pastor,
the Rev. Ralph Aycock, will bring the
homecoming message. Lunch will be
served in the fellowship building at the
noon hour.

An afternoon service of gospel music
has been planned featuring "The Young
Christians" as special guests. The entire
church membership and pastor extend a

cordial invitation to all former pastors,
members, and friends to attend and
enjoy this special day with them.

Lloyd Hargis, Evangelist
For Calvary Revival

The Rev. Lloyd Hargis of Clayton will
be the guest evangelist for revival
services at the Calvary Free Will Baptist
Church, Wilson, beginning Monday
evening, September 20, and continuing
through Friday evening, September 24.
Services will begin each evening at 7:30
with the pastor, the Rev. Dewey C.
Boling, assisting Mr. Hargis. The pastor
and the church membership extend to
each of you a warm welcome and in-
vitation to attend these services.

Revival in Progress
Followed with Homecoming

Revival services are in progress this
week at the Corinth Free Will Baptist
Church near Jamesville with the Rev.
Francis Garner as the guest minister,
assisted by the pastor, the Rev. Charlie
Rice Jr. The services will close with the
Saturday evening services. Good gospel
preaching and special music are being
featured each service. This is the fifth
consecutive revival that Mr. Garner has
held at the Corinth church. The public is
cordially invited to attend the remainder
of the services.

On Sunday, September 19, the
Corinth church will observe its annual
homecoming with dinner served on the
church grounds. All former pastors,
members, and friends are invited to
worship with the congregation on this
occasion.

Homecoming and Revival at
Smith's New Home Church

The Smith's New Home Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 1, Deep Run, will
observe its annual homecoming on
Sunday, September 26. The day's

services will begin with Sunday school at
10 a. m., followed with the eleven
o'clock worship service. The pastor, the
Rev. Bobby Harrell, will bring the j
homecoming message. Lunch will be ;
served in the fellowship hall at the noon
hour. An afternoon of singing has beeni
planned. Everyone is invited to worship
with the church on this occasion and
enjoy the Christian fellowship.

Revival services will begin Monday
evening, September 26, at the Smith's
New Home church, with the Rev. Floyd,
B. Cherry of Pine Level as the visiting
evangelist. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30, continuing through
Friday evening, October 1. The pastor
will be assisting Mr. Cherry. The public
is invited to attend and your prayers are
requested for the success of all these,
services.

Pilgrim's Home Homecoming
And Fall Revival

The Pilgrim's Home Free Will Baptist
Church near Trenton will observe its
homecoming on Sunday, September 19,
with a picnic lunch served on the church
grounds.

Fall revival services will be held at;
Pilgrim's Home the week of September;
20-25, with the Rev. Delmas Brown as
the guest minister. Services will begin
nightly at 7:45 with the pastor, the Rev.
Willie Stilley, assisting. Special music
will be rendered at each service. The
public is cordially invited to attend both
the homecoming and the revival ser-
vices.

Otway Church Announces
Fall Revival

The Otway Free Will Baptist Church, j
located 12 miles east of Beaufort on;
Highway 70, announces revival services
for the week of September 26— October
2. Services will be beginning each
evening at 7:30 with the Rev. David
Charles Hansley as the visiting speaker.
Special music will be rendered each
evening by visiting and local singers.
Everyone is invited to attend all these
services you possibly can.

Winterville Sunday School Class
Sponsoring a Harvest Sale

The Christian Fellowship Sunday

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

I School Class of the Winterville Free Will
1 Baptist Church is sponsoring a Harvest
Sale on Saturday, October 2, at the
Winterville Fire Station. The day's
activities will begin at 10 a. m. with a $3
: car wash, bake sale, craft sale, and
ii children's games. At 5 p. m. there will
1 be gospel singing featuring "The
i Crusaders," a talented young trio from
I the Winterville church. The final event
li will be the auction sale, beginning at
7:30. There will be a snack bar, flea
market, and various other events all day
long. All proceeds will go to the church
i building fund. The public is cordially
! invited to attend.

| Homecoming and Revival at
; Hickory Grove Church

Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist
I Church located on Highway 30, four
i miles east of Bethel, will observe its
annual homecoming on Sunday, Sep-
tember 19. The pastor, the Rev. Hubert
i Burress, will deliver the homecoming
,' message at the eleven o'clock worship
: hour. This will be followed by a brief
memorial service on behalf of all
deceased members since the last
i homecoming. Lunch will be served on
the church grounds at twelve o'clock
| noon.

Monday evening, September 20, the
fall revival will begin at Hickory Grove,
continuing through Saturday evening,
September 25. The guest evangelist for
these services will be the Rev. Gary
Bailey who is currently pastoring the Elm
Grove Free Will Baptist Church near
Ayden. Services will begin each evening

at 7:45 with special singing rendered as
a part of each service. The pastor will be
assisting in the services. He and the
congregation welcome your presence to
both the homecoming and revival ser-
vices.

Homecoming and Revival
At Gum Swamp Church

On September 26, the Gum Swamp
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 6,
Greenville (Belvoir Community), will
celebrate its annual homecoming day.
The day will begin at 10 a. m. with
Sunday school, followed with the
morning worship service at eleven
o'clock. During the morning service
there will be special singing and a note-
burning ceremony for the new fellowship
building. The pastor, the Rev. J. Stewart
Humphrey, will bring the morning
message. Lunch will be served on the
church grounds at the noon hour.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic
lunch and share with the congregation.
Soft drinks and barbecue will also be
available.

After lunch "The Gospel Chargers"
of Winterville will provide special
music. The church urges all former
members, neighbors, and friends to join
them on this homecoming day for a
wonderful time of fellowship and praise
together.

Fall revival services will begin at Gum
Swamp on Monday night, September 27,
and continue through Friday night,
October 1. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30 with the Rev. Norman

Ard, pastor of the Christian Chapel Free
Will Baptist Church near Pink Hill, as the
visiting minister. Mr. Humphrey will be
assisting in the services which will
feature special music each evening. A
cordial invitation is extended to everyone
in the community to worship with the
church during this series of services.

Homecoming and Singspiration
At First Church, Tarboro

The annual homecoming service of the
Tarboro First Free Will Baptist Church will
be held Sunday, September 26. The
church will observe this day also as
"Old-Fashioned Day." The day's
services will begin with Sunday school at
9:45 a. m., followed with the worship
service at eleven. The pastor, the Rev. 0.
B. Jones, will bring the homecoming
message. Lunch will be served in the
church fellowship building at the noon
hour.

An afternoon singspiration will begin
at 1:30 featuring special music by
visiting and local groups. The church
and its pastor extend to each of you a
warm invitation to attend these services.

NOTE OF THANKS

I would like to take this opportunity to
thank the many churches and auxiliaries
for the gifts and cards I received on my
birthday. Thank you so much! May God
bless you and may you continue to do His
will.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Bessie Mitchell
Box 65

Pikeville, N. C. 27863

ATTENTION, CHURCH CLERKS!

Sometime ago you were mailed a form,
"Information for 1977 Yearbook," and
were requested to fill out the form and
return to the Press for use in the 1977
yearbook. Later on the form was printed
in "The Free Will Baptist," and again
you were requested to use this form if by
chance you did not receive the other or
had misplaced it. As of today (September
8) we still have not received quite an
amount of these forms. Please give this
your earliest attention!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

/

Mount [iiiiI+B]

Olive College

MOUNT OLIVE SINGERS

Mount Olive Singers perform for the
first time this year at the North Carolina
State Convention of Original Free Will
Baptists meeting Wednesday, September
15, in Mount Olive. This year's singers
include: First row (left to right): Sharon
Pelt and Kim McKinney (Grace church),

ADDITIONAL STUDY

Improvement of reading and writing
skills is the purpose of the new corn-

Sherry Jo Jones (Hopewell church), Jan
Glenn (First, Goldsboro church), and
Cindy Maxwell. Second row: Bob
Schoonover and Doug Seymour (Living
Waters church), Colby Benton and
Donald Coates (First, Smithfield church),
and Gary Wilson.

munications skills laboratory headed by
Mrs. Martha Murray (right). This new
dimension is an addition to the existing
communications skills area of the English
department at Mount Olive College. Mrs.
Murray is shown explaining the systems
to Pam Prescott, a sophomore from Rock
of Zion Free Will Baptist Church. She is
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew
Prescott of Grantsboro. The lab is
designed to give each student in-
dividualized instruction for his needed
area of concentration.

GIFTS TO
MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to the Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, during the month of August,
1976, totaled $439, and were as follows:

In Memory Of

Mrs. Betty S. Bedford by Mr. and
Mrs. Johnnie G. Howell and the Sunday
School of Pleasant Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Pikeville.

Mr. Perry. Blizzard by Mr. and Mrs.
Alex Barwick and family, Miss Verdie
Davenport, and Mr. and Mrs. Haywood
Smith, Deep Run.

Mrs. Lois Boyette by Gary F. Barefoot
and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin, Mount
Olive; Mr. and Mrs. Winfred E. Mobley,
Beulaville; Mr. and Mrs. Wendell A.
Proctor, Mount Olive; and town of
Burgaw, Burgaw.

Ms. Connie Lynn Daniels by Mr. and
Mrs. Alex Barwick and Mr. and Mrs.
Simpson Harper and Shat, Deep Run.

Mr. Leoland Jackson Davis by Mr.
Eugene L. Gaskill, Fayetteville.

Mr. Willie Davis by Mr. and Mrs. Alex
Barwick and family, Deep Run.

Mr. Mossett Flowers by Gary Barefoot,
Mr. Bryce H. Ficken, Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson G. Floyd, Mrs. Carrie P.
Herring and Lyn, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Martin, Mount Olive College Alumni
Association, and Miss Pamela Rose
Wood, Mount Olive.

Mr. Leland Fulcher by Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Bessie Garner by Mrs. Sybil
Godley, Newport.

Miss Victoria Kennedy by Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Rhodes, Beulaville.

Mrs. Nannie Langley by Mr. and Mrs.
Edward L. Walston, Pinetops.

Mr. D. A. McGowan Sr. by Gary F.
Barefoot, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Dilda,
and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin, Mount
Olive; Mr. and Mrs Ray Warwick,
Newton Grove; and Mr. and Mrs. James
T. Worrell, Goldsboro.

Mr. Lawrence Miller by Mr. and Mrs.
Phil Weaver and family and Mr. and Mrs.
Owen Weaver and family, Mount Olive.

Mr. Kenneth Gray Owens by Mr. and
Mrs. James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mrs. Diana Oliver by Gary F. Barefoot
and Mr. Bryce H. Ficken, Mount Olive.

Mr. Dan Outlaw by Mr. Bryce Ficken,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Sadie B. Pope by Mr. and Mrs.
Vernon Lamm, Lucama.

Mrs. Emma Powell by Mr. and Mrs.
Kenneth Dilda and boys, Mount Olive.

Mr. Robert Rick by Mr. and Mrs.
Avery Sasser, Kenly.

Mr. Bruce Sauls by Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Walston, Pinetops.

(Continued on Page 15)

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Scripture Reading— 3 John 11
WHAT TO PREACH AGAINST

A Christian captain once invited a
^alvinist clergyman to preach on his
vessel. The preacher replied, "Oh, I
could not do that; for you see I am a
Calvinist and you are an Arminian,
and I might say something to hurt
your feelings." "Sir," was the reply,
fwhat we wish you to do is to
pome and preach against the
devil." — Sunday School Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
The ministry of the church today, to
a large extent, is geared toward
pleasing the congregation rather than
preaching God's Word. Thank God
that we still have a few ministers who
preach the gospel without any
limitations!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4:32

NOW I CAN LOOK UP
One day as I was visiting heart
patients in Hines V. A. Hospital, I
came to the bed of a man who, in
health, had been a Christ-rejecter. I
spoke to him of the Mender of broken
things, and prayed with him. Tear-
fully and penitently he said, "I'm glad
that God, in mercy, put me flat on my
back that I might look up and ask for
His mercy and forgiveness."

No one needs to wait until some
calamity befalls him to ask for God's
mercy and forgiveness.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we guilty of calling upon God
only when some tragedy occurs in our
lives? God forbid! We should be so
grateful for God's mercy rather than
our just dues.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Scripture Reading— Matthew 7:7

PUTTING GOD FIRST
An unbelieving student asked a
godly woman, "Would your God give
me a hundred dollars if I asked
Him?"

"I cannot say," replied the woman.
"I know that God gave millions of
dollars to George Muller, but George
Muller belonged to God and served
Him faithfully. Your greatest need is
not money but forgiveness. After you
become a child of God, you may then
ask the Heavenly Father to supply
your needs according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus, and He will do
it."— Adapted from Our Daily Bread

PRAYER THOUGHT
// we are children of God we do not
have to ask for money or other
financial needs, these He will readily
supply. Our first need is to accept
Christ as our Saviour, then these
things will be added unto us.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Scripture Reading— Psalm 31:5
WHAT A WASTE OF LIFE !

About one hundred fifty years ago,
a young man went as a missionary to
India. His family, friends, and church
tried to dissuade him, but to no avail.
After a short while on the field, he
succumbed to sickness and died.

"What a waste of life!" some said.
Not so, however, for his story was
read by Dr. John Scudder, a New
York physician, who decided to
become a medical missionary in
India. Dr. Scudder was the father of
the famous Scudder missionary
family. He had seven sons, two
daughters, and ten grandchildren who
have given many years of faithful
service as missionaries in India.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Has your life been wasted? Not
necessarily so. We have all heard the
saying, "I rather see a sermon than
hear one any day." Regardless of the
life we live, it might influence
someone else.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Scripture Reading— Matthew 28:19,

20

MAKE CHRISTIAN CIRCLE
LARGER
A boy listened attentively as his
Sunday school teacher drew two
circles on a chart to show the number
of Christians and the number of non-
Christians in the world. The circle of
non-Christians was much larger.

When the boy prayed that night, he
said, "Dear Jesus, when I grow up
and become a man, help me to make
the Christian circle larger and the
non-Christian circle smaller."

Shouldn't this be the earnest prayer
of every Christian?— Alice Marie
Knight

PRAYER THOUGHT
You do not have to wait until you
are an adult to show your Christian
influence. Let's begin right now to
help make the Christian circle larger
than the non-Christian.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 4:32

YOU CALLED ME BROTHER

When a famous writer entered a
cathedral, a beggar asked him for
alms. The writer searched his pockets
and then said apologetically, "I am
sorry, my brother, but I have nothing
to give you."

The beggar said, "I thank you."

"But I said I had nothing to give
you," the writer replied.

"Ah," said the beggar, "you gave
me something better than money.
You called me 'brother' !" —Adapted
from Sunshine Magazine

PRAYER THOUGHT
Sometimes just a word of kindness
and brotherly love may have more
influence upon one less fortunate
than we thanallthe riches in the world.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 23:
23, 24

GOD AT THE CENTER
Someone had explained simply the
law of gravity to a little girl. One night
her mother observed that she was
deep in thought. "What are you
thinking about?" she asked.

The little girl replied, "I was
thinking about gravity, and I've
decided that gravity is God at the
center of the world, protecting and
keeping His children right side up
when the world is upside
down ! ' ' — Alice Marie Knight

PRAYER THOUGHT
7s God in the center of your life? No
force on earth can protect us unless
God is in the center. He, and He alone,
is the Saviour of the world.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdman's Press.)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

/

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For September 26

SET FREE TO SERVE

Lesson Text: Galatians 5:13-15,

25-6:10
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:25

I. INTRODUCTION

What a delightful study we had last
Sunday! Its short title was "Set Free!"
and we learned that through faith in
Jesus Christ, and not by keeping the
elements of the Law, we were freed from
the bondage of sin, raised from a
spiritual death, and set free in Christ
Jesus. It made us feel that we have been
released from a terrible prison, and
indeed we have been.

But today we must learn that being set
free is not all there is to the marvelous
experience of grace, the adventure we
have with Jesus.,There is much more.

We are set free, yes, but set free to
serve. Our freedom must be expressed in
love for our fellowman and service to
God, our Heavenly Father. This service
flows from the fountainhead of love for
without genuine love for God and for men
we cannot serve with sincerity. Our
service will be stilted, unreal, lacking in
the warmth and tenderness which should
be there. But if we serve with love we will
do so even when love is not returned.
Christ loved and served even those who
hated Him. And while we may never
reach this kind of perfection, we are
called upon to strive for it. Someday we
may be amazed at what we can do when
love has its way.— The Advanced
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Though good works cannot
justify, they form a part of the Christian
ministry.

B. We must be careful what type of
seed we sow, for our harvest will be of
this kind.

C. Our liberty in Christ must find
direction through the Holy Spirit.

D. The day of reaping may be
distant, but it is sure.

12

E. Though we will frequently get
weary in the work, let us never get weary
of the work of well doing.

—The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Looking back over this lesson
and the three before it, we see that we
are saved by faith— but not by faith
alone. We are saved by God's grace and
power. We are saved by Jesus' sacrifice.
Even our own works, feeble and
inadequate as they are, have a part in our
salvation.

We see that Christ makes us free; but
we see that freedom in Christ does not
allow sin or idleness. It is still wrong to
do wrong, and it may be wrong to do
nothing (James 4:17). As our lesson title
puts it, we are "Set Free to Serve."
Serving does not make us any less free,
because we are not compelled to serve.
We want to serve because we love God
and our fellowmen.

We need a lesson like this now and
then to help us keep our minds on what
we really want most of all. These bodies
of ours that Paul calls "the flesh"
—sometimes they make us think
we want luxury and laziness. But when
we think more deeply, we know we really
want to do good to all men. We want to
lay up treasure in Heaven. We want to
sow abundantly to the Spirit, and reap
life everlasting.— Standard Lesson
Commentary

B. Making a list of "things to do and
things to avoid" raises a question: If
we're saved by grace, why do we need
laws? Some Christians are robbed of joy
because they fail to comprehend the
answer to this question. They see the
scriptural commands as an evidence that
God doesn't really mean it when He says
that salvation is a gift. ("Ah, just as I
thought, we have to earn part of our
salvation anyway.") This is tragic and
can be avoided.

A Christian who loves God loves God's
law. Why? Because God's law tells a
Christian how he can please God— not in

order to earn salvation, but just to please
Him. (We always seek to please those we
love.) Thus when freeing us from the
law, God frees us to serve Him joyfully.

The following discussion questions are
designed to help your class members
evaluate their attitudes toward the
commands in the Bible text and to en-
courage them to respond positively to
these commands.

1. Why do you think we feel bur-
dened by our religion at times? Is this
feeling justified by the Scriptures?

2. How can being freed from the law
affect our attitudes toward serving God?

3. Can you see, from the list of
things to do (or not to do) in today's text,
a specific way you could please God in
the coming week? (The answer to this
question should be between the class
members and God. However, it would
help students if you will indicate what
action you yourself plan to
take.)— Selected

C. The first four of the Ten Com-
mandments relate to our love and honor
toward God. The last six of the Com-
mandments relate to our love for one
another. Loving our neighbor is not a big
job, but to love him as we love ourselves
is a great order. — Selected

The law not only cannot condemn the
fruits of the Spirit; it cannot produce]
anything of the kind, any more than a
machine can fashion a lily.— Adapted:
from Words by J. Hastings

Churches and Ministers
Available

(Note: This column is provided, when needed,
for any church that is seeking a pastor and foi
any minister who is seeking a church to serve
and would like to give such notice. Please senc,
the necessary information to the editor of "Th('
Free Will Baptist." Each notice will run for twe
issues only.)

The Rev. Luther Swinson announces
that he is available for full-time pastoral
services. Any church interested in hia
services may contact him by writing
Route 6, Box 159, New Bern, North!
Carolina 28560; or telephoning 638-
5427.

The Rev. J. Elmer Thompson an-
nounces that he is available for full-time
or half-time pastoral services. He is a
member, in good standing, of the Cape
Fear Conference. Any church within 50
miles of his home that is interested in his
services may contact him by writing
Route 2, Box 384-K, Smithfield, North
Carolina 27577; or by calling 965-6274.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

J

isf Coming Events ► . .

k (September 15— State Mission Rally,
National Guard Armory, Mount Olive,
North Carolina, Wednesday Evening
Session of the North Carolina State
i Convention

i

September 15, 16— North Carolina State
Convention, National Guard Armory,
Mount Olive, North Carolina

September 18— Youth Fellowship of the
Central District, Ayden, North
Carolina, Free Will Baptist Church,
7:30 P. M.

September 23— Eastern District
Woman's Auxiliary Convention,
Camp Vandemere, Vandemere,
North Carolina

September 29— Central District
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention,
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church
near Crisp, North Carolina, with
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Fountain Serving as
Cohost

j

October 6— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Selma, North Carolina

t pctober 6— Albemarle Conference.
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1 , Pinetown, North Carolina

pctober 13— Cape Fear District Woman's
I Auxiliary Convention, St. Mary's
1 Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
i i Route 3, Benson, North Carolina

i October 14— Western Conference,
Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 23— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, East
Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, North Carolina

SpeciaC foments

Dear Maggie,

Many nights as a small child, I remember my mother would come into my room
to see if the raging storm outside had frightened her little one. She would often touch
my cheek or place a kiss upon my forehead and tell me to say my prayers and go back
to sleep. She would sometimes make a light to dispel the darkness. How peaceful it
was to know my mother was watching over me.

Through the years, that pattern of thought has followed me. When the storms of
life rage about me, God's Word is my refuge and strength. "... The hand of our God
is upon all them for good that seek him; . . ." (Ezra 8:22).

Thank God for mothers who care the most-
Little ones are not here by choice, you know.
The world is big and frightening out there;
Every precious child must be guided with love and care.
Our Heavenly Father waits and watches, with anxious heart;
Longing, hoping every parent will do his part.

LHH

Cove City, N. C.

ANNOUNCING
A

New Publication

by

C. F. BOWEN

PRICE: $1.95 each or $1 .50 In quantities of 1 0 or more

"MISSIONS IN THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH" IS A BOOK THAT EVERY FREE
WILL BAPTIST SHOULD READ. THIS IS A BOOK THAT CAN BE USED FOR STUDY

COURSES.

THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PUBLISHER - THE BOARD OF
FOREIGN MISSIONS, P. 0. BOX 979, G0LDSB0R0, NORTH CAROLINA
27530

OR

THE PRINTERS - THE FREE WILL BAPTIST PRESS FOUNDATION, INC.,
P. 0. BOX 158, AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28513, OR ONE OF THE BIBLE
BOOKSTORES [AYDEN, NEW BERN, SMITHFIELD, OR WILSON].

Please send me:

Copies Of MISSIONS IN THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

S

Tax

*30 cents lor the first dollar and

10 cents tor each additonai dollar. 'Shipping and handling

Total

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

"Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

NEW CHURCH FORMED IN

SOUTHERN PALAWAN
CHAPEL BUILT IN SIX DAYS!

by Wayne King

Abo-Abo in Southern Palawan was one
of those places in the Philippines where
very little evangelization was taking
place. Years before, the people had been
ministered to by workers from the Roman
Catholic Church, the New Tribes
Mission, and one of the Pentecostal
groups. However, the workers moved on
without establishing any strong churches
in that area, and apparently without
doing much follow-up work. But even so,
they did leave behind a small group of
believers who loved the Lord and still
wanted to follow Jesus.

A friend told our Free Will Baptist
worker in Palawan, the Rev. Jimmy
Basarte, about these people, and Jimmy
decided to visit them. When he arrived,
he found several folks who were
thoroughly interested in the gospel, but
who had no church to attend and no
pastor to lead them.

Several weeks later when Jimmy
visited there again, he told the people
(who numbered more than 30), "If you
are really interested, let's build a chapel
where we can worship the Lord." Well,
the people readily responded to this
challenge and with Brother Jimmy
helping them, they began to cut wood
from the forest and gather coconut leaves
and other native materials, needed for
the building.

Six days later, the chapel was ready
for use as a meetingplace for these
"forgotten Christians!" Now admittedly,
while the building itself is very simple
and very far from the Western ideal of a
"church sanctuary," it nevertheless
meets their need and further stands as a
beautiful memorial of the dedication of

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

these believers and their love for Jesus
Christ!

We praise the Lord for this new Free
Will Baptist congregation in Southern
Palawan. Our prayer is that they will not
ever again be without a place of worship
or someone to lead them, until Jesus
returns to rapture His church!

CROSSING DEVIL'S POINT

by Wayne King

We had traveled for several hours from
Puerto Princesa to Baheli by jeep. From
there we would travel by bangka (boat)
for the rest of the way to Caruray, located
on the northwestern coast of Palawan.
Had I known then, what I know now, I'm
not sure if I would have wanted to make
that trip or not.

The boat ride to Caruray was to be
about a three-hour deal. It was the only
way we could reach the area where we
would be evangelizing for several days. I
didn't know it then, but we would soon
be crossing a treacherous piece of water
known as "Punta Diablo" (Devil's
Point), and I would be about as
frightened as I can ever remember being
before in my life.

It was already the latter part of July
and the Philippines was once again in the
midst of another rainy monsoon season.
The sun was shining and the weather
seemed fair enough to me that day when
we left. But I failed to reckon with the
strong monsoon winds which blow
almost continually during this season,
resulting in high waves for this particular
region. Gradually, those waters of the
South China Sea began to get choppier
and choppier. And "ole" Wayne began
to feel sicker and sicker. Now don't
misunderstand— I've ridden in choppy
water before, but this was "something
else"!

Soon we were approaching Devil's
Point, where the waves were particularly
strong— the most critical point of all!
Devil's Point was so named because the
native Palawenians believe that devils J
inhabit the point, making the waters
particularly rough and dangerous. Many ;
of the people throw money into the water [
when they reach this place to appease
the devil and persuade him not to make
the waves so strong. The majority of;
folks will usually ride this stretch of
water in reverent silence— they will J
remain quiet and will not talk— because j
they are afraid. And they have reason
enough to be. Many boats have capsized
in these turbulent waters, and many:
people have lost their lives here.

Trying to appear calm and unafraid, I
shouted to the fellow sitting beside me,
' ' How much longer will we have to ride in
this rough part?" "About an hour," he
replied, as I swallowed hard and wished I
those 60 minutes would hurry up and''
end. Well as it turned out, we rode those
high waves for more than an hour, but it
seemed like "forever" to me. The sea:
looked like a huge floating wall that kept;
coming at us. Occasionally the waves,
seemed to lift us 25 to 30 feet in the air.j
while at other times we found ourselves;
"down in the valley" between two large
crests. Again and again the waves;
lashed against the boat, splashing water:
on passengers and cargo alike. All!
kidding aside, I was beginning to un-
derstand how these unenlightened people*
could witness these crashing waves and;
easily conclude that the devil was angry,
at them. I thought about Jonah and the(
storm he caused when he tried to run
away from God, and I wondered if the
Lord was angry at me. It caused me to do;
some soul searching of my own as I
prayed, "Lord, I am where you want me»
to be, aren't I?"

I thought about the Apostle Paul and
the shipwreck he experienced recorded
for us in the 27th chapter of Acts. The
Bible tells how God saved those people
and brought them all safely to shore. In
Verses 43 and 44, it says that the
centurion commanded that those who
could swim should cast themselves intc
the sea first and get to land. And the
Bible says that the rest came in or
boards and broken pieces of the ship.
Well, for a fellow who can't swim,
prayed, "Lord, if this boat goes down,
please save me a board!" That was the
only hope I had if we sunk.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Still, I knew however that God was
with us, and I reassured myself that He
jwas not going to let that boat sink— not
'with two of His preachers and a
jmissionary of His aboard. I recalled the
time when Jesus was riding in a similar
j boat with His disciples and a terrible
istorm arose. Even though they knew that
{Jesus was with them, the disciples were
Estill afraid. I took comfort in the fact that
they were just as cowardly as I was.
Then I remembered the Lord's rebuke to
them for their little faith, and I suddenly
felt ashamed that I, too, should doubt His
comforting presence. We might be
crossing Devil's Point, but I knew that
the Lord was in control of this situation.
Still, I continued to pray as I recalled how
lithe disciples remarked of the Lord,
"What manner of man is this, that even
the winds and the waves obey His
voice!" The Lord had stilled those raging
waves for His disciples. I prayed, "Lord,
|l sure wish you'd calm this storm for
me!"

And you know— He did and we made
jit to shore just fine! We had a wonderful
'time with the people there and ex-
perienced many victories in the Lord!
i And some four days later, when we took
] the return trip home through Devil's
iPoint in the early morning hours of the
Jday, the waters were not bad at all! I
i even caught three fish on our return, one
lof which was almost a ten pounder! I
praise my wonderful Lord for the way He
'continues to care for us under all cir-
cumstances on the mission field. Your
j prayers are helping us. Please continue
!to remember us whenever you pray.

KINGS NOT AFFECTED
BY QUAKE

(Excerpt from a Letter Written by
Wayne King to Be Published Later)

We're grateful for the concern shown
[for our safety and well-being by so many
lof our friends and loved ones back in the
States. We are fine. And because the
quake occurred some 500 miles south of
Manila, we felt no effects of it here
whatsoever. To our knowledge, none of
our other Free Will Baptist brethren in
Palawan, Cebu, or Southern Luzon
experienced any of its effects either.
Since Free Will Baptists are not working
at present on the large island of Min-
danao, none of our people were affected
at this time, although we cannot say to
what extent our missionary brethren from
other denominations working in that area

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

were affected. We have as yet received
no definite word of any missionaries
being killed in the calamity.

Wayne and Deborah King
Missionaries to the Philippines

MOUNT OLIVE

(Continued from Page 10)

Mr. Kenneth Scott by Mr. and Mrs.
Franklin M. Harrison, New Bern.

Mrs. Ann Sessoms by Mrs. S. W.
DeBruhl and Miss Marice DeBruhl, New
Bern.

Dr. Budd Smith by Gary F. Barefoot,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Blanche Snell by Woman's
Auxiliary of the First Free Will Baptist
Church, Greenville.

Mrs. Cora Lee Spivey by Gary F.
Barefoot, Mount Olive; and Mrs. lola H.
Barrow, Snow Hill.

Mr. Calvin Taylor by Mr. and Mrs.
Alex Barwick and family, Deep Run.

Mrs. Rita G. Thomas by Mrs. Daisy
Owens and mother, Elm City.

Mrs. Annie Mae Watson by Mrs. Daisy
Simpson, Lucama.

In Honor Of

Mrs. Miranda Connor by Douglas
Connor, Mount Olive.

Donald Sprunt Hill Jr. by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Aaron Bradley Pinkham by Mount
Olive College Alumni Association, Mount
Olive.

Reagan Blair Singleton by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper by
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Albertson, Mr. and
Mrs. Douglas P. Connor, Mrs. Linda R.
Fowler, and the Rev. and Mrs. Frank
Harrison, Mount Olive; the Rev. and
Mrs. C. L. Patrick, Walstonburg; Dr. and
Mrs. Michael Pelt, Mr. and Mrs. W. H.
Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. Donnell
Whitfield, Mount Olive.

Gifts

Fifth Union Meeting of the Eastern
Conference, Bridgeton.

"YOURS FOREVER!"

Remember that what you possess in
the world will be found at the day of your
death and belong to someone else; what
you are will be yours forever. — Henry
Van Dyke

THOUGHTFUL THINGS

How are yous
and happy birthdays
don't cost much
and smiles are
a dime a dozen.

The best visits
may be brief
and letters aren't
measured by length.

Hope isn't hard
to give and
there is always
something to praise.

How you feel
may not count
unless
you show it,
and

it really takes
so little effort
to convey so much
love.

— Nancy Frost Rouse
Lucama, North Carolina

"FIGHT ON!"

"It matters not how deep entrenched the
wrong,

How hard the battle goes, the day, how
long;

Faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the
song."

— Malbit D. Babcock

During a review one Sunday the
teacher asked if the class knew who the
twin boys were in the Bible.

"That's easy," said Charles, "First
and Second Samuel."

The most desirable time to read the
Bible is as often as possible.

Little is accomplished if we lose pupils
out the back door as fast as we bring
them in at the front.

15

S&*».c. mo?

TRUCKLOAD SALE

September 15— October 15
(While Supply Lasts)

Get Your Chairs and Tables Now!

No. 701 Full-Size Tubular Steel Folding
Chair with contoured seat for
comfort and good looks. Pivotal
points are reinforced to maintain
rigidity; legs and crossmembers are
heavy-gauge steel. Back and seat
have smooth, rolled snag-free
edges. Highest quality finish is
electrostatically bonded to the chair
and then heat-treated to assure
lifetime beauty.
Color: Beige

Special Price (at Ayden or one of the
other bookstores):
12-48: $6.50 Each
52-100: $6.25 Each
104* $5.75 Each

NM-6 Folding Tables (30 x 72) with
staingard tops, beige enamel trim.
Finished hardboard that is ex-
tremely dense; this fine-grained
tempered hardboard resists stains.
Color: Tan (Only)

Special Price (at Ayden or one of the
other bookstores):
2-4: $37.95 Each
6+: $35.95 Each

GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

"Love" is a wonderful word. Yet, when we "love
the world" and "the things of the world," we degrade
this word which in its true meaning is counted good
enough to be applied to God himself!

Let us be careful not to soil or ruin the good words
God gives us by applying them to things unworthy of
them.

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1976

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambe

WHY RUIN GOOD WORDS?

L. E. BALLARD, Writer

During recent months, we have noticed a tendency upon the part of
television and radio-commentators and panelists to degrade or soil some words
once associated with commendable subjects by associating them with things of
an unwholesome nature.

Take the words "romance and romantic" for example. In early days, we
seldom heard these words used except in connection with tender and proper
thoughts of persons of one sex for the other— usually expressive of the kind of
feelings that led to marriage and the establishment of a home. But recently we
have heard them used more often in connection with illicit or improper
relations. We also note the uses of these words in print in this same connection.

In a recent television panel program, the subject was "Premarital
Romance," and the whole discussion centered around illicit sex relations
outside marriage— even touching on homosexual activity. Over and over these
relationships were referred to as "romances" and "romantic adventures." It
was even suggested that such "romantic experiences" prior to marriage might
contribute to a happier marriage. These panelists, all well-known people, if not
actually endorsing such activities, certainly assumed an attitude of tolerance
toward them as a necessary part of modern society. We are glad that we had
our "romantic adventures" at a time when we were not ashamed to talk about
them! Things that the Bible and human society once called "fornication and
adultery" we now glorify with the terms "making love" and having "romantic
adventures." If the degrading of these good words continues, Christians will
have to be careful in talking about love and romance among their friends, lest
they be considered as endorsing something unwholesome.

There are many other words being used in a way that degrades their true
and proper meaning. In an editorial sometime back, we said something about
the misuse of the word "Christian"; that is, applying it to people and nations
that are not Christian and to activities that are the opposite of true Christian
conduct. We also misuse this word when we use it in a negative way; that is,
simply indicating that something is not particularly sinful. There are a lot of
good things that are not "Christian" in the light of the true meaning of the
word. A man is not a Christian because of what he does, but because of what he
is through Christ. Even some who are entitled to be called Christians because
of their relationship to Jesus Christ sometimes through weakness or ignorance
do things that are not "Christian."

Another word that is misused is the word "biblical." We recently heard a
man advance an idea which, no doubt, he believed to be right, declaring it to be
"biblical," when there is nothing in the Bible about the matter. It is the opinion
of this writer that we have no right to call things "biblical" unless they can
actually be found in the Bible. Actually some of our "paraphrased" Bibles
contain words and statements that are somewhat far from being "biblical."
For example, one popular paraphrased Bible has Mary wrapping the infant
Jesus "in a blanket" instead of "swaddling clothes" ; and has Elijah telling the
prophets of Baal that their god is "sitting on the toilet" instead of "in a jour-
ney"; and has "son of dust" instead of "Son of man"; and makes the "good
wine" into which Jesus turned the water, "wonderful stuff." And in
Zachariah's prophecy concerning the Second Coming of Christ, where the Lord
is asking, "What are these wounds in thine hands?" the answer is made, "I got
into a brawl at the home of a friend!" (References: Luke 2:7; 1 Kings 18:27;
Ezekiel2:l; John 2: 10; and Zechariah 13:6, 7.)

"Love" is a wonderful word. Yet, when we "love the world" and "the
things of the world," we degrade this word which in its true meaning is counted
good enough to be applied to God himself!

Let us be careful not to soil or ruin the good words God gives us by applying
them to things unworthy of them.

Tommy Manning
Editor

J

SEPTEMBER 22, 1976
Volume 91 Numbc

Edited and published weekly by the Free
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secij
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolinajj

All materials to be placed in any issue rrjl
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance
year, $3.50; two years, $6.50; four yej
$12.00; plus sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discc
given when local churches send the "Baptis
the home of every member; names and
dresses to be provided by churches. Churc(
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Bapti
are sent to one individual who in turn distrib
these A 50 percent discount is offered u
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily re
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for ill
article is given the person whose name app|
under the title or to the person submitting
article.

Items for publication should be address^
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m
p m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson.

a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenl
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secrejr
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, R<
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Man
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assi
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sa
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAP

THE CHURCH: FINANCES AND
DECISION MAKING

(Part 12)
by

Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

IT is remarkable that the one subject,
which, from a human standpoint
so important in the work of our
hurches, is hardly dealt with in the New
estament. We do have some references
the New Testament to the way the
arly Church received and used money,
ind surely a consideration of these will
all for a more sane and godly approach
} money matters.

There is no hint I can find in the New
stament that the world was ever
Dpealed to for funds to do the work of
pd. Giving is both the privilege and
sponsibility of God's people. If
pmething is truly God's work, and if the
jjth of the people is mature, then God
limself will supply the financial needs.
You may say if we depend only on
tiristians, some things we do will go
eking. Could we be overlooking the
Dssibility that God may use finances to
us whether or not a particular work is
Him? The reluctance of the people to
ive for a certain project could be simply
lack of faith and obedience, but we
3ed a explore the possibility that God
in communicate through the financial
jpport or nonsupport of a work.

Guidelines for Giving

The New Testament concept of
Jmmitment, not only of finances but
app'so of everything (including our lives),
in terms of totality. Just as our very
es are given and sustained by God, so
our money belongs to Him to begin
ith.

With this in mind, the early Christians
3re taught to give as God has prospered
em, and were taught to give
stematically (see 1 Corinthians 16:1,
. Each man is to give according to his
fcility (see Acts 11:29, 30), and all
Ro ving is to be done not grudgingly or of
mebcessity , but cheerfully (see 2
mwinthians 9:7). Our model for giving is
'□ways God and His unspeakable gift to
(see 2 Corinthians 9:1 5).

:c;rel

The New Testament pattern of giving
is clearly a simple one and seems much
more godly than many of our worldly
methods of bringing money into the
church. The leadership of the church did
not continually demand and pressure the
early believers (as we can learn from the
sermons in Acts). One reason could have
been that early Christians recognized
their responsibility and bore it. Another
reason such tactics should not be used is
that if a person cannot give cheerfully, he
should not give at all.

Some churches today have stopped
passing the offering plate. The
leadership of the church makes the
financial needs of the local body known
and places a collection box at the door. It
is left up to God— not man's high-
pressured sales pitches— to draw
response out of the hearts of the people.

I am not necessarily advocating this
method, but I do admire churches whose
believers are mature and responsible
enough not to have to resort to continual
pressure to "meet the budget." We
need to have enough faith in God to trust
Him to provide, and we need maturity to
respond cheerfully, systematically, and
as He has prospered us.

What did the Early Church do with its
money?

Just as we learned a few articles back
that church is people and not anything
else, so we learn from Scripture that
money was always invested in people.
We learn that relief was sent to the
brothers in need (see Acts 11:29, 30),
given to the poor saints in Jerusalem
(see Romans 1 5:26), and supplied to the
church leadership (see 1 Corinthians
9:14). Our abundance must always be a
needy person's supply (see 2 Corin-
thians 8:14). This way is the biblical
way.

I do not think we should say we will
not spend money for other things; such
as, buildings. The point is, that even if
we build a building, we must be sure the

ultimate reason is for people, not for
some vain motive. Money is too scarce
these days to waste it on anything that
will not directly help people. In light of
the New Testament pattern, we need to
take more notice of where our money
goes and consider carefully the poor,
helpless, and unfortunate in the church
and community.

Making Decisions

Decisions concerning many and
various matters have to be made by the
local church. They dealt with doctrinal
problems, as well as more practical
matters. At times, the leaders of the
church met to seek God's will in certain
matters (see Acts 15), while at other
times the whole church had a part in the
decision (see Acts 6:5). Our basic
concern should not be who makes the
decisions, but, rather, how, and that
God's decisions are communicated to the
church.

Though there are several aspects of
decision making we could consider, we
only have the space to mention one of the
most important— that of unity in the
body, as a decision is made and followed
through.

If God himself leads the church and
makes His will known through the
members, then, ideally, every person in
a local church will vote the same way in
decision-making meetings, because all
are led by the same Spirit. This will not
be impossible if each person will think
not of himself but of the whole church,
and will, in turn, seek guidance and
direction from the Lord.

I have heard of some churches who
are trying to put this concept into
practice by not allowing any decision to
be made unless every member of the
body can agree on it. This has been
referred to as the "concensus method."
How might this work in a local church?

When a matter comes up which the
leadership feels that the whole church
should consider, a meeting is an-
nounced. In the business meeting, if we
want to call it that, the leadership will
explain the problem (or matter) which
has arisen. Everyone will have the
opportunity to discuss it and express his
opinion. There should be praying— real
praying by individuals and by the
group— as direction from the Lord is
sought. When someone feels he can
honestly support a particular course of
(Continued on Page 9)

IE FREEWILL BAPTIST

/

HOW TO GET FROM
HERE TO THERE

by

The Rev. Graham Faucette
Kenly, N. C.

^ INCE the beginning of time
— ^ people have been trying to get
from one place to another; trying to find a
sign or road map to help them get from
here to there.

Isn't that about what we've been
doing all our lives— trying to get from
here to there? Didn't we start out in the
beginning trying to raise our little heads
when we were laid on our stomachs?
Trying to get on our stomachs when we
were laid on our backs? Trying to pull up
to a chair or the side of a playpen? Trying
to get from here to there— from one place
to another?

There's something instinctive about
this getting from here to there. There's
something about it that urges us along.
When taking that first step, someone
holds outstretched arms, encouraging us
along. If we sit down or fall, there's
always someone there to help. From
childhood through adulthood, it's always
from here to there.

It helps on the journey if we want to go
there to follow a leader. Sometimes
"wanting" seems to be a little weak in
us; then curiosity takes over and keeps
us moving on. But if we really want to go
there and feel compelled to go, we
should ask ourselves four questions as
follows:

1. Where Am I?

We know where we are standing or
sitting right now, and we can tell anyone
how to reach us. But do we know where
we are in God's sight? God asked Adam,
". . . Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9).
God knows where we are and He wants
us to know where we are also. We must
know where we are if we want to get
from here to there. You might think it
best to consider who you are first, in-
stead of where you are. But it seems to
me the first consideration should be
where we are because many of us are
born into situations not of our choosing.
Some are crippled by disease; an ac-
cident can leave us helpless when the
accident is no fault of our own. I believe
we should start with where we are in
health, in age, in financial circum-
stances, in relation with our family,

in relation to our jobs, etc. Then with a
little honesty it isn't hard to decide where
we are. With reasonable limits we can
plan how to get from here to there.

2. Who Am I?

This is a bit hard for most of us to
decide. We have illusions about who we
are. Some feel inferior and never learn to
use their talents fully because they feel
that they cannot make the grade. Many
times we settle for less than we are
capable of doing. Some of us feel
superior and aren't humble enough to
know that we cannot do all that we plan
to do. Either way leads us to misjudge
who we really are. We can tell our
names, but do we know who we are in
God's records? Knowing who we are in
His records will help us in getting from
here to there.

3. Where Do I Want to Go?

Some know early in life what they
want to do and where they want to go.
They know that this is the way to go and
it is well to set a goal early. Some may
have to have a college education which
sometimes calls for a sacrifice.
Sometimes we cannot do the things we
want to do; yet if we keep the goal in
sight, it just might be nearer than we
think. Willing services will lead us to
places we never dreamed of.

4. Who Will Guide or Help Me?

A father, a mother, a teacher, a
minister, a good friend, a stranger, or a
neighbor down the street? Many people
along the way will come to our aid. But
the best help of all and the greatest of all
guides is Christ. We feel compelled to
follow Him. We know this, but
sometimes we forget and neglect to ask
His guidance. If only we would
remember to ask; if only we would
remember to listen for His answer; if only
we would read the instructions He has
left us; we would arrive with less
confusion. We would know more surely
where we are, who we are, and where
we are going. With Christ as our help and
guide, He will make straight the path
before us in our getting from here to
there— from eanh to Heaven.

Scriptural Source: "Stand therefore)
having your loins girt about with thj
truth, and having on the breastplate cl
righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14).

TAKING A STAND

Every one of us should be very familia
with our subject. It is something all of u
do from the time we are born until w
die. We are constantly taking— and whil
we are engaged in taking, we are doing
in many different ways all at the sam
time. We take things we want, and m
take things we do not want. A friend
looking for a little fun, once said to me
"My doctor told me to take something
and so I'm going to take yoi
pen"— and he reached over and seize
my writing pen.

Even while we sleep we are constant!
taking air in our lungs. The air w;
breathe takes care of our oxygen needj
the oxygen takes care of our physic!
needs, our physical needs take care I
our health, our health takes care of oil
living, our living takes care of all oil
desires, longings, passions, etc. TheJ
is another statement we hear once in 1
while, "My name is Jimmy; I'll take ;|
you gimmy" (give me). Some people a j
better at taking than they are at giving. I

There are two very distinct kinds 1
taking. Note again: We take things vj
want, and we take things we do nj
want. Naturally we reach out to tall
what we want. Then again, we must tal
things we do not want. Children take
whipping from their parents when th
are naughty and deserve the whippini
Adults take punishment in many way
We learn to take the unwanted thinii
along with wanted things.

But now let us think of a mc
meaningful and profitable way
taking— the taking of a stand with cj
"Loins girt about with truth." Jesi
( Continued on Page 11 ) I

4

THE FREEWILL BAPTI

Question: Please explain: "Wherefore
leing we also are compassed about with
) great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
;ide every weight, and the sin which
l)th so easily beset us, and let us run
With patience the race that is set before

(Hebrews 12:1).
J Answer: God calls us through the
ILnmanship of the great Apostle Paul to
lake a complete dedication of everything
I Him. All we are, all we have, and
jverything that we shall be should be
Indicated to God. Note: "I beseech you
fjerefore, brethren, by the mercies of
fpd, that ye present your bodies a living
Icrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
:hich is your reasonable service. And be
nt conformed to this world: but be ye
aiansformed by the renewing of your
Bind, that ye may prove what is that
mod, and acceptable, and perfect, will
IGod" (Roman 12:1, 2).
God does not call upon us who belong
the true church (that is, the members

returned later, weeping and making
known that they, by their rejecting Him,
made it necessary that He reject them in
their attitude: "And when he was come
near, he beheld the city, and wept over
it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even
thou, at least in this thy day, the things
which belong unto thy peace! but now
they are hid from thine eyes. For the
days shall come upon thee, that thine
enemies shall cast a trench about thee,
and compass thee round, and keep thee
in on every side, And shall lay thee even
with the ground, and thy children within
thee; and they shall not leave in thee one
stone upon another; because thou
knewest not the time of thy visitation"
(Luke 19:41-44). Note: "0 Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets,
and stonest them which are sent unto
thee, how often would I have gathered
thy children together, even as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings,
and ye would not! Behold your house is

Gentile alike (as individuals) become
members of Christ's body, the church.
The Jewish nation as such is under
judgment. The weight that besets the
Jewish Christian is about the same as
that hindering any other Christian. Jesus
says to all Christians: "Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light" (Matthew
11:28-30). Note also: "Behold, I stand
at the door, and knock: if any man hear
my voice, and open the door, I will come
in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me" (Revelation 3:20).

It is true that there is a sense in which
the words of these verses appeal and
apply to the unsaved, but they apply in a
special way to the Christian who
hesitates or fails to make a complete

Arswerirg "four

UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

the body of Christ) to make dead
crifices, which would be following the
ws in their practice of slaying animals,
lese animals and their being slain and
fered as a sacrifice in the way that God
[signed should symbolize and suggest
irist, who then was to come as the
imb of God that taketh away the sin of
!e world. It was taught in the Old
jstament that He should come as the
essiah of Israel and offer Himself as
jsfth their Messiah and the King of Israel.
He came and so offered Himself on
lat we sometimes refer to as Palm
jnday, and sometimes as the triumphal
takl itry into Jerusalem. See and compare
lapter 21 of Matthew and Chapter 1 1 of
ark. In Matthew 21:15 we are told that
tile chief priests and scribes "were sore
W|spleased." In other words, when
irist offered Himself as king and chief
i lest and Messiah of Israel, He was
af jected by the officials of that
I ition — but received gladly by the
jethildren and those who were oppressed.
Being rejected, He left Jerusalem, but

left unto you desolate. For I say unto you,
Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye
shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in
the name of the Lord" (Matthew 23:37-
39). Note also: "And Jesus said unto
them, See ye not all these things? verily I
say unto you, There shall not be left here
one stone upon another that shall not be
thrown down" (Matthew 24:2).

When we reject Christ today, we lay
ourselves liable to just as serious
judgment as is depicted above. Christ
will not return to the Jews again until the
awful days of judgment are over and the
church is completed and the Great
Tribulation (also called the days of
Jacob's trouble) has transpired. There
will be a period, perhaps seven years of
great tribulation on the earth, after the
Rapture of the church. When those evil
days are spent, Christ will come to the
Mount of Olives, the true Jews will look
on Him whom they have pierced, and a
nation will have a new birth in a day.

Now as they are born again, Jew and

dedication of his life, all he is, all he has,
and all he anticipates, for his future.

George H. Sandison has the following
to say in the answering of a similar
question in his book 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered as follows:

"The allusion is to the races and
athletic contests of the Olympian games.
He is trying to stimulate Christians to
strive after the higher attainments of the
Christian faith. Every believer has some
special and peculiar hindrance to his
progress. When he is saved by faith in
Christ, he should endeavor to reach
perfection. If his mind is set on wealth,
or if there is some indulgence which he is
fond of, which divides his attention and
prevents him concentrating his energies
on higher spiritual attainments, he
should lay it aside. It may not be sinful,
but if it is a hindrance, it should be given
up by one who is striving to rise. Though
it be harmless, it may be a weight which
must not be carried by one who is
running the heavenly race."

, jlE FREE WILL BAPTIST

i

NEWSX
_NOTES

Homecoming and Revival
Slated for Little Rock Church

Sunday, September 19, marked the
one-hundred-fifth homecoming cele-
bration for the Little Rock Free Will
Baptist Church, Lucama, North Carolina.
The Rev. Leonard Woodall, a former
pastor, delivered the morning message,
and a memorial service and singspiration
followed the noon meal. The evening
service, at 7:30, featured the youth of
Piney Grove church, Kenly, presenting
the musical, "It's Cool in the Furnace."

Revival services began Monday
evening, September 20, at 7:30, and will
continue through Friday evening,
September 24, with the Rev. James V.
Joyner, pastor of the Kenly Free Will
Baptist Church, serving as guest
evangelist. The Rev. DeWayne Eakes,
pastor of the Little Rock church, is
assisting Mr. Joyner in the services. A
cordial invitation is issued to the public to
be in attendance for the remainder of the
services.

Revival and Homecoming Services
At People's Chapel, Elm City

The Rev. F. M. (Rudy) Owens will
serve as guest evangelist for a series of
revival services to be held at People's
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Route
2, Elm City, North Carolina, September
27— October 2. He will be assisted in the
services by the pastor of the church, the
Rev. Delmas Brown. The time of the
services is 7:45 p. m., and a cordial
invitation is extended to the public to be
in attendance.

Homecoming will be observed at
People's Chapel on Sunday, October 3,
with the Rev. Everette Harper serving as
guest speaker, delivering the home-
coming message. A picnic lunch
will be served at the noon hour, and a
service of special music will be enjoyed
in the afternoon. All members, former
members, former pastors, and all friends
of the church are invited to be attendance
for this observance.

Homecoming to Be Held

At Riverside Church, Princeton

The Riverside Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Princeton, North
Carolina, will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, September 26.
The Rev. W. 0. Lassiter, a former pastor
of the church, will bring the homecoming
message; and following the morning
worship service, lunch will be served in
the Williford Fellowship Hall. In the
afternoon, a program of singing will
feature singers from the local church and
visiting musicians. The pastor of
Riverside, the Rev. Luby Tyner, along
with the church membership, extends a
warm welcome to former pastors, all
members, and friends of the church to
attend this celebration and enjoy a day of
Christian worship and fellowship.

Pleasant Grove Church
Announces Fall Revival

Fall revival services will begin at
Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church
near Erwin, on Monday night, September
27, and continue through Friday night,
October 1 . Services will begin each night
at 7:30 with the Rev. M. E. Cox of the
First Free Will Baptist Church of Durham
as visiting minister.

The Rev. Billy Noweil, pastor of the

church, and the members would like 1
extend a warm welcome to all people 1
attend the services.

Revival at Sandy Plain
Free Will Baptist Church

The Rev. C. L. Patrick, pastor of Fr
Union Free Will Baptist Church of Roi
2, Walstonburg, will conduct a revival
the Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist Churc
Route 2, Pink Hill, North Carolir
beginning Monday night, October 4 a
continuing through Friday night, Octol
9. Services will begin at 7:30 each nigl
A cordial invitation is extended I
everyone in the community to worsS
with the church during this series)
services.

May's Chapel to
Observe Homecoming

May's Chapel Free Will Baptist Churl
near Dudley will observe |
homecoming, Sunday, September 'j.
Dr. J. P. Barrow of Route 1, LaGrancj
will bring the morning message. Lur
will be served at noon. A memoii
service and singspiration will be heldl
the afternoon.

All former pastors, members, c
friends are cordially invited to be with I
and enjoy this special day.

Revival at
Saint Mary's

The Saint Mary's Free Will Bap!
Church, Route 3, Kenly, has schedil
its fall revival services for the weeli

6

THE FREE WILL BAPT

ejeptember 27 through October 2. The
ev. Jimmie L. Barfield, presently
astoring Watson's Grove and Rock
prings churches, will be the visiting
peaker. Services will begin each
vening at 7:30 with the pastor, the Rev.
eslie Hawley, assisting Mr. Barfield.
ur prayer rooms will open each evening
7:15 and a nursery will be provided.
The church and its pastor extend to
ach of you a warm invitation to attend
ese services.

omecoming and Revival
t Ayden Church

The Ayden Free Will Baptist Church
ill observe its annual homecoming on
unday, September 26. Lunch will follow
ie morning worship service.

On Monday evening, September 27,
nd continuing through Friday, October
, the fall revival will begin at the Ayden
hurch with the Rev. Taylor Hill of the
irst Free Will Baptist Church of
ayetteville, as visiting speaker. Ser-
ices will begin each evening at 7:45
(fit hi special singing rendered as part of
ach service. The pastor, the Rev. C. H.
iverman, will be assisting in the ser-
ices. He and the congregation welcome
pur presence to both the homecoming
nd revival services.

fSl

ASSISTANT EDITOR
HOSPITALIZED
Mr. Ralph A. Bowen, assist-
ant editor at the Press, was
ospital ized Friday afternoon,
eptember 10, at Lenoir Me-
orial Hospital, Kinston,
fter suffering an apparent
eart attack. The diagnosis
as later confirmed, but at
he time of this printing
r. Bowen is listed in good,
lit guarded, condition,
rayers are requested for Mr.
Owen that he may have a speedy
ecovery so he can be back
p the work he loves so well,
riends and acquaintances who
ish to send cards may do so
y addressing these to Mr.
[alph A. Bowen, Lenoir Me-
prial Hospital, Kinston,
orth Carolina 28501.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

IN MEMORY OF MRS.
IDA MAE BARNES

On Saturday, August 21, Mrs. Ida
Mae Barnes took her flight to Heaven.
Mrs. Barnes, better known as
"Mammy," was born on December 3,
1901 , in Wayne County, the daughter of
Samuel and Mary Crocker Lane.

Her early childhood was spent in and
around Union Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, where she became a member
early in life. She was raised up in the
Free Will Baptist church, and lived all her
life in loyalty to her church.

She was married in 1919 to Bryan B.
Barnes in a ceremony which took place in
the Barney Edgerton Home.

They made their home in the "Polly
Watson" Crossroads area for many
years, and "Mammy" took part in the
church work there. She was a faithful
member of the "Ladies Aid Society" of
the Union Grove Free Will Baptist
Church. Her trademark was a big
outgoing smile, and a wonderful per-
sonality, with a built-in love of music and
the ability to sing and play the piano. All
her life she chose to spend in serving her
God, her church, her family, and her
community.

God blessed "Mammy" to have four
wonderful children, who have all grown
up in her footsteps and are outstanding
Christians. They are Mavis, living in
Virginia, Elizabeth, Ralph, and Margie,
living in Goldsboro.

It was about 26 years ago that
"Mammy" joined the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Goldsboro. Down
through the years everyone came to
know and love this gentle, kind woman,
because of her love for God, and her
concern for her church and all the people
around her.

Her greatest love was to read God's
Word, the Bible, which she did every
day. She hid the word in her heart, for so
many times in my talking with her, it
would bubble out. You could tell that she
had developed some daily devotional
time, and was educated in God's Word
by her constant seeking and study of it.

"Mammy" believed that as a
Christian your place was in church,
worshiping God. This she illustrated by
her attendance in her church regularly.
Even after sickness had taken hold of her
and arthritis had crippled her, she would
attend her church by the use of a walker,

carrying a pillow to sit on. For about
seven years "Mammy" was in bad
health, but she did not question God.
She accepted her illness, and witnessed
to others of the saving ability of Jesus.
Her dedication to her God and to her
church has made me stop many times
and take an inventory of my own life. I
must confess, she leaves behind her a
great memory of loyalty to God. Many
times we knew she was not able to
attend the services, for pain was her
constant companion day and night; but
her dedication and service to God would
bring her to church to worship with us.

For the past five and one-half years
"Mammy" had lived with her daughter,
Margie Shirley, after her health caused
her not to be able to live alone in her
home in the Adamsville area. She was so
happy when one of her friends would
drop by just to say ' ' Hello" and to spend
a little time with her. People were her
main concern in her last days with us,
and she was continually trying to figure
out ways to witness to them about her
Lord. Yet, I know, that her life was a
living witness, and that her light did
shine bright for her Lord, even through
the suffering and pain that she carried
with her day after day.

Before arthritis crippled her hands,
she enjoyed crocheting and sewing of all
kinds. She made most of her children's
clothing when they were growing up.
The girls can remember the very pretty
dresses that she made for them from
feed sacks. She was conservative and
knew what was available around the
house to work with. The children tell me
that she could whip up a delicious meal
from leftovers and make it taste as good
as you could find anywhere around.

To sum it all up, I can only say that
"Mammy" was a dedicated mother,
wife, grandmother, and a friend to me
and many more. She kept reminding me
that the Bible was the only road map that
I needed to live a successful life. She
leaves a rich heritage and a wonderful
memory to her three sisters, one brother,
four children, eleven grandchildren, and
ten great-grandchildren. I am thankful
that I had the privilege of knowing her.

Written by,
Hazel Casey
Goldsboro, N. C.

"Go ye into all the world, ^
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

EARTHQUAKE IN MINDANAO

Most of you have heard about the
severe earthquake that rocked portions
of the Philippines a few days ago. Shortly
after midnight on August 17, as
thousands of Filipinos slept un-
suspectingly in their homes, the ground
beneath them suddenly began to tremble
and the earth began to shake. Screams
and cries of horror pierced the darkness
of the night; buildings collapsed, hurling
tons of debris to the ground and creating
instant graves for hundreds of people.
But the greater loss, insofar as human
life was concerned, came several
moments later as a huge tidal wave of
more than 18 feet swept across the low-
lying coastal areas— washing homes and
bodies out to sea. At the last count, more
than 3,300 people died as a result of this
great calamity, and more than 2,000 are
still missing or unaccounted for. More
than 20,000 are without homes.

The earthquake occurred primarily in
Mindanao, the large island in the
southern-most part of the Philippines. It
was an area inhabited largely by Filipino
Muslims and the scene of much rebel
fighting and unrest in recent days. It had
become known, in fact, as the "trouble
spot of the Philippines" because of the
turmoil created there by dissident
Muslims. Although some evangelical
Christians did lose their lives or property
in the calamity, it was the Muslims who
suffered most in this quake. It could
have happened in another area and could
have been the other way around, but for
the grace of God. But whether the victims
be Muslim or whatever, they need our
love and compassion, as well as our
prayers.

We are grateful for the concern shown
for our safety and well-being by so many
of our friends and loved ones back home

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N C 28305

in the States. We are fine. And because
the quake occurred some 500 miles
south of Manila, we felt no effects of it
here whatsoever. To our knowledge,
none of our other Free Will Baptist
brethren in Palawan, Cebu, or Southern
Luzon experienced any of its effects
either. Since Free Will Baptists are not
working at present on the large island of
Mindanao, none of our people were
affected this time, although we cannot
say to what extent our missionary
brethren from other denominations
working in that area were affected. We
have as yet received no definite word of
any missionaries being killed in the
calamity.

Because the Philippines is located in
an earthquake zone, another quake
could occur at any time and at any place.
On the other hand, it may be years before
this country suffers such a tremor again.
We are thankful to our dear Lord for
delivering us from the ordeal of this
recent disaster. Only by His grace have
we escaped while others suffered. We
know that many of you are praying for
us, and because of that we feel safe and
content in our Master's care. Please
continue to pray for us daily. And thank
you for caring.

Love,

Wayne and Deborah King

A LETTER FROM THE KINGS

To All the Ladies of the State Auxiliary
Convention and Especially Those Who
Attended the 1976 Woman's Conference
at Cragmont:

Dear Sisters-in-Christ,

For a long time now, it has become
quite a well-known fact that much of the
burden for world-wide evangelization has

been and continues to be borne by the
faithful Christian women of our land. In
our own denomination you dear ladies
have been called upon time and time
again to help with various projects and
undertakings, and on each occasion you
have responded nobly and whole-
heartedly. God bless you!

Recently, we shared some information
with our beloved foreign missions
director, the Rev. Joe Ingram, con-
cerning the need for a boat and motor in
evangelizing northwestern Palawan here
in the Philippine Islands. And you know
what— our dear Lord met that need in
less than two days after it was received
in the hands of Brother Ingram! We
consider it nothing less than a miracle of
the Lord, and we deeply praise Him for
it! Yet the manner in which God chose to
do this speaks not only of His own power
and wisdom and providence, it also
speaks of the marvelous way in which He
is using faithful women like you to
further His work here on earth.

The request for some adequate means
of transportation for the purpose of
evangelizing Palawan was made in
response to the needs we saw during a i
recent two-week stay on that island.
Upon our return to Manila, we wrote
Brother Ingram concerning the need for a
bangka (boat) and motor, which would
cost approximately $950. We had no idea
of how God was working things out back
there on your end, but the letter we|
received from Brother Joe a few days,
laier just thrilled our hearts! His letter to
us will tell the rest of the story:

"... The Lord got your letter to me,
just in time. I picked it up on Thursday
morning, just before leaving for the
Woman's Conference at Cragmont. We,
were to speak there on Friday, and we,
carried your letter and shared it with,
them, and they decided to let the offering ^
on Friday go to cover the boat, motor, j
and anything else that might be needed.!
When the offering was taken, it!
amounted to $1 ,322! . . . Praise the Lord
for His provisions. He knew that this
would be taken care of by that con-J
ference."

Yes, the Lord knew, and He used you
precious ladies who attended that week
at Cragmont (even though you were only
128 in number), to provide the funds to
meet this special need. Your generous;
offering speaks so well of your love for,
the Lord and your faithfulness and

8

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

HISTORY OF ELWOOD LANE
ORIGINAL FREE WILL
BAPTIST CHURCH

Kannapolis, North Carolina
Submitted by Mrs. Faye Wilhelm

dedication to His work. How we deeply
thank you for allowing God to touch you
in this matter and then for opening your
hands and your hearts to give and share
in such a sacrificial way. Our sincere
thanks comes not from us only, but from
Pastor Jimmy Basarte, our Free Will
Baptist worker on Palawan, as well as
our many other Christian brethren here in
the Philippines. Your interest and your
support of the work here greatly en-
courage our heart. We'd just like to take
this opportunity to say we love you and
appreciate you all. God bless you for the
wonderful work you are doing!

Wayne and Deborah King

Your Missionaries to the Philippines

THE CHURCH: FINANCES
AND DECISION MAKING

(Continued from Page 3)

action other than his own, he should say
so. Finally, when everyone can agree on
something (even if it might not be his
first choice), concensus has been
reached.

This type of decision making will not
work unless there is real unity among the
body to begin with. It should also be
pointed out that this method will no doubt
work better in the small group setting we
have talked about in previous articles,
rather than in a larger group of 100 or
more people.

One objection to this way of making
decisions is that it will take longer than
the usual way of letting the majority rule.
But consider this: Decisions not only
have to be made but also must be carried
J-out; and this takes cooperation and work
on the part of members. With the
concensus method, the actual decision-
making process may take longer. But in
the long run, time will be saved; because
it will take less time to follow through on
a decision on which everyone has
agreed.

The point is, that no matter what
particular method we use, unity under
the direction of God should be stressed
and practiced. Our decision-making
processes must not be characterized by
power structures, deals, arguments,
splits, and strife, but rather by unity,
love, and the Holy Spirit!

Elwood Lane Original Free Will Baptist
Church was organized by the Rev. R. P.
Sawyer in August of 1935 in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Finily A. Eller, who are
now deceased. There were eight charter
members: the Rev. and Mrs. R. P.
Sawyer, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Safriet, Mr.
M. L Knowles, Mr. W. C. Gentle, and
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jenkins.

The name, Elwood Lane, was chosen
after the name of the community. The
Rev. R. P. Sawyer was elected as the
first pastor. Upon the resignation of Mr.
Sawyer (in August of 1936), Mr. Jenkins
was called by the church, but was
unable to accept, because he was only a
licensed minister.

The church then called the Rev. J. J.
Brooks, who was also pastor of the
Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church of
Kannapolis. Mr. Jenkins was elected by
the church to serve as assistant to Mr.
Brooks, both at Elwood Lane and Mount
Zion churches. In August of 1937, the
Rev. Paul Jenkins, now being an or-
dained minister, was called to pastor the
church.

It was during the church years of 1936
and 1937 that the first building was
erected. The building was erected on
100 feet of ground on the corner of
Central Drive and Bostian Avenue. This
lot was donated by the late B. W.
Durham. The church later purchased 75
feet of additional land from Mr. Durham.
The present brick building was erected
in 1954 on this land.

The church sponsored Boy Scout
Troop 46 for a number of years. This
troop became inactive, and the building
located at 2116 Bertha Street was
remodeled into a modern fellowship
building.

In 1962 an ultra-modern parsonage
was erected at 21 1 4 Bertha Street.

The value of all church property is
approximately $150,000. The church
plans to pay off all indebtedness and
have a note-burning ceremony on its
annual homecoming day.

Elwood Lane Church is a member of
the Western Conference of Original Free
Will Baptists of North Carolina, the State
Convention of North Carolina, and the
General Conference of Original Free Will
Baptists of the United States.

Elwood Lane Church supports Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina; The Free Will Baptist Children's
Home, Middlesex, North Carolina;
Cragmont Assembly of Black Mountain,
North Carolina, home and foreign
missions, and the Bible Teaching
Program in the Kannapolis City Schools.

There have been nine ministers
licensed and ordained from the mem-
bership of Elwood Lane Church: the Rev.
H. Paul Jenkins, the late Rev. B. L.
Griffin, the Rev. R. W. Allman, the late
Rev. E. 0. Connelly, the Rev. Robert
Woodard, the Rev. J. C. Yates, the Rev.
Herman Griffin, the Rev. J. C. Brooks,
and the Rev. Walter Turnmire.

The Rev. Paul Jenkins has pastored
Elwood Lane church continuously as an
ordained minister since August of 1937,
and has guided it in its progress of
growth and spiritual development. The
church has a membership of 144 on the
active roll.

May there continue in this church an
openness to the will and guidance of the
Holy Spirit, a sincere spirit of love,
cooperation and concern, and a keen
desire to serve and witness for our Lord
in this present age!

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Mount Diiil+K
Olive College

AMERICAN FREEDOM ENJOYED BY
TRAVELING FREE WILL BAPTISTS

by Mrs. Ray Warwick

(NOTE: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Warwick toured Eastern Europe during July, and this is a condensation of Mrs.
Warwick's account of the trip. Mrs. Warwick is a professor of French at Mount Olive College. Both she
and her husband are Free Will Baptists and live in Newton Grove. They attend Saint Paul's and Oak
Grove Churches.)

As our nation celebrates its two
hundredth birthday, let us remember
that many countries in the world do
not have the freedom that we enjoy.

This was impressed upon us as we
traveled throughout Eastern Europe.
Having had a desire to go behind the Iron
Curtain tor several years, we began our
tour in Finland, the gateway to the Soviet
Union.

In contrast to Communist-controlled
countries, the people of Finland have
freedom of worship. Although pre-
dominently Lutheran, other faiths are
well represented.

We were impressed to see two Gideon
Bibles in our hotel rooms, one printed in

English and the other in Finnish. What a
special privilege it was to have the Bible
available for the reading and studying of
God's Word!

With much excitement and curiosity,
we flew from Helsinki, Finland, to
Leningrad for our first stop behind the
Iron Curtain.

As we checked into a 150-year-old
hotel, we were thrilled to see our first
Russian wedding party. The bride and
groom had just left the state-owned
Palace of Weddings, where the ceremony
took place.

The Wedding Palace, sometimes
referred to as the marriage mill,
operates 10 hours a day, seven days

a week. Charge for the eight-minute
ceremony is $1 .65.

Weddings, funerals, and burials are
civil affairs, and are not held in
churches. We learned that it is rather
unusual to have any type of
funeral service. Sometimes, friends or
co-workers will give eulogies at the
grave, but no minister or
priest is used.

Three days in Leningrad was followed
by an overnight trip by express train to
Moscow. Our first impressive sight in
that large capital city was the un-
believably long line of people waiting to
see Lenin's tomb on Sunday morning.
This respect for him seems to replace
church attendance of prerevolution days.

We saw no churches other than those
converted into museums, but were told
that there are 14 churches operating,
including one Baptist, two mosques, and
one synagogue. The many Russians with
whom we talked called themselves either
nonbelievers or materialists.

Our morale was definitely lifted when
we arrived in Warsaw, Poland, and found
Christianity still flourishing despite
Communist influence.

Warsaw now has a population of 1.3
million and boasts 17 churches.

Our last weekend was spent on a tour
of East Berlin and West Berlin, with the
wall separating the two cities being the
main attraction.

It seems that both East Berliners and
West Berliners are in a type of prison,
because even though West Berlin has
more freedom, it is really an island within
East Germany.

We flew home with a greater ap-
preciation for our own country. How
great it was to be here to observe the
bicentennial of our nation and to give
extra thanks for our freedoms.

SCHEDULE OF ORGANIZATIONAL
MEETINGS FOR COLLEGE
DINNERS

The following organizational meetings
are scheduled to plan for the fall Mount
Olive College dinners:

SAMPSON, HARNETT, AND CUM-
BERLAND COUNTIES-Thursday,

September 23, at 8 p.m., Oak Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Newton Grove.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

EDGECOMBE-HALIFAX COUNTIES-

Friday, September 24, at 7:30
p. m., First Free Will Baptist
Church, Tarboro.
WILSON COUNTY— Tuesday, September
28, at 7:30 p. m., Daniels Chapel
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 3,

Wilson.

Each church is requested to appoint a
Mount Olive College Committee to be sent
to these meetings at which additional
information will be provided and the date
and place of each dinner decided.

ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF
"OLIVE LEAVES" PRESENTED

The twenty-fifth anniversary edition of "Olive Leaves," Mount Olive College's
yearbook, was presented at the Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, September 7.
|Dr. Hilda F. Owens (left), dean of students and member of Mount Olive Free Will
'Baptist Church, presented a copy to James B. Hunt Sr., chairman of the Board and
'member of Marsh Swamp Free Will Baptist Church. Gene Mercer (right), faculty
advisor of the yearbook and member of Cabin Free Will Baptist Church, presented a
copy to Mrs. N. B. Barrow, chairman of the Student Affairs Committee and member of
Marlboro Free Will Baptist Church where her husband pastors.

The special anniversary edition of the yearbook shows in pictures the growth
and development of Mount Olive throughout its history. The cover design represents
•the 1951 charter date and the 1976 celebration of twenty-five years in a bicentennial
Iheme.

j The Unmitigated Truth

(Continued from Page 4)

Christ is truth, and without Him there is
io truth. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the
vay, the truth, and the life: no man
:ometh unto the Father, but by me"
John 14:6). If one does not care to go to
leaven, he does not need to take the

truth (Christ). He can die and take
eternal torment, which is the lot of all
who do not take Christ (truth). The truth
of all this is that if you do not take a stand
for Christ, you must take a stand for the
devil. There is no way you can take a
neutral stand. The reason for this is very
simple: There is no such place available.

Truth enters heaven; nontruth enters
hell. There is a great gulf fixed between
the two, and souls once departed from
earth cannot pass from one place to the
other. God took this into account and
sent His Son to earth so that He (Christ)
can take us all to heaven with Him, that
is, all His children. He will personally see
to its being done properly. He will not
take the ungodly children of the devil,
but He will send them all to hell. Jesus
also said "... Every one that is of truth
heareth my voice" (John 18:37).

There comes a time when we must
take a stand. We take our stand for
Christ, or we take our stand for evil. We
read in God's Word that ". . .the word
of our God shall stand for ever" (Isaiah
40:8). The Word of God declares that
faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His
Word give us everlasting life. God has
given to us the church, whose business
it is to enlist soldiers in the army of the
Lord and to equip those soldiers for their
defense against the enemy of our souls.
When we "gird" our loins about with
truth (Christ), put on the breastplate of
righteousness, shod our feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace, take
the shield of faith (by which we shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the
devil), take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit (praying always
with supplication in the Spirit), watching
with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints, then there is no way the
devil can take us from the Lord and His
glory. We will surely reach heaven and
will enjoy all the good things the Lord has
provided for them that love His ap-
pearing!

"Grace be with all them that love our
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen"
(Ephesians 6:24).

Churches and Ministers
Available

Johnny Taylor, a licensed minister and
member of the Saratoga, North Carolina,
Free Will Baptist Church, wishes to
announce that he is available for revivals,
prayer meetings, substitute preaching
for vacationing ministers, and other
services. Any church or minister in-
terested in his service is asked to contact
Mr. Taylor at Route 1, Box 105, Stan-
tonsburg, North Carolina 27883.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For October 3

OUR NEED TO BE

RECONCILED

Lesson Text: Romans 1 :28— 2:11
Memory Verse: Romans 3:23

I. INTRODUCTION

In the first lesson of this quarter we
stated that reconciliation is an act of
causing persons to be friendly again, "to
bring back into harmony." We stated
also that "we must understand that man
is responsible for the lack of harmony
between himself and God; it is he, man,
who needs to be reconciled to God."

This is true because it is man who has
sinned and not God. Sin broke the
relationship between God and man and it
has caused God's heart to grieve over it
more than man. God has never found
pleasure in man's sin but man too often
rejoices in his evil ways. Because of
God's grief over man's sin and His
eternal love for him, He has never ceased
to provide a way for man to return to Him
in repentance for sin. But God also
desires to be glorified in man and He
cannot do this by forcing His highest
creation to love Him and serve Him
against his will. He simply waits for man
to decide to honor Him and follow Him.

This waiting is not a passive thing; all
through God's Word there is a call to
repentance and reconciliation. The Word
repeatedly shows man his need for
reconciliation, for coming back to God.
The moment he does so, through the
mediation of Christ, his sins are covered
by the blood of Christ and reconciliation
is effected.

In the next six lessons we shall study
carefully the subject of reconciliation, our
need for it, how it comes about, and its
results— The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Sometimes man is led to
repentance by the fear of judgment. At

other times the goodness of God leads
man to repentance.

B. Society may contribute to man's
downfall, but the Scriptures make it plain
that each man must accept personal
responsibility.

C. Mature Christians are not as
likely to be tempted by the grosser sins,
but they sometimes fall- prey to envy,
quarreling, white lies, gossip, and pride.

D. In a democracy we have an
obligation to work for laws that will make
for a more righteous society.

—Standard Lesson Commentary

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. It is a very dangerous thing to
allow the hardness of the heart to keep
the sinner from repentance. This is
exactly what these Jews had done.
Instead of taking advantage of God's
grace as it was extended unto them in
His acts of forbearance and longsuffering
and repenting of their evil ways, they
convinced themselves that they were
acceptable in His sight. Thus they
continued to live in the same sinful
manner as did the Gentile nations whom
they judged and condemned.

We can be sure that the judgment of
God is according to truth, and it will be
revealed against all who commit any or
all of the sins heretofore mentioned. It
will fall upon all sinners, and whether
they be Jew or Gentile will not make any
difference whatsoever; for God does not
judge in accordance to nationality, but
according to works.— The Bible Teacher
(F.W. B.)

B. The dedicated Christian has
learned also that suffering in tribulation
develops his patience. More and more he
can accept what he cannot change. Less
and less do the trials of this life overcome
him. The patience born of deep
spirituality prepares him day by day for
further trials and sufferings. Before
many years have passed he can find
glory and joy such as he has never

known before, provided the sufferings
are borne for Jesus' sake.

A great character does not happen in a
moment; it grows out of great patience
and vital experience. Every man or
woman of great character has a lifetime
of experience to relate. Each could write
a book on what it means to live in the
grace and glory of God. This experience, I
or character, gathered together over a
lifetime, leads to a hope of final and !
glorious acceptance by God when we are
gathered to be with Him for all eter-
nity—The Advanced Quarterly
(F.W.B.)

IV. THOUGHTS TO PONDER

A. Who are sinners and under the
judgment of God? Explain your answer.

B. What lets us know how we have
sinned?

C. Who is our judge? Whom should j
we judge? Why?

D. Does God want everyone to be I
reconciled to Him?

E. What does reconciliation involve
and encourage?

F. What can we do to bring about!
reconciliation?

—The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.) j

A SORROW SHARED

by Nancy Frost Rouse
Lucama, N. C.

I was bitter and alone, loveless and
afraid, and I cried.

Then I saw that your sorrow was
greater than mine, greater your
pain, greater your need—

And the tears came faster,
but sweeter,

because I was crying for you.

4^X^X^X^X^X^K0^t0X^X^K^X^H^»

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The Rev. Larry Barbour would like to
announce a change of address. His old i
address was Route 3, Box 637, Wilson,
North Carolina 27893. His new address
is P. 0. Box 68, Pikeville, North Carolina
27863; phone number, 242-6342.
Friends and correspondents are asked to
take notice of the change.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Scripture Reading— Psalm 51

BRIGHT PROSPECTS
For seven years, Adoniram Judson
labored in Burma without winning
one convert. When he and his wife
observed the Lord's Supper, they
would say, "We are Christ's church in
Burma."

Someone asked Judson, "What are
the prospects of winning Burmese to
Christ?"

He replied, "Prospects? They are
as bright as the unfailing promises of
God. I do not know that I shall live to
see a single Burmese won to Christ.
Notwithstanding, I would not leave
jmy present situation to be made a
king!"

PRAYER THOUGHT
I Isn't it wonderful to know that we
still have men willing to labor on the
mission fields? Let us always
remember them with loving hearts as
we pray.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Scripture Reading— Psalm 5

ZIGZAGGING TUCKERED HIM
OUT!

A farmer drove in to town, and was
blamed, at the store where he stop-
ped, for tiring his dog all out by
permitting him to follow him. The
farmer said: "He is not tired out
following me, but by his zigzagging.
Not an open gate, or a hole in the
fence that he didn't run in and ex-
plore. It was his zigzagging that
puckered him out." Judah, instead of
following God, took an unsteady
course, going into open gates of
idolatry and gaps of idol worship,
jrhat was their undoing. — Sunday
School Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we taking the straight road that
leads to life everlasting, or are we on

a zigzagging trail? If we are on a
zigzagging trail, let's pray for
guidance to find the right road.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Scripture Reading— Ecclesiastes
3:1-11

Our life is like the dial of a clock.
The hands are God's hands passing
over and over again— the short hand,
the hand of discipline; the long hand,
the hand of mercy. Slowly and surely
the hand of discipline must pass. And
God speaks at each stroke; but over
and over passes the hand of mercy,
showering down sixty folds of blessing
for each stroke of discipline or trial;
and both hands are fastened to one
secure pivot, the great unchanging
heart of a God of love. —Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Are we using our time wisely? May
we always spend time doing God's
will, whether it be working on a job or
in church. Time is a precious com-
modity; let's appreciate it.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Scripture Reading— Matthew 7:25-

29

WHAT HE ASKED FOR
One hot summer day a young
farmer came from his cornfield hot
and tired. He took the name of the
Lord in vain, cursing the cornfield for
being such a grassy mess. He finally
succeeded in cleaning the field
thoroughly, the rain came, the sun
shone, but the field of corn refused to
grow as it should. When harvest time
came the farmer complained that he
didn't make enough corn to pay the
fertilizer bill. His Christian wife
calmly asked, "Didn't you ask God to
damn that field of corn?" Then the
young fellow repentantly remem-
bered his words. God does hear and
answer us, and if many profanity
users realized just what they were
asking for, I believe they would be a
little more careful. — Sunday School
Times

PRAYER THOUGHT
We like for our prayers to be an-
swered, we think, but what would our
life be like if they were answered
exactly as we asked? We should ask
for God's guidance that His will be
done in all things.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Scripture Reading— Titus 3

ENVY, ITS CURE
Mr. Moody once told a story which
illustrated the only sure plan of
getting rid of jealousy.

"There were two

businessmen— merchants— and there
was great rivalry between them, a
great deal of bitter feeling. One of
them became a Christian. He went to
his minister, and said:

' ' 'I am still jealous of that man, and
I do not know how to overcome it.'

" 'Well,' he said, "if a man comes
into your store to buy goods, and you
cannot supply him, just send him over
to your neighbor.'

' 'He said he wouldn't like to do that.
" 'Well,' the minister said, 'you do
it, and you will kill jealousy.'

"He said he would, and when a
customer came into his store for
goods which he did not have he would
tell him to go across the street to his
neighbor's. By-and-by the other
began to send his customers over to
this man's store, and the breach was
healed. — The Friend

PRAYER THOUGHT
When envy stands between you and
God, you should try with all your
being to put it out of your life.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1
Scripture Reading— Matthew 5 : 10

WANTED: PEACE-TAKERS,
NOT PEACE -MAKERS:
Now what God seeks is
Peace TAKERS — not peace makers.
Peace has been made, and God is
"preaching peace by Jesus Christ"
And the question is, Will
men give up trying to make peace,

and

come as broken-hearted penitents and
accept the peace made; or, will they
continue in unbelief and perish

forever?
Reader, which will you do?

— Messenger of Peace

PRAYER THOUGHT
Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a
world filled with peace-takers? We
can hope and pray for peace for the
world, but will we ever see it? Let's
hope so.

( Continued on Page 15 )

IS! fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

freewi

cnildren s

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

CHILDREN'S HOME CONTRIBUTIONS

Listed below is a breakdown by conference, showing a comparison of gifts for
1974-75 and 1975-76, and the challenges for 1976-77.

Increase or

* Challenge

Conference

1975-76

1974-75

(Decrease)

1976-77

Albemarle Conference

$ 10,752.35

$ 9,987.65

$ 764.70

$ 12,000.00

Cape Fear Conference

21,898.52

22,048.37

(149.85)

25,000.00

Central Conference

54,726.36

50,190.15

4,536.21

52,000.00

Eastern Conference

46,867.91

46,620.54

247.37

54,000.00

Pee Dee Association

6,627.93

5,677.90

950.03

6,500.00

Piedmont Conference

2,870.40

1,355.65

1,514.75

5,400.00

Western Conference

56,319.00

50,326.66

5,992.34

54,199.00

Miscellaneous

3,371.04

4,402.78

(1.031.74)

901.00

Total

$203,433.51

$190,609.70

$ 1 2,823.81

$210,000.00

Challenge is based upon $7 per church member per year. This does not include
anticipated gifts for the building fund.

Donated Commodities

Clothing $19,773.04
Food 2,103.61
Household Supplies 2,538.07
Miscellaneous 3,307.77

Food Produced
'Coupons

8,000.00
2,243.00

Expression of Thanks

We sincerely thank each of you for your faithful support in helping to provide a
home for homeless children in the past, and we trust that your support will continue
to increase in the future.

RETIREMENT HOMES FINANCIAL
STATEMENT

November 1, 1974— June 30, 1976

Cash on Hand November 1 , 1974
Receipts:

Year Ending

June 30, 1975 $ 8,582.29
July, 1975 705.61
August, 1975 2,208.26
September, 1975 813.94
October, 1975 228.00

$ 0

November, 1975
December, 1975
January, 1976
February, 1976
March, 1976
April, 1976
May, 1976
June, 1976

Total Receipts

Total for Which

to Account

1,545.00
992.97
10.00

1,963.70

2,377.18
456.64
629.72

1,160.00

$21,673.31

$21,673.31

Disbursements:

Disbursements As of

June 30, 1975 $ 139.98
1975-76 Disbursements:
Building Costs 18,197.14
Petty Cash 'lOO.OO
Insurance 74.00
Board Expenses 44.88
Utilities 51.33
Public Relations

Expense 869.61
Administrative

Costs 881.27

Total Disbursements

$20,358.:i

Cash on Hand June 30, 1976
Operating Fund $ 1,215.(|i

Petty Cash 100.(jl
Total $ 1,315.(i

Total for Which to Account $21 , 673.fi

Coming Events „ . .

September 23— Eastern Distri^
Woman's Auxiliary Conventiot
Camp Vandemere, Vandemen
North Carolina

September 29— Central Distri)
Woman's Auxiliary Fall Convention
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Churc
near Crisp, North Carolina, wi
Dilda's Grove Free Will Bapti
Church near Fountain Serving a
Cohost

October 2 — St. Mary's Free Will Bapti
Church of Kenly, and Calvary F$
Will Baptist Church of Wilson, a
sponsoring an auction sale on tr!
Children's Home campus c
Saturday, October 2, beginning
9:30 A. M. A variety of items will I
available and all proceeds will go
the Children's Home. Everyone
invited to attend!

October 6— Western District Woman
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Pla|
Free Will Baptist Church, Route
Selma, North Carolina

October 6— Albemarle Conferenc
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Churc
Route 1 , Pinetown, North Carolina

October 14— Western Confererrc'
Sherron Acres Free Will Bapti
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Associatioi
Emerson Free Will Baptist Churcl
Columbus County, North Carolina

14

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

AuxUiarksMm

BEAVERDAM CHURCH
HOST TO PEE DEE DISTRICT
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Pee Dee District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene at the
D!eaverdam Free Will Baptist Church,
thadbourn, North Carolina, on Saturday,
October 2, 1976. The convention theme
be "Faith in God and Our Country,"
Wh the Scripture taken from Psalm
"13:1 2, "Blessed is the nation whose God
s the LORD; and the people whom he
iath chosen for his own inheritance."
he program is as follows:

3ff

111

Morning Session

30— Registration

00— Devotions, Mrs. Nancy Hardee,
Oak Grove Church
—Welcome, Mrs. Katie Duncan,
Host Auxiliary

— Response, Mrs. Edith Pope,
White Oak Church

— President's Message, Mrs.
Huldah Kinlaw, White Oak Church

— Special Music

— Business Session

— Denominational Reports

— Hymn, "God Bless America"
:00— Message, The Rev. David W.

Hansley
:00— Lunch

Evening Session

jte |1 :00— Devotions, Mrs. Ruby Davis,
White Oak Church

— Business Session (Reports of
Chairmen)

— Hymn

— Benediction

i

I The president of the convention is
Jrs. Huldah Kinlaw; secretary and
^responding secretary are Mrs. Shelby

Awards and Barbara Bryan respec-

Vely.

EDGEWOOD CHURCH, CRISP
SITE OF

CENTRAL WOMAN'S AUXILIARY
CONVENTION

The Edgewood Free Will Baptist
Church, Crisp, North Carolina, will be
the site of the Central Conference
Woman's Auxiliary Convention, Wednes-
day, September 29, with Dilda's
Grove Free Will Baptist Church of
Fountain, North Carolina, serving as
cohost. Convention president is Mrs.
Alice Barrow, and serving as pianist will
be Mrs. Ruth Taylor, with Miss Leah
McGlohon serving as music director.

The convention theme is taken from
Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness ex-
alteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to
any people."

The scheduled program is as follows:

Morning Session

9:30— Registration

10:00— Hymn, "He Keeps Me Singing"

— Devotion, Mrs. Edna Horton

— Welcome, Mrs. Faye Morris

— Response, Mrs. Davie Brinson
10:30— Recognition Time, Mrs. Alice

Barrow

— Business Period

— Missions, Miss Leah McGlohon
(Mission Money: "Pennies for
Cragmont"

— Free Will Baptist Press, Mrs.
Elizabeth Hill

— Children's Home, Mrs. Jane
Tripp

— Love Offering

— Hymn, "Higher Ground"

— Announcements

— Special Music, Local Church

11 :30— Morning Message, the Rev.

Frank Flowers
12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:15— Hymn, "I Will Sing the Won-
drous Story"

— Memorial Service, Mrs. Beulah
Stocks

— Christian Education, Mount
Olive College

—Youth, Mrs. Dot Dail

— Study Course, Mrs. Albert
Proctor

— Cragmont

— Business Period
3:00— Adjournment

FIRST WESTERN WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION AT
PLEASANT PLAIN

The First Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene on
Wednesday, October 6, with the Pleasant
Plain Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Selma, North Carolina. Registration
begins at 9:30 a. m.

Directions to the church are as
follows: Going from Micro on Highway
301 , take the second hard-surfaced road
(2133) to the right. Travel to the end of
the road (2133), turn right, and the
church will be on the left.

Coming from Selma, going toward
Micro on Highway 301 , take the second
hard-surfaced road (2133) to the left. Go
to the end of the road, turn right, and the
church will be on the left.

Delegates and visitors are invited to
participate in this semiannual con-
vention.

FAMILY FIRESIDE

(Continued from Page 13)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2
Scripture Reading— James 5:7-9

Contrast the last words of P. T.
Barnum, the showman: "What were
today's receipts?" or those of Lady
Mary Wortly Montague: "Well, life
has been most interesting!" with the
last words of Jesus before He died;
"Father, into thy hands I commend
my spirit! " What will your last words
be?— Copied

PRAYER THOUGHT
What woufd your last words be if
you knew your "time" had come? It
would be so comforting to us all to
know that we could say "Lord, I'm
Coming Home," and it would really
happen.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdman's Press.)

Hi HE FREEWILL BAPTIST

15

'DVfK'E CHiViSRSiTY
"D-imZlAM, N. C. 2??0S

TO MEND A BROKEN

HOME: HOW?

by Nancy Matthews
Wilson, North Carolina

Overheard: "It's depressing," a
businessman said. "I've been out
having coffee, and the whole topic of
conversation was who has separated
from whom in the last two months. I
wonder what has gone wrong with all the
women in this town! "

Overheard: "I seem to be adjusting
better than the children. You know, they
worshiped their father. But if that other
woman comes with him to this ballgame,
I just don't know what I'll do. I believe
every man in this city has lost his mind!"

Overheard: "Is Joe going to get mar-
ried again?" a man asked his friend at the
snack bar.

"I haven't heard. Why?"

"You heard about him and Jane
splitting up, didn't you?"

"Yeah. It seems as if everyone who
isn't already getting a divorce is headed
for one."

These conversations are not imagined
but overheard verbatim within a two-
weeks' period.

It's tragic that so many families are
throwing in the towel— at such an
alarming rate. But if you want to get
down to the really-tragic, tear-jerking,
heart-bleeding, excruciatingly-painful,
nitty-gritty of a broken home, watch the
overjoyous smile on the young
cheerleaders' face as she looks into the
stands at her mommy and daddy sitting
together for a brief period, or see her
brother's face when his estranged daddy
pats his midget league helmet and says
simply, "Nice game, son."

You see, these children, by necessity,
must savor these precious moments,
because they come few and far between,
but are the happiest of their now-
frustrated lives.

The people involved in splits aren't
always boozing it up on Saturday night or
"cussing and raring" at their children.
Neither are they wife beaters or hussies

walking the street. Many are good family
people who love their family, take part in
community activities, go to church, who
may teach Sunday school, or who may be
on the deacon board. It has even hit the
pulpit. Being in the church isn't
assurance against broken homes.

In school, a student is generally
taught the rules of behavior during his
formal education; that is, rules of
behavior covering his present age group,
while preparing him for a special oc-
cupation. The cost of a college education
has skyrocketed by thousands of dollars
in the past twenty years.

He leaves school, usually to work
under supervision for years before he is
given direct responsibility.

For a $7 license fee— up $2 in twenty
years— he enters marriage. From this
point, there is no teacher to pound daily
into his head the principles of behavior in
marriage and family living. He has taken
the plunge into responsibilities and
emotions completeiy new to him
—without a professor or a supervisor
to give him directions.

To a math major, square roots,
powers, algebraic equations, the
relationship between angles come easy,
but what did his math professor teach to
prepare the fellow for a nagging, ner-
vous, or overambitious wife, the struggle
to stretch the salary over the inflated cost
of living, or the pain he suffers when the
law and his son become alienated. Or
even more confusing, what does one do
when the husband and wife misread
every word and act the other does.

The rules learned in school don't cover
the moving patterns of attitudes,
emotions, and physical changes in the
body. One knows how to work, but not
how to live.

Gender has nothing to do with im-
munity from frustrations, uncertainties,
insecurities, misjudgments, or fear of
incompetence. These strike male and
female alike.

What role should the church play in
this raw, naked drama that's sweeping
our country faster than a plague? Give
comfort to deserted wives or husbands?
Sympathize with affected children?

Support a home for them where needed?
That's all well and good. But suppose Dr.
Salk had spent his time working on a
formula whereby polio victims were made
more comfortable while they struggled!
through life in all stages of paralysis?
During the years since the arrival of the
Salk vaccine, had there been no control ,
over polio, every family in our state!
would have been hit by this dread
disease, either directly or indirectly!

When is the time for a church to help
victims of a broken home? By ad-
ministering the vaccine before paralysis
sets in!

CHURCH BUS
MINISTRY CONFERENCE
The Black Jack Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 3 ,
Greenville, North Carolina,)
will sponsor a workshop on!
church bus ministry and!
children's church September
24, 25, 1976. Services will
begin at 7:30 p. m. Sep-]
tember 24 and at 9:30 a. m.
September 25. The Rev. Ed
Green, bus director and Mr.
Brian Peters, children's)
church director for the
First Free Will Baptist;
Church, Newport News, Vir-j
ginia, will be conducting
the services. Under the cap-
able leadership of these!
men, their church averaged
over 400 riding the church
buses during the summer. A
cordial invitation is ex-j
tended by the pastor of
Black Jack church, the Rev.
Bobby G. Bazen, to all per-
sons interested in this type
of ministry.

16

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Who will be the next to go? I must therefore be ready.

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

THE THORNS OF LOVE

We were all at the hospital early in the morning, prepared to stay
throughout the day if necessary. The doctor came by and solemnly assured us
that, barring some real miracle, it would be the last day that the children of
David and Annie Ballard would be together in this life. Two or three of us
remained in the room, where one of the seven lay dying, while the others sat in
a little waiting room across the hall. Love had bound us together for enough
years for all of us to be grandparents, and for at least two of us to be great-
grandparents. There had never been any serious rupture of our relationship by
misunderstandings or wounded feelings. Much of the time miles and the
requirements of varying vocations had separated us from personal
associations; but when emergencies or sorrows arose in any of our families,
the others were always ready to rush to the comfort or aid of the needy one.

Now we were together for the last time; and, contrary to many former
times of reunion, there was no laughter or exchanging of jokes, and little or no
talking about our various affairs. For the most part, we just sat there in
silence, wishing that the one whose only verbal sound was an occasional
muffled outcry from pain could talk to us once more. Our grief was probably
intensified some by the memory that less than four months before we had given
up our mother. But somehow this was different. Our mother was ninety-six,
and for a good while we had anticipated her going home to be with her Lord,
and our dear father— something she yearned for. When she quietly slipped
away in her sleep, there was a mixture with our natural grief an element of
relief that her long and useful life could come to an earthly end in this peaceful
way. However, in the case of our brother, we found it hard to center our
thoughts upon his going home to Heaven, for which we believed him prepared.
Our thoughts seemed to center upon the wonderful circle of brotherly and
sisterly love having to be broken by his going.

Then the final moments came. We knew that the time was at hand, even
before the doctor came by and made a final examination and solemnly an-
nounced to us that it could only be a few minutes now. Our brother was in a
complete coma, and seemed to have no pain, for which we were thankful.

I suppose that it was because I was the oldest that my brothers and sisters
left to me the place at the head of the bed, where my hand could soothe the
brow of our brother during those last moments. It was I who got the last look
into those soft eyes before they were glassed over in death, and it was my hand
that felt the feverish brow grow cold.

In the moment of his going, the thorn of love pierced the deepest into my
heart that it ever had.

"The thorn of love!" Somehow this expression has a strange and unreal
sound. It is not unusual to hear of the thorn of hate, the thorn of regret, or the
thorn of remorse— but "the thorn of love! " But there is such a thing. It was a
thorn of love that pierced the heart of Jesus as He looked down upon the city of
Jerusalem and caused Him to weep over the sinfulness of the city so blessed of
God. It was a thorn of love that the Apostle Paul prayed to God three times to
remove from him. The purpose of that thorn was to keep Paul humble and
faithful to the work of love to which God had called him. It is thorns of love that
sometime keep Christians awake until far into the night praying for some dear
one or precious friend who might not live to see the dawning of a new day.

That thorn of love which pierced deep into my heart that evening when the
wonderful relationship that had existed between the five boys and two girls of
David and Annie Ballard was broken, has brought blessing to me along with
the sorrow. It has caused me to think more soberly about the time when I, too,
must leave this world. Up until a few months before his going, this brother and
I had been the healthiest of the group of seven children. I have been sobered
with the thought that it may not be the one who has been in the hospital more
often or paid out the most to doctors over the years who will be the next to go;
but it might be 1. 1 must therefore be ready.

Dear friends, rebel not against the thorns of love that may pierce deep into
your hearts. Each of them may carry in the shadow of their pain a hidden
blessing. "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour
when ye think not" (Luke 12:40).

SEPTEMBER 29, 1976
Volume 91 Number 38

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; one year,
$5.00; two years, $9; three years, $17; plus sales tax
where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists"
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appears
under the title or to the person submitting said
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O Box 158,
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Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
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Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser.
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

by Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

(Part 13)

^1 ROM the very beginning Christianity
was an evangelistic faith, a
people reaching out to the world with the
Christ who meets all needs. We will
begin with a consideration of evangelism
in the sense of witnessing for Christ and
then move on next week to the broader
subject of reaching people's physical,
mental, and social needs with the love of
i Christ.

j There are at least two kinds of people

y in the world— saved and unsaved— and

J the church has a ministry to both. Why
should we be concerned about winning

j souls to Christ? Because we are com-
manded to do so (Matthew 28:19), the
fields are white (ready) for harvest (John

'4:35), people are hungry for God
(Matthew 9:37, 38), and we are held

'partly responsible for warning other
people to turn to God (Ezekiel 3:18, 19).

:sOur church covenant makes it clear that

jwe will ". . . as far as we are able

'promote the success of the church and of
the gospel," and will "... esteem it our
chief business to make Christ known to

jthe world," and will cooperate in the

) ' 'evangelization of the world."

A journey through the action-packed
Book of Acts provides an interesting
study on how the Early Church witnessed
for her Lord. Every day, from house to

'house, they preached Jesus as the Christ
(Acts 5:42), and Paul declared that
publicly from house to house as he
testified of repentance to God and faith in

jJesus (Acts 20:20). Acts points out
several things about evangelism. It was
active and often aggressive. Because of
this, it often got the early Christians in
trouble. They were plagued by abuse and
rejection, and we should be prepared for
the same. It was done in the world where

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

the unsaved are. The Great Commission
says for us to go into all the world and
bring the sinners into the church so we
can preach the gospel to them. WRONG!
It says for us to go into the world and
preach the gospel there. Finally the
message is important. Christ and
salvation through Him was preached, not
church membership or favorite doc-
trines.

There are numerous reasons for not
witnessing for Jesus. We are blind to the
need, afraid of what people will think, too
lazy, or afraid the new convert will prove
a disappointment and not continue in the
faith. We need to submit any and all
excuses to the will of the Lord and be
about our Father's business.

I first took part in active evangelism
my second year in college as I became
associated with Campus Crusade for
Christ. Although I am not in total
agreement with everything this group
does I am convinced that their emphasis
on reaching people with the plan of
salvation is biblical. I thank God for the
joyful, rewarding experiences I have had
talking to non-Christians about my Lord.
I say this to encourage you, if you have
never been so blessed, to seek daily
opportunities to share Christ with the
people around you.

The particular method of evangelism
God leads us to use, whether it be an
organized house-to-house effort in the
neighborhood, personal sharing on the
job, or large evangelistic meetings, is not
nearly as important as making sure that
we do something.

We can also learn about methods of
evangelism from the accounts of Jesus.
For example: Jesus did not witness to

the woman at the well and the rabbi who
came to Him by night in exactly the same
way and neither should we. The message
is the same and the way to salvation will
never change, but different people need
individual attention to insure that they
understand what we are proclaiming.

We need to put a lot of care and in-
telligent thought into our witnessing.
People are individuals with special
problems and we need to seek to meet
them as such.

Because of his family background, one
person may have particular trouble
accepting the fact that God loves him.
Another may fail to grasp the concept of
sin, and a young college student may
want to know why we base our beliefs on
the Bible. People are individuals and it
will take time, patience, and persistence
for the love of God to get through to
some. God forbid that we should ever
dare to give up on anyone!

A great problem in evangelism is
follow-up. Probably we have all seen
people commit their lives to Christ only
later to lose their early zeal and
backslide, settling down to become just
another carnal, unspiritual, out-of-
fellowship Christian. Could it be that the
problem is not in our concern for the lost
or our presentation of the gospel, but
rather in our church fellowships? I think
many accept Christ and begin going to
church only to find it is much like any
other club in town. The level of care,
love, concern, helping, unity, and
serious Bible instruction they find simply
fails to meet their spiritual needs. They
fail to mature; and as baby Christians
with a lack of maturity, they fall away
from God. As I suggested in earlier
articles, the solution here is not a more
active evangelism or another program
but more care, love, and worship in the
church itself.

Another very important aspect of
evangelism is foreign missionary activity.
Although a study of this is both in-
teresting and important, it is one matter
which I do not have the time to explore in
depth. For anyone interested in the
biblical teaching about the calling and
work of an apostle or missionary I would
strongly suggest The Normal Christian
"Church" Life which may be ordered
from International Students, Inc., P. 0.
Box C, Colorado Springs, Colorado
80901 , by Watchman Nee.

Next week we will talk about other
kinds of outreach.

3

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3
Scripture Reading— 2 Timothy 2 : 15

LINCOLN'S CHANCE
When Abraham Lincoln was a boy
he husked corn three days to pay for a
second-hand copy of "The Life of
Washington.' ' After he had read the
book he said, "I don't always intend to
delve, grub, shuck corn, split rails,
and the like."

"What do you want to be now?"
asked Mrs. Crawford.

"I'll be president," confidently said
the boy.

"You'd make a purty president with
all your tricks and jokes, now,
wouldn't you?" said the woman.

"I'll study and get ready, and the
chance will come," concluded Abe.

The chance came, and Abraham
Lincoln was ready for the biggest job
of the Nineteenth Century.— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
God has special plans for our lives.
It's up to us to be ready when He
reveals these plans to us. Nothing
important in life can be achieved by
accident; it is through hard work and
preparation that we attain.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4
Scripture Reading— Romans 6:23

HE FLEW TOO LOW!
A great eagle was mortally
wounded by a rifle shot. His eyes still
gleaming like a circle of light, he
slowly turned his head and gave one
more look at the sky. He had often
swept these starry spaces with his
wonderful wings. The beautiful sky
was the home of his heart. It was the
eagle's domain. A thousand times he
had exploited there his splendid
strength. In those far-away heights he
had played with the lightnings and
raced with the winds, and now, so far
away from home, the eagle lay dying
because for once he forgot and flew

4

too low.

Is not this a warning for the child of
God? — Bredbenner

PRAYER THOUGHT
Sin, when viewed and coveted, has a
magnetic force upon man. Sin draws
him into its fire and he is soon con-
sumed. Soar high with God and you
will never fly too low.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5
Scripture Reading— Psalm 19:1

DOWNWARD GAZE
"A young man once found a five-
dollar bill on the street," says William
Feather, a well-known writer. "From
that time on he never lifted his eyes
when walking. In the course of years
he accumulated 29,516 buttons, 54,172
pins, 12 cents, a bent back, and a
miserly disposition.

"He lost the glory of the sunlight,
the sheen of the stars, the smiles of his
friends, tree blossoms in the spring,
the blue skies, and the entire joy of
living." — Florida Baptist Witness

PRAYER THOUGHT
While searching for material
things, we often miss God's fleeting
gifts of nature. We can learn from
even the most minute of God's
creatures. The Bible instructs man to
take a lesson from the lowly ant. We
would be wiser to enjoy God's free
gifts and to forget the accumulation of
material wealth. As the saying goes,
"Along the way, take time to smell
the flowers."

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Scripture Reading— Luke 9 : 62

VITAL TRUTH ILLUSTRATION

He was a good farmer; the furrows
in the field he was ploughing
stretched like railway tracks to the
fence a quarter of a mile away.

"How do you make such straight
furrows?" I asked.

"You see that slender pole with a
white rag tied to the top of it?" he said
in reply. "Well, I set that pole at the
point where I want my furrow to end.
If I keep my eyes on it all the way
across, I can make the furrow almost
as straight as a crow can fly; if you
get a crook in the first one, the rest
have to follow it, for the guiding wheel
of the plough runs in the old furrow.
Get your first one straight, and the
rest will be straight too. ' '

The crooked furrows in my life have

come when I took my spiritual gaze
from Christ! — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
The truth of this illustration is also
emphasized in the chorus as follows:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face.

And the things of earth will grow

strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

May we ever look to Jesus who is
the Author and Finisher of our faith!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:31

MOLE OR LARK OUTLOOK?
' 'How stupid life is ! " said the mole,
' 'This earth is a dull dirty hole !
I eat, I dig, and I store ;
But I find it all a bore . ' '

The lark sang high in the blue :
' 'How sweet is the morning dew !
How clear the brooks, how fair the

flowers,
I rejoice in this world of ours."

—Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Aptitude is important in our success
and our outlook in life and what we
are accomplishing, but how much
more important is our attitude about
life and what we are doing. Let us
examine our attitudes to see if we are
reflecting Christ in our thoughts and
actions!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
Scripture Reading— Acts 16:31;
Proverbs 14 : 25

THE GREATEST BEQUEST
When Patrick Henry's will was
read, it was found to conclude with
these words: "There is one thing
more I wish I could give you. It is the
religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. With
it, if you had nothing else, you could
be happy. Without it, though you had
all things else, you could not be
happy." — Watchman Examiner

PRAYER THOUGHT
Let us be very thankful that our
nation was founded by men who came
searching for religious freedom in-
stead of material gain. We have a
proud heritage and a spiritual one.
Are we allowing this to go down the

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

drain? Will the next generation be
able to boast of its forefather's
religious views?

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
Scripture Reading— James 2:17, 18

HOW HE DID IT
A Chinaman brought a number of
his friends to the mission. When asked
how he succeeded in getting so many
to come, he said, "I got on my knees
and talkee, talkee, talkee. Then I got
up and walkee, walkee, walkee."
Pray and then work. Prayer without
works is vain. Praying without
working, like working without
praying, is dead. Let us talkee and
walkee.— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Faith and works always go hand in
] hand, and one without the other is
void. Let us picture a man in a canoe
with his two oars one marked works
and the other marked faith. If he uses
the oar marked faith alone he will
only go around in a circle. If he uses
the oar marked works alone, he will
go around in a circle in the opposite
direction. But if he puts both oars to
work together, he will move down the
stream. So it is in life, we must
engage both faith and works to ac-
complish God's will.

(Devotions used by permission of
; Knight's Master Book of New
i Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

MY SHEPHERD

by Ruth Langley Newsome

The Lord is
my Shepherd.
Father,

you did not say,
might be
will be,
But you are now,
t I this minute,
my Shepherd.
What a

beautiful song.
I can be at peace
amid trials

and everyday worries.

Knowing

without a

It !

glimmer of doubt
f; you are

my Shepherd.
I Now.

Scriptural basis: "... I wholly
followed the LORD my God" (Joshua
14:8).

FULL DEDICATION TO
CHRIST

A person who is fully dedicated to
Christ is a Christian of the highest rank.
A person's tolerance of evil determines
the quality of his Christian character.
There are Christians and there are
CHRISTIANS. But some people are
satisfied at just being a Christian in the
lowest level. Others want to excel and
become the best Christian possible. I am
one who strives to be fully dedicated to
Christ and I do not believe in mixing evil
with good, even though the good might
be able to tolerate a certain amount of
evil. For example, the milk our dairies
furnish us is polluted. It is not pure and it
is impossible to produce pure and
wholesome milk. However, our
government allows for this tolerance of
pollutants and poisons up to a point. The
law, so far, has allowed the best grade of
milk to be labeled Grade A; but there has
to be a continuing sanitary updating ever
so often to protect the consumer. With all
the man-made chemicals and with the
density of our population there is a
growing need for precaution. The laws of
the land often have to be imposed upon
producers who become careless and by
their carelessness threaten the health
and well-being of our citizens.

The fully dedicated Christian should
strive to be a complete spiritual
Christian. To do this he must learn to
love Christ with all the heart, soul, mind,
and strength. (See Mark 12:30.) He
must also learn to love his neighbor as
much as he loves himself. We are not to
love anything more than we love our

Lord. Jesus warns us against loving
things more than we love Him. We are
not to love husband, wife, children, or
parents more than we love Him. But this
does not mean that we should not love
them. We surely are not to love houses,
lands, businesses, money, or self more
than we love Him. If we love Him we will
keep His commandments.

A dedicated person strives to live daily
for Christ. We are to take up our crosses
daily and deny ourselves, living for
Christ daily. Paul says, "And they that
are Christ's have crucified the flesh with
the affections and lusts" (Galatians
5:24). When the flesh has been
crucified, the Christian's automobile will
head toward the church on Sunday and
will arrive in time for Sunday school.
That same automobile will be parked in
the parking area of the church again on
Sunday nights and on Wednesday nights
while the driver and other occupants
attend worship and prayer services.

A dedicated Christian will also have
complete physical dedication. The heart
will be set upon loving the Lord: ". . .
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, . . ." (Matthew 22:37). The
hands will find spiritual things to
promote: the feet will take the Christian
into areas and situations that will enable
him to witness for the Lord and spread
the gospel. The Christian is said to have
"beautiful feet" because they run to and
fro ministering to those in need.

The mind of Christ works through our
minds, and our ears are swift to hear the
truth and are able to shut out the evil.
Our eyes see the good but will not look
upon nor tolerate the evil. Christian eyes
will not look upon sin. Also we are
admonished to keep our noses out of
other people's business. "Keep your
mouth closed and you will stay out of
trouble" is a good rule to follow. There is
a time to speak and there is a time to
remain silent.

Finally, complete material dedication
to God will control us to the glory of God.
We are stewards of Christ. All we have
belongs to Him. We are to handle all
these affairs as the Lord's business, and
whatever is accomplished should glorify
Him and honor our Father which is in
Heaven.

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

QArswering \bur
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: Was our Lord Jesus Christ
born on the twenty-fifth of December? In
what year was He born?

Answer: In the past I have made a
somewhat thorough investigation
regarding the time of our Lord's birth.
The clearest evidence I was able to
obtain placed His birth on December 25,
A. D. 4. I encountered many other views
as to this time; however, none seemed to
me as conclusive as this.

On one occasion in the research done
on this subject, it was in conjunction
with about 20 graduate school students
who consulted a wide spectrum of
material, compared the results, and
came up with this conclusion.

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question, page 214, in his book 1000
Difficult Bible Questions Answered as
follows:

"According to the leading modern
authorities, and many others of former
times, the birth of Christ took place four
years before the opening of what is
known as the Christian era. Dionysius
Exiguus, a monk who made the
calculations upon which the Christian
calendar is based, lived in A. D. 526,
and it has long been conceded that he
erred to the extent of four years in fixing
the date of the Nativity. The date,
however, is unimportant, as far as it
affects Christ's mission or character,
although it has been a subject of
discussion for centuries. There was no
agreement as to the date, in the primitive
Christian Church, nor as to the season.
Clement of Alexandria regarded the 20th
of May as the date of the Nativity, others
the 20th of April. Modern chronologists
differ, some holding it probable that
either June or July (when the fields are
parched from want of rain) was the time;
Lightfoot names September; Lardner and
Newcomb, October; Strong, August;
Andrews and many others between the
middle of December, 749, and the middle
of January, 750 (dating after the
founding of Rome). Church historians
and popular tradition have fixed on
December 25. One clue is found in the

fact that Zacharias was officiating in the
temple when the angel announced to him
the future birth of his son, John the
Baptist. It is known that the course of
Abia, to which Zacharias belonged, was
serving in the temple in October of that
year. Another clue is in the fact of the
shepherds being in the fields, which was
more than likely to occur in December
than in June, which latter is the alter-
native month."

Smith's Bible Dictionary in discussing
this subject on page 307 says in part: ' ' It
is also more than likely that our usual
date for Christmas, December 25, is not
far from being the real date of Christ's
birth. Since the 25th of December comes
when the longest night gives way to the
returning sun on his triumphant march,
it makes an appropriate anniversary to
mark the birth of Him who appeared in
the darkest night of error and sin as the
true Light of the world."

In Wycliffe's Bible Commentary of the
New Testament, page 198, we find the
following: "The exact date of Jesus'
birth is unknown; the legendary date of
December 25 cannot be traced back
farther than the fourth century. ' '

Davis Dictionary of the Bible gives the
following discussion on page 380:

"The length of Christ's ministry and
consequently the year of his death are to
be fixed by the number of passovers
which John notes in his Gospel. If we
had only the synoptic gospels (see
gospel), we might infer that his ministry
was only a year in length, and this was in
ancient times a not uncommon opinion.
But John's Gospel speaks of at least
three passovers (2:13; 6:4; 13:1), and it
is highly probable that the feast referred
to in John 5:1 was also a passover. If so,
Christ's ministry included four
passovers, at the last of which he died;
and, if he was baptized early in A. D. 27,
his first passover was in April of that
year, and he died in A. D. 30, when the
passover festival began on April 7. Those
who think that John 5:1 does not refer to
a passover date Christ's death in A. D.
29. We thus obtain as the probable

leading dates in Christ's life: birth,
December 25 (?), 5 B. C; baptism and
beginning of his ministry, January (?),
A. D. 27; death, April 7, A. D. 30."

This discussion should be sufficient to
bring to us facts enough to verify such
statements as we read indicating that the
dates of Christ's birth, baptism, death,
resurrection and ascension are uncertain
and can be arrived at only in a general or
approximate sense. After all the first and
most important task before us is being
obedient to the Great Commission. "And
Jesus came and spake unto them,
saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). "But ye
shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth"
(Acts 1 :8). "He that believeth on the Son
hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him"
(John 3:36).

\

FURNITURE FOR SALE

White Oak Free Will Baptist
Church, Bladenboro, North
Carolina, posts notice that they will
sell to the highest bidder the
following furniture: one pulpit, two
pulpit chairs, table and chair, and
thirteen long pews. The reason for
selling these items is the
remodeling of the church and the
; purchase of new furniture. The
items will be available by December
21, 1976.

If interested please contact the
treasurer of the church, Jerry W.
Brown, Box 475, Bladenboro,
\ North Carolina, or telephone 919-
863-3133.

Robert E. Adams, Clerk

White Oak Free Will Baptist Church

V )

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

"Go ye into all the world,^
and preach the gospel"^ "

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

HOW'S THIS FOR
RAISING MONEY?

The Catalpa Mission of Fayetteville,
: North Carolina, is showing great
, determination in moving ahead. They
have come up with all kinds of ideas to
raise money for their building program
and to reach the lost. The newest idea is

Catalpa Mission Holds CB Spaghetti Dinner

their CB spaghetti dinners and coffee
breaks. They just simply get everything
ready and then get on the old CB radio
telling all the good buddies to come on
over. They do come, and when all the
good buddies clear out the mission is
usually left with a nice profit for the
building program.

If you think that's good, how do you
like this? They are also using the CB
radios to witness for Christ. These
people are continually doing other things
to help themselves such as having
rummage sales and car washes. They
even took an old two-story house apart in
order to get lumber for their proposed
sanctuary which they expect to build
themselves. They have already laid the
foundation for this sanctuary, and expect
to be in it by Christmas. These people
deserve a lot of praise for doing so much
to help themselves. The Rev. Alton

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

Howard is their pastor and leader.

Submitted by,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

HOW'S THIS FOR BUILDING
GOD'S HOUSE?

The Victory Mission of Hope Mills,
North Carolina, is holding services in
their new building. This building was
expertly built— labor free. Yours truly
came from the old school that taught us
to use our heads and to put legs on our
prayers. After a bit of persuasion, the
Fayetteville Technical Institute agreed to
furnish all the labor through its student
training program. The mission pur-
chased the materials, and by using free

Victory Mission of Hope Mills, North Carolina

labor saved approximately twenty
thousand dollars.

This just goes to prove that there's
more than one way to get a job done. The
spiritual growth of the mission is very
good. The Rev. Joe Gerald is the pastor
and leader of this mission.

Respectfully submitted,
Taylor Hill
Director-Treasurer

A LADIES BIBLE RETREAT

It was ten o'clock on a bright sunny
June morning. It was time for the Ladies
Retreat to begin, but where were the
ladies? I hurried down to the cafeteria
with my dishes for our spread lunch,
checked on the tea, and wiped off the
last specks of dust from the tables. I
realized then, that two cars were already
here, but the ladies were not sure of
where to go.

As the doors of the chapel were

opened, I noticed the colorful flag of our
country proudly waving in the breeze
against a clear blue sky. Our theme for
the day was to be on "Freedom." Then,
it seemed as though everyone arrived at
once. The ladies put their food in the
cafeteria and assembled in the chapel.
The children were directed to the Links'
home, where Sherry Sprouse and Jodi
Link were providing a "baby sitting
service."

The meeting began with a time of
singing. The highlight of the morning
was a soul-stirring tape given by the top
ranking officer of the Vietnam prisoners
of war, Robenson Risner. He made us
realize the wonderful privilege of being
an American and a believer. He told us
many stirring experiences in which he
had realized the wonderful power of God
in his life during his tragic imprisonment.
We all felt the beautiful presence of the
Lord in the prayer time that followed.

After an enjoyable lunch, we again
went to the chapel and heard a stirring
Bible devotion on "Real Freedom." At
the close of the meeting we gathered in
front of the chapel and very gratefully
gave the pledge of allegiance to our flag,
and then bowed our heads and closed
with the Lord's Prayer. A beautiful day!
A beautiful experience! A miniature
Cragmont conference!

7

NEWS^&
_NOTES

Free Will Baptist Church of
Goldsboro to Observe Homecoming

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Goldsboro, North Carolina will observe its
annual homecoming on October 3.
Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a. m.
followed by the worship service at
eleven. The morning worship service will
include a memorial service by Mrs. Hazel
Casey and message by the pastor, the
Rev. Earl Glenn. Lunch will be served at
noon.

An afternoon service of gospel music
has been planned. All former pastors,
members, and friends are invited to
attend.

Oak Grove Church

Observes Annual Homecoming

The annual homecoming at Oak Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Newton Grove,
North Carolina, will be observed Sunday,
October 3. The services will begin with
Sunday school at 10 a. m., followed with
the worship service at eleven o'clock.
Dr. W. Burkette Raper, a former pastor,
will deliver the homecoming message.
Lunch will be served on the church
grounds at the noon hour.

The pastor, the Rev. C. Felton
Godwin, and the church members extend
a cordial invitation to all former pastors,
members, and friends to attend and
share this special day of worship and
fellowship with them.

Rose Hill Church
Announces Homecoming

The Rose Hill Free Will Baptist Church
near Winterville, North Carolina, will
observe its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 3. The day will begin
with Sunday school at 10 a. m. The
eleven o'clock worship service will
feature special music by the adult choir
and a memorial service for deceased
members of the past year. Afterwards
lunch will be served on the church
grounds.

"All former pastors, former members,
and friends are invited to attend and

enjoy this day of worship," states the
pastor, the Rev. Dan Beaman.

Albemarle Conference
To Meet at Shiloh Church

The Thirty-Second Annual Session of
Albemarle Conference of Original Free
Will Baptists of North Carolina will
convene with Shiloh Free Will Baptist
Church, Pinetown, North Carolina, on
Wednesday, October 6, 1976. The
program will be as follows:

Morning Session
9:30— Devotions, the Rev. L. E.
Ambrose

9:40— Welcome, Mr. Ervin Foreman

— Response, Mr. Billy Dilday
9:45— Conference Called to Order

—Adoption of Program as Order of
Business

— Enrollment of Churches,
Ministers and Delegates,
Visitors

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers
10:15— Moderator's Address, the Rev.

Robert May
—Appointment of Temporary
Committees:
Resolution
Temperance
Nominating

— Morning Offering

— Report of Standing Boards:
Executive Board

Board of Trustees

Board of Education

Board of Missions

Board of Ordination
11 :20— Announcements
1 1 : 25 — Special Music

— Message, the Rev. Marvin
Waters

12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1 :00— Devotions, Miss Alice Webster
1 :10— Memorial Service, the Rev.

Francis Garner
1 :20— Report of State Convention

— Report of Mount Olive College

— Report of Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation

— Report of Free Will Baptist
Children's Home

— Report of Retirement Home

— Report of Superannuation

— Report of Cragmont Assembly

— Report of Church Finance

— Report of Foreign Missions

— Report of Home Missions
— Church Extension

2:20— Report of Temporary Committees

— Report of Treasurer
—Appointment of Delegates to

Various Church Bodies

— Installation of New Officers

— Reading of the Minutes
—Announcement of Next Con-
ference

—Benediction and Adjournment

Old-Fashioned Homecoming Day
At Rock of Zion Church

The Rock of Zion Free Will Baptist
Church of Grantsboro, North Carolina,
will celebrate with an old-fashioned
homecoming at the close of its fall revival
on Sunday, October 3, 1976. Revival
services began Monday, September 27
at 7:30 p. m. with the Rev. Harry Grubbs
of Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church in Durham as the guest
evangelist. Services will continue
through Friday, October 1, with special
music being presented each night.

Homecoming will be celebrated on
October 3 with an eye on the past and a
glance toward the future. The activities
will begin with Sunday school at 10
a. m., followed by the morning worship
service at 11 a. m. with the evangelist
delivering the morning message. Dinner
will be spread on the grounds after the
morning service. The dress will be old-
fashioned for those who choose to be a
part of the celebration. The cooks will be
preparing barbecued pork, dried butter
beans, fish stew, and chicken and pastry
by the wash pot. The public is cordially
invited to attend both the revival services
and the homecoming activities.

Smyrna Plans
Homecoming

The annual homecoming service of the
Smyrna Original Free Will Baptist Church
located on Highway 96 near the Meadow
Community will be held Sunday, October
3. The pastor, the Rev. W. A. Martin,
will deliver the homecoming message at
the eleven o'clock worship hour.

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Lunch will be served at noon.
An afternoon singspiration will begin
at 1:30.

The church and its pastor extend to
each a warm invitation. Singers are
extended a special invitation to par-
ticipate in the afternoon singspiration.

Pleasant Grove Church
Announces Homecoming

The Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist
Church of Route 2, Pikeville, North
Carolina, will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, October 3. The
Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a. m.
with the lesson being taught by Mrs.
Mary Pelt. The homecoming message
will be delivered by the pastor, the Rev.
James Lupton, followed by lunch on the
grounds at noon.

The afternoon services will feature a
special memorial service and singing by
the Oak Street Youth Choir of Goldsboro,
North Carolina. Former members, former
pastors, and friends are invited to at-
tend.

Homecoming Day to Be Held
At Saint Mary's Grove Church

The Saint Mary's Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 3, Benson, North
Carolina, will observe its annual
homecoming day on Sunday, October 3.
Following Sunday school, which begins
jat9:45 a. m., the Rev. Ed Taylor, pastor,
will deliver the morning message during
jhe eleven o'clock worship service,
lunch will be served at noon in the
activity building. The afternoon service
IwlH feature special singing.

Former pastors, former members, and
riends are invited to attend.

Irdination Services
it Unity Church

! On Thursday evening, September 9,
976, the ordaining council of the
/estern Conference presided over the
irdination service for Ken Forehand. This
ervice was held at Unity Free Will
aptist Church, Durham, North Carolina,
'hich Mr. Forehand is currently
astoring.

Special music of the evening was
resented by the Gospelets of Sherron
Icres Church and Unity Quartet.

The message was by the Rev. Fred
jivenbark. His message was entitled
Preach the Word" 2 Timothy 4:1-5 and

Hebrews 4:12 as the Scripture. Rev.
Rivenbark told how he had baptized Ken,
married Ken and Barbara, and then
helped him to realize that God was truly
calling him into the ministry. In con-
clusion he charged Ken to preach the
Word of God forsaking everything else.

Following the message, the Rev. Harry
Grubbs presented the open Bible to
Brother Forehand as he and his wife,
Barbara, stood together at the church
altar. In the presentation, Rev. Grubbs
asked that Barbara and Ken always keep
the Bible open in their heart and lives.
The Rev. James Joyner asked the final
questions and instructed him in his
pledge before God: the Rev. J. B. Godwin
presented the certificate of ordination;
the Rev. DeWayne Eakes, presided, and
asked all ministers present to join in the
laying on of hands as Barbara and Ken
knelt before the altar. Eleven ministers
came forward as the Rev. Rod Jones
prayed the prayer of dedication.

The ladies of the church had prepared
a center table in the fellowship hall. A
decorated cake in the shape of an open
Bible with Romans 12:1 written on the
side and a cross on the other side was
used for the centerpiece. The cake was
presented to the honoree and his wife.
More than 100 guests, friends, and
relatives were served refreshments.

The members of Unity Church ask that
you join them in praying for Barbara and
Ken and their three children, Roger,
Kendra, and Karen, as they have ac-
cepted this challenge and calling in their
lives. Pray that God will continue to bless
them as He uses them for His Glory.

Homecoming and Revival
At Pleasant Hill Church

The annual homecoming will be
observed at Pleasant Hill Free Will
Baptist Church, located on N. C. High-
way 43 near Calico Crossroads, on
Sunday, October 3. Sunday school will
begin at 10 a. m., followed by the
morning worship service at 11, and
lunch on the grounds at 1 2:30. In case of
rain, the dinner will be held in the
fellowship hall. Former pastors,
members and friends are invited to
attend and to remain for the afternoon
song service featuring the church choir,
quartet, and other participants.

Beginning on Monday night, October
4, and continuing through October 9, the
Rev. Graham Lane will conduct the fall

revival. Services will begin each evening
at 7:45. Everyone is invited and urged to
attend if possible.

Beaverdam AFC Honors
Pastor and Family

On September 13, 1976, the AFC of
the Beaverdam Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1, Chadbourn, North Carolina,
honored its pastor, the Rev. William J.
Godwin, and his family with a surprise
dinner in the church fellowship hall.
Prayer was led by Rudie Cartrette. The
dinner table was covered with a gold lace
cloth and decorated with blue ribbons
and a silver candleholder bearing six
gold candles. The pastor was presented
a three-tiered cake decorated with pink
flowers and green leaves with two angel
ornaments on the top layer. Various
covered dishes were served, following
the dinner prayer led by Mr. Godwin.

After dinner the AFC presented a gift
to the pastor. Everyone then enjoyed a
fellowship time featuring games for all.

Pine Level Church
Announces Homecoming

Homecoming Day will be observed at
Pine Level Free Will Baptist Church on
Sunday, October 3. Services will begin at
10 a. m. with Sunday school, ending
with dinner on the grounds at 12:30.

The church issues an invitation to all
former pastors, former members, and
friends to attend.

Robert's Grove Church

Observes Homecoming-Harvest Day

The annual homecoming-harvest day
of Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Dunn, North Carolina,
will be observed on Sunday, October 3,
1976. Services will begin with Sunday
school at 10 a. m., followed with worship
services at 11. The Rev. Stewart
Humphrey, a former pastor, will bring
the homecoming message. Lunch will be
served on the church grounds at the
noon hour.

In the afternoon a memorial service
will be held, followed by gospel singing.
The pastor, the Rev. A. B. Bryan, and
the church members extend an invitation
to all who would like to enjoy this special
day.

Continued on Next Page.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Homecoming and Dinner
At Beulaville Church

The Beulaville, North Carolina, Free
Will Baptist Church will celebrate its
annual homecoming on Sunday, October
3, 1976. The day will begin with Sunday
school at 10 a. m., worship service at
1 1 , followed with dinner in the fellowship
hall. The morning message will be
delivered by the pastor, the Rev. Chris
Singleton.

All former members, former pastors,
and friends are invited to attend.

Revival Now in Progress
At Union Chapel Church

The Union Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church of Plymouth, North Carolina,
announces revival services are now in
progress and will continue through
October 1 . The Rev. Marvin Waters is the
guest evangelist, assisted by the pastor,
the Rev. John Melancon. Services begin
each evening at 7:30, featuring special
music each night.

On Sunday, October 3, the church will
observe its annual homecoming with
dinner on the grounds. All former
pastors, former members, and friends
are invited to worship with the church on
this special occasion.

Rev. Robert May to Conduct
Winterville Revival

The Rev. Robert May will be the
evangelist for a week of revival services
at the Winterville Free Will Baptist
Church, October 4 through 8. Services
will start each evening at 7:30, with
revival prayer room at 7:1 5. There will be
special music each night.

The pastor, the Rev. Bobby Futrell,

and members invite everyone needing
spiritual refreshment to attend. The
church is located on the corner of
Chapman and Depot Streets in Win-
terville, North Carolina.

Homecoming and Revival
At Pleasant Plain Church

Fall revival services will begin at the
Pleasant Plain Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 2, Selma, North Carolina, Monday,
October 4, and will continue through
Friday, October 8. The Rev. Billy R.
Yawn, pastor of Everett's Chapel,
Clayton, North Carolina, will be the
evangelist. He will be assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser.
There will be special music each evening
by the church choirs and visiting groups.
Services will begin at 7:30 p. m.

Sunday, October 10, is the annual
homecoming day for the church. A
former pastor, the Rev. N. D. Wiggs, will
bring the morning message. The annual
harvest day offering will be received
during the morning service. The program
for the day will include a memorial
service for deceased members.
Following the noon meal, there will be an
afternoon musical service, featuring local
talent and visiting groups.

The pastor and congregation extend a
cordial invitation to former members,
former pastors, and friends to worship
with them in these services.

Owens Chapel Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Owens Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 3, Elm City, North
Carolina, announces revival services for
the week of October 4-9, beginning each
evening at 7:45. The visiting evangelist
will be the Rev. Paul Clayton of Florence,
South Carolina. He will be assisted in the
services by the pastor, the Rev. Swade
Benson. There will be special music each
evening, and the public is invited to
attend.

On Sunday, October 10, the church
will observe its annual homecoming.
Following Sunday school at 10 a. m.,
Rev. Clayton, the visiting evangelist, will
deliver the homecoming message. A
picnic lunch will be served on the church
grounds, and the afternoon service will
feature gospel singing. The pastor and
the members extend a warm welcome to
former pastors, members, and friends to

join them for this day of worship and
Christian fellowship.

Winterville Sunday School Class
Sponsoring a Harvest Sale

The Christian Fellowship Sunday
School Class of the Winterville Free Will
Baptist Church is sponsoring a Harvest
Sale on Saturday, October 2, at the
Winterville Fire Station. The day's
activities will begin at 10 a. m. with a $3
car wash, bake sale, craft sale, and
children's games. At 5 p. m. there will
be gospel singing featuring "The
Crusaders," a talented young trio from '
the Winterville church. The final event 1
will be the auction sale, beginning at
7:30. There will be a snack bar, flea '
market, and various other events all day
long. All proceeds will go to the church
building fund. The public is cordially :
invited to attend.

Hillsberry Church Celebrates
Fourteenth Anniversary

On September 5, 1976, the Hillsberry i
Original Free Will Baptist Church, i
Clinton, North Carolina, celebrated its;
homecoming and fourteenth anniversary.
The pastor, the Rev. Ronnie Parker, |
reports that it was a great day especially
since the church is now debt free and the
last note was burned during the ser-
vices. He also notes that the church i
members are grateful to God for making
this a reality.

The homecoming message was;
delivered by the Rev. A. Graham Lane;
who was the first supply pastor when the j
church was in the mission stage.
Following lunch on the church grounds,
the Singing Samaritans presented a
program of gospel music which was
enjoyed by all.

The phenomenal growth and progress |
of the Hillsberry Church is documented;
as follows:

On September 2, 1963, a planning
service was held in what was known as
the Sampson Bakery, located on
Fayetteville Street in Clinton, with 12
interested people. The mission wasj
formally organized on January 31 , 1963, j
with 12 members and 35 in Sunday
school. The church building was con-
structed the same year, with the first
homecoming being held in October oil
1963. The mission became the Hillsberry!
Church on May 7, 1965, with 35]
members, under the supervision of the

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Rev. J. Stewart Humphrey. Other
ministers who have served the church
are the Revs. A. Graham Lane, Harry A.
Jones, DeWayne Eakes, Lemmie Taylor,
and Ronnie Parker.

The Hillsberry Church has grown in
membership since the beginning when
12 members felt a great need for the
church to be started. However, the
church desires your prayers in behalf of
its work in spreading the gospel and
reaching the unsaved.

Homecoming and Revival
At Selma Church

Homecoming will be obser.ved at the
Selma, North Carolina, Free Will Baptist
Church on Sunday, October 3. The
speaker for the service will be the Rev.
Robert M. Fader, a former pastor. All
friends and former pastors are invited to
i attend.

Revival services will begin October 4,
continuing through October 8. The
services will begin at 7:30 p. m. with the
(Rev. 0. B. Jones, pastor of the First Free
Will Baptist Church of Tarboro, North
(Carolina, as the evangelist. The church
members and the pastor, the Rev. Ray
Wells, extend a cordial invitation to all to
attend .

New Bethlehem Church Announces
'Homecoming and Revival Services

The New Bethlehem Free Will Baptist
Church, Grantsboro, North Carolina, will
Observe its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 3. Lunch will be served
in the fellowship hall at noon. Everyone is
invited to worship with the church on this
occasion and to enjoy the Christian
fellowship.

( Revival services will begin at the
church on October 4, continuing through
October 8, with the Rev. J. B. Starnes of
Newport as the visiting evangelist. The
pastor, the Rev. A. Graham Lane will
kssist in the services. Special music will
oe rendered each evening by visiting and
ocal singers. The public is invited to
ittend .

Revival Services
it Aspen Grove

The Aspen Grove Free Will Baptist
)hurch near Fountain, North Carolina,
mnounces revival services beginning
Monday, October 4, and continuing

through Saturday, October 9. Special
music will be featured at each service
along with a sermon by the visiting
evangelist, the Rev. Jack Mayo.

The pastor, the Rev. Hubert Burress,
extends a cordial invitation to all to
attend.

Revival and Homecoming
At Hugo Church

The Rev. Noah Brown of Bridgeton,
North Carolina, will be the guest
evangelist for revival services at the
Hugo Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2,
Grifton, North Carolina, October 4-9 at
7:30 each evening. The pastor, the Rev.
Harry A. Jones, extends a personal
invitation to all to attend.

The annual homecoming will be
observed at the Hugo Church on Sunday,
October 10. The day's activities will
begin with Sunday school at 10 a. m.,
church at 11 a. m., and a picnic lunch at
noon in the fellowship building. Former
pastors, former members, and friends
are urged to attend.

Tees Chapel Announces
Homecoming and Revival

Homecoming will be observed at Tees
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Route
2, Smithfield, North Carolina, on
Sunday, October 3. Following Sunday
school at 10 a. m., the pastor, the Rev.
Foy Futrell will deliver the homecoming
message, with Mrs. Shirley Sellers in
charge of the memorial service. At the
close of the morning service, a collection
of tithes and offerings will be received for
the church building fund. Everyone is
invited to attend the services and to stay

for the lunch at noon and the afternoon
song service.

On Monday night, October 4, revival
services will begin at the church with the
Rev. Ashley Turner of Clayton, North
Carolina, and pastor of Branch Chapel
Free Will Baptist Church, as the
evangelist. The church extends a special
invitation to all to attend at 7:30 p. m.
and enjoy these services. Special music
will be rendered each evening.

Homecoming and Revival
At Spring Hill Church

Spring Hill Free Will Baptist Church,
Goldsboro, North Carolina, will observe
it's annual homecoming on Sunday,
October 3. All former pastors, members,
and friends are invited.

The church will be in revival beginning
Monday, October 4, through Friday,
October 8, at 7:30 each evening. The
Rev. Rudy Owens, pastor of Unity Free
Will Baptist Church, Wilson, North
Carolina, will be the evangelist, assisted
by the Rev. William Dale, pastor of
Spring Hill.

The church requests your prayers for
revival in the church and throughout the
land.

Kenly Church Celebrates
85th Anniversary

The Kenly Free Will Baptist Church,
Kenly, North Carolina, will observe its
annual homecoming on Sunday, October
3. The day's activities will begin with
Sunday school at 9:45 a. m., followed
with the worship service at 11 a. m. The
Rev. L. S. Joyner, the pastor's father of
Durham, will preach the morning
message. Lunch will be served at the
American Legion Building on Highway
222 west of Kenly at one o'clock.

The church will be observing its 85th
anniversary on this date. The pastor, the
Rev. James V. Joyner, invites all to share
in this day's activities.

On Monday night, October 4, the Rev.
C. F. Bowen, a former pastor and
present pastor of Stoney Creek Church,
will begin revival services. These
services will continue through Friday,
October 8, beginning at 7:30 p. m. The
church requests your prayers, concern,
and attendance.

IHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For October 10

RECONCILED THROUGH JESUS

CHRIST

Lesson Text: Romans 5:1-1 1
Memory Verse: Romans 5:8

I. INTRODUCTION

Man's sin caused him to be alienated
from God. He has no righteousness that
God can accept. He is a stranger to God's
mercy and love and has no hope in this
world for salvation. God, of course, knew
this and therefore sent His Son into the
world to try to save man. Jesus died for
man's sins and offered him a way out of
his bondage. The bridge over the
troubled waters of sin was reconciliation.

Reconciliation simply means that
Jesus stands between sinful man and a
holy God, reaching out His hand to both.
Once sinful man reaches for the hand of
Jesus by faith, Jesus takes it and places
it in the merciful hand of God, thus
bringing the two together in recon-
ciliation. This togetherness between man
and God results in man's salvation and
makes him an heir to all that God has.

All of this should not say to us that God
is angry with man and must have a kind
of homage paid to Him to make up with
man. It does mean that man is angry with
God and needs to come to God for
redemption— The Bible Student
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. We had no power to save our-
selves, no ability to get rid of our guilt,
no strength to do right without fail. We
were sinners doomed to die, but Christ
died in our place. If that does not show
love, what could?

B. Every normal person treasures
his life. To give it up for another is a
sacrifice so magnificent that few will
make it. Possibly some might even do
that for a good and righteous man, but
who would give his life for a bad man?

C. If it takes great love to give one's
life for a good man, how much greater

love is needed to give one's life for bad
people! Great beyond measure is the love
of God. He proved it when He sent His
Son to die for us, not after we were
justified, but while we were sinners.

D. Christ loved when we did not.

This is the amazing love of God and the
glory of His righteousness: Christ loved
us when we did not love Him back. "But
God commendeth his love toward us, in
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us" (v. 8). Christ knew we
would be sinners and would hate Him,
yet even while He had this knowledge,
He died on the Cross for us. "Much
more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath
through him" (v. 9). If Christ thought
enough of us and loved us so divinely as
to die for us, how much more must He
love us now that we have been justified
by faith and through His redeeming
blood?

E. Christ loved with His life. He

loved us when He walked the earth. He
loved us when He died on the Cross. He
loved us best of all when He arose from
the dead. Through it all He loved us with
His life. "For if, when we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God by the death
of his Son, much more, being reconciled,
we shall be saved by his life" (v. 10). It
took the death and resurrection of Jesus
to effect our reconciliation. Because He
arose from the dead we shall be saved by
his life, that is, because He lives
forevermore. Had He not risen from the
tomb there could have been no recon-
ciliation.

F. Man's condition without Christ is
one of helplessness. Sin's influence is
powerful in alienating the soul from God.

G. The threefold reconciliation
accomplished by the work of Christ
brings inward peace, reconciliation to
our fellowmen, and peace with God.

We have assurance of salvation

through faith in Christ.

H. The meaning of atonement is
being made one with God.

—Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Many of the old fairy tales we I
read in grammar school ended with the i
words, "and they lived happily ever
after." Is that always true, especially in
regards to marriage? No! The tragic truth
is that many married couples live very
unhappily ever after. For example, read
the daily newspapers and see how many
husbands kill their wives and vice versa.
Check on the number of assaults
committed by family members. Read
about the number of policemen who are
killed while on duty to investigate family
troubles.

There is a dire need for reconciliation 1
between husbands and wives, between !
fathers and mothers, between parents
and children, between brothers and!
sisters. But the greatest need for
reconciliation is between man and God.
We must first be reconciled to God before 1
we can make any progress in becoming I
reconciled to each other.

Some people are more interested in '
solving the differences between
themselves than they are in straightening 1
their relationships with God. They realize
their need to be reconciled with fellow
workers or family members, but they fail !
to see their need for being reconciled to
God. They don't understand how sin can
be offensive to God and can cause them
to be separated from Him. They feel a'
restlessness in their souls, but they try'
to forget it by engaging in numerous |
activities, making money, and en-
tertaining friends.

The Bible plainly shows us that we are
estranged from God, because we have
rebelled against Him, withdrawn from
His loving plan, and decided to "do our
own thing." The main problem is that we
don't want God to rule over our lives.
Therefore, we are estranged from Him
and at enmity with Him. We need to be
brought back into reconciliation with
God. To fail is to deny ourselves the best
that God offers in this life and hope forj
the life to come.

— Intermediate Teacher (F. W. B.)

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

B. Justification is our peace.

Justification is our standing before God
in Christ. We are justified when we
; receive Christ as Saviour and with this
i comes the peace our minds and souls
need. "Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our
iLord Jesus Christ" (v. 1). This is the
peace that comes with saving grace and
is ours for the asking, if we believe in
Jesus Christ. It is a glorious peace when
we realize that our standing before God
through justification cannot be altered by
any force of evil in the world. We are His
because we have believed, and the blood
of Christ "cleanses us from all sin."
This standing is eternal as long as we
keep our faith in Jesus and do not
become apostatized because of
(prolonged, unrepentant sins.

— Bible Student (F. W. B.)

C. Later lessons will lead us to think
about the life of one who is reconciled
and becomes a friend of God. Still we can
Jiardly end this week's study without a
little thought of what comes after
reconciliation. Surely anyone with a heart
will want to give loyal service to the
Saviour who has redeemed him, brought
lim across the gulf, made him a child of
3od.

! An oft-repeated story tells of a slave
girl who was stubborn and rebellious,
per body was bruised and scarred with
bany whippings, but still she was so
intractable that her owner decided to sell
per.

j j Bidding ran high at the auction, for the
Sir! was strong and beautiful in spite of
er scars. But finally the bidding ended,
jind a new owner came to the block
jmere she stood. The girl strained at her
stters and spat at him.

j The man showed no anger. Quietly he
posed the chains and handed her a legal
japer. "You are free," he said. "Here
j your certificate. You may go where you
'ill and do whatever you please. ' '

The girl burst into tears and flung
erself at his feet. "Master," she
obbed, "I will serve you as long as I
ve."

Christ has purchased us at a great
rice and has made us free. Shall we not
■3rve Him with joy as long as we live?
—Standard Lesson Commentary

A MEMORIAL TO
THE REV. MILFORD HALES

by Mrs. Milford Hales

On Sunday afternoon, March 21,
1976, our beloved father and husband, a
faithful soldier of the Cross, was called
home to be with the Lord whom he loved
and served so faithfully. He was seventy-
eight years of age, and was the son of
the late Jessie and Mary Ann Hales of
Kenly, North Carolina.

The Rev. Hales was ordained in
September of 1935. He served several
different churches in Wilson, Nash,
Johnston, Wake and Wayne counties. He
retired around the year 1965 due to ill
health. During his ministry, he led many
people to know the Lord as their personal
Saviour, and he administered baptism to
hundreds. He was also an active member
of the conference.

His funeral was conducted at Mt. Zion
Free Will Baptist Church on March 23,
1976, at 3:30 p. m., by the Rev. J. B.
Godwin, the Rev. Joe Johnson, and the
Rev. Royster Martin. He was laid to rest
in the church cemetery. He is survived
by his wife, Mrs. Ida Massengill Hales of
Route 3, Kenly, North Carolina; four
daughters: Mrs. Annie Adams of Long
Beach, North Carolina, Mrs. Doris Perry
of Middlesex, North Carolina, Mrs.
Rudene Boykin and Mrs. Yvonne Yanz,
both of Durham, North Carolina; four
sons: James of Wilson, North Carolina,
Earl of Zebulon, North Carolina, A. G. of
Durham, North Carolina, and J. V. o f
Kenly, North Carolina; twenty-nine
grandchildren and thirteen great-
grandchildren, and a host of friends.

We miss him greatly, but have
submitted ourselves to the will of God
"for He doeth all things well." We know
that our loss is Heaven's gain. As we
think of his homecoming, we are
reminded of two of his favorite passages
of Scripture: "For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have eternal life"
(John 3:16). "... I am the resurrection,
and the life: he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die . . . " (John 11:25, 26).

The following poem will express our
feelings concerning the passing of our
loved one:

Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall.
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.

The voice is mute and stilled the heart
That loved us well and true.
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.

You are not forgotten loved one
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.

We miss you now, our hearts are sore.
As time goes by, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face;
No one can fill your vacant place.

Coming Events » . .

October 2— St. Mary's Free Will Baptist
Church of Kenly, and Calvary Free
Will Baptist Church of Wilson, are
sponsoring an auction sale on the
Children's Home campus on
Saturday, October 2, beginning at
9:30 A. M. A variety of items will be
available and all proceeds will go to
the Children's Home. Everyone is
invited to attend!

October 6— Albemarle Conference,
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 1 , Pinetown, North Carolina

October 6— Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Selma,
North Carolina

October 13— Cape Fear Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Saint Mary's
Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Benson, North Carolina

October 14— Western Confererrce,
Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 17— Countywide Sunday School
Convention, Pleasant Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Pikeville,
North Carolina (Wayne County)

October 23— Piedmont District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, East
Rockingham Free Will Baptist
Church, Rockingham, North Carolina

fHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

SOME SCENES OF THE STATE CONVENTION

The Sixty-Fourth Annual Session of the North Carolina State Convention of Original
Free Will Baptists was held Wednesday and Thursday, September15, 16, at the National
Guard Armory in Mount Olive, with Mount Olive College serving as host. Below are some con-
vention scenes.

A lineup of newly-elected officers: The Rev. David
Charles Hansley, recording secretary; the Rev. Earl
Glenn, vice-president; the Rev. Robert May, president;
the Rev. J. B. Starnes, assistant recording secretary; and,
Mrs. Lena Walston, treasurer.

A portion of the crowd attending gives rapt attention to
proceedings.

Missions display prepared by the Rev. Joseph Ingram, An unidentified delegate, Mr. Billy Dilday, and the Rev

foreign missions director. Cedric Pierce ready for another session.

Photos by Walter Reynolds

14 THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Mount Dml+K
Olive College

SCHEDULE OF
1976 CHURCH DINNERS

raven County— Monday, October 4,

7 p.m., West Craven HighSchool; Roy

Wetherington and Miss Maurice

DeBruhl, Co-Chairmen.
Pamlico County— Saturday, October 16,

7:30 p. m., Camp Vandemere.
Duplin County— Saturday, October 23,

6:30 p. m., East Duplin High School.
Wayne County— Tuesday, October 26,

7 p. m., Mount Olive College

Auditorium; Ben Rollins, Chairman,
lones County— Thursday, October 28,

7:30 p. m., Kings Restaurant.
)nslow-New Hanover— Friday, October

29, 7:15 p. m., Folkstone Church;

Leonard Hobbs, Chairman.
Pitt County— Monday, November 1,

7 p. m., D. H. Conley High School;

Stewart Humphrey, Chairman.
<lash County— Wednesday, November 3,

7 p. m., Middlesex Elementary

School Cafeteria; Lester Duncan,

Chairman.

Lenoir County— Saturday, November 6,
7:30 p. m., Kings Barbecue; Buddy
Sasser, Chairman.

lohnston-Wake Counties— Monday,

j November 8, 7 p. m., Smithfield-
Selma High School; V. T. Craddock
and L. B. Woodall, Co-Chairmen.

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun-
ties—Thursday, November 11, 7:30
p. m., Washington County Union

I School.

sreene County— Saturday, November
13, 7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; James Ray McLawhorn and
George Harrison, Co-Chairmen.

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland
Counties— To Be Announced.

dgecombe-Halifax Counties— To Be
Announced.

Vilson County— To Be Announced.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

OCTOBER
SPEAKING APPOINTMENTS
FOR DR. RAPER

Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of
Mount Olive College, is scheduled to
speak at the following Free Will Baptist
churches during the month of October.
Each service is scheduled on Sunday at
11a.m.

October 3— Oak Grove Church, Sampson

County (Homecoming), the Rev. C.

F. Godwin, Pastor.
October 10— Free Union Church, Greene

County (Mount Olive College Day),

the Rev. C. L. Patrick, Pastor.
October 17— Oak Grove Church, Bladen

County (Homecoming), the Rev. J.

B. Hardee, Pastor.
October 24— Malachi's Chapel Church,

Tyrrell County, (Homecoming).
October 31— Sandy Plain Church, Duplin

County (Guest Minister).

FINANCE COURSE BEGINS
OCTOBER 4

A noncredit course on personal
finance management will be offered by
Mount Olive College on Monday nights
from 7-9:30 p. m. for six weeks
beginning October 4.

The short course will be divided into
the following sessions:

October 4— Registration
Planning— What Is a Budget?
What Is Your Net Worth?
Assignment of Projects

October 1 1 — Housing— Buying vs.
Renting
Securing the Mortgage
Upkeep

Furnishings— Purchasing and
Financing

October 18— Credit and Its Uses
(All Types Except Home Mortgage)
Other Banking Services

October 25— Buying a Car
Savings and Investments

November 1 — Insurance Protection (Life,
Casualty, Liability)

Legal Services

Medical Care
November 8— Estate Planning

Retirement— Pension Plans, IRA,
Social Security

Wills and Estate Taxes

The instructor for the course will be
W. N. "Nate" Reynolds, vice-president
of First Union National Bank (retired) in
Goldsboro and currently assistant to the
president of Mount Olive College.

The cost of the course is $10.
Interested persons may contact:

Mrs. Norma Moore
Mount Olive College
P.O. Box 151

Mount Olive, North Carolina 28365
(919) 658-2502

Churches and Ministers
Available

Johnny Taylor, a licensed minister and
member of the Saratoga, North Carolina,
Free Will Baptist Church, wishes to
announce that he is available for revivals,
prayer meetings, substitute preaching
for vacationing ministers, and other
services. Any church or minister in-
terested in his service is asked to contact
Mr Taylor at Route 1, Box 105, Stan-
tonsburg, North Carolina 27883.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO MEET

The Executive Committee of the North
Carolina State Convention of Original
Free Will Baptists will meet at 10 a. m.,
Thursday, September 30, at the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation Building,
Ayden. All members of the committee are
urged to be present.

The Rev. Robert May
President

PRICE CHANGES FOR
BAPTIST

As of October 1, 1976, sub-
scription prices for The Free Will
Baptist will be changed to the
following: one year, $5; two years,
$9; and three years, $17.

15

AmUiariFAction

CAPE FEAR WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

October 13, 1976

Saint Mary's Grove Free
Will Baptist Church

Route 3, Benson,
North Carolina

Theme: "Be Ye Also Ready— Watch
Therefore for Ye Know Neither
the Day Nor the Hour Wherein
the Son of Man Cometh"

Morning Session

9:30— Registration
10:00— Hymn, "I Am Thine 0' Lord"

— Devotions, Mrs. Joyce Nowell
10:20— Welcome, Mrs. Ed Taylor

— Response, Mrs. Leonard Wood-
all

— Special Music, Saint Mary's
Grove Church

— President's Remarks

— Business Session

— Reading of Minutes

— Roll Call of Churches
—Appointment of Committees

11:00— Hymn, "Work for the Night Is
Coming"

— Offering

— Cragmont Report, Mrs. Sadie
Daughty

— Missions Report, Mrs. Lizzie
Dawson

— Special Music, Saint Mary's
Grove Church

— Message, Rev. Joe Gerald

— Benediction

— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:00— Hymn, "Bringing in the
Sheaves"

— Life Membership Award

— Special Music

— Youth Chairman's Report, Mrs.
Lillian Stanley

— Mount Olive College Report,
Mrs. Earl Glenn

— Free Will Baptist Press Report,
Mrs. Joyce Wood

— Special Music, Rev. Joe Gerald

— Benevolence Report, Mrs.
Esteline Tait

— Study Course Chairman's
Report, Mrs. Person Daughty

2:00— Business

— Hymn, "God Be with You"

— Benediction

PLEASANT PLAIN CHURCH
HOST TO WESTERN DISTRICT
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Western District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene at
Pleasant Plain Free Will Baptist Church,
Selma, North Carolina; on Wednesday,
October 6, 1976. The theme of the
Convention is: "Cragmont— A Place of
Inspiration." Scripture is taken from
Psalm 121.

Morning Session

9:1 5— Registration

9:45— Hymn, "Praise Him! Praise
Him!"

— Devotion, Mrs. Lillie Mae Sasser
—Welcome, Mrs. Nancy Foster,

Host Church

— President's Remarks, Mrs.
James Joyner

10:15— Hymn, "Heavenly Sunlight"

— Inspiration Through Missions,
Mrs. Florence Taylor

— Songs and Testimonies,
Cragmont Woman's Conference

— Future of Cragmont, Mrs. A. B.
Chandler

— Special Offering for Cragmont

— Hymn, "He Hideth My Soul"

— Convention Offering and Prayer

— Special Music, Mrs. Diane
Creech

— Convention Message, Mrs.
Sterling Duncan, State Con-
vention President

12:00— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:00— Hymn, "When We All Get to
Heaven"

— Devotion, Mrs. Frances Phillips

— Inspiration Through Benevo-
lence, Mrs. Jean Sasser

— Inspiration Through Our Youth,
Miss Alane Vester

— Business Session

— Benediction

FADED HOPE

by Marcia Lane Toler
Princeton, North Carolina

I seldom go back there anymore—
I heard they put a lock on the door.
But I often wonder what goes on now;
Perhaps the community became a ghost
town.

Maybe the preacher decided to move on 1
And left the flock to carry on alone.
Perhaps a scandal was told —
Or the church began to fold.

Maybe it became an outdated fad,
So they let a good thing go bad.
Perhaps they just forgot the true meaning
And let the rules do a little leaning.

Maybe the Shepherd was kept away •
So the sheep went astray—
Yet whatever the cause I don't un-
derstand;
It was to be the foundation for man.

... But I would like to know
Where now on Sundays they go.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

"Pray ye therefore the
Lord of the harvest, that
he will send forth
labourers into his har-
vest" (Matthew 9:38).

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

PREACHER, GO AHEAD AND PREACH!

L.E.Ballard, Writer

A young preacher, just set apart by a ministerial board, recently asked
me, "Brother Ballard, how do you go about getting a church to call you as
pastor? ' ' My answer was , " I ' ve never gone a bout getting a church to call me ! "

Since I started preaching, between the ages of seventeen and eighteen,
there have been three notices put in the church paper stating that I was
available for pastoral service— one of them with my consent, the other two by
sincere friends who knew that I had resigned from the churches I was
currently pastoring. Neither one resulted in my getting a church. Now, this
does not mean that I am saying that there is anything wrong in a minister
letting it be known that he is available, nor am I being critical of our church
paper for offering this service. I am simply saying that I have never felt the
necessity of doing this. And I have missed less than fifty Sundays preaching
somewhere during the fifty-nine years of my ministry; that is, up until the time
I began attempting to retire from active ministry to churches.

I guess that my ideal of a "preacher of the Gospel" has been the Apostle
Paul. Paul was converted and called to preach on the road to Damascus when
he was on his way to arrest and imprison some Christians. What did he do
about it? Well, he went right on into Damascus, where he was feared and
hated, and began to preach! And he kept on preaching as long as he lived. He
preached in synagogues when they would let him ; he preached in homes when
they were opened to him ; he preached to groups gathered down by the river-
side ; he preached in the marketplace. When they arrested him and hauled him
before judges, he turned the courtroom into chapels and preached to the
judges and court attendants, and at least two of his judges were affected by his
preaching. When he was put into jail, he preached to his jailors and the
prisoners ; and when he got out he went right on preaching!

I was fortunate in being called to a church early in my ministry— in fact
before I was ordained; but it has not always been that way. I had at least one
little church most of the time during the depression years where I preached
twice each month. But this left a lot of time unscheduled for which I still felt the
call to preach, but all the churches in the area where I was living then had
pastors. I learned of an old deserted church building which had been taken over
by a real estate firm when the congregation broke up in disorder. These people
agreed to let me go into the building and see if I could establish a congregation.
But, because of things that had happened with the old congregation, people of
the community seemed to think that some kind of a curse rested upon the
place, and few would enter it. The real estate people gave me around a dozen of
the old benches, and for the next three years I moved them from place to place
and held services. They were put into old store buildings, into the basement of
the house of a friend, and in my back yard. It was in a service in my back yard
that a young man was saved one night who today is a very well-known
evangelist, and the pastor of Asheville's popular outdoors summer church. I
have just finished reading the latest edition of the delightful monthly paper he
publishes. Later I found another deserted church building which had once
served as a place of worship for the servants of a wealthy man who owned a
large plantation. His heirs agreed for me to use the building, and the Lord
blessed the work there. An early convert joined me in the work, and the owners
agreed to give the congregation the old church building if a church was
organized and affiliated with some reputable denomination. We organized a
community church, and put it to a vote concerning which denomination it
would unite with. It lacked only three votes becoming a Free Will Baptist
church, becoming an Independent Baptist church instead. Today there is a
beautiful building on the spot, and the convert who worked with me is the
present pastor.

Now please don't get the idea that I am telling these things to boast of my
successes as a minister. My friends have not had to tell me that I'm not a great
preacher— I have known it all along! The point is that, having been called to
preach, I have found it possible to preach without begging for a church. I have
simply entered the doors that were open to me, hoping that God opened
them— but, frankly, not always absolutely sure !

Can one preach without a church or congregation? I once knew a group of
Christian witnesses who called themselves "buttonhole witnesses." The name

(Continuined on Page 15)

OCTOBER 6, 1976
Volume 91 Number3S

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wil
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le«
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue musl
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thf'
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; ont
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $1 7 ; plus
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discounl
given when local churches send the "Baptist" tc,
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists'!
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these. A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th«
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appear;
under the title or to the person submitting saic
article.

Items for publication should be addressed tc
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m — £
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9 3C

a. m— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Roben
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

THE CHURCH: OUTREACH

by Calvin
Wake Forest,
(Part

Q F "social gospel" means that man,
* by his own ability and efforts,
an solve the world's problems and in a
ense "save" humanity, then I will be
le first to deny it. But I will also be the
rst to affirm that the Bible teaches that
he gospel does indeed have a social
spect. Christ is not only sufficient for
lan's sin sickness, He is also adequate
or man's every sickness.

I believe the church, the people of
Jiod, have a responsibility to get out of
he four walls of the church building and
neet the needs of people whatever they
flight be and wherever they might be
jound. To do this effectively takes
pmmitment, work, and God himself,
knd people do have problems. Someone
>nce said his problem had a problem. Let
is consider some of the great needs
people have in the twentieth century.

ALCOHOLISM

I I have had the opportunity to work
j/ith alcoholics in a state mental in-
stitution. I learned that alcoholics have
I pecial problems. They all have un-
lerlying problems which made them turn
p some means of escape, and alcohol is
lecoming that something for an in-
creasing number of Americans.
We can go to alcoholics and simply
reach the gospel to them. God may
hoose to save them in a miraculous way
nd they may never touch alcohol again.
|ften it does not work that way; and
yhen it does not, we need to be caring,
pving, and redemptive— in short invest
jur lives in that person's life. We cannot
live up because that person does not
?ome to Christ as quickly as we had
joped he would or perhaps as quickly
nd in the same way as we responded to
w gospel's call.

j Many people, no matter how sincere,
fo not change lifelong habits overnight,
jspecially addicting ones. Often we have
invest months, perhaps years of
oncern, prayer, and tangible effort. It
ill help if we know something about that
erson and his drinking problem. What
lakes an alcoholic an alcoholic? What
sars and concerns and needs are
leculiar to him? Even though we might
ot agree with all they do, we must
liscover what is being done for

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

R. Mercer
North Carolina
14)

alcoholics by other organizations such as
Alcoholics Anonymous. It could be that
some may never allow Christ to overcome
their problem, but we must remain firm
and unchanging in our concern and care
and commitment to these people.

What about when an alcoholic, or any
other person with an addiction problem,
accepts Christ and enters the fellowship.
Do we just give him a job and forget
about him. We had better not.

First, if the church is what it should
be, the new convert will enter a
fellowship where he experiences the joy
and ecstasy of true worship, becomes
friends, indeed brothers and sisters,
with other Christians, and receives
biblical instruction (not just evangelistic
sermons— he has already heard that and
accepted it).

Also the church will be concerned
about the special needs of their new
brother. When Saturday comes we all
know what most practicing alcoholics do.
But this Saturday for this newborn
Christian will be different. Some fellows
from the church could go by and all go
fishing. The same support and interest
will be evident not just on Saturday or
Sunday but every day. The alcoholic
needs new friends to turn to— not the old
ones who still hang around. He needs
tangible, real, loving, intelligent support
from the church. He is in a family now
and he needs to experience family life
with his spiritual brothers and sisters.
This, my friend, is God working through
His body— the active body of Christ.

DRUG ABUSE

Not that much unlike alcoholism, drug
abuse is a serious problem. Experts
claim that while alcoholism is on the
increase among young people, drug
abuse (especially hard drugs) may be
decreasing.

Even so many parents would be
surprised at the availability and use of
drugs as well as alcohol in their neigh-
borhood high school. Young people are
searching and refuse to be bound by
tradition and the "good old days. ' ' If the
church is uncaring, unloving, and
hypocritical, they will be the first to
sense it and most of them will refuse to
have any part of it.

If we are to minister to young persons
in this drug age we will seek to un-
derstand them, communicate with them,
respect their feelings and ideas, and live
godly unhypocritical lives before them. If
not we can forget youth evangelism.

EMOTIONAL ILLNESS

Everyone at times is affected by some
emotional problem, whether it be an
occasional flareup of temper or a more
deeper conflict. I think it safe to say that
the more chronic cases of mental illness
will end in the mental hospital and there
is certainly a valid ministry for any local
church nearby. For the rest of us, we
must be open and loving enough to sense
these needs in each other's lives and
seek to minister Christ to our fellow
brothers and sisters.

Spirit-filled Christians, making use of
solid Biblical principals, are coming out
with books on psychological problems
ranging from depression to marriage
counseling. These are certainly worth-
while reading.

HOMOSEXUALS

I have had the opportunity (not so rare
these days) to hear a couple of
homosexuals talk about their lives,
feelings, and the general extent of
homosexuality in the United States
today.

Most people would be shocked to
learn of the conservative estimates about
the extent of this problem. It is
something no longer found in the big
cities and among lower class people. We
need to know what we can about
homosexuals, why they are like they are,
and the biblical stand on the problem.

MARRIAGE CONFLICTS

Divorce is at an all-time high and only
God knows the extent of marriage
problems found in marriages that do not
end in divorce. We need to learn the
importance of communication, sacrifice,
understanding, and godliness between
two people joined by God in marriage, not
only for ourselves but so we can minister
to others.

These are only a few of the many
problems and sins which can erode the
lives of people today. If we are blessed
enough not to be facing these situations
in our own lives, there are plenty of
people around who are and they so
desperately need the ministry of the body
of Christ.

(Continued on Page 11)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10
Scripture Reading— James 4:7

OUT OF BOUNDS
The old shepherd who offered
prayer in a Welsh revival meeting put
it exactly right when he lamented his
backslidings in these words: "Lord, I
got among the thorns and briars, and
was scratched and torn and bleeding;
but, Lord, it is only fair to say that it
was not on Thy ground; I had wan-
dered out of Thy pasture. ' ' — Lawson
PRAYER THOUGHT
Many people blame God for their
misfortunes. In reality, if we obey
God, our misfortunes would certainly
be fewer!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 11

Scripture Reading— Exodus 20:3
GIVE IT UP OR GET MORE

A very practical man has con-
fessed: "I have too much religion or
too little ; I must either give up what I
have, or get more. I have too much
religion to let me enjoy a worldly life,
and too much worldliness to let me
enjoy religion." He ended the
dilemma triumphantly. He solved the
problem by the whole-hearted ac-
ceptance of Christ as his living Lord.
He put an end to divided loyalty, to
doubtful obedience."— Dr. C. C.
Albertson

PRAYER THOUGHT

If you have no joy in your Christian
experience, maybe worldliness has
crept into your life. God demands our
all; He will accept no less!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12

Scripture Reading— Matthew 6:25,

26

TRUTH ABOUT WORRY
There is no disputing the fact that,
nine times out of ten, worrying about
a thing does more damage to those
who worry than the actual thing itself.

Modern medical research has
proved that worry breaks down
resistance to disease. More than that,
it actually diseases the nervous
system— particularly that of the
digestive organs and of the heart. Add

4

to this the toll in unhappiness of
sleepless nights and days void of
internal sunshine, and you have a
glimpse of the work this monster does
in destroying the effectiveness of the
human body. —Ken Anderson
PRAYER THOUGHT
The Bible teaches us that our bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit. If we
recognize this to be true, then cer-
tainly we should not destroy these
temples through worry.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13
Scripture Reading— Matthew 6:33,

34

SHUT OUT YESTERDAYS AND
UNBORN TOMORROWS

An ocean liner is built so that the
captain can, by pressing a button,
lower steel doors separating one
watertight bulkhead from another. If
the hull is pierced in a disaster, this
keeps the ship afloat. "In the voyage
of life," advised Dr. Osier, world-
renowned physician, "learn how to
make doors come down and shut out
the yesterdays with all their errors
and failures. Learn also to lower
another door to shut out the unborn
tomorrows so that you can live for this
day alone. As you move into the next
bulkhead, close doors that will shut
out both the past and the
future . ' ' —Chicago Daily News

PRAYER THOUGHT
If we are caught up in reliving the
past, then how can we live today? If
we are always dreaming of the future,
the present is stifled. Let us live for
today alone and maybe we can ac-
complish something for God and for
ourselves!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14
Scripture Reading— John 4 : 24

KEEP OUT!

I asked an elderly woman once, "If
I go to church and the preacher says
nothing worth hearing, is it any use
for me to go?" "Of course not," she
replied curtly. But a young man
overhearing our conversation in-
truded, "I don't see why a man, when
he goes to church to worship God,
would let a preacher butt in on his
worship!" — Senior Teacher, Scrip-
ture Press

PRAYER THOUGHT

We should allow nothing and no one
to "butt in" on our worship. If you
truly worship God in the spirit, then it
is simply a matter between only you
and God. Although we take part with
others in our worship services, true
worship takes place in the heart.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15
Scripture Reading— Psalm 95:6, 7

"RING IT AGAIN!"
A father once told his son that he
was going to take him to visit the
country church he used to attend as a
boy and where he often rang the bell to
call the people to the house of God for
worship. Great was their disap-
pointment when they found the old
church locked and deserted. Looking
through a window they could see the
long bell rope. The father borrowed a
key and opened the door. The little son
looked up into his father's face and
eagerly exclaimed, "Father, ring it
again ! Ring it again ! " So once again
the old church bell rang out. People
came from far and near to see what
was the matter. He told them what the
church had meant to him in his
boyhood, and with his help the old
church was reopened for worship and
service in the community. How we
wish that the words of the little lad
might resound anew throughout the;
whole wide world bringing peoplei
back to church, "Ring it again! Ring
it again ! ' ' — Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
J/ more fathers told their children)
what the church really means to them
and showed them by active par-
ticipation in church, then more of our
youngsters would be in church on
Sundays. Too many fathers had
rather show their sons how to play
golf, than show them how to be a
dedicated Christian!

■■

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
Scripture Reading— Matthew 25:21 j

DIVINE SERVICE AT
KITCHEN SINK
In the kitchen of a little apartment
in London, the wife of a friend of mine
has a little motto over the kitchen
sink: "Divine service is conducted
here three times daily." I think there
is a breath of heaven about that. It is
our faithfulness in these small things
that enables us to be men that Godi
can trust one day.— Rev. Alan Red-
path

PRAYER THOUGHT
7/ we can be faithful in the small]
and commonplace things, then God
will be able to trust us with more
important matters. Many times it is
the small things which are the most
important of all!

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Mount :miI+K
Olive College

THE HISTORY OF MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
OUT OF THE PAST-PART I

This 1976 session of the North
Carolina State Convention of Free Will
Baptists marked the twenty-fifth an-
niversary of the birth of Mount Olive
College, but the roots of this college go
iback much further.

) Although Free Will Baptists constitute
the third oldest religious body in North
'Carolina, it was 1 896 before the Free Will
i Baptist Theological Seminary of Ayden
was founded, and in 1898 it began
.operation. Although the primary purpose
Of the seminary was to provide
'theological education for ministers, its
programs of study were much broader
'and many non-ministerial students from
the Ayden area enrolled.

By 1920, the need for a general
(College program was recognized and by
f1925 the seminary had grown into
Eureka College. The economic conditions
!pf the nation and the world produced a
devastating depression, and in 1929 the
College closed, never to open again. In
|I931 its beautiful administration
ouilding, which housed a spacious
Auditorium and classrooms, burned and
Is only other building, a dormitory for
jvomen, was later sold.

RECOVERY THROUGH LEADERSHIP

A full generation passed during which
he Free Will Baptists of North Carolina
lad no educational institution. The
iadership trained in Ayden Seminary
p Eureka College not only sustained
le church during these bleak years, but
loked to the day when the torch of
ducation could again be lighted. The
bsence of a college of our own left our
linisters and churches vulnerable to
lose who were advocating narrow and
istorted educational views which
'ireatened to turn Original Free Will
aptists into a narrow sect totally foreign
i our heritage and character.
HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE IS BORN

Thus it was that twenty-five years ago,
on September 12, 1951, the Board of
Christian Education, under the chair-
manship of the Rev. David W. Hansley,
submitted the following report:

"Due to the increased interest and the
demand in the state of North Carolina
among Free Will Baptist ministers and
laymen for a feasible educational
program that will more adequately meet
the present and future needs of our
people in general, we, the Board of
Christian Education, wish to offer the
following recommendations: . . .

"That the Board of Christian
Education consult with the Board of
Trustees of Cragmont Assembly and
work out feasible plans to establish a
junior college during the winter months
at Cragmont Assembly."

The convention approved a goal of
$1 0,000 in gifts for the first year, but the
report one year later revealed that the
college had received less than $800.
Nevertheless, on September 21, 1952,
Mount Allen Junior College opened at
Cragmont Assembly under the
presidency of the Rev. Lloyd Vernon with
six students, and during the long winter
months he and the Rev. A. B. Chandler,
a teacher, commuted each weekend to
minister to their churches in eastern
North Carolina, a round trip of six
hundred miles.

When the convention met at Marsh
Swamp Church in September of 1953,
Mr. Hansley, reporting for the Board of
Christian Education, recommended the
purchase of an abandoned elementary
school in Mount Olive for the location of
the college. Although the purchase price
was $25,000 and the Board of Christian
Education had only $6.17 in the
treasury, the convention voted to bring
the college to Mount Olive.

On August 2, 1954, when W. Burkette
Raper assumed the presidency of the
college, the financial report revealed:
$36.80 balance on hand, $2,466.14
current bills due, $23,000.00 property
mortgages.

On September 9, twenty-two students
enrolled in the first year of collegiate level
studies. Building upon an educational
foundation of Christian values and
academic excellence, the college soon
won for itself a place of honor in the
collegiate community of North Carolina.

SCHEDULE OF
1976 CHURCH DINNERS

Pamlico County— Saturday, October 16,

7:30 p. m., Camp Vandemere.
Duplin County— Saturday, October 23,

6:30 p. m., East Duplin High School.
Wayne County— Tuesday, October 26,

7 p. m., Mount Olive College

Auditorium; Ben Rollins, Chairman.
Jones County— Thursday, October 28,

7:30 p. m., Kings Restaurant.
Onslow-New Hanover— Friday, October

29, 7:15 p. m., Folkstone Church;

Leonard Hobbs, Chairman.
Beaufort County— Saturday, October 30,

7 p. m., Chocowinity High School;

Oscar Webster, Chairman.
Pitt County— Monday, November 1,

7 p. m., D. H. Conley High School;

Stewart Humphrey, Chairman.
Nash County— Wednesday, November 3,

7 p. m., Middlesex Elementary

School Cafeteria; Lester Duncan,

Chairman.

Lenoir County— Saturday, November 6,
7:30 p. m., Kings Barbecue; Buddy
Sasser, Chairman.

Johnston-Wake Counties— Monday,
November 8, 7 p. m., Smithfield-
Selma High School; V. T. Craddock
and L. B. Woodall, Co-Chairmen.

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun-
ties—Thursday, November 11, 7:30
p. m., Washington County Union
School.

Greene County— Saturday, November
13, 7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; James Ray McLawhorn and
George Harrison, Co-Chairmen.

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland
Counties— To Be Announced.

Edgecombe-Halifax Counties— To Be
Announced.

(Continued on Page 6)

5

MOUNT OLIVE

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE LAITY

This questionnaire is prepared and printed by the Griffin Brotherhood. It is an
attempt to give the laity of our church a chance to voice their feelings as to the
relationship of the pastor and the people.

Fellow laborers for Christ, please complete and return this questionnaire to: De
W. Eakes, P. 0. Box 298, Lucama, North Carolina 27851. Please do not sign this
questionnaire or give the name of your church or minister.

1 . Name of the Conference/Association of Which Your Church is a Member

2. Status of Church (a) Fulltime (b) Halftime

3. Do You Feel Your Church's Support of Your Minister and His Ministry is
Adequate:

Yes No

(a) Income

(b) Cooperation

(c) Housing

(d) Visitation

(e) Support of Church Program

(f) Prayer

4. Circle the Number of Years of Education You Have Completed:
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

(a) Do You Feel Your Minister's Education Is Adequate for Ministry to Your
Particular Church/People's Needs? Yes No

(b) What Level of Education Do You Feel Your Minister Should Have?

(1) High School

(2) College —

(3) Bible Institute

(4) Seminary .

(5) Other (Specify).

5. Is Your Minister's Ministry Adequate? Yes No _

6. Should Any of the Following Areas Receive Special Attention?

Yes No

(a) Preaching

(b) Teaching

(c) Administrative

(d) Music

(e) Youth Work

(f) Ministry to Aged

(g) Hospital Ministry

(h) Ministry to the Bereaved

(i) Evangelistic Outreach
(j) Counseling

7. Rank the Above 10 Areas of Ministry (Question No. 6) in Order of Importance
from Your Own Perspective (Assign Them a Number 1 -1 0 with 1 being of highest
importance and 10 being of least importance).

(Note: Please elaborate on all "No" answers as you wish to do so. Again please
do not use any names of persons or churches.

Thank you,
De W. Eakes,
Program Chairman,
Griffin Brotherhood

6

(Continued from Page 5)

Wilson County— To Be Announced.

Carteret County— Saturday, November
20, 6:30 p. m., East Carteret High
School; Reginald Styron and Nathan
Garner, Co-Chairmen.

CRAGMONT NEWS

Autumn has arrived at Cragmont. It is
becoming very beautiful in the mountains
now that the leaves are changing. It
seems you can see God in every bright
color.

We are well into the weekend retreat j
phase of this year's camping season.
Since our last report we have hosted five !
weekend retreats. On August 27-29, 13 J
young people from Friendship Church
near Middlesex visited Cragmont. On
Labor Day weekend, September 3-5, wei
had two church groups here. The Rev.'
Lewis Sprouse brought 23 people from
the Freedom Free Will Baptist Mission of •
Lumberton. Also a group of 39 came1
from the Elwood Lane Church in Kan-1
napolis. Kenly Free Will Baptist Church
visited Cragmont September 10-12,
bringing 21 people. The First Church of
Wilson came on a weekend retreat for the:
first time on September 17-19. This'
group of 39 had such a fine time that:
they are already planning to return next
year. This past weekend Friendship Free'
Will Baptist Church near Farmville:
brought the largest single group so far'
this season with 51 people.

Th.ere has been no further progress on:
the new main building since our report at
the State Convention. However we are
hoping that it won't be much longer1
before we can see our new main
building.

This winter we will be employed by the
Cragmont Board as directors of
promotion and publicity. We wish to visit
our Free Will Baptist churches and
present a Cragmont program. If you wish
to have us come to your church, please
contact us to reserve a date.

Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work at Cragmont.

In His service,

Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner,
Managers

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MEMORIAM

MR. LESLIES. HADDOCK

We, the members of Pleasant Hill Free
Will Baptist Church, near Greenville,
North Carolina, wish to pay our last
respects to Brother Leslie S. Haddock.
Our beloved brother passed away to a
greater home on March 18, 1976, at the
age of 73. Funeral services were con-
ducted the following Sunday at the
Wilkerson Funeral Home by his pastor,
the Rev. W. H. Willis.

Brother Leslie was born and spent all
of his life in Pitt County, and had lived in
Greenville for the past 27 years. He is
Survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillie Buck
Haddock; a son, Kenneth Haddock of
jGreenville; two daughters, Mrs. James
p. Walker Sr. of Washington, North
iCarolina, and Mrs. Norman Kirk of
preenville; two brothers, Walter Lee
Haddock of Ayden, and George B.
Haddock of Alabama; two sisters, Mrs.
Ben Mayo of Washington, and Mrs. Atlas
Burroughs of Vanceboro; four grand-
children and two great-grandchildren.

II He was the son of the late Mr. and
Mrs. George B. Haddock of Vanceboro.
j/Ve pay tribute to him for being a very
Special man and devoted husband and
father. He worked hard all of his life, but
lie was rich with love for his fellowman
and he never saw a stranger. He was a
jnember of the board of deacons for the
bast 30 years, being chairman at the
lime of his death. His first love was his
ifhurch, and he attended all of its
services as long as he was physically
pie. He always did his best for the
fhurch and for his Lord. It was a joy and
1 privilege to labor in God's Kingdom
jvith him. We miss him, but we believe
lie is resting in that blessed and happy
jrtace that Jesus went to prepare for all
vho are faithful to Him.

Brother Leslie's heart was loyal and
is spirit brave; his soul was pure and
ue. He gave this world the best he
ad— he gave love. He extended a
elping hand to those in need— his faith
'as in word and deed. We thank God
>r giving us a man like Brother Leslie.

by Mrs. Novella Stokes
|HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MINISTERS

This questionnaire is prepared and printed by the Griffin Brotherhood. It is an
attempt to ascertain the level of income received by our Free Will Baptist ministers;
the type of services rendered to and by the ministers; -income expectations and
needs of the ministry.

Fellow laborers for Christ, please complete and return this questionnaire to: De
W. Eakes, P. 0. Box 298, Lucama, North Carolina 27851. Please do not sign this
questionnaire or give the name of the church(es) or institution served.

1 . Name of Conference of Which Church(es) Holds Membership

2. Status of Work (Ministry)

(a) Fulltime— (b) Halftime— (c) Denominational Institution

3. Portion of Income Derived from Ministry:

(a) A" (b) Half _ (c) Other Employment (type work).

Amount of Income
(a) Salary

(b) Fringe Benefits

(1) Hospital Insurance (2) Retirement— (3) Life Insurance

(4) Housing: Parsonage__Own Home___Rent Home Receive

Housing Allowance,

(5) Utilities Allotment Church Pays Utilities 'Minister
Pays Utilities. (6) Car Allowance/Traveling Expense—
(7) Other (Specify)

5. Amount of Other Income Not Derived from Ministry'

6. Secretarial Help Received:

(a) Paid by the Church (c) Volunteer

(b) Paid by the MiniotQr

7. Education (Circle the Correct Number of Years):

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

8. Are You Satisfied with Your:

Yes No

(a) Income: — — —

(b) Education 1

(c) Relationship to the Church —

(d) Relationship to Fellow Ministers — .

(e) Relationship to the Denomination — — .

(f) Quality of Ministry

9. Assign a Number (1-9, beginning with No. 1 as Top Priority) to Each of These
Phases of Ministry:

(a) Preaching (f) Ministry to Aged

(b) Teaching (g) Hospital Ministry

(c) Administrative (h) Ministry to the Bereaved

(d) Music (i) Counseling

(e) Youth Work (j) Evangelistic Outreach

10. Elaborate on any "NO" answers given if you desire:

(The Griffin Brotherhood is made up of all ministerial students and religion
majors past and present as well as any person who has entered the ministry since
attending Mount Olive College who wish to participate. It is named in memory of the
late Elder J. C. Griffin, a renowned denominational leader of years past. The purpose
of the brotherhood is fellowship, promote the unity progress of the Free Will Baptist
denomination, and the continuing education of the minister and his family.)

Please give the amounts in each category as accurately as possible. Remember,
please do not give names of persons or Churches/institutions.

Thank you,
De W. Eakes,
Program Chairman,
Griffin Brotherhood

7

_NOTES

Weekend Revival
At Marlboro Church

The Marlboro Free Will Baptist
Church, near Farmville, North Carolina,
announces weekend revival services
which will be held October 8-10 with the
Rev. Scott Sowers as the evangelist.

The Rev. N. B. Barrow Sr. pastor, and
the church members extend an invitation
to all to attend these services which
begin at 7:30 p. m. on Friday and
Saturday at 11 :00 a. m. on Sunday.

Grimsley Church
Announces Homecoming

Homecoming will be observed at the
Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church, near
Maury, North Carolina, on Sunday,
October 10. The pastor, the Rev. Tom
Miller, will deliver the morning message.
Lunch will be served on the church
grounds.

All former pastors, former members,
and friends are invited to attend.

Revival Services
At Warsaw Church

The Rev. John R. Lee, pastor of the
First Free Will Baptist Church of Warsaw,
North Carolina, announces revival
services at the church beginning October
1 1 , at 7:30 each evening. The evangelist
for the week will be the Rev. Clyde Cox,
pastor of the First Free Will Baptist

Church of Wilson.

Everyone is invited to attend these
services.

Cape Colony Mission
Announces Revival

The Cape Colony Free Will Baptist
Mission of Edenton, North Carolina,
announces revival services for October
11-15 with the Rev. Taylor Hill as the
evangelist. Special music will also be
featured each evening.

The Rev. John W. Sexton, pastor,
extends a cordial invitation to the public
to attend these services.

Old-Fashioned Sunday
At Pleasant Hill Church

The Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist
Church near Pikeville, North Carolina,
celebrated September 12 as old-
fashioned and bicentennial Sunday. The
youth of the church presented a
bicentennial program entitled "God and
Our Country." Special music was
rendered by the Free Will Singers and
the Junior Choir.

The church reports that Mr. and Mrs.
Clarence Bunn were honored as one of
the oldest and most faithful couples of
the church. Special tribute was given to
them by Miss Susan Snipes as she
spoke of Mr. and Mrs. Bunn's activities
in the church. It was noted that both
have been active Sunday school teachers
for many years, that Mrs. Bunn has
served as church treasurer for 28 years,
and that Mr. Bunn has served as a
deacon for 16 years. Mrs. Myrtle Hall
also paid tribute to the Bunns and
presented them with a plaque from the
church as a token of love and ap-
preciation. The day was made complete
for the Bunns by the presence of their
children and grandchildren. Their
daughter, Mrs. Roger Buchannan,
presented her mother with a dozen red
roses as a gift from all the children. The
grandchildren presented their grand-

parents with a corsage and a bouton-
niere.

The pastor, the Rev. Dallas Pinkham,
presented the morning message,
speaking on "Our Heritage" and taking
his text from Isaiah 51:1-6. Those
present enjoyed a picnic lunch in the
fellowship hall. Dessert was furnished by
Mrs. Jimmy Dunn who made and
decorated a bicentennial cake featuring
the picture of the flag.

Homecoming Day
Mt. Tabor Church

The Mt. Tabor Free Will Baptist
Church near Creswell, North Carolina,
will observe its annual homecoming day
on Sunday, October 10. Following
Sunday school at 10 a. m., the pastor,
the Rev. Stanley Buck, will bring the
morning message. Lunch will be served
on the church lawn. There will be a
singspiration in the afternoon.

The pastor and the church members
invite all former pastors, former
members, and friends to attend.

Shady Grove Church
Holding Revival

Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 5, Dunn, North Carolina, with the
Rev. Cedric D. Pierce Jr., serving as !
pastor, is one of the oldest churches in
North Carolina. The Rev. Fred A.
Rivenbark is the evangelist for a revival
now in session at the church which will
continue through October 9. As a Free
Will Baptist minister, he has held leading
offices in the North Carolina State
Convention of Free Will Baptists and has
served for many years on the Foreign
Missions Board. Mr. Rivenbark of 904
Midway Avenue, Durham, North
Carolina, served as pastor of Sherron
Acres in Durham and previously at
Stoney Creek in Goldsboro. Mr. ,
Rivenbark is known throughout the state f
as an outstanding Bible teacher.

The public is cordially invited to attend
the remaining services beginning each
night at 8:00 p. m.

Cape Fear Sunday School
Convention at Wooten's Chapel

The Ninety-Eighth Session of the Cape
Fear Sunday School Convention will \
convene on October 9, 1976, at
Wooten's Chapel Free Will Baptist i
Church. All Sunday school members and
workers are urged to attend.

8

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Registration begins at 9:30 a. m.
unch will be served by the host church.

■ wis Church Fail Revival
(:tober 10-15

1 Revival services are scheduled for the
: kvis, North Carolina, Free Will Baptist
1 tiurch, located on Highway 70, for the
eek of October 10-15. Services will
sgin each evening at 7:30 with the Rev.
. B. Barrow as the visiting evangelist,
r. Barrow will be assisted by the
jastor, the Rev. James A. Evans. Each
fervice will feature gospel preaching,
: jnd special music by the local church
i hd visiting musicians.
;J The pastor and the church members
xtend to everyone a cordial invitation.

evival Announced
t Snow Hill Church

j The Rev. Johnny Bullman will be the
[angelist for revival services at the
liow Hill Free Will Baptist Church,
jcated on Route 2, Mount Olive, North
larolina, the week of October 11-15.
brvices will begin each evening at 7:30,
jth the pastor, the Rev. John A. Owens,
insisting Mr. Bullman. Special music
III be rendered during the services,
i The church extends an invitation to all
attend.

Vnterville Church
/nounces Homecoming

The Winterville, North Carolina, Free
\|ll Baptist Church will have its annual
Imecoming on Sunday, October 10.
Jjnday school will begin at 10 a. m.
fjlowed by the worship service at
Bven. Lunch will be served at noon.

At 2 p. m. the Redeemed, a singing
|pup from Winnabow, North Carolina,
*|l render special music. The pastor,
t| Rev. Bobby Futrell, and the members
llite all former members and friends to
cjrne and fellowship with them .

Astern Conference
^Sherron Acres Church

jjrhe Ninetieth Annual Session of the
V stern Conference of Original Free Will
Bptists will convene with the Sherron
Ares Free Will Baptist Church, 1300
Lin Road, Durham, Thursday, October
1 (Please note the directions: Going
»st on Highway 70, make a left turn at
tli traffic light at Calvary Baptist
Cjrch, Sherron Acres will be on the
rht.)

TE FREE WILL BAPTIST

The program is as follows:
Morning Session

9:30— Devotions, the Rev. Lester
Duncan

9:40— Welcome, the Rev. Harry
Grubbs

— Roll Call of Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches

— Recognition of Visitors

— Moderator's Remarks, the Rev.
James Joyner

— Business Session
—Appointment of Temporary

Committees

— Partial Report of Credentials
Committee

10:45— Report of Foreign Missions, the
Rev. Joseph Ingram

— Report of Home Missions, the
Rev. Ray Wells

1 1 :1 5— Song Service
Offering

Special Music, Host Church
1 1 :30— Conference Message, the Rev.

Fred A. Rivenbark
12:00— Lunch (Will Be Catered)

Afternoon Session

1 :00— Devotions, the Rev. Kenneth
Forehand

1:10— Report of Children's Home, the
Rev. Sam Weeks

— Report of Retirement Homes Inc.

— Report of Mount Olive College

— Report of State Convention, the
Rev. Robert May

— Report of Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation

— Report of Camp Vandemere

— Report of Superannuation Board

— Report of Cragmont Assembly

— Report of Executive Board

— Report of Church Finance
Association

— Report of Temporary Committees

— Report of Ministerial Character
Board

— Final Report of Credentials
Committee

— Report of Treasurer

— Final Business Session

— Closing Devotions, the Rev.
Adrian Grubbs

—Adjournment

Earl Glenn, Evangelist
For Friendship Revival

The Rev. Earl Glenn will conduct
revival services at the Friendship Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 1, Farmville,
North Carolina, the week of October 11-
16, beginning each evening at 7:30.

The church members and their pastor,
the Rev. Walter Reynolds, extend a
cordial invitation to everyone to attend
these services.

Revival and Homecoming
At St. Mary's Church

Revival services will begin at St.
Mary's Free Will Baptist Church, 314
Fleet Street, New Bern, North Carolina,
on Monday evening, October 1 1 , at 7:30
p. m., continuing through Friday
evening, October 15. The Rev. Norman
Ard, pastor of Christian Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church, near Pink Hill, will be the
evangelist. Mr. Ard will be assisted in
the services by the pastor, the Rev. Rod
Jones. The church and its pastor extend
to everyone a warm invitation to attend
these services.

The annual homecoming service will
be observed Sunday, October 17, with
the pastor bringing the morning
message. A picnic lunch will be served
on the church grounds at the noon hour.
The church extends a cordial invitation to
all former pastors, members, and friends
to attend and enjoy this special service
with them.

Revival Announced
First Church, Smithfield

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Smithfield, North Carolina, has
scheduled its fall revival meeting to begin
on Sunday evening, October 17, and
continue through the following Friday
evening, October 22. Services will begin
each evening at 7:30.

The Rev. Cedric Pierce Jr., pastor of
the Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church
in Sampson County, will be the visiting
evangelist for the meeting.

The pastor, Rev. L. B. Woodall Jr.,
and people of the First Free Will Baptist
Church invite their many friends in the
Smithfield area to fellowship and worship
with them there during the revival
services.

Homecoming and Revival
At Rooty Branch Church

The Rooty Branch Free Will Baptist
Church of Route 1, Mount Olive, North
Carolina, will celebrate its homecoming
on October 10, 1976. Sunday school
begins at 10 a. m., followed by the
worship hour and the picnic on the
church grounds. Services will resume at
1:30 with a short devotion by the Rev.
(Continued on Page 10)

NEWS NOTES

(Continued from Page 9)
Coy Brock and an hour of singing by
the Victory Quartet.

All former pastors, former members,
and friends are invited to attend.

Youth Sunday Held
At Smyrna Church

Youth Sunday was held at Smyrna
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 2, Dunn,
North Carolina, on September 26, 1976,
with the youth assuming all offices of the
church. The following youth participated
during the Sunday school hour: Ricky
Parker, superintendent; Larry Denning,
song leader; Anita Smith, pianist; Teresa
Wood, secretary; Lindy Barefoot and
Darlene Dudley, beginner teachers;
Sherry Barefoot and Ann Knowles,
primary teachers; Carolyn Knowles and
Norma Wallace, junior teachers; Anita
Smith and Jan Knowles, intermediate
teachers; Jo Ann Smith and Ricky
Parker, senior teachers; Larry Denning
and Ricky Johnson, young-married class
teachers; Gary Smith and Bud Knowles,
adult teachers.

During the morning worship hour the
speakers were Larry Denning and Gary
Smith. Their messages were centered on
the life of a minister, and they paid
special tribute to their pastor, the Rev.
W. A. Martin. The Youth Fellowship of
the church presented the pastor with the
gift of a silver platter. Ushers for the
morning service were David Parker and
DeWayne Parker.

The church would like to remind the
youth of their area that the Cape Fear
District Youth Rally will be held at
Smyrna Church on November 6 at 7:30
p. m. All youth are urged to attend.

Homecoming and Revival
At Elm Grove Church

The Elm Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, near Ayden, North Carolina, will
celebrate its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 10, 1976. The pastor,
the Rev. Gary Bailey, will deliver the
morning message after which lunch will
be served in the fellowship building.

Following lunch, the Adult Choir
will present a program of patriotic
music. This choral program will combine
a salute to God and country.

Revival services will begin on Monday,
October 11, and continue through

10

October 15. The services will begin each
evening at 7:30. The Rev. 0. B. Jones of
Tarboro will be the guest speaker for the
week.

All friends of Elm Grove are invited to
join in the homecoming activities and the
following revival services.

Eighty-First Annual Session
Eastern Conference

The Eighty-First Annual Session of the
Eastern Conference of the Original Free
Will Baptists of North Carolina will
convene at the Beulaville, North Carolina,
Free Will Baptist Church on October 20-
21, 1976.

The program will be as follows:
Wednesday Morning
9:00— Registration

10:00— Devotions, Charles Richardson
10:10— Conference Called to Order, the

Rev. Bill Futch
—Welcome, the Rev. Chris

Singleton

— Response, the Rev. Walter
Sutton

10:20— Moderator's Message
10:30— Roll Call of Ministers, Receive
Church Letters

— Recognize and Welcome Visitors
10:45— Report of Free Will Baptist

Children's Home
10:50— Report of Camp Vandemere, Inc.

— Receive Camp Vandemere
Offering

1 0:55— Appointment of Committees

— Receive Conference Offering

11 :1 5— Worship Service, Praises in
Song

— Introductory Sermon, the Rev.
A. Graham Lane

12:00— Lunch, Fellowship Time

Wednesday Afternoon

1 :1 5— Devotions, Donald Earl Fader
1:25— Partial Report of Credentials
Committee
—Seating of Delegates
1 :30— Report of Executive Committee

— Report of Examining Board
2:00— Report of N. C. Board of

Superannuation
2:05— Report from General Conference
2:10— Report from N. C. State Con-
vention

2:15— Report from N. C. Ministerial

Association
2:20— Report of Free Will Baptist Press

Foundation
2:25— Report from Eastern Woman's

Auxiliary Convention
2:45— Report of Church Financ

Association
2:50— Miscellaneous Business
3:15— Closing Hymn, Benediction

Thursday Morning

9:30— Registration

10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Harolc
Swinson

10:10— Read and Approve Minutes o
Previous Day
—Call Roll of Ministers Absen,
Wednesday

— Receive Church Letters No:
Turned In

10:30— Report from Cragmori;

Assembly, Inc.
10:35— Report from Eastern Conferemi

Mission Board
10:45— Report from N. C. State Missk

Board

10:50— Report from N. C. State Churd

Extension Board
10:55— Report from Mount Olive Colleg
1 1 :00— Conference Offering
11 :1 5— Worship Service, Praises

Song

—Conference Sermon, the Re!l
Jerry English
12:00— Lunch, Fellowship Time

Thursday Afternoon

1 :1 5— Memorial Service, Memori

Committee
1:30— Final Report of the Credentia'

Committee
—Final Report of the Examinii

Board
2:00— Reports from:

Leagues

Sunday Schools

Temperance

Resolutions

Digest

Treasurer

Finance Committee

Nominations

Election

3:00— Miscellaneous Business

— Read and Approve the Minutes

— Installation of Officers a
Committee Members

3:15— Adjournment, Closing Hym
Benediction

As of October 1, 1976, sub-
scription prices for The Free Will
Baptist will be changed to the
following: one year, $5; two years,
$9; and four years, $17.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Iberty Baptist College Chorale
■i Black Jack Church

The Liberty Baptist College Chorale of
l|nchburg, Virginia, will be heard in
incert on Sunday, October 10, 1976, at
; p. m. at the Black Jack Free Will
liptist Church, Route 3, Greenville,
brth Carolina.
t; (The chorale includes seven young men
Id six young ladies. They come
] duipped with their own sound system,
ijotlight, and orchestrated ac-
i; impaniment tracks for many of their
limbers.

jThe program will present the gospel

trough spirituals and gospel song, as
"wll as with traditional hymns of the

lurch in unusual arrangements,
[■aloists and small-group numbers will be

■toured, as well as readings by some of
i« gifted speakers, and personal

Istimonies by others. A special
[(jjpentennial, patriotic salute to America,

'trough music, is also included in the
;»ljesentation.

The pastor of the Black Jack Church,
le Rev. Bobby 6. Bazen, extends the

ijlblic a cordial invitation to attend the
■ ogram; there will be no admission
'large.

fhite Oak Church Observes
imecoming and Revival

[White Oak Original Free Will Baptist
liiurch, Bladenboro, North Carolina,
i'nounces its fall revival beginning
ttober 11 and continuing through
liber 15, 1976. The Rev. M. E. Cox of
lie First Free Will Baptist Church,
team, North Carolina, will be the
siting evangelist. Services will begin
i'ch evening at 7:30, featuring special
ijusic each night.

fhe Rev. Ransom McAbee, pastor,
|d the church members invite the
jiblic to attend these worship services,
|d request all Christians to be in prayer
1r this revival.

jThe church will also observe its annual
imecoming on Sunday, October 17,
^76. All former members, former
|stors, and friends are invited to attend
e services beginning with Sunday
jhool at 10:00 a. m., worship service at
| :00, and lunch at 1 2:30. There will be
old-time singing in the afternoon.

imecoming Announced
st Church, Wilson

Homecoming services will be held at
b First Free Will Baptist Church in

Wilson, North Carolina, on Sunday,
October 10, 1976. The pastor, the Rev.
Clyde W. Cox will bring the message
during the morning service, and there
will be special music by the choir and the
pastor. The afternoon service will feature
a memorial service directed by Miss
Shirley Rose Davis. There will be singing
by The Believers, The Emmanuels, The
Steeplaires, and The Master's Three.

All former members and friends of the
church are invited to attend the services
on this special day.

THE CHURCH: OUTREACH

(Continued from Page 3)
We had better decide what the
business of the church is— con-
demnation or salvation, destruction or
redemption. We must learn to deal with
these people redemptively and minister
the love of Christ to them. Too often we
just condemn and walk away too proud to
help.

One of my favorite stories in the
Gospels is one that is certainly
characteristic of Jesus. In John 8 the
"religious" people came to Jesus with a
woman they had found in adultery. They
told Jesus she needed to be destroyed,
condemned, stoned. I think I can almost
see the sadness in the Saviour's face as
He told these "religious" leaders that
even they were not without fault. Then
He turned to the woman and dealt
redemptively but firmly with her sin.

Too often we get the sin and the sinner
mixed up. God hates sin but He loves the
sinner, and so should we! We must not
condemn the alcoholic, drug addict,
homosexual, unwed mother, divorcee,
and prisoners. Rather we should seek to
be redemptive, while doing what we can
to destroy the sin.

Not only are people caught in the traps
of sin but many other needs scream for
attention, such as the physically sick,
poor, and the aged. We cannot just
deliver a basketful of fruit and clothes at
Thanksgiving and Christmas, then settle
back confident we have helped the poor
for this year. We must get our hands
dirty; we must invest our lives; or we are
putting the cause of Christ to shame.

Read the Gospels. Sure Jesus
preached repentance and faith, however,

I cannot help but notice that He was truly
a man who went about doing good. He

was very concerned with all people and
the many needs they had. His love,
concern, and involvement gave validity to
the message He preached with His lips,
and it might do the same for us!

ALBEMARLE DISTRICT WOMAN'S
AUXILIARY CONVENTION

The Albemarle District Woman's
Auxiliary Convention will convene with
the Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbia, North Carolina, on Thursday,
October 14, 1976. The theme for this
meeting will be "God Is Our King," and
the Scripture, Psalm 33:12. The program
will be as follows:

10:00

10:15

10:30-

10:45

11:00

11:15

11:30
12:00

1:00-
1:05-

1:15-

1:30-

2:00—

2:15—

Morning Session

— Hymn, "My Faith Looks Up to
Thee"

— Devotions, Mrs. Joseph
Maitland

—Welcome, Host President

— Response, Miss Alice Webster

— President's Message, Mrs. Lula
Daw

— Recognition of Ministers and
Visitors

Appointment of Committees
Reading of Minutes
-Roll Call of Auxiliaries
-Offering for Home and Foreign

Missions
-Mission News, the Rev. Marvin
Waters

-Report of Children's Home, Mrs.

Sam Weeks
-Offering for Children's Home
-Special Music, Host Auxiliary
•Message, the Rev. Robert May
•Lunch

Afternoon Session
Hymn, "0 Worship the King"
Memorial Service, Mrs. Melvin
Moore

Report of Mount Olive College,
Mrs. Dianne Riley
Report of Other Denominational
Work

Committee Reports
Treasurer's Report
Announcement of Next Con-
vention

Installation of New Officers,
Mrs. Katie Roper
Hymn, "Blest Be the Tie"
Adjournment

1

E FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For October 17

THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

Lesson Text: Romans 6:1 2-23
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

I. INTRODUCTION

One of the problems Paul faced in his
dealings with the Christians at Rome was
the idea that because one was saved and
free from the Law he had license or
freedom to sin if he chose to do so. The
entire sixth chapter of Romans, as well
as other portions of the book, is Paul's
clear denunciation of this false teaching.

Justification through reconciliation did
not make it possible for Christians to live
as they pleased, nor does it now. The
new life we receive through faith in the
grace of God has "a continuing response
to God's reconciling action in Christ."
The fact that we are made alive in Christ
does not set us free to sin, but sets us
free to live without bringing reproach
upon the name we bear. Having been
freed from sin's slavery we are now
committed to a lifetime of service to Him
who freed us.

This is not to be done in "payment"
for our delivery from sin's slavery; for we
can never repay Christ for what He has
done. Rather, we are to serve Him
because we want to do so, our desire to
do so being born out of the deep
gratitude in our hearts for Christ's
sacrifice at Calvary. Thus we see that the
new life in Christ only begins with
reconciliation. It continues for the rest of
our earthly experience and when we go
to meet Christ we shall find its con-
summation in His glory.— The Advanced
Quarterly (F.W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. The doctrine of the new birth has
always been difficult to understand. It
does not, as Nicodemus at first thought it
did, embody any change in the physical
being, but it does bring about a great
change in those facets of human nature
which determine who we are, where we
are going, and what we will do along the
way. It is more than a change in moral
outlook. It embraces a change in the
governing disposition of the mind that

changes us from creatures of rebellion
into creatures who recognize their
kinship to God and desire to work with
Him to accomplish that purpose for
which His Son came into the world.

B. To try to live by law is to invite
slavery to sin; but to live by faith is to
become a servant of God. The just shall
live by faith, and their lives shall produce
works of righteousness and holiness,
without which no man can see God.

C. Men's righteousness which
comes from the fear of the law and its
penalties is better than no righteousness
at all, but it falls far short of that type of
righteousness which our Lord expects of
His followers. Christians should be
righteous, because it is their nature to do
so. If the Christian's actions are bound
entirely by law and held in check by the
prohibitive bans of the law, then his faith
is in vain. As honest men will pay their
debts whether or not the law demands
payment, the Christian will refrain from
sin and not allow it to hold dominion over
him regardless of whether or not he is
under the law of restraint. God forbid that
the Christian should make use of his
freedom from the law to commit sin and
thus alienate himself from that very
power which made him free from the law.
This would not only be self-defeating, it
would be completely disastrous.

D. The important question for every
man to decide is this: "Whose servant
will ye be?" Every man must be servant
either to sin or to righteousness, and
which he will serve will be made manifest
to all by the type of works which he
performs. If he performs sinful works, he
is, in spite of all denials to the contrary,
the servant of sin; but if he performs
works of righteousness, it will be evident
to all that he is the servant of God and of

the cause of righteousness. Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Man can only serve one master.
When he is servant of sin, he is free from
righteousness; but when he is servant to
righteousness, he is free from sin. This
is yet another very convincing argument

that Christians must not allow sin to hoi
dominion over them. They must prove t
their works, as they follow the directic
of the Spirit's leadership, that they ai
no longer servants of sin but hav.
become servants of God.

B. At a revival meeting several year
ago an unbeliever challenged thi
evangelist by stating that since he felt n!
burden of sin, he possessed none. T
this the evangelist replied: "How muc
weight would you have to put on a dea
man in order for him to feel it?" "Yoj
couldn't put enough weight on a dea^
man for him to feel, for he is pan
feeling," replied the critic. ' 'That' j
exactly what I am trying to say," replied
the evangelist. "You can feel no burden
of sin, because you are dead i
trespasses and sins, and pa^
feeling." — Selected

C. Paul warns against yielding ttl
parts of our bodies as "instruments ij
unrighteousness unto sin." If we yiel
our mouths, we may become gossips.]
we yield our brains, we may worry i
hold grudges. If we yield our eyes, vi
may watch the wrong sort of televisic
programs. And so on. — Standard Lessoi
Commentary

D. In recent years we have becorn
more and more aware of one of the moi
terrible wages of sin in the form
narcotics and drugs. It has become
way of life for many people, young ar
old. Even children have come under ii
bondage. How awful must be the priri
these pay for a few moments of thrill;
They do not pay this price alorvj
however, for many who love them ha\
suffered with them. Opium, herioi
morphine, LSD, and many other types j
mind-blowing drugs are used by Satan I
bind in slavery those who use the|
abusively. And Satan always pays off . 4
The Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

E. When you put yourself under th
command of anyone and obey his order;
you actually are his servant. This is tru
regardless of what you may say or an
excuse you may make.

If you do what sin requires, then yol
are sin's slave. When you choose to t|
such a slave, you nullify God's grace if
your own case.

We are free to choose our master. |
we choose sin, we will be paid will
death. If we choose God, we becorr
slaves of obedience rather than slaves <|
sin. This brings us to righteousness.
— Trie-Standard Lesson Commentary

12

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS*

'A Christian Home

for Boys and Girls'

free will baptist

children s 1

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

STATE CONVENTION OFFERING
EXCELLENT

The offering received for the
hildren's Home at the 1976 North
iarolina State Convention of Free Will
aptists was an excellent one. At the
me of this writing and according to our
fecords, it has totaled over $15,000. We
jive thanks to God for such a wonderful
Ift, and we are indeed grateful to each
fyou who had a part in it.
I In a few weeks a listing of the
ifiurches will be shown in The Free Will
baptist when the September receipts are
Jported. At this time, I'd like to give the
limber of churches by conference who
lint an offering for us to the convention.

the Cape Fear Conference 1 2 of the 27
tjlurches contributed; in the Central
ilnference there were 19 of 45; the
Istern Conference 23 of 79; 2 of 13 in
lie Pee Dee Association; none from the
Isdmont Conference; 21 of the 46
Marches of the Western Conference and
iof 16 churches in the Albemarle
inference sent an offering to the
^Invention. The total of the above
•fleets that 85 of the 244 churches gave
i tjtonvention offering to the Home,
i Again we thank each person and
ilbrch for your faithful support to the
(fie Will Baptist ministry to children. Our
iifliyer is that God will richly bless you in
yjjr efforts for Him.

RETIREMENT HOMES
CONTRIBUTIONS

during the summer months the
attributions to the Retirement Homes
le significantly decreased. In order for
■to pay our monthly bills and complete
I outside work such as sewage,
jiitering, storm windows, exterior
3«nting and landscaping, we are going
1 need contributions from several
Brches. Why not ask your church to
Tike a contribution to this service to the

4rly?

I; FREE WILL BAPTIST

This past week Miss Bonnie Farmer
moved into one of the apartments. Miss
Farmer retired last year after serving in
various capacities at the Children's
Home for twenty-five years and several
years at Mount Olive College. We are
glad that you made this possible for her
and she herself, at the State Convention,
expressed her gratitude. There is still
some work to be done inside the other
apartment, but we cannot do it until the
necessary monies have been received.

Please prayerfully consider this
request and don't delay— send your
contribution today to the Free Will Baptist
Retirement Homes, P. 0. Box 250,
Middlesex, North Carolina 27557.

PROGRESS REPORT FOR COMMUNITY
BASED GROUP HOME CARE PROGRAM

During the past years we have seen
the need of a program for children
admitted to our Children's Home who are
pre-school age. We feel that these
children need to be in a home which
maintains a family situation. Here a child
can receive the individual care, love, and
training which every child under the age
of six so greatly needs. He has substitute
parents who are responsible for the
direct care and nurture of the child.
Since we could not give 'his service to
children in residential group childcare,
we saw the urgent need to set up a
community based group home.

Our first home was fully licensed in
April of 1976 for the care of five children,
ranging in age from two to ten years.

We now have three children in this
home. There are two girls, age four, and
a boy, age five.

Billy and Jenny have been there four
months and have adjusted very well.
Billy is going to kindergarten and is
making excellent progress. They made
an exciting visit to the dentist this month
and are looking forward to their next
appointment.

Kelly has been there five weeks. She
is very happy and adjusting very well.
Kelly is four years old and has a brother,
age seven, and a sister, age eight, living
here at the Children's Home. They get to
visit each other often.

We are very pleased with the work that
Mr. and Mrs. Glisson of the Sweet Gum
Grove Free Will Baptist Church are doing
as foster parents for these children.

It was recommended to the State
Convention, which was held on Sep-
tember 15 and 16 in Mount Olive, North
Carolina, that "this Convention endorse
the existing Community Based Group
Homes Program for serving pre-school
age children and for other special
purposes whenever the need arises."
This recummendation was adopted by
the convention. We are very pleased with
the support which the convention and all
Free Will Baptists have given us.

We are all working together to improve
our Community Based Group Home
Program during the coming year. The
following are some of our goals and
future plans:

(1) To set up another community
based group home for children of the
same age group, two to ten years.

(2) To set up a community based
group home for the care of children with
special problems (mental, physical, or
adjustments which cannot be made in a
group care home).

(3) Work very closely with the
natural parents of children in making
plans forthe care of the children.

(4) Work with the individual child in
his or her personal needs.

(5) Set up a training program for
foster parents and join in group meetings
with foster parents in the area.

Please remember our community
based group home in your prayers and
support. If you have an interest in this
program, please come by to see us or
contact us by phone or letter.
Jodie T. Strickland,
Director

Community Based Group Homes

"But Jesus called them unto him, and
said. Suffer little children to come unto
me, and forbid them not: for of such is
the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16).

13

QAiswering ^faur
UESTIONS

by J . P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

Question: What is the Bible teaching
on restitution?

Answer: In principle it teaches that full
restitution needs to be made by one who
becomes a Christian. It seems to me that
anything in the possession of a sinner
who repents and comes to the Lord for
salvation, not rightfully belonging to him,
should be restored in full to the rightful
owner immediately. And probably in-
terest should be paid for all the time one
has had in his possession any wealth or
goods belonging to another. Under the
law Israel, in order that she be in favor
with God, needed to restore fully and in
some cases up to fivefold what they held
illegally. The same was true of such an
individual Israelite taking and ap-
propriating to his own use property of
another without purchasing it.

"If a man shall steal an ox, or a
sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall
restore five oxen for an ox, and four
sheep for a sheep. ... If the theft be
certainly found in his hand alive, whether
it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall
restore double" (Exodus 22:1, 4).
"Then it shall be, because he hath
sinned, and is guilty, that he shall
restore that which he took violently
away, or the thing which he hath
deceitfully gotten, or that which was
delivered him to keep, or the lost thing
which he found, Or all that about which
he hath sworn falsely; he shall even
restore it in the principal, and shall add
the fifth part more thereto, and give it
unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the
day of his trespass offering" (Leviticus
6:4, 5). "Seek ye the LORD while he
may be found, call ye upon him while he
is near: Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD, and he
will have mercy upon him; and to our
God, for he will abundantly pardon"
(Isaiah 55:6, 7). "But if he be found, he
shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all
the substance of his house" (Proverbs
6:31). "And Zacchaeus stood, and said
unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of
my goods I give to the poor; and if I have
taken any thing from any man by false

14

accusation, I restore him fourfold. And
Jesus said unto him, This day is
salvation come to this house, forasmuch
as he also is a son of Abraham. For the
Son of man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost" (Luke 19:8-10).

Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector,
may have spent himself into the state of a
poverty-stricken man when he obligated
himself, gave half he rightfully owned,
when he was saved and restored fourfold
to all whom he had defrauded. But would
it not be worth all that for him to have
peace with God and peace of mind and
soul?

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question well, and we may do well to
read and think it through. It is as follows
in his book 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered:

"It is very clearly set forth in the
Scripture that restitution should follow
repentance. The change of heart may
come before or after the act of restitution
takes place, but in either event the
convert will feel bound to make
restitution at the earliest possible
moment and in the fullest manner. It is
expected of us that we shall make it right
with our brother and we have no right to
ask God to bestow on us the fulness of
his gracious pardon until we do this (see
Nehemiah 5:10, 11; Luke 19:8; Romans
13:8). In his gospel work Evangelist
Moody emphasized restitution wherever
practicable as a necessary adjunct to
complete salvation. A few principles,
however, are fixed, and apply without
exception to all such cases. In the first
place, you must bring yourself to agree
to obey God at any cost. This is precisely
what Jesus meant by His stern words
about the right eye or the right hand. He
probably did not mean that a cir-
cumstance would ever arise in which a
man should pluck out his eye or cut off
his hand. He thought too much of ef-
ficiency for that. He wants two-eyed and
two-armed men in His army. But He did
mean that it is far more important to obey
God than it is to have two arms and two
eyes. We must become so desperately in
earnest to be right with God that we

promise Him that when He makes His
will clear we will obey. Now that does not
mean that we must go right off and do
some fantastic or unreasonable thing
before God has made His will clear. We
must wait till His will is clear. That is all
the consecration He ever asks from
anybody: to obey, step by step, as He
makes the way unmistakably plain. 'My
sheep know my voice,' He said. If you
are not sure it is His voice speaking, wait
till you are sure before taking the step.
Where any property is involved, even if
the amount is very small, it should be
returned to the owner of his heirs. You
will find such a procedure easier than
you fear. People do not ridicule the
'conscience fund.' They admire a man
who is trying to do absolutely right. In
the case of conduct in which others are
involved the matter is more difficult. If
your confession involves another, make
very sure that the offense was really ^
serious matter and confer with those
involved before making any statement.
As to making financial restitution out m
funds absolutely needed for present use,(
that problem is more difficult. In such a
case it would be wise to make confession
to those who were wronged, and ask,
them to give you time to make ful
restitution. Above all, think of God as ^
friend, who is trying to lead you to a
place of perfect happiness, not as <j
tyrant demanding obedience to harsP
and arbitrary rules. He is our best friend j
You may win peace by trusting Him
Then He will guide and strengthen you ii
untangling the problems and undoing the
mistakes of the past."

PRAYER SONG

by John W. Beaman
Walstonburg, North Carolina

Often when the sun was setting-
Dropping down behind the sea,
I've been waiting, Lord, and praying,
Lord, 0 Lord, remember me.

Like the thief outside Jerusalem,
Hanging on the gallows tree,
I have prayed to Thee in anguish-
Lord, 0 Lord, remember me.

0 Thou Man of many sorrows,
You who knew Gethsemane,
When you come into your kingdom,
Lord, 0 Lord, remember me.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

SpeciaC foments

)ear Maggie,

My father was a Christian of great faith. If he were alive he'd want to contribute
|o your column. My father's faith sustained him as he suffered rheumatoid arthritis
or more than twenty years. Slowly those who loved him watched as his body
deteriorated until he was a bedridden patient with a physical body twisted with pain.
His faith in God never faltered! He believed his life had a purpose and that God was
jsing him.

Often my father said, "I regret I didn't give my life to Christ earlier when I was a
ealthy young man. Now there's not much I can do crippled. I can't even sit in
hurch regularly."

My father's faith spoke louder from his sick bed than some of us do even with
jur healthy bodies. He was a moving influence for those who saw him. His life was a
jving testimony of faith in God. As he succumbed to crippling arthritis, heart disease,
nd poor blood circulation, he never lost his faith in God. He loved his Lord and his
aily life was an example of his beliefs.

I wanted to share this special moment of memory with you and the readers, for I
'pel there are those it will touch .

reenville, N.C.

• • •

(Continued from Page 2)

Lme from a custom of getting hold of a man to whom you wanted to tell
fmething and holding on to him until you get it told (like putting a finger in the
jiittonhole of his coat ) . Witnessing from person to person, these Christians won
(any converts. Did you know that Jesus Christ preached three of His greatest
Irmons to a single individual? To Nicodemus, who slipped in by night to talk
ith Him, He delivered the great sermon on salvation from which we often
■lote, "Ye must be born again." To a lonely woman beside a well in Samaria,
e delivered His great sermon on true worship, from which we quote, "God is a
birit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth."
nd to Martha, one of the sorrowing sisters of Lazarus, He delivered His great
iessage on the resurrection, from which we quote at almost every funeral, "I
m the resurrection and the life."

j Young preacher, or any preacher who is called of God and wants a church
I pastor, let me give you a prescription which I would almost guarantee will
k you a church: Pick out twelve lost souls and set yourself to the task of
linning them one by one to the Lord by the "buttonhole" method and sincere
kyer. Before you get the twelfth one won, most likely some church will be
stting ready to open its door for you. More churches are looking for preachers
jho can do things, than are looking for those who simply want to do things !

Coming Events . . .

0i3ber 13— Cape Fear Woman's
Auxiliary Convention, Saint Mary's

E FREEWILL BAPTIST

Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Route 3, Benson, North Carolina
October 14— Western Conference,

Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist
Church, Durham, North Carolina

October 16— Pee Dee Association,
Emerson Free Will Baptist Church,
Columbus County, North Carolina

October 1 7— Countywide Sunday School
Convention, Pleasant Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Route 2, Pikeville,
North Carolina (Wayne County)

October 20, 21— 81st Annual Session of
the Eastern Conference, Beulaville
Free Will Baptist Church, Beulaville,
North Carolina.

IN MEMORY OF MRS.
HENRY LEE

In the early morning hours of Sep-
tember 6, 1976, God saw fit to call Mrs.
Lillian Jackson Lee, Route 5, Dunn,
North Carolina from her pilgrimage here
to receive her reward in heaven. She had
been in declining health for some time.

She was a member of Robert's Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, and a member
of the woman's auxiliary. As long as she
was able she was always present, ready,
and willing to do what she could for the
cause of Christ's Kingdom here on earth.
Mr. Henry and Miss Lillian Lee filled
important places, in Robert's Grove for
many years, Mr. Lee being the senior
deacon of the church. They have three
sons, Elwood, Payton and Wayne, who
are influential members of their
respective churches.

We bow in humble submission to
God's holy will in calling our beloved
sister and friend home to be with Him.
We extend to the family our sincere
sympathy, and may their hearts be filled
with the assurance that ". . . all things
work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called ac-
cording to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
May they be comforted by these words:
". . . the path of the just is as the
shining light, that shineth more and more
unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18).
Submitted by,

Mrs. James Spell, Church Reporter

Please note that the Rev. L. E. Ballard
was the author of last week's editorial,
"Thorn of Love." His name was
inadvertently omitted. Our apologies and
thanks to Mr. Ballard!

Tommy Manning

15

-

pniiiijimiUiHiuiiiiiniiiiuiiiiii^

OBSERVE

SUPERANNUATION MONTT

IN

YOUR CHURCH

October was designated by the State Convention as 3

"Superannuation Month" ]
in our Free Will Baptist Churches. 1

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR SUPERANNUATION

PROGRAM? I

1 . Receive a Special Offering during October, or

2. Send a Special Gift from Your Treasurer, or

3. Urge Special Individual Gifts, and

4. Remember the Program with Your Prayers and Gifts
Throughout the Year.

SEND YOUR GIFTS TO:

NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF SUPERANNUATION

P. O. Box 474
AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28513

16 THE FREE WILL BAKTlS

OC1 V4 \W

WWW

The Lord is with you, while ye be with
him . . . but if ye forsake him,
he will forsake you"

(2 Chronicles 15:2).

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1976

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

What About Eternal Security?

Groups inevitably part ways when certain issues arise on which total
agreement cannot be reached. Whether the issue be a doctrinal point, a
philosophical premise, or a matter of church government and its complexities
and intricacies, there is invariably difference of opinion expressed by religious
groups and denominations.

Within the ranks of Baptist-ism, therefore (certainly one of the most
conservative of the Protestant groups) many doctrines exist which are worthy
of discussion— the least of which not being the belief that one cannot fall from
grace, or (as it is more commonly known) the doctrine of eternal security.
That is to say, if one is truly saved, he can never lose his salvation or enter
again into disfavor with God. Do you subscribe to that belief? If so, my brother,
you are not a Free Will Baptist in faith and practice!

Only a fool would suggest that he is a complete authority on anything. If
one reaches such a plateau of superegotism that he declares his every word is
the "gospel truth" which is "immune" to challenge, then such a fellow is a
glutton for self -defamation in the end. Anybody with a lick of sense ought to be
open to new ideas and/or approaches to a more expeditious spreading of the
gospel and its understanding. But mind you, if anyone who is a true Free Will
Baptist leans toward and accepts this eternal security "kick" (which is coming
into new vogue ) , he is fast heading toward self -exclusion from the church.

To wit: Our Statement of Faith and Discipline for Original Free Will
Baptists of North Carolina states on Page 31: "There are strong grounds to
hope that the truly regenerate will persevere unto the end, and be saved,
through the power of divine grace which is pledged for their support, but their
future obedience and final salvation are neither determined (nor) certain,
since through infirmity and manifold temptations they are in danger of falling;
and they ought therefore to watch and pray, lest they make shipwreck of their
faith and be lost. ' '

Certainly there is the argument that the foregoing wording is man's, just
as the doctrine is constructed by man; however, observe that 2 Chronicles 15:2
supports the belief that one can indeed fall from grace. ' 'The LORD is with you,
while ye be with him . . . but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you." Then 2
Peter 1:10, "Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your
calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never fall" (note
the contingency there: if you do these things). Then Ezekiel 33:18, "When the
righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall
ever die thereby." There are other Scriptures and personal examples in the
Bible which make a strong case for falling from grace.

Peter denied His Lord (though later he became, perhaps, the greatest
advocate of His gospel). It is not inconceivable that he fell from grace. And (ut
oh, here is where we tread on dangerous ground), it is this editor's firm con-
viction that at one time Judas (who later betrayed our Lord) was saved, but
having allowed the devil to enter his heart did indeed turn his back on Christ.
The assumption that Judas was never saved, in your editor's opinion, is pure
hogwash. Why would Christ have chosen him as a disciple if he had not been
truly saved? Would our Lord have made a mockery of His own Kingdom's work
by allowing a from-the-beginning, known-to-be infidel to work with Him?
Never! Our first introduction to Judas's infidelity was during the time and just
prior to and after the Last Supper. So, the contention that Judas was never
saved seems very weak, if not ridiculous.

We have no axe to grind with our Southern Baptist brethren who choose to
"ally" themselves with eternal security. It is indeed a comforting thought: to
feel that once saved, one is eternally and absolutely in the safekeeping of God
the Father. Conversely, however, we insist that one must "keep on holding
on."

And, if some of our Free Will Baptist brethren are a little wishy-washy
about their stand on the matter, this writer suggests that they do a lot of serious
thinking and personal introspection.

Personally, this writer wants to hold on to what he considers a good thing.
And the Free Will Baptist doctrine is "as good as the best, and possibly better
than the rest," to allude to some words of a beloved minister friend.

Anyone who feels otherwise had better get his house in order or change
locations. . . .

Comment?

OCTOBER 13, 1976
Volume 91 Number*

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wil
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Let
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconc
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mus
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thi
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; on
year, $5.00 ; two years, $9 ; four years, $1 7 ; plu
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoun
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute:
these. A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thl
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 15!
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.—
p m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson, 9

a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbar
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretan
James B Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

FreeWill Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assists
Editor ot Literature; Raymond T Sasst
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

HISTORIC NEW BERN CHURCH

HISTORY DATES TO COURT PETITION 236 YEARS AGO

by Steven Hill
New Bern, North Carolina

jj. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church of
New Bern, North Carolina, will celebrate
its 236th birthday on Sunday, October
j 17. The pastor, the Rev. Rod Jones
urges all friends and former members to
attend.

Records date St. Mary's Church back
to 1740 when six Baptists of New Bern
petitioned the Craven County Court of
Quarter Sessions and Common Pleas to
( register and to build a church. The court
then conducted by a rival faction ended
the appeal by accusing the delegation of
various misdemeanors. The appealants
were placed under individual bonds of 20
pounds and three of the men were
sentenced to a public whipping.

The construction of the first St.
Mary's Church began the following
September when church members
requested the benefits of the Act of
Tolerance. This church building was
I used until it burned during the
Revolution. The grounds were then used
jas the pastor's garden. The congregation
then met at the home of the pastor, a Mr.
Anderson. After the death of the
[ Revolutionary pastor, the grounds were
sold by the son of the pastor to a
jdowntown businessman for a suit of
clothing.

THE FREE WH.L BAPTIST

By the early 1800's the Free Will
Baptists had no special place of worship.
By 1829 a small 20 by 40 foot frame
church was used, which sat on the
corner of Fleet and Pollock Streets where
the present parsonage is located.

In 1862, the city of New Bern fell to
Federal forces on March 14. The city was
fired upon (the Federals blamed the
Confederates) and apparently the New
Bern Church was burned when the
turpentine distilleries, Trent River
Bridge, and three squares of the town
went up in flames. It is significant that
only four churches are mentioned in the
contemporary diary account of David L.
Day, a Federal soldier with the 25th
Massachusetts Regiment; on the other
hand, Joseph W. Denny, another soldier
in that regiment wrote at the same time
that there were five churches "divided
among the Baptists, Methodists,
Presbyterians, and Episcopalians," and
two churches "for the colored people
exclusively." What became of the Free
Will Baptist church in New Bern remains
something of a mystery, but it was no
longer there when the Federal Army left
New Bern.

In 1868, the General Conference of
Free Will Baptists appointed John L.
Gaskins, Noah Gaskins, and Furney
Fulcher as trustees of the lot in New Bern
belonging to the Free Will Baptists and
directed that they hold the lot until
further directions. In 1881 Elder Rufus
K. Hearn was allowed to build on the
vacant lot in New Bern. The Free Will
Baptist Press was then moved to New
Bern with Rufus K. Hearn as its editor.

By 1884, N. B. Gaskins, R. F. Stilley,
W. H. Slaughter, and J. F. Heath were
appointed as the building committee for
the purpose of building a church house.
The pastors of every church in the
General Conference were to request each
member of the congregations to con-
tribute ten cents for the building of the
church. N. B. Gaskins was to act as
treasurer, and to acknowledge receipts
in The Free Will Baptist. By 1885 Rufus
K. Hearn authorized to sell the lot. The
church was apparently meeting some
place else and had decided they would

not need the lot on Fleet and Pollock
Streets.

The next actual knowledge of the
church was in 1892 when the Rev. R. F.
Stilley, who lived a few miles from what
is the little town of Bridgeton on the north
side of the Neuse River, began holding
religious services in New Bern in the
home of one Bryce Anderson on Pollock
Street. It was during one of these
services that Mr. Anderson was con-
verted and baptized in the Neuse River at
what was then known as Lewis' Ferry,
later taking membership with the Free
Will Baptist church. Others were added
until an organization was perfected,
consisting of the new converts and other
God-fearing people who had moved in
from other places.

At the close of Mr. Stilley ' s pastorate,
the Rev. Wilson Lupton was called to the
church. He, being an able speaker and a
carpenter by trade, proved to be an
inspiration to the people. Soon after his
arrival the membership decided they
must have a church building. By 1893
the little wooden church on Fleet Street
was ready for use. Between the years of
1893-1899, the New Bern Free Will
Baptist Church was an active member of
the General Conference and had changed
its name to St. Mary's Free Will Baptist
Church.

Throughout the history of the church,
the women have always been a true
inspiration and helpers of the church. It
was between the years of 1 892 and 1 893
that the women of the church maintained
what they called a "sewing circle"; the
purpose was to make clothing into
garments for the poor and needy. On
October 1 , 1909, the Ladies' Aid Society
was organized and founded as a
denominational auxiliary by Mrs. Alice E.
Lupton. The Free Will Baptist League
also had its origin in New Bern in 191 5.

By this time the church needed more
room and on Thanksgiving Day, 1909,
(continued on page 1 5)

3

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 11:1

SINCERITY TEST
An old Scotch woman said to her
pastor, "That was a grand sermon
you preached last Lord's Day at the
kirk!"

Seeking to test her sincerity he
asked, ' 'And what was the text? ' '

"Ah, Meenister!" she replied. "I
dinna ken the text or the words. But I
came home and took the false bottom
out of my peck measure."— Power

PRAYER THOUGHT
The Word of God reproves us in our
wrongdoings. Even though we may
not remember the exact text and its
location, its context is remembered,
especially when we are tempted to
sin!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 1:8;
23:22-25

THE GIRL TO LOOK FOR
An old gentleman said reflec-
tively: "Once I was young, but now I
am old, and I've never seen a girl
unfaithful to her mother that ever
came to be worth a one-eyed button to
her husband. If one of you boys ever
come across a girl with a face full of
roses, who says as you come to the
door, 'I can't go for thirty minutes, for
the dishes are not washed,' you wait
for that girl; sit right down on the
doorstep and wait for her. Because
some other fellow may come along
and marry her, and right there you
have lost an angel. Wait for that girl;
stick to her like a burr to a mule's
tail. ' ' —Christian World

PRAYER THOUGHT
The Bible has much to say about
children who love and honor their
parents. The only commandment with
a promise is "Honor thy father and
mother."

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
Scripture Reading— John 10:1-5

4

ONLY THE SICK ONES
WOULD FOLLOW

A friend who was traveling in the
East heard that there was a shepherd
who still kept up the custom of calling
his sheep by name. He went to the
man and said :

"Let me put on your clothes and
take your crook, and I will call them
and see if they will come tome."

And so he did, and he called one
sheep, "Mina, Mina," but the whole
flock ran away from him. Then he
said to the shepherd: "Will none of
them follow me when I call them ? ' '

The shepherd replied, "Yes, sir,
some of them will ; the sick sheep will
follow anybody. ' '

I'm not going to make the ap-
plication; I leave that to you ! — Moody
Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
Some Christians are swayed with
every wind of doctrine. Could it be that
they too are sick? Let us follow only
the Master's voice!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Scripture Reading— Matthew 23:23

GRACE TO SAVE FROM EASE
Several years ago the Rev. Samuel
Chadwick told of a testimony meeting
at the close of a revival in his church.
One person after another rose to tell
of his transformation from a life
devoted to lawbreaking, liquor, and
all manner of evil. The congregation
was profoundly impressed by their
witness to the power of the Spirit. At
the climax of the meeting a little lady
got to her feet and gave the most
startling testimony of all! She said:
"Jesus saved me from a life of ease,
luxury, and selfishness, and it took as
much grace to save me from my easy
chair as it did to save our brother
from the gutter." — Gospel Herald

PRAYER THOUGHT
Sins of omission are just as real as
sins of commission. God dislikes
"rocking chair" Christians. Let us be
up and doing for our Saviour and His
Kingdom !

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 16:7

"THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE"
Remember, the man on Skid Row is
not different in kind from the rest of
us. He is merely worse in degree. On
Skid Row we see fallen man at his
dismal worst. In the better neigh-
borhoods we see him at his polished
best, but he is the same man for all his

disguise. In the gutter we find him!
chained by dope and drink and dirt !
On the Avenue we find him bound by
pride and greed and lust. To God
there is no difference. He sees beyond
appearances and He knows what is in
every man. His remedy for everj
man is the same, a new birth and the
impartation of a new kind of life.

The Gospel is the power of God
operating toward the moral and
spiritual transformation of man. And
it works ! Thousands will testify that il
does. No man who wants to climb up'
out of his past and find a new and
better life should overlook the Gospel
It is God's way out, and there is nc
other. — Pacific Garden Mission News
PRAYER THOUGHT

How many times have we lookec
down on our brother because of hk
social standing? or his ragged ap
pearance? God sees the heart, and H(
knows when we judge others. That toe
is a sin!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians

HILARIOUS GIVING
A pastor instructed the ushers, or
passing plates, to emit a good-sized
whistle when a dollar bill or any
larger amount was placed therein.
Soon the church resounded with shrill
sounds of rejoicing and laughter. The
ushers found it difficult to pucker up
their lips and grin at the same time;
but the collection was about three1
times as large as usual. I do nol
suppose the pastor ever tried thai
plan again. Probably he merely usee
it as a sample of the "hilarious
giving" (for that is the literal ren
dering of "cheerful giving") enjoined
by Paul. At any rate, he woke up his
congregation to the gaiety oi
giving. — Christian Herald

PRAYER THOUGHT
Only when we give by the plar
outlined in God's Word can we b<
happy over our giving. Do you realize
that you cannot give an offering unti
you have first paid your tithe?

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
Scripture Reading— Malachi 3 : 10

"NOTHIN' FOR NOBODY"
"The boy gave all his lunch to the
Master," young Margaret concludec
her review of the feeding of the fivtl
thousand, for the other members o:
the primary class. "And because H<
blessed it, there was enough foi|
(continued on page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

THE CHURCH: CHARACTERISTICS

by Calvin R. Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

(Part 15)

we near the end of our study,
I would like to draw to-
gether, in summary fashion, some things
which should characterize the people of
Sod, the Church of Jesus Christ. I do not
j;ay these are the seven most important
characteristics, just that I feel they are
particularly important and perhaps
sometimes neglected in our time.

THE WORD OF GOD

| God's Word has suffered not only from
iberal theology but from outright neglect
U conservative, Bible-believing Chris-
tians. It is one thing to believe the
fMe is God's Word and therefore
iuthoritative for the way we do things in
ur church. It is another to rise above
jnd beyond the often deep-seated
jraditions and worldly ways to actually
practice biblical principles in our
lurches.

We must stop searching the Scrip-
tires for proof texts to support our pet
loctrines and practices and begin to
leek, if you will, what the naked
Scripture says. Once again I'll say that I
Ira not claiming everything I have said in
pis study is a correct interpretation of
>criptu re . I do say we must yield to the
tiblical way rather than twist the
Scripture to support man's way. I can
niy encourage you to search the
jicripture for yourselves to find God's
ruth about the church. As you do, keep
1 mind the power and extent of tradition.

Not only is God's Word authoritative
)r the way our church functions, it must
ie central in the life and teaching of the
hurch. People must be instructed in the
Vord of God. We must stop playing
round with Bible study and begin to do
seriously and relate it to life constantly.

LED BY THE SPIRIT

God leads His church not only by His

Word but by His Spirit in accordance
with that revealed Word. Too many of us
have been so scared off by the excesses
of the charismatic movement that we
have quenched the Holy Spirit and
therefore are missing the tremendous joy
and blessing that comes from godly
submission to the third person of the
Godhead.

A church that is not led by the Holy
Spirit is a church in trouble. In the first
three chapters of the Book of Revelation,
Jesus Christ has sent a message to
seven churches in Asia. It is noteworthy
that each letter ends with an exhortation
by Jesus for the church that has ears to
hear what the Spirit says.

I used to think this was just a stylistic
phrase that was used by the author to
end each letter, but one day it hit me
hard that this is not just some phrase the
author tagged onto each letter. It is a call
for local churches to hear what the Spirit
is saying. Are we hearing from God today
in our churches? Is the Word of the Lord
getting through? It is not enough just to
have the Bible preached— we must hear
and submit to the specific leadership of
the Holy Spirit as He instructs us daily.

20th CENTURY

Although I have continually stressed,
perhaps overstressed, that our churches
should become more like the true church
of the first century, we must not forget
that this is the 20th century. Our
churches must be based on the un-
changing pattern of truth revealed in
Holy Scripture, but they must also adapt
to the situation and needs of a 20th
century world preparing to move into the
21st century.

Not only must each church be awake
to the needs and sins and facts of life in
the 20th century, it must also relate to its
particular community. The church at
Corinth was in a city that might be

compared to New York today. The city of
Ephesus was different and so the church
there had to be different, and it was as
we can see from Paul's letters.

So also our churches must have a
uniquely local character about them. A
church in a large city with a big drug and
crime problem will not have the exact
same character and ministry as a small
church in a rural farm community.

This also says something about the
ministry of pastors as they are called to
new churches. They should not come in
with their own pet programs and begin
forcing them on the new church. Rather
they should seek to get to know the
church and its community to discover
particular and special needs. Then they
can use their God-given abilities to lead
the church in meeting those needs.

I am not saying basic truths of the
Christian faith like sin and justification
will change. I am saying that the sins one
church has to face may be different from
the sins another church may be called to
deal with. One church may be located
near a large prison, another near a
shopping center, and a third near an
Indian reservation. If the churches are
truly local, their ministry will be different
as they seek to relate to their own
communities.

UNITY

There are many good qualities which
we could mention such as faith, hope,
and love. I have chosen unity at this
point because I think it is so necessary
and perhaps not often practiced. The
Church of Jesus Christ is one, and we
must express that oneness in our
churches individually and collectively for
the sake of our own peace and for the
sake of a strong witness to a critical and
skeptical world.

We will not do it by councils, treaties,
or mergers. Unity in the body will only
come as we submit to God himself and
allow His unifying Spirit to make us truly
love one another as brothers and sisters.

May we who believe be of one heart
and one soul (see Acts 4:32), and may
there be no division among us (see 1
Corinthians 1 :10).

WORSHIP

This should be a central part of any
local fellowship. How much worship by
the group as a whole goes on in your

(continued on page 6)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

"Go ye into all the world, a
and preach the gospel"^

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram

Taylor Hill

Foreign Missions

Home Missions

Director-Treasurer

Director-Treasurer

P 0 Box 979

1 207 Arsenal Ave

Goldsboro N C 27530

Fayetteville N C 28305

MISSIONS IN TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO

In the great state of Tamaulipas,
Mexico, Free Will Baptists are at work
witnessing to those who have not been
reached with the gospel of hope. In deep
Mexico we have a pastor who is carrying
on such activity in two mission stations;
one of these is located in the state of Vera
Cruz, the other in the city of Tampico,
Tamaulipas. We are reminded of
Deuteronomy 6:7: ' 'And thou shalt teach
them diligently unto thy children, and
shalt talk of them when thou sittest in
thine house, and when thou walkest by
the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up."

The picture with this article shows a
number of children from the Tampico
Mission who are learning about the Lord
Jesus Christ. Is it worthwhile to support
the mission cause, to reach the lost with
the gospel of hope and life? Is it worth
the prayers and effort put forth to reach
the people for God? Then let us
remember Brother Paul C. Ortega, as he
continues to labor in the Tampico
Tamaulipas, Mexico, mission field with
prayerful support and concern that the
lost find Christ. One of the important

6

reasons to preach Christ the world over

in mission activities is the need for
someone to preach and instruct people
everywhere the Word of God at home and
outside the borders of our country. We
are reminded of this in Acts 8:31 : "And
he said, How can I, except some man
should guide me? And he desired Philip
that he would come up and sit with
him."

Thank you again for your stand for
missions.

J. E. Timmons

THE CHURCH:

(continued from page 5)

local church? Preaching the Word, as
important as this is, is not worship.
Singing, as uplifting as it can be, is not
worship. Sitting at the feet of Jesus and
worshiping involves much more than
doing something. It involves attitude and
desire. We must seek to discover simple,
unified, joyous, heart-felt, God-centered,
group worship that characterized many
meetings of the early Christians.

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY

Leadership that will lead, build up,
serve, and be ministers of the Word is
much needed. They must submit to God
and exercise their particular gifts rather
than be general handymen around the
church. Thank God for those who un-
derstand their biblical calling and are
indeed faithful to it.

A biblical leadership that knows and
submits to its calling will in turn call for a
congregation that takes up its own
ministry with gladness. The people of
God must begin to minister, care, and
love one another and reach out into the
world with friendly arms, rather than
depending on the pastor to do it all.

One of my favorite pictures of the'
church is that of a body (see 1 Corin-'
thians 12). Each member has a unique
God-given talent which, Paul says, is!
indispensable to the church. Each
member of the body functions together'
under the common head, Jesus Christ.

OUTREACH

The true church will be a people sc
overflowing with God's love and grace
and one another's encouragement tha
they cannot but help reach out in love
and concern to the tremendous needs oi
today's society.

We will reach out in door-to-dooi
evangelism and also to the rest homes
We will reach out in large evangelistic
revivals as well as in the prisons. We wil
reach out however and wherever the Hoh
Spirit leads. We will do it with redemp;
tive love and humbleness, and leave thi
condemning to the only righteous Judge
We must do it with redemptive love anc
humbleness or people will flatly refuse
our pious hypocritical religion.

Although time will not permit, we
could go on to talk about other qualities
that should characterize the church o
God like being open, real, natural
honest, sincere, Christ-centered, godly
and having an expectation of the Lord':
return. We will simply end this week wit!
one verse which I think comes close ti
communicating the spirit of the Earl;
Church which we are striving to catch:

"Then had the churches res
throughout all Judaea and Galilee ani
Samaria, and were edified; and walking
in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfori
of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied" (Act:|
9:31).

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

'A Christian Horn
for Boys and G

iris'

free will baptist

lildrens 1

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

apt ist # 1

fcref*

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR AUGUST, 1976

ALBEMARLE CONFERENCE

2nd Union

9.98

Corinth

$ 100.00

Owen's Chapel

59.20

Free Union

36.00

Peace

15.50

Hickory Chapel

150.00

Reedy Branch

155.00

Mt. Tabor

44.31

Rocky Mount

25.00

Union Meeting

17.63

Auxiliary Convention

20.00

S. S. Convention

41.30

Sunday School Convention

50.00

Shiloh

82.40

Saratoga

105.00

Sidney

50.00

Sweet Gum Grove

235.00

Union Chapel

162.41

Winterville

229.60

Total

$ 684.05

Total

$ 2,478.34

BLUE RIDGE ASSOCIATION

edar Hill $ 22.25

CAPE FEAR CONFERENCE

Bethel

$

1 b.UO

Eastwood

25.00

Hopewell

117.44

Johnston Union

6.00

.ee's Chapel

30.00

St. Mary's Grove

55.00

Shady Grove

25.00

St. Paul

60.00

fee's Chapel

4.50

(/Vest Clinton

43.04

Total

$

380.98

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Aspen Grove

$

193.00

Ayden

55.00

3ethany

142.00

■Black Jack

65.00

Community

103.00

Dawson's Grove

8.84

Hilda's Grove

65.00

idgewood

215.00

pirn Grove

6.00

:ree Union

172.33

:riendship

371.49

ireenville

10.00

larrell's Chapel

50.00

lickory Grove

49.40

lowell Swamp

3.00

lugo

4.00

lull Road

6.00

ittle Creek

55.00

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Antioch

$ 50.00

Bethel

20.00

n ail i _ l.

Bethlehem

35.00

Bridgeton

109.00

Cabin

50.00

Christian Chapel

115.00

Core Creek

103.80

Crab Point

15.00

Deep Run

52.00

Dublin Grove

25.00

Edward's Chapel

90.00

Folkstone

25.00

Friendship

36.70

Holly Springs

20.00

Jackson Heights

4.50

Juniper Chapel

52.50

Kinston

32.00

Lanier's Chapel

10.00

Macedonia

100.00

Mount Olive

130.00

Eula Jones

5.00

Auxiliary District Fund

15.00

5th Union

50.00

New Bethlehem

23.49

New Haven

35.90

Northeast

124.20

Oak Grove

40.00

Oriental

27.04

Pearsall's Chapel

40.00

Pilgrim's Home

20.00

Saint's Delight

10.00

Sandy Plain

262.00

Sarecta

29.00

Smyrna

100.00

Snead's Ferry

45.00

Sound View

110.00

Spring Hope

103.00

St. Mary's

93.11

Warden's Grove

168.06

Whaley's Chapel

160.00

Winterareen

29.00

Woodrow

6.00

Total

$ 2,591.30

PEE DEE ASSOCIATION

Beaverdam $ 25.00

Oak Grove 150.00

Total $ 175.00

PIEDMONT CONFERENCE

Bethany

$ 20.32

East Rockingham

64.21

Durham

25.00

Heritage Mission

62.75

Total

$ 172.28

ROCKFISH CONFERENCE

Conference

$ 29.00

TOE RIVER ASSOCIATION

Minister's Fund

$ 25.00

Roan's Chapel

50.00

Total

$ 75.00

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Barnes Hill

$ 10.00

Branch Chapel

149.33

Calvary

50.00

Everett's Chapel

259.32

Flood's Chapel

68.00

Fremont

3.75

Friendship

40.00

Holly Springs

35.00

Kenly

87.50

Little Rock

9.50

Marsh Swamp

43.00

Memorial Chapel

200.00

Mirco

35.00

Milbournie

107.42

Mt. Zion (Nash)

167.28

New Sandy Hill

50.00

Oak Grove

182.00

Pine Level

5.00

Piney Grove

3.00

Pleasant Grove

1.50

Pleasant Hill

109.15

Rains' Cross Roads

100.00

Rosebud

5.00

Sherron Acres

150.00

Spring Hill

iS.oo

Stancil's Chapel

72.22

St. Mary's

604.19

(continued on page 16)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Mount SMS
Olive College

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS
OF PROGRESS

(Part II)

The twenty-five years of progress may
be seen in the current position of Mount
Olive College:

*The first and only fully accredited
college in the history of Free Will
Baptists.

*A current enrollment of 350 students
with a record of educational service to
more than 4,000 since 1954.

*A modern campus in Mount Olive of
110 acres and 90 acres at Eagles Nest
Conference Center for a total of 200
acres.

* Five modern buildings: Henderson
Academic Building, Moye Library,
Rodgers Chapel, Men's Dormitory, and
Hart-Griffin and East Dormitory Complex
for women.

*The most comprehensive collection of
materials relative to Free Will Baptists
known to be in existence.

*A modern library of more than
26,000 volumes.

*An educational opportunity for every
qualified Free Will Baptist student
regardless of his financial resources.

*0ne-third of the Free Will Baptist
membership in North Carolina currently
served by ministers who attended Mount
Olive College.

*An endowment of more than
$600,000.

* Life insurance policies with a face
value of $500,000 payable to the
college.

*A history of $4,059,917.71 in direct
cash gifts through June 30, 1976:
$2,186,276 from Free Will Baptists,
$1,873,641 from friends. (An additional
$1 million has been given or willed
through endowments, trusts, and gifts of
property.)

* Fiscal assets of approximately $5
million with a bonded indebtedness of
$996,000 and other obligations of
$250,000 (Net worth: approximately
$3.75 million).

*An operating budget of $1,642,500
for 1976-77.

*A viable curriculum and philosophy
of education designed to meet the needs
of students who may expect to spend
one-half of their lives in the twenty-first
century.

*A competent and dedicated faculty,
administration, and general staff whose
guiding principle is to ". . . approve
things that are excellent; . . ."
(Philippians 1 :10).

*A commitment which has as its first
priority that Mount Olive be a Christian
College.

*An emphasis upon loyalty and
service to the Free Will Baptist Church.

RESOLUTION

Whereas Cora Lee Garris Spivey, born
November 1, 1901, died June 29, 1976,
was one of the most vocal advocates and
loyal supporters of Mount Olive College,
especially during its founding and early
years; and

Whereas Mrs. Spivey was in-
strumental in organizing the Free Will
Baptist Historical Collection in 1957,
collecting and contributing perhaps more
historical material than any other in-
dividual; and

Whereas as an alumnus of Ayden
Seminary, she assisted in the
organization of the Ayden Seminary-
Eureka College Alumni Association, a
body that has given and continues to give
significant support to Mount Olive
College; and

Whereas Mrs. Spivey rendered long
and distinguished service to the Free Will
Baptist denomination in many phases of
its work on the local, district, and state
levels;

Therefore be it resolved that the Board
of Trustees of Mount Olive College of-
ficially recognize the efforts of the late
Mrs. Cora Lee Garris Spivey and furnish
a copy of the resolution to her family and
a copy to The Free Will Baptist this
seventh day of September, 1976.

SCHEDULE OF
1976 CHURCH DINNERS

Pamlico County— Saturday, October 1f
7:30 p. m., Camp Vandemere.

Duplin County— Saturday, October 23
6:30 p. m., East Duplin High School

Wayne County— Tuesday, October 26
7 p. m., Mount Olive Colleg
Auditorium; Ben Rollins, Chairman.

Jones County— Thursday, October 28
7:30 p. m., Kings Restaurant.

Onslow-New Hanover— Friday, Octobe
29, 7:15 p. m., Folkstone Church
Leonard Hobbs, Chairman.

Beaufort County— Saturday, October 30
7 p. m., Chocowinity High School
Oscar Webster, Chairman.

Pitt County— Monday, November 1
7 p. m., D. H. Conley High School
Stewart Humphrey, Chairman.

Nash County— Wednesday, November 3
7 p. m., Middlesex Elementar
School Cafeteria; Lester Duncan
Chairman.

Lenoir County— Saturday, November 6
7:30 p. m., Kings Barbecue; Budd1
Sasser, Chairman.

Johnston-Wake Counties— Monday
November 8, 7 p. m., Smithfield
Selma High School; V. T. Craddocl
and L. B. Woodall, Cochairmen.

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun
ties— Thursday, November 11, 7:3(
p. m., Washington County Unioi
School.

Greene County— Saturday, Novembe
13, 7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; James Ray McLawhorn anc
George Harrison, Cochairmen. .

Wilson County— Tuesday, November 16
7 p. m., American Legion; James B
Hunt, Sr., Chairman.

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberlam
Counties— Thursday, November 18i
7:00 p. m., Midway School; the Rev
Felton Godwin, Chairman.

Edgecombe-Halifax Counties— To B
Announced.

Carteret County— Saturday, Novembei
20, 6:30 p. m., East Carteret High
School; Reginald Styron and Nathan
Garner, Cochairmen.

CHARLES HARRELL HONORED

Charles Harrell, Business Manage
and Financial Aid Director at Mount Olivf
College, was one of 12 financial aic

8

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

officers in the state's colleges and
universities to receive a NCASFAA
Certification in Raleigh on September
28th.

The certification awarded by the North
Carolina Association of Student Financial
Aid Administrators is based on
professional qualifications and service
activities in the field of financial aid
administration. No other two-year private
college aid officer received the cer-
tification. One other community college of
two year status qualified.

This year the college awarded over
$400,000 in grants, scholarships, work-
study, and loans. Mount Olive College
has adopted the policy that no worthy
student would be denied an education for
financial reasons as stated by Dr. W.
Burkette Raper, President.

"Mr. Harrell has distinguished
himself and the college by qualifying for
this certification," Dr. Raper com-
mented.

Charles Harrell is a member of the
Mount Olive Free Will Baptist Church. He
and his wife Faye were raised in Mid-
dlesex Children's Home. They have three
children: Renee, Kelly, and Charles Jr.

GIFTS TO MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, during the month of September,
1976, totaled $306.45 and are as
follows:

In Memory of

Mr. James Ashby by Mr. and Mrs.
Ivery Daughtry, Smithfield.

Mr. Winfred Reid Blackwelder by Mr.
and Mrs. Ed Herring, Calypso; and Mr.
Warren Herring, Calypso.

Mrs. Lois Boyette by Dr. and Mrs.
Burkette Raper, Mount Olive; and Mr.
and Mrs. D. F. Chambers, Kenansville.

Mrs. Virgie W. Branch by Mr. and
Mrs. J. D. Barnes, Fremont; and Mrs.
FlonnieW. Creech, Princeton.

Mr. John Hood Brewer by Mr. John
Wesley Taylor Jr., Deep Run.

Mrs. Lula Howard Bullard by Mrs.
Lucy B. Mooring, LaGrange; and Mr.
and Mrs. John N. Walker, Mount Olive.

Mr. Russell Carrigan by Gary Fenton
Barefoot, Mount Olive.

Mr. Julian (Pete) Council by Mr. and
Mrs. Edward L. Walston, Pinetops.

Mr. Everette T. David by Mr. and Mrs.
W. L. Fulghum, Wilson.

Mr. Avery Dudley by Mr. and Mrs.

Ray Warwick, Newton Grove.

Mrs. Anna R. Edmondson by Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Walston, Pinetops.

Mr. Michael Ginn by Mt. and Mrs.
Bryce Ficken, Mount Olive.

Miss Victoria Kennedy by Mrs. Pannie
M. Rhodes, Beulaville.

Mrs. Belle Kornegay by Mr. Gary
Fenton Barefoot, Mount Olive.

Mr. Connie Lassiter by Powell Bible
Class, First Free Will Baptist Church of
Smithfield.

Mrs. Lillian Lee by the Willard
Barefoot Family, Dunn; Martha Sue and
Debra Tew, Dunn; Ladies Class,
Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist Church,
Dunn.

Mr. D. A. McGowan by Mrs.
Gwendolyn B. Clifton, Clinton; Mr. and
Mrs. Anderson Floyd, Mount Olive; Mr.
and Mrs. J. Harold Herring Jr., Mount
Olive; Dr. and Mrs. W. Burkette Raper,
Mount Olive; Mr. and Mrs. Felix W.
Ruiz, Goldsboro; and Mr. and Mrs. John
N. Walker, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Francis Mercer by Mrs. Pannie
M. Rhodes, Beulaville.

Padan A. Noble by Ladies Auxiliary,
Smith's New Home Free Will Baptist
Church, Kinston.

Mr. Jim Reynolds by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive;
and Mr. and Mrs. John N. Walker,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Garland Smith by Mr. and Mrs.
Bryce H. Ficken, Mount Olive.

Mr. Roy M. Styron by Mr. and Mrs.
W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Laura W. Taylor by Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Hunt, Lucama.

Mr. Oscar Tew by Mr. and Mrs. John
N. Walker, Mount Olive.

Mr. L. W. Thompson by Gary Fenton
Barefoot, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Winfield Thompson by Dr. and
Mrs. M. M. Lownes, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Annie Thorne by Mr. and Mrs.
W. L. Fulghum, Wilson; and Miss
Frances Boyette, Lucama.

In Honor of

Mr. and Mrs. Amon Kennedy by Mr.
and Mrs. R. P. Callahan, Pink Hill.

NEW CHURCH ORGANIZED

by Mrs. Woodrow McCoy
Cove City, North Carolina

I would like to share a blessing I
experienced on the evening of August
24, 1976, when I went with my

husband, who is a member of the
Executive Committee of the Eastern
Conference of Free Will Baptists, to the
Maysville Mission. The Executive
Committee met with the group to
organize the mission into a church.

As the business of organizing the
church was in progress, I detected the
unity and oneness with the presence of
the Holy Spirit leading. The people
elected their church and Sunday school
officers and named their church, White
Oak. There were approximately one
hundred people present for the won-
derful service. Each minister had a part
in the service which was instructive,
challenging, and inspiring.

I am thankful for having the op-
portunity of being in this organizational
meeting and to know that we still have
people who are anxious to serve the
Lord. I am also proud of the Home
Mission Board and the Executive
Committee of the Eastern Conference
who are willing and faithful in using their
time in this much-needed phase of our
work.

FRUSTRATION

by Nancy Frost Rouse
Lucama, North Carolina

This has been a terrible day,
And I the monster in it.

It wasn't the stars
that jinxed ine-
rt was my own frustration.

The task wasn't
too difficult for me—
I was too impatient for it.

It wasn't that

nobody loved me—

I just couldn't love myself.

My day wasn't predestined
a disaster—

I spoiled it with my attitude.

It always helps to replace

superstition with faith,

to temper

effort with care,

to love and forgive

yourself as you would another,

and to remember, always,

there is hope,

for anything you

believe is possible.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

NEWSX
_NOTES.

Elwood Lane Church Celebrates Homecoming with Note Burning

The Elwood Lane Free Will Baptist

Church of Kannapolis, North Carolina,
had a note-burning ceremony on its
annual homecoming day, September 12.
The value of the church property is
approximately $150,000.

In the picture are (left to right): Paul

Wingler, board of deacons; the Rev.
Walter Turnmire, church clerk; the Rev.
Lee Therrell; the Rev. Paul Jenkins, pas-
tor; Mrs. Paul Jenkins, pastor's wife;
Mrs. Elsie Wallace, president of ladies
auxiliary, Marvin Jenkins, chairman of
finance committee; Howard Stuart,
church treasurer.

Edgewood Church Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Edgewood Free Will Baptist
Church, near Crisp, North Carolina, will
celebrate its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 17. The pastor, the
Rev. Jack Mayo, will deliver the morning
message after which lunch will be served
in the fellowship building. Following
lunch, a program of gospel music will be
presented by the local church and
visiting groups.

Revival services will begin on Monday
night, October 18, and will continue
through October 23, beginning each
evening at 7:30. The Rev. Bobby Bazen,
pastor of Black Jack Free Will Baptist
Church, will be the guest speaker for the
week.

All former pastors, members, and
friends are invited to attend.

Old-Fashioned Homecoming
At Hull Road Church

The Hull Road Free Will Baptist Church
near Snow Hill, North Carolina, will
celebrate its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 17. Those attending are

urged to wear old-fashioned dress if
possible. Sunday school will begin at
9:45 a. m., followed by the morning
worship with the Rev. Leonard Woodall
of Smithfield as the guest speaker. A
picnic lunch will be served at the noon
hour, followed by an afternoon of music,
games, and fellowship.

All former members, former pastors,
and friends are invited to attend this day
of old-fashioned worship and fellowship.

Homecoming and Revival
At Whaley's Chapel Church

Revival is now in session at Whaley's
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Jones
County, and will continue through
October 15, with the Rev. Jerry English
as the evangelist. Services begin each
evening at 7:30.

The church will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, October 17,
with the pastor, the Rev. Andrew Hill,
bringing the homecoming message. A
picnic lunch will be served, and a song
service will be held in the afternoon. The
church invites everyone to attend.

Revival and Homecoming
At Chocowinity Church

Revival services are in progress aj
Memorial Free Will Baptist Church,!
Chocowinity, North Carolina, continuing!
through Friday night, October 15. The
Rev. Francis Garner, pastor of Free
Union Church, is the quest speaker
Services begin nightly at 8 p. m.

Homecoming will be observed on
Sunday, October 17. The pastor, the
Rev. Roy Cauley, extends a cordial1
invitation to everyone to attend these;
services.

Revival and Homecoming
At Russell's Creek Church

The Russell's Creek Free Will Baptist
Church, Hwy. 101, Beaufort, North
Carolina, announces revival services for
the week of October 18-22, beginning
each evening at 7:30. The visiting
evangelist will be the Rev. Rod Jones,
pastor of St. Mary's Free Will Baptist
Church, New Bern. Mr. Jones will be
assisted in the services by the pastor,
the Rev. Larry Higgins. There will be
special music each evening, and thes
public is invited to attend.

On Sunday, October 24, the church;
will observe its annual homecoming with,
the pastor bringing the morning;
message. A picnic lunch will be served:
on the church grounds at the noon
hour. A singspiration, featuring thej
Gospelaires of New Bern and the|
Crusaders of Winterville, is planned for
the afternoon. The church and the pastor,
wish to extend a cordial invitation to all
former pastors, members, and friends.

Revival and Homecoming
At Harrell's Chapel Church

Fall revival services will be held
October 18-23 at the Harrell's Chapel
Free Will Baptist Church of Route 3,
Snow Hill, North Carolina. The Rev.
Everette Harper will be the guest
evangelist for the services which begin
each evening at 7:30. Special music will
be featured at each service also.

The church will observe its annual
homecoming following the revival on
Sunday, October 24. All former pastors,
members, and friends are invited.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Revival to Be Held

|At First Church, Tarboro

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
Tarboro, North Carolina, announces its
[fall revival for the week of October 1 8-22,
at 7:30 each evening, with the Rev.
Arnold Price of Madison, West Virginia,
as the guest evangelist. There will be
special music nightly, and a nursery will
be provided.

The pastor, the Rev. 0. B. Jones, and
the church members extend a cordial
invitation to everyone to attend these
services.

Gospel Quartet Schedules
Concert at Reedy Branch

The Lightbearers Gospel Quartet will

ippear in concert on Sunday, October
7, at the Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist
yhurch, Winterville, North Carolina, at
:30 p. m. The group is just another
xample of what the love of Christ can do
;Vhen His love is in the hearts of those
jvho love Him. The quartet, based in
itobersonville, came into existence after
ji revival meeting when the minister of
he group and a few laymen got together
for singing after the service. Weekly
ehearsals followed and today the
(.ightbearers have sung in more than 50
jvorship services, concerts, and revivals
jjhroughout Eastern North Carolina.

I This group has appeared at Reedy
ilranch before and were such a blessing
hat they have been asked to return.

) The pastor, the Rev. Willis Wilson,
xtends a cordial welcome to all who will
ome and share this service.

lomecoming and Revival
t Casey's Chapel Church

The annual homecoming and harvest
ay will be observed on October 17 at
asey's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church,
icated on Highway 70 east of Goldsboro,
orth Carolina, Sunday school will begin
t 10 a. m., followed by the morning

worship services at eleven. Lunch will be
served in the fellowship hall at 1 2:30.

The Rev. Bobby Jackson, evangelist,
will deliver the homecoming message,
and will also hold revival services at the
church beginning Sunday night, October
17, and continuing through Friday night,
October 22.

The pastor, the Rev. Edward Miles,
and the members invite everyone to
attend.

Bicentennial Homecoming
At Oak Grove Church

The Oak Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Bladenboro, North Carolina, will
celebrate its annual homecoming with a
bicentennial theme on Sunday, October
17. Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of
Mount Olive College, will speak during
the Sunday school and the morning
worship hours. Lunch will be served at
the noon hour. The afternoon session will
feature a flag ceremony and a history
presentation by Mrs. Ellen Gause.

The pastor, the Rev. James Hardee,
issues a cordial invitation to all former
pastors, former members, and friends to
attend. He also makes note that revival
services will begin at the church on
Sunday night, October 17, with the Rev.
Noah Brown as the visiting evangelist.

Fall Community Revival

In Session at Greenville Church

A fall community revival, sponsored by
the First Free Will Baptist Church in
cooperation with other churches, is now
in session at the church located on High-
way 43 south of Greenville, North
Carolina, continuing through Friday
night, October 15. The guest speakers
and their topics are as follows: Monday
night— "The Power of Prayer" by the
Rev. Stewart Humphrey; Tuesday
night— "Soul Winning" by the Rev.
Bobby Futrell; Wednesday night
— "Christian Example" by the Rev.
Frank Brinson; Thursday night— "The
Bible" by the Rev. Willis Wilson; Friday
night— "The Church" by the Rev.
Bobby Bazen.

Services begin at 7:30 p. m. The
pastor of the Greenville church, the Rev.
Davie Brinson, extends a cordial in-
vitation to the public to attend.

First Church Warsaw Holds
Bicentennial Celebration

The First Free Will Baptist Church of

Warsaw, North Carolina, observed a
special bicentennial celebration on
Sunday, September 29, with all-day
services. Lunch was served in the
fellowship building. The Scripture was
read by Connie Anderson. Wayne Davis
led in prayer and thanksgiving for 200
years of religious freedom.

Miss Lucy Beaman, youth chairman,
directed a pageant entitled "Our
Country's Hope," presented by the
children of the church. Six scenes from
the history of our country were featured
with full costumes.

The pastor of the church, the Rev.
Emmett E. Jones, made some timely
remarks and dismissed the group with
prayer.

Rock Springs Church
Announces Homecoming

The Rock Springs Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Bailey, North Carolina,
will observe its annual homecoming on
Sunday, October 17. Sunday school will
begin at 10 a. m., followed by the
worship service with the Rev. Luther
Bissette, a former pastor, bringing the
message. Lunch will be served on the
church grounds.

The afternoon service will feature
special singing by the Vanguard Brothers
and the Misty Trio. The pastor, the Rev.
Jimmy Barfield, extends a cordial in-
vitation to all former pastors, former
members, and friends to attend.

Tom Miller to Hold
Ormondsville Fall Revival

The Rev. Tom Miller of Hookerton and
pastor of the Grimsley Free Will Baptist
Church, will be the guest minister for
revival services at the Ormondsville Free
Will Baptist Church located eight miles
west of Ayden, North Carolina, just off
Highway 903. Services will begin
Monday night, October 18, and continue
through Friday night, October 22,
beginning at 7:30 nightly. The pastor,
the Rev. Clifton Rice, will be assisting in
the services.

Each service will feature good gospel
preaching and music rendered by the
local church and visiting musicians.
Everyone is extended a cordial invitation
to attend and urged to pray for the
success of the meeting.

News Notes Continued

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Revival and Homecoming
At Juniper Chapel Church

Revival services are scheduled to
begin at Juniper Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church on October 18, continuing
through October 23, with the Rev. David
Charles Hansley as the visiting
evangelist. Services will begin at 7:45
each evening; prayer room services will
precede each service.

Homecoming will be observed on
Sunday, October 24, with the pastor, the
Rev. Eddie Edwards, bringing the
message. Former pastors, former
members, and friends are urged to
attend the revival and the homecoming
services.

Ormonsdville Church
Honors Pastor

The Woman's Auxiliary of Ormonds-
ville Original Free Will Baptist Church
honored its pastor and his wife, the Rev.
and Mrs. Clifton Rice, at a reception on
Sunday, September 19, in the recreation
building. The occasion was to honor Mr.
Rice for having served fifty years in the
ministry and twenty years as pastor of
the Ormondsville Church.

On entering the building, Mrs.
Lawrence Tripp presented a boutonniere
and a corsage to Mr. and Mrs. Rice.
Guests were received by Mr. and Mrs.
Pete Beamon. The receiving line con-
sisted of the honored couple; their
daughter, Joan; her husband, Murrell
Broadway; grandsons, Jeffrey Rice
Broadway and Patrick Ray Broadway.

Members of the auxiliary alternated
serving at the beautifully decorated
table. Everyone attending enjoyed the
punch, cake squares, and other
delicacies served by the ladies. Mr. and
Mrs. Rice were presented a beautiful
silver coffee and tea service. Goodbyes
were said by Mr. and Mrs. Carson
Edwards.

Revival in Session
At Spring Hope Church

Revival services began at Spring Hope
Free Will Baptist Church on October 11
and will continue through October 16,
with the Rev. Eddie Edwards as the
visiting evangelist. Services begin each
evening at 7:30, with the prayer room
opening at 7:15.

The pastor, the Rev. James Warren,
and the church members extend an
invitation to all.

Living Waters Church
Builds Parsonage

The members of Living Waters Free

Will Baptist Church located three miles
west of Pikeville, North Carolina, ex-
perienced a special day on Saturday,
September 25, as several of the men met
to begin digging the foundation for the
new church parsonage. The new par-
sonage will be located beside the church
which is only three years old itself.

The accompanying picture shows the
men at work with the pastor, the Rev.
Larry Barbour helping.

Sandy Plain Church
Announces Homecoming

The annual homecoming and harvest
day will be held at Sandy Plain Free Will
Baptist Church near Beulaville, North
Carolina, on Sunday, October 17.
Sunday school begins at 9:45 a. m.,
followed by the worship service with the
Rev. Lloyd Vernon, a former pastor,
bringing the message. Lunch will be
served in the educational building.

After lunch, a memorial service will
begin at 1:45 p. m., followed by gospel
singing by the Coastal Plain's Gospel
Singers.

Everyone is invited to worship with the
church on this special occasion.

Mount Zion Church
Observes Homecoming

The annual homecoming will be
observed at Mount Zion Free Will Baptist
Church, Roper, North Carolina, on
Sunday, October 17. Sunday school
begins at 10 a. m., followed by the
worship service with the Rev. Charlie
Overton, pastor, bringing the message.
Lunch will be served on the church
grounds at noon.

In the afternoon a memorial service
will be held, followed by gospel singing
featuring The Traveliers of Aulander,
North Carolina; Mount Zion Ladies'

Quartet; and others.

The pastor and the church members
extend an invitation to all to attend.

Revival in Progress

At Grant's Chapel Church

Revival services are now in progress
at the Grant's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, located between Seven Springs,
and Mount Olive, North Carolina, and will
continue throughout the week. The Rev.'
David W. Hansley of LaGrange is the
visiting evangelist.

The pastor, the Rev. Emmett E. Jones, '
and the members extend an invitation to
everyone to attend the revival.

Homecoming and Revival
At Shiloh Church

Revival services are being held at the;
Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
Pinetown, North Carolina, and will
continue through Friday night, October
15, beginning each evening at 7:30. The
Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark of Durham is the
visiting evangelist.

The church will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, October 17.
The pastor, the Rev. Marvin R. Waters,)
and the church members extend a cordial
invitation to all former pastors, former
members, and friends to attend.

Pleasant Hill Church Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 2, Pikeville, North
Carolina, will observe its annual
homecoming on Sunday, October 17,
with the Rev. R. P. Harris of Rocky'
Mount, a former pastor, bringing the
eleven o'clock message. Services begin
with Sunday school at 10 a. m. Lunch,
will be served at 12:30 p. m.

The pastor, the Rev. Luther Swinson
will deliver the devotional during the
afternoon services. Mrs. Clarence Bunn
will be in charge of a memorial service,
followed by a program of music and
singing.

Fall revival services will begin at the
church on Monday evening, October 18,
and will continue through October 22,
with the Rev. DeWayne Eakes as the
evangelist. Services will begin each
evening at 7:30.

All former pastors, former members,
and friends are invited to attend the
homecoming and the revival.

12

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For October 24

THE NEW LIFE AS FREEDOM

esson Text: Romans 7:14 — 8:2
Hemory Verse: Romans 8:14

j. INTRODUCTION

In recent lessons we have had much to
ay about the child of God being tree
'om the power of sin and made alive in
;hrist. This, of course, is true, but we
iust emphasize again that being free
rom the power of sin does not mean we
re free from the presence of sin. Christ
roke the power of sin in our lives when
ye came to Him in penitence and faith,
jut though we became a new creation
Ipiritually our old carnal nature remains
p buffet us. It remains because we are
itill housed in the tabernacle of flesh
Vhich is the meaning of carnality. Thus
here is a constant conflict within us
)etween the new and the old. Con-
:erning this Paul had some vital things to
lay in this lesson.

j Yet there remains a hope. The same
oower of Christ that broke the power of.
)in in our lives is available to us in our
struggle with the "old man," or the
Jarnal nature. This power is able to help
!js survive and overcome the ^ttacks of
i>atan through the flesh. This power is
ifvith i n us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
Ve may use this power as we will, that
s, if we choose to ignore it the carnal
lature takes over and we suffer defeat in
he conflict. If we allow the Spirit to
;ontrol, the carnal nature is put down
ind we rise victorious. The choice is left
o the child of God. The victory is left to
iod. The difference lies in which choice
ve make — The Advanced Quarterly (F.
«. B.)

I. HINTS THAT HELP

A. It is good when man comes to the
inclusion that he cannot deliver himself
rom the power of evil influences and is
hus led to seek help from another
luarter. Paul did this, and he was able to
express his thanks unto God for

providing the deliverance which he felt
that he must find. This deliverance came
from God, and it came through Jesus
Christ our Lord.

B. Though the natural man's
condition is hopeless insofar as his being
able to deliver himself, it is not hopeless
when he seeks God's assistance; for
nothing is impossible with God. Man's
extremity is God's opportunity; and
happy is that man who recognizes the
cause of his trouble and calls upon God
for help in breaking the bondage which a
depraved and sinful nature holds over
him. He then can govern his passions
with absolute sway, and grow wiser and
more spiritual with each passing day.
Instead of being mastered by carnal
instincts, he then will be master of all
carnal appetites.

C. When the servant of sin desires to
do good, he cannot do it because of sin's
power over him. He is its slave, and he
must do what it dictates; for when there
is no power to do what is willed, sin
always prevails.

D. When we do wrong when we
know we shouldn't, the law is good for
us in that it shows us the wrong and
points to a better way. When we steal, or
lie, or take the name of the Lord in vain,
we know these are wrong because the
law rises up in our conscience and tells
us. We can be thankful for the law, even
though it is powerless to save. We
cannot possibly keep the law without
offending it in some point and when we
offend it in one point we offend it all
together. That is why we cannot be
saved by it. Grace alone can save, but
the law is good because it shows us our
need for the grace that saves.

E. Sin is evil. It can kill us, and it
will kill us if we let it have its way. Let's
not be complacent about our sinning.
Let's not try to justify it or excuse it or
condone it. Let's stop it. But let's trust
our Saviour to take it away and make us
pure.

—Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Nagging Question— The lesson
ends on a note of triumph. Thank God
there is no condemnation. I am free from
the law of sin and death. But a nagging
question remains. This freedom is for
those who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit. Am I really following the
Spirit?

Most of us do not claim to be so
completely sanctified that we always
follow the Spirit's leading without the
slightest failure. We know ourselves too
well to say we never do anything wrong
and never fail to do all that we ought to
do. We know we are not faultless, and
the Scriptures confirm this. Romans
12:3 warns us not to think too highly of
ourselves. Galatians 6:1 indicates that
Christians may be at fault sometimes.
The end of that verse warns us to watch
ourselves, while James 5:16 tells us to
confess our faults. First John 1:8 says
we are only fooling ourselves if we say
we have no sin.

If I do not follow the Spirit's leading
perfectly, can I claim to be following it?
Yes, certainly I can. Walking after the
Spirit does not necessarily mean walking
without even stumbling. The direction of
my life is what counts most, and it is
determined by the allegiance of my mind.
"To be carnally minded is death; but to
be spiritually minded is life and peace"
(Romans 8:6). Is my heart really set on
heavenly things rather than earthly?
(Colossians 3:2). If it is, the grace of God
and the sacrifice of Christ are enough to
cover all my sins. We have the Spirit of
God and the Word of God to steer us
away from sinning, but "If any man sin,
we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John
2:1). "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us frcm all
unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
— Standard Lesson Commentary

B. God forgives our sins, but this is
no excuse for sinning.

C. If it were not for Christ this sin
that lies within us would surely be our
ruin; for we would find it impossible
through the force of our own will to
defeat its overtures and attractions. We
would give in to sin, and then find
ourselves as transgressors of God's law,
with no way of breaking the power of sin
or of cleansing our lives from its pollution
or removing the penalty of sin from us.

HE FREEWILL BAPTIST

13

CHURCH MINISTERS TO ALL AGES

he Rock of Zion Free Will Baptist
Church, Grantsboro, North Carolina, is
an old institution. The church as a body
of believers is thought to be over 102
years old. In 1874 a motion was recorded
in the minutes of the General Conference
of Free Will Baptists to receive and enter
the "the church at White Children's
School House." According to the
recollection of Mrs. Hattie Brinson, an
elderly member of Rock of Zion, her
father worshiped at "White Children's
School House" until the group of
worshipers built a church in Grantsboro
which was named Rock of Zion. This has
been confirmed by the memory of others.
"White Children's School House" is last
mentioned in 1885 in the same minutes.
According to the minutes of the con-
ference that met with Reedy Branch
church in 1889, the next conference
would meet with Rock of Zion, Pamlico
County. They probably volunteered to
show off their new building. This ap-
proximate date of the first church
building at Rock of Zion was confirmed
by Mrs. Mattie Lewis Lane. She recalls
walking across the floor joists as a small
girl following her father to the building
project. The date has to be before
November 1890 since the General
Conference met at Rock of Zion in 1 890.

The original building still stands with
additions that have been made through
the years. Educational space has been
added to the rear of the church. The

by Rev. William Scott Sowers

church also added a fellowship building
and a parsonage.

Truly Rock of Zion has a heritage. The
present church did not become what it is
in the last few years, but has progressed
by the labor of its people from long ago
until today with the help and guidance of
the Lord.

At the present the Rock of Zion church
is a strong arm of the North Carolina
State Convention of Free Will Baptist
Churches. The church is a member in
good standing of the Eastern Conference
of Free Will Baptists, and supports all the
enterprises and institutions of the
denomination.

The church offers a varied program of
worship, study, training, and Christian
fellowship for all ages. The church offers
Sunday school for nursery through
senior adults with emphasis on Bible
study. Worship services are conducted
each Sunday morning and night. For the
adults, the church offers a program of in-
depth Bible study on Wednesday nights
and an opportunity of sharing through
visitation on Thursday nights. The
women find an opportunity for additional
growth and sharing as well as fellowship
at the monthly meeting of the woman's
auxiliary. The men gather monthly
around the breakfast table to fellowship
and carry out the business of the Men's
Fellowship.

The youth gather for youth Bible study
each Wednesday night. They fellowship
and find training in the monthly meeting
of the Youth Fellowship Auxiliary and
blend- their voices to compose Parousia,
the youth choir. They participate in local,
district, and state activities planned for
them. The youth also assume various
leadership roles throughout the church.

Recently the church people felt a
special need to minister to children. The
church sent a delegation to the National
Children's Worship Conference in
Atlanta, Georgia, for training and insight
into the needs and abilities of children in
the church. The church then launched
into a program of ministry for children.
The church offers a program of worship

geared to the understanding of childn|
every Sunday except on third Sunday
which time the children return to tl
regular church service to learn arj
participate. A bus ministry was ah
begun to aid in the evangelization
children. They are also trained in tf
monthly meetings of the Cherubs ar!
Adventurers.

Feeling that senior adults are a vit!
part of the church, Rock of Zio
developed a program of ministry fc
them. Senior Adults Ministry (or SAIV
attempts to discover the needs of senic
adults and to minister to then-
Recreation is provided through tours an
planned activities for the Golden-Agers. :

Through the years Rock of Zion m
had many pastors. The church called it!
present pastor, the Rev. William Sco'
Sowers, to begin serving December 22
1974. He is a native of Greene Count
and grew up in the Hull Road Free Wi;
Baptist Church, and was active i;
church, school, and 4-H activities. I
1969 he was the winner of the Worll
Peace Talks held in the United Nations i!
New York City. A graduate of Green'
Central, he entered Mount Olive Colleg
as a pre-law student actively involved i
politics. While at Mount Olive College, hi
recommitted his life to Christ and anj
swered tjje call to the ministry. He wa:
graduated from Mount Olive as a religioi,
major in 1973.

In 1974 Scott married Janie Care
Jones from Washington, also a religion
major from Mount Olive College. The tw
are continuing their education at Atlanti;
Christian College. They work together t
carry out the ministry of the church.

The church feels that the purpose c
the ministry is to win lost souls to Jesu
Christ, and then to help them mature i
their faith that they might continue th
process. Although the church has beei
through both good and lean years, it ha!
expectations of greater growth, am
seeks to rekindle a renewed faith am
spirit. The church does not claim to b
perfect or the best, but with the help o
God it aims to meet the needs of others
It is to that end that Rock of Zion look:
toward the future.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Scriptural Basis: "... by one man sin
ntered into the world, and death by sin;
nd so death passed upon all men, for
latall have sinned" (Romans 5:12).

THE FACT OF DEATH
IS NO PROBLEM

The fact of death is without question,
le of the first and most traumatic
;periences we have to face is death,
le fact of death would not be so
infusing if a man knew he would never
ce the judgment and an all-knowing
pi. "... it is appointed unto men once
| die, but after this the judgment"
Hebrews 9:27). Since the day Adam
mned by breaking God's law, man has
pen living under the penalty of death,
o man can escape death. God's only
jegotten Son died upon the Roman
Jross. "... everything that is in the
Jarth shall die" (Genesis 6:17). There is
jo escape. Cemeteries are a grim
itness to the fact.

The fact of death becomes a problem
life. This is the same problem Job
ced when he asked, "If a man die,
tall he live again? . . ." (Job 14:14).
le evidence of death is all around us
fery day. The death of animals and all
'ing things around us witness to the
ct that all life ends in death. Without
i;?ath there would be no evidence of life
pause life is the opposite of death .

[There is no way a man can avoid
pail, but there is hope beyond the
ave. There are two different deaths
cing man— the physical death and the
)iritual death. Man himself can do
ithing to stop the physical death. There
no remedy for man. He faces death. He
ill die and his body, through a chemical
eakdown, will join the chemical
ements of the earth from which it came,
lis is the first death. There is a second
Jath, and there is a remedy for it. The

mission of Jesus Christ to this earth was
to make it possible for men to bypass the
second death and live forever. The
second death is the spiritual death, and
the Lord's remedy for souls gives-
everlasting life to all who come under His
terms of salvation. "... believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31 ).

The separation of body and soul comes
at physical death. The body dies, but the
soul goes to a place provided for
departed spirits. The soul of the born-
again Christian goes to be with the Lord,
and the soul of the wicked is departed to
hell, a place of torment. Hell is a place
and the victim is conscious! He knows
what is going on. He is aware of what he
failed to do on earth and the reason for
his tormented condition. He knows that
unless those who are alive in the flesh
can be warned of the danger and repent
of their sins, they, too, will die and go to
hell. He realizes, too late, that God has
provided a way for man to avoid his
predicament and he tries to get the
message to his loved ones still in the
flesh and on earth.

The best way, and in fact the only
way, to avoid the second death is to seek
and find salvation. A man can be saved if
he seeks the grace of God by faith
believing. This faith is the faith of the
Lord Jesus. A person's own faith will not
save him. The heathen have all kinds of
earthly faith in their idols, their gods, but
these have no power to respond or to
save them. It is the faith of Jesus Christ
that saves, but our faith must be merged
into the faith of Christ. The sinner and
Christ alone must come to terms. Christ
will not save a man without faith, and
man cannot be saved without the faith of
Christ. Have faith in God!

Churches and Ministers
Available

Johnny Taylor, a licensed minister and
member of the Saratoga, North Carolina,
Free Will Baptist Church, wishes to
announce that he is available for revivals,
prayer meetings, substitute preaching
for vacationing ministers, and other
services. Any church or minister in-
terested in his service is asked to contact
Mr. Taylor at Route 1, Box 105, Stan-
tonsburg, North Carolina 27883.

FAMILY DEVOTIONS

(continued from page 4)

everybody." "And what do you think
would have happened," the teacher
asked, "if the boy had said, 'I can't
share this; there is only enough for
me'?" Margaret considered, and then
said, "It would have squinched up and
squinched up, and there wouldn't
have been nothin' for nobody!"
— Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
Selfishness will squeeze Chris-
tianity right out of our lives. But
the Scriptures say that God will
multiply our blessings when we give
God His rightful share of our
possessions.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

FEATURE

(continued from page 3)

the wooden church was razed; on
December 10 of the same year, the first
brick was laid for the new structure.
Many times during the next months
despair filled the hearts of the laborers;
many times the money and supplies were
not sufficient, but God in His wisdom
managed to get His children through. The
men of the church were earnest workers,
laboring on the church day and night,
while at night the women of the church
would come and hold the torches so the
men could see to work. Through hard
work and constant prayer, the first
service was held in the church in the fall
of 1910. (See picture.) This met the
needs of the congregation until 1954
when the old stone church was razed
and the present colonial structure was
built. (See picture.) The church with its
white trimmed mahogany pews and
beautiful stained windows will seat about
500 persons when the balcony is in use.

The church continues to grow and
prosper under the leadership of the Rev.
Rod Jones. Along with the ladies'
auxiliary, the church has various
programs and organizations for its youth.
The slogan of St. Mary's Church is "You
are never a stranger but once in our
church— the next time you are one of
us!"

HE FREEWILL BAPTIST

15

Dear Maggie,

In May, 1975, I underwent open-heart surgery in Duke Hospital in North
Carolina. Now everything, except what others tell me, is blanked out. The doctor said
that happens often. I was a little upset at first, but now I know it was God's doing.
When I was told that in order for me to survive the surgery had to be done, I put
myself completely in God's care. It didn't occur to me that I would or would not come
out of it. Also, there is no earthly reason why I can't remember things just before
surgery. God was taking care of it all and sparing me all the ugly part of surgery. I
can only remember, in part, the good things. God held me very close. I know now that
I belong to God, and when I fall short now and then He always takes me back with
love and joy.

EB

Port Charlotte, Florida

"I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works"
(Psalm 145:5).

Maggie

TRUCK
COI

The Truckload Sale which was
advertised in the September 15th
issue of The Free Will Baptist has
been continued by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation. The first
shipment has been depleted,
however another shipment has
been ordered and should be in by
the last of October.

Place your order now for the
tubular steel folding chairs and
folding tables at special prices as
follows (at Ayden or one of the
other bookstores):

[LOAD SALE
NTINUES

Chairs:

12-48 $6.50 Each
52-100 $6.25 Each
104+ $5.75 Each

Tables:

2-4 $37.95 Each
6+ $35.95 Each

CHILDREN'S HOME

(continued from page 7)

Stoney Creek

50. (I

Stony Hill

6.(

Trinity

10.(

Union Chapel

32. J

Union Grove

58. d

Unity (Durham)

10. C

Wilson

1.272.C

Total

$ 4,010.6

Other States

$ 102. C

AUXILIARY CONVENTION

$ 145.61

Grand Total $10, 866. J

Memorial Gifts

Memorial Gifts for August, 1971
totaled $85, and were as follows:

A. L. Stilley by Mary Register.

Ann Sessoms by Mr. & Mrs. Obi
Pate, Mr. and Mrs. Ross J. Phipps. i

Roger Fitzgerald by Mr. and Mrs. i
R. Martin.

H. W. Hudnell by Marie H. Magee.

A HIGHER POWER

by John W. Beaman
Walstonburg, North Carolina

There is a force that reaches down,
When strength and courage both an

gone,

To lift me up and hearten me,
And give me hope to carry on.

Full many a time when illness came,
In many a dark and hopeless hour,
Its presence has been known to me,
And I have felt its quiet power.

Till I have come to trust it more
Than anything I know on earth,
From heaven above I know it comes,
From heaven I know it had its birth.

It is the Rock of all my strength;
On it I lean forever more.
In it I put my faith and trust,
And shall until this life is o'er.

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

s

"I therefore, . . . beseech you that ye walk worthy of
the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1).

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1976

PREACHERS, BE WORTHY OF YOUR CALLING!

Every Christian is supposed to live right, but ministers especially are
supposed to walk the straight and narrow way. And woe be unto those who
stray to the side and become a stumblingblock for those who are weak !

Mind you, no one has ever been, is, or ever can be perfect, but each of us
can strive toward improvement. And, most laymen look upon the ministry as
the noblest of callings and upon those who have answered the call as somehow
"set apart"; that is to say, most laymen expect ministers of the gospel to be
always aboveboard in whatever dealings they have with others or each other,
and more especially to live the life commensurate with their statement, ' 'The
Lord has chosen me for full-time Christian service." Thus, ministers are
somehow (and properly so) expected to be a little more "perfect."

Woe be unto the pastor who scatters the flock or who casts unfavorable
influence or who practices hypocrisy secretly or openly. While most of us
would prefer that one's sins be blatantly projected to the public rather than
done "behind closed doors," we cannot tolerate a silver-tongued preacher who,
as the old expression goes, contends that one should "Do as I say, not as I do."
If a minister isn't willing to do as he says, as he teaches from the Word, he
ought to get out of the pulpit— and the ministry altogether!

In this day of loose morals (and anyone who disagrees with the adjective is
not being realistic), all persons find it easier to sin than to remain true to the
"faith once delivered to the saints." Numerous temptations jump out at the
unsuspecting, and those of our number who are perceptive enough to "ap-
prehend" the manifold enticements find it sometimes all too difficult to resist.
Ministers certainly are not immune, but if any group needs a spiritual shot in
the arm to fight off the "disease," ministers certainly do— and, further, they
should be willing to call upon the Great Physician for such. In this case, as in
the physical, an "ounce of prevention" is indeed worth more than a "pound of
cure."

There have been proverbial jokes about ministers and choir directors and
their overfamiliarity and/or involvement, and many of us have been amused by
the stories. But, when the "story" becomes "reality," there is little to laugh
about. If we have kept our eyes and ears opened, all of us know that there is
more truth than fiction to many of the jokes. Though it is a fact that ministers
sometimes have a difficult time living up to what may prove impossible ex-
pectations, it is within the right of every layman to expect them (the ministers)
to live a godly life, as free from blemish as is possible in the physical realm.

Surely, the ministry of any church is far from being a "picnic," especially
if the minister is a pastor. (There is a distinct difference in the two terms and
what they represent. ) The true pastor is called upon to render many services
apart from his usual duties. Still, in rendering his "services," he must be
careful that those services are indeed needed, and, if thought necessary, he
(and we) can question the validity of those "services." To wit: No minister is
expected to hold Mrs. So-and-So's hand every time she feels a "little troubled."
Even if the minister's intentions are noble, repeated visits to a certain house
can cause the parishioners to raise their eyebrows. Soon, tongues start
wagging— and sometimes rightly so. The suggestion, of course, is that
discretion mustbe practiced, especially by a minister of the Lord's gospel!

We are not casting stones at any one clergyman. We are merely cautioning
all members of the cloth to walk rightly and to prove that they are the "called
out ones," holy and acceptable to the Lord. As mankind views each of us
(minister and layman alike) with severely critical eyes, we are behooved to
avoid the very appearance of evil, notwithstanding the innocence of certain
acts.

As all Christians (and non-Christians for that matter) must answer to God
rather than to man, all the more should ministers be careful to protect
themselves and their testimony from the spot of sin.

Please, ministers, for all our sakes, be worthy of your calling— it is a
beautiful and precious one. And remember, you shall not be counted blameless
if you defile yourselves with Satan's lures and entanglements !

2

OCTOBER 20, 1976
Volume 91 Number;

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THE FREE WILL BAPTI

THE CHURCH: CONCLUSION

by Calvin Mercer
Wake Forest, North Carolina

fef HERE seems today to be an
Y increased emphasis on the kinds of
■ngs we have dealt with over the past
|jr months. Christians and churches
Kg are emphasizing them are
■netimes referred to as the "church
lewal movement."

Certainly the renewal movement is not
organization with a central
t adquarters nor even a loosely con-
rcted group of people or churches,
fither, renewal is a term which has been
cjplied to what many churches are
<eking with respect to such things as
yal fellowship, active laity, and con-
fined evangelism.

Like any trend the renewal movement
is its radical excesses. Some renewal
pople are saying, "Let's get rid of all
ck buildings and do away with
terything traditional from the sermon to
1 Sunday school." This I think is more
qan attitude of destruction rather than
obstruction. Change, if it comes and is
cod , will affect our inner attitudes,
\jues, and spirits as much as it does the
clter church form.

|As our thinking becomes less bound
I tradition and the world, and more
Bie to God, our actions and patterns of
jrch life will reflect this,
am not encouraging you to change
way your church functions just for
sake of change. I urge you to
cbider the ways you think and the
igs you do in church. Then if you feel
to do something different and if it will
hi more spiritual and godly and in line
\m truth as you see it in Scripture, then
it.

j/Vhat about change in a local church.
Fjsearch has shown that in most
o anizations there are certain groups
certain attitudes towards change.
M 80 percent of the group will be
y cautious of any change. They will
inge, but they must be convinced that
ew way is better before they will set
rfeet on uncertain ground.
\nother 10 percent will fight any
cmge no matter whether it be good or
for the group and its purposes,
se people will verbally and loudly

i FREE WILL BAPTIST

A
v
c
a
tl

resist any change whatsoever. The last
10 percent of the group will be willing,
ready, perhaps eager, to accept any
change that seems able to offer
progress.

If these figures are anywhere near
correct, I am optimistic that change for
the better, for a more biblical and
spiritual way of functioning in the local
church, will occur. I feel this way
because as Free Will Baptists we are
basically dedicated to God's Word as our
authority for faith and practice. This
means that as the 80 percent sees new
ways of doing things and judges them by
God's Word, they will reject that which is
ungodly and accept that which is of God.

This says something to the renewal
movement. It must not encourage
change for the sake of change or it will
attract only the 10 percent of a group
favorable to almost any change. Rather,
it must base change firmly on the
authoritative Word so it will speak to and
convince the majority of Christians in our
churches who stand on the Word and
want to see the church go forward.

There are many things we fear in the
area of change. I noted in a previous
article that it has often been hard for me
to accept change because I tend to
associate it with liberal theological
tendencies. This is not necessarily a true
association. Also, we naturally have a
fear of the unknown, and much of the
change occurring in the church today is
unknown because the Holy Spirit's work
sometimes cannot be predicted or
planned.

Though the obstacles are many, I am
confident certain changes will occur (per-
haps already have) among our people for
the better. Those of you who sense that
what we have discussed is true and right
have a responsibility to act as you are led
by God. The congregation cannot wait for
the leaders to act, and the leaders cannot
wait for the people to act. When our ears
hear God speak, we should immediately
seek His direction. Time may be short
and the people of God must respond
quickly and responsibly.

Let us consider in a little more depth

the role church leaders can play in
church renewal. Pastors are perhaps the
most influential group in our churches. I
see at least two problems with respect to
the leadership.

One, the pastor can resist any change
and therefore stifle the Spirit's
leadership among his people. Or he can
be so much for change that he moves
unwisely and ahead of, or perhaps
without God's leadership.

First, the pastor should seek personal
renewal. He should seek truer personal
worship and a more real fellowship with
others. Renewal has to start with
someone.

Then he must seek to free the people
of his church to be themselves in Christ,
grow in Christ, think about godly goals
not statistics, teach them to be ministers
to each other, and to discover and
exercise their particular gifts.

Changing old ways is difficult, painful,
and often very slow. It will take patience.
The leadership of a local church, if it
sees these things as true and right,
should work to provide the opportunity
for change. They should not force it but,
as ministers of the Word, should search
out God's truth about the church and
where change is necessary encourage it.

In a previous article I have already
suggested that I think small group
fellowship under the spiritual covering of
the larger local church is a good way for
many of these things to happen. Other
than this, it is difficult to make concrete
suggestions about what your church
should do. Your situation is unique. No
one can decide what is right and then try
to impose it on every church. Your
church must seek spiritual truth under
the leadership of the Holy Spirit that you
might be the people of God in your
unique situation.

For the most part I have not tried to
give specific answers, only general ideas
and principles. You must work out the
specific answers in light of what you see
to be God's will and way. I hope the
principles we have elaborated on have
come from the spirit and teaching of
Scripture but ultimately you must decide
even that.

Again I would like to suggest these
books for your consideration: Brethren,
Hang Loose (1972: Zondervan), by
Robert G. Girard; A New Face for the
Church (1970: Zondervan), by Lawrence
0. Richards; and The Normal Christian
Continued on page 16

by Mrs. Royce Matthews

I

Wilson, North Carolina

SHOULD HAVE BEEN

C
R
U
C
I

F
I

E
D

OHE crackling fire was hot
-/against the backs ot my legs.
There had been two close calls, but I had
convinced them that I never knew the
prisoner. I didn't want to turn around for
fear my face would reveal that my insides
had quivered and quaked, loosing a
mass of bitter gall.

The bonfire was getting hotter so I
turned, my head lowered carefully,
holding my hands to warm them. The hot
folds of my robe struck the backs of my
legs causing me to wince.

Outside the circle of firelight the rage
of the anguished mob tore through the
darkness, "Crucify Him!" "Crucify
Him!" Obscene curses rang out and
those who had neither clubs nor spears
shook clenched fists toward the
prisoner.

"Jesus!" they screamed, and the
word "blasphemer" was spat out all
around me. Sobs I dared not utter were
caught in my throat almost cutting off my
breath. I wrapped my hands in my girdle
to hide their trembling. The strength in
my knees disintergrated.

I raised my head enough to study the
faces around me, but not enough for
them to see mine. They were a mingled
bunch— masters wearing expensive
clothes and jewelry, their servants, and
some less fortunate who were very poorly
dressed. But they shared a like ex-

pression—a hard-core bitterness and
eyes gleaming with angry excitement in
faces scorched red by the fire.

A wineskin passed from lip to
lip. It came my turn. The texture was
rough against my fingertips as I
hesitated a moment. Warming by their
fire was one thing, I thought, but sharing
their drink was like becoming one of
them. I was tired. The night had been
endless and nerve shattering. I had
watched as my dearest Friend had been
arrested. He was only a few feet from me
when a soldier spat in his face. Another
grabbed his beard and with a twist,
jerked. Blood oozed through the facial
tissue where the skin and hair had been.
I could picture Him as He gently replaced
the ear I had sliced from a servant's
head. A portion of myself was crying now
to be with Him, His face by now
disfigured almost beyond recognition.

The man beside me brought me back
to the present with a rough elbow in my
side. "You goin' to take all night?" he
asked viciously.

It was when I raised the wineskin that
my eyes were caught and held by pools
of blackness in the mean and ugly face
across from me.

"He's one of them!" he shouted,
pointing a dirty finger at me. "He's the
follower whose sword cut my brother's
ear off!"

All the angry eyes thrust me to tt
center of attention and a quietness fell ;
the group began slowly moving in.

"I never knew Him!" I shouted ar
cursed. They began backing away. |i
follower of Jesus would curse, thi
thought.

My breath came easier. Another do
call, but I had triumphed just as a pir
tinge in the East summoned the end of
long night.

A slight flapping noise behind rr
caught my curiosity. I swung around
see the red, green, and orange rooste
At that moment, he crowed.

My mind slipped back a few houj
when with sad and compassionate eye:
the loving voice had said gently, "Befoi
the cock crows, you'll deny me th re
times."

Knowlege of my terrible deed floode
through me. I had denied my Lord! IV
digestive system seemed to revere
itself. I handed the wineskin to theme,
next to me and stumbled around tr
fence, feeling the rooster's eyes on rrj
every movement. My knees hit the roug
stones with a thud, but I fell unfeeling!1:
"Lord," I cried, "I should have bee
crucified."

I was lying tensely awake in tr
spacious bed when the rumble begai
It's only my imagination, I thought. Lac
of sleep causes one to hallucinati
Things were going very badly. I had bee
on the wrong political side at the wror
time, and here we were in the lowlie
province. I was governor.

My wife was dissatisfied, shut off fro
the social world in the capital. Only hi
selfish pride kept her with me. She cou
not face her friends and admit failure.

This was a forlorn place but the Jew
were a clannish bunch. From fear ar
hatred of my government, they settle
their grievances within themselves. The
knew the least offense could mean brut
execution by my expertly traine
soldiers.

Rumors had been spreading that the
had a new leader, a man called Jesu
who would overthrow my governme
and set up one of His own. But th
didn't bother me. Those rumors were
least seven hundred years old.

"Have nothing to do with this m<
called Jesus," my wife warned after
dream.

But I have nothing to fear. Even tf
religious leaders were calling Him
blasphemer.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

The rumbling grew louder and I
alized it was no figment of my
agination. It was real.
' ' Master, ' ' my servant called .
i"How many times have I told you not
idisturb my rest?" I asked harshly.
'"But this is different," he pleaded
Jd his urgency brought me from my
Id.

I shuddered as I stood on the balcony
id surveyed the mob. They were crazily
I'tous. Heated curses thickly filled the
;-. A drunken soldier stumbled and fell

im my sight to be trampled underfoot.

e religious leaders in their ceremonial
tbes clanned together, self-righteous
i jignation written on their faces.
'Then I saw the Prisoner standing
I mbly before me. He must have been a

ndsome man, but now His face was
^figured and caked with dried blood. It
i| His eyes that hold my attention

ptive .

"Settle your own arguments," I tell
13 sanctimonious scribes. I wanted no
|rt of it. But He was brought to me
lain.

!The person behind those eyes could
J no wrong. "He is a just man," I
led.

Jhen I thought of my superior and my
! sition should he hear I couldn't control
ise people. They must be quieted
I fore they destroyed the entire city.

I called for a pan of water, washing my
inds to symbolize cleanness from the
i\ that was certain to happen .

"What will you do with Jesus?" I
iked.

; ' 'Crucify Him!" "Crucify Him!" the
owd thundered through the torch-
otted darkness.

I turned in the direction of my room.
1/ hands felt sticky as with fresh blood,
i ailed for pan after pan, but the feeling
wuldn't go away.

The realization of this terrible deed I
Id done suffocated me. "Oh, God!," I
'ed, "I should have been crucified."

Days and nights have leap-frogged
ijo weeks, and weeks have tumbled into
nnths until almost two thousand years
I've passed. I don't walk the dusty
Mds of Galilee anymore nor live in the
(vernor's mansion there.

I do not have to pass judgment on
Jyone nor do I fear for my life. I live in a
cilized country where all men are
oated equal. My country was founded
< the principles for which this unjustly
caused Prisoner lived and died.

I am a believer and have claimed His
name as mine— Christian. Doesn't the
name Christian have a lovely ring to it?

But I am still thrust into the same
position warming around the enemy's
fire. I sit quietly as someone makes light
jokes about God, His Son, the church,
and Christianity. I rub shoulders with
people who use Christ's name coupled
with profane abusive language. I cover
my hands with the folds of my skirt to
hide their trembling, yet I dare not utter a
word.

The brightly colored rooster has
crowed and crowed. I get nauseated. I
ask forgiveness— only to let the same
practice happen again.

I live in air-conditioned comfort; eat
luxuriously; while the world around me is
a mass of confusion and hunger. But I
won't get involved.

What if my friend is making a terrible
spectacle of herself? That's her problem.

What if the underprivileged and aged
can't get help? That's their problem.

What if my country is supplying arms
to both political sides of another nation?
That's the government leaders' problem.

What if television has turned into a
mini-university training murderers,
rapists, and criminals of all sorts? That's
the job of the FCC.

"That's no concern of mine," I say as
I call for a pan of water. I wash and wash
until I am almost hysterical, but my
hands don't come clean. I think of all the
times I am motivated by selfish pride and
prejudice.

I am thrust back through time, and
seeing the compassionate brown eyes,
know an innocent Man is going to the
Cross. I grow weak as the realization hits
me that He is going for me.

"Lord," I cry, "I should have been
crucified."

Finding and Using the
Potential Within Us

by Hazel Casey

Each of us is filled with unfulfilled
potentials. God has given to us various
talents— some we have failed to
recognize and to develop in order to
become more effective witnesses for
Jesus.

In Proverbs 10:14 we find these
words: "Wise men lay up knowledge:

Now all of us would like to be well
educated and able to talk about various

subjects with understanding. We would
also like to be creative in our talents as
we put them to work to enrich our lives.
Some of us have this opinion: As long as
I get through this world then why should
I bother to get involved with new activites
which I have not been accustomed to
doing? Why should I go out of my way to
recognize that I possess talents that
could be used (if I chose to) to help and
bless others? Isn't this a question of
false assumption? Certainly! No em-
ployer would advance a man who failed
to perform in accordance with his
capabilities. Therefore the real question
isn't why but how can we develop the
proper attitudes for advancing ourselves
and for using our full potential?

Only a few of us have the quality of a
genius. Shakespeare could pick up a pen
and write with beauty and spiritual sight.
We remember Albert Schweitzer, who
could crowd half a dozen careers into one
life— and what wonderful things he did
for mankind!

We remember "Einsteins" of all ages
who have discovered many unheard of
things and places. We are so grateful to
them for their contributions to society!

We, in America, are not told what we
must do, or what we must not store up in
our closet, the human mind. Communism
is not our God. We have the privilege of
knowing the God who made the world,
and of having Him dwell within our
hearts and minds as we develop the
potential within us. We recognize that
man's mind is a sacred gift which should
be properly cultivated and enlightened.

We can formulate a great purpose for
our lives. Lincoln was a lawyer who
fought for the freedom of individuals.
Jesus Christ was a carpenter, in the
physical realm, doing his Father's will.

We can also accept the challenge to
help preserve our ideals and institutions
through hard work, integrity, and
responsibility in all areas of our lives. We
can become aware of the full potential
within us!

We must be willing to let our true
selves be discovered, and then we can
be assured that we are headed in the
right direction — that of finding and using
the potential that is lying dormant within
us. Let us decide today to think and live
deeper, so that we may become just what
God intended for us to be when He made
us and placed all these wonderful talents
in our beings. Let us begin to come to full
maturity in His grace and love.

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

^Answering ^bur

Questions

Question: I once was a happy
Christian worker but backslid. How may
I return to that happy state of con-
tentment and love for lost souls?

Answer: Do what the Bible teaches
that one should do in such a condition.
The psalmist says, "For I will declare
mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin"
(Psalm 38:18); "I waited patiently for
the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and
heard my cry. He brought me up also out
of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a rock, and
established my goings. And he hath put
a new song in my mouth, even praise
unto our God: many shall see it, and fear,
and shall trust in the LORD" (Psalm
40:1-3).

Isaiah writes this beautiful verse:
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall
renew their strength; they shall mount
up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

This, of course, calls upon a person to
enter into communion with the Lord, the
kind that keeps him in a continued
submission to his Maker. Paul writes:
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thes-
salonians 5:17). This coupled with,
"And he said unto them all, If any man
will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow
me. For whosoever will save his live shall
lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for
my sake, the same shall save it. For what
is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole
world, and lose himself, or be cast
away?" (Luke 9:23-25).

Jesus gave all of us Christians a
simple task to perform— that we always
be winning souls. He said: "But ye shall
receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth"
(Acts 1 :8).

When Jesus was arrested and
crucified, the apostles seemed to have
had their vision blurred and to have in a
sense departed the active enthusiastic
life of witnessing for which they were

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 . Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

commissioned. After the resurrection He
reassured them and directed them in
their soul-winning activities. "Then said
Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:
as my Father hath sent me, even so send
I you. And when he had said this, he
breathed on them, and saith unto them,
Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever
sins ye remit, they are remitted unto
them; and whose soever sins ye retain,
they are retained" (John 20:21-23).

I had a Bible professor at the Moody
Bible Institute who used to admonish his
students who thought they had in any
way backslidden or grown cold in their
Christian life and Christian activities to
go back where they departed from God,
confess their sins, and proceed there in
an active life of soul winning. "My
little children, these things write' I unto
you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin,
we have an advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the
propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole
world. And hereby we do know that we
know him, if we keep his com-
mandments" (1 John 2:1-3).

The Christian who has obeyed in soul
winning, and then grows cold and lacks
in enthusiasm, must remember that even
though he was not saved by keeping the
ten commandments he has an obligation
to live a holy life before Christ and the
lost in the world for whom Christ died
and that he is obliged to keep the
commandments Christ has issued to His
followers.

"Return, ye backsliding children, and
I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we
come unto thee; for thou art the LORD
our God" (Jeremiah 3:22); Jehovah
returns to those who return to Him.
"Even from the days of your fathers ye
are gone away from mine ordinances,
and have not kept them. Return unto me,
and I will return unto you, saith the LORD
of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we
return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have
robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we
robbed thee? In tithes and offerings"
(Malachi 3:7, 8). "Let the wicked
forsake his way, and the unrighteous

man his thoughts: and let him retu
unto the LORD, and he will have men
upon him; and to our God, for he w
abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).

Here is George H. Sandison's answ
to a similar question in his book 10C
Difficult Bible Questions Answered i

follows:

" 'I am not as good a Christian 1
worker as I used to be,' is a complai
often heard. Thousands of professir
Christians could make this sarr
complaint. Removal to a new home, ti
death of consecrated Christian frient
who encouraged and guided us in oth
years, gradual yielding to the influent
and pressure of other interests ar
desires— these are among the counties
causes of inactivity and unconcern on tf
part of those who were once zealot
Christian workers. Further, one's viev
or one's tastes may change with passir
years, and the tasks one once del ig hte
in may not be so congenial as before. 0
more seriously, one's faith in some of tr
details of the creeds of earlier years m,
have been weakened, and this weakene
faith has caused a hesitancy about tryir
to guide others. What shall be done?
the first place we must come resolute;
back to Christ. Whatever may ha\'
happened to our old faith we are still su:
that he is the Master our souls. We mu'
confess our shortcomings, ask h
forgiveness, and ask him to set us
work again. We must be strenuous ar'
uncompromising in making rig
whatever wrongs have crept into oi1
lives during these years of neglect. H
will freely forgive. He will give us a ne
vision of himself, a new vision of o!
truths. He will show us what he wants i
to do now. Opportunities will open-
may be to take up the very tasks we la
down; it may be to take up new tasl
more in line with our present interest1
But we must begin at once to do son
definite thing for Christ, and when that
done another task will surely be at han
We dare not delay another hour to retu
to our fidelity and our zeal. We mu
think not only of Christ's disappointme
during the faithless years and of the lo
to our own lives, but of the burdens v
might have lifted, the heartaches ar
tears we might have prevented, of al! tr
people who have had sad hours or wror
hours that we might have saved the
from, or who are wrong now because v
were unfaithful. We dare not add anoth
moment to those unfaithful years."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Scriptural basis: ". . . he that
elieveth in me, though he were dead,
3t shall he live: And whosoever liveth
id believeth in me shall never die. . . ."
John 11:25, 26).

THE PROBLEM OF LIFE

The only problem of life comes when
;e, like Job, ask ourselves the question,
If a man die, shall he live again?" (See
jib 14:14.) Job lived in an ancient day.
pd had not revealed things to him. What
mazes me is that there are multitudes of
kople living in our day who have no
jtter understanding of life than Job. We
ave passed through centuries of
iilightenment and spiritual growth and
at men grope about in the darkness of
Bathenism. I guess it is because
:ience has no answer and man refuses
: believe there is a better source than
;ience. Only the Word of God can say
r sure that man shall live again. Some
jligious men believe and teach that
hen a man dies he is dead body and
oul, and there is absolutely no existence
the body or soul until the resurrection,
fiere is absolutely no biblical truth in
jis doctrine. No man has returned from
e other side of the grave but the Lord
ssus Christ. He is our only living
iitness and we are obliged to take His
ord for it. (Read our text again.) If you
ill read John 5:28, 29 you will find His
iitness again. In fact Jesus Christ
mself was Truth incarnate in the flesh.
b is the whole truth and nothing but the
Jth even today.

The very nature of man teaches that he
immortal. The soul of man is made for
'3rnity. This immortality means that the
jul of man can never be destroyed. The
iivil can no more destroy the soul than
! can destroy God. When we die and go

to be with God, we will live as long as
God does. Glory! But that is the truth.
What we believe about death and
destruction may need some changing.
Physical death means the separation of
body and soul; spiritual death means the
separation of the soul from God. This
does not mean the termination of the
soul. Death to the soul simply means
everlasting torment, gnashing of teeth,
and forever burning in the Lake of Fire
prepared for the devil and his demons
God has not provided another place for
wicked men who die in their sins. They
will share the Lake of Fire with all wicked
men as well as the devil and his demons
or angels.

There are only two places mentioned
in the Bible for the eternal home of
departed spirits: one is Heaven and the
other is Hell. Where shall we live? Where
shall you die? It is entirely up to you to
decide, but decide you must. If you do
not decide to follow Jesus and be saved
in this life, you will have decided to
follow the devil and be sent by Jesus
Christ to a devil's Hell and to the Lake of
Fire at the consumnation of all things.
Death and Hell shall deliver up their dead
and all of them shall be cast into the Lake
of Fire. If you believe the Bible and place
any merit at all on what it teaches now is
the time to get right with God.

Now the challenge: If you knew the
Lord were coming this week or right
now, would you be ready to go with Him?
Would you go to Heaven or Hell? The
challenge now until you die or until Christ
comes is your Christian life. The
Christian way of life means to withdraw
from worldly living and to commit
yourself to Christ. Live for Christ every
day. You should be able to discipline
yourself and become obedient to Christ in
all things. When about to do something
and you are not sure it is right, ask
yourself the question, "If Christ were in
my position, what would He do?" When
you are loyal to Christ and His church,
you are on the right road.

Furthermore, you can read the Bible
under the leadership of the Holy Spirit
and He will speak and interpret the
Scripture for you. He will not teach you
wrong. What He says will count for
eternity. Give it a try and may God bless
you.

IN MEMORY OF

MRS. NETTIE C. FUTRELLE

On July 21, 1976, Mrs. Nettie C.
Futrelle was called to her heavenly home.
She left behind to mourn her passing,
her husband, Walter R. Futrelle; sons,
Walter R. Jr., William G., and James B.
Futrelle; a daughter, Marie Turner; six
grandchildren; four sisters; and a host of
friends.

"Mrs. Nettie," as she was fondly
called, was a member of Sarecta Free
Will Baptist Church and was a living
example of faithful Christian steward-
ship. Her presence could be counted on
every time a service was held, as long as
she was physically able. Those of us who
knew and loved her know that her love
for her Lord, her family, and her
fellowman was shown forth daily as she
ministered to them. Her quiet manner,
ready smile, and willing hands will be
long remembered in our church and
community. We believe there is no
greater memorial to a person than a life
lived for Christ.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mrs. Guy Casteen
Mrs. Jimmy Summerlin

JUST THINK!

by Nancy Frost Rouse
Lucama, North Carolina

Just Think . . .

If birds were human beings
they'd never learn to fly,
for they, with no more faith than we,
would never even try!

Just Think . . .
It only takes a smile
to show someone you care,
and the best things in life
are the things people share!

Just Think . . .

It is a very simple thing

to whisper a prayer,

but the blessing God reciprocates

is exceedingly rare!

Just Think . . .

About the little things
you do every day,
and try, just tomorrow,
to do them in God's way.

IE FREEWILL BAPTIST

7

NEWS&
_NOTES

Piney Grove
Announces Revival

The Piney Grove Free Will Baptist
Church of Greenville announces its fall
revival will be held beginning Monday
night, October 25, continuing through
October 29. Services will begin at 7:30
each evening with the Rev. Earl Glenn,
pastor of the First Free Will Baptist
Church of Goldsboro, as the evangelist.

The church and its pastor extend a
warm invitation to everyone to attend
these services.

Gospel Chargers
In Concert

The Gospel Chargers of Winterville will
present a program of special music at
Ephesus Free Will Baptist Church, Route
2, Blounts Creek, on Sunday night,
October 24, at 7 p. m.

The pastor, the Rev. Charles Branch,
invites everyone to attend.

Fourth District Union Meeting
Of Central Conference

The Fourth District Union Meeting of
the Central Conference will convene with
Edgewood Free Will Baptist Church, near
Crisp, on October 31. The program will
be as follows:

Morning Session

10:00— Sunday School
11:00— Hymn, "Love Lifted Me"
—Welcome, Sylvia Edmonson

— Response, J. T. Bailey
1 1 :1 5— President's Remarks

— Missions Report
—Greeting from Children's Home

— Mount Olive College News

1 1 :30 — Special Music, Hart Sisters

— Sermon, the Rev. Jack Mayo
—Appointment of Committees

12:15— Lunch

Afternoon Session

1:15— Hymn, "The Light of the World
Is Jesus"

— Devotion, Darlene Norville

— Special Music, Gladys and Willis
Cobb

8

— Business

— Program, Local Church
2:1 5— Adjournment

Holly Springs Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Holly Springs Free Will Baptist
Church, Nine Mile Road, Newport,
announces that its annual homecoming
will be observed on Sunday, October 24.
Services will begin with Sunday school at
9:45, followed by the morning worship
with the pastor, the Rev. J. B. Starnes,
delivering the homecoming message.
Lunch will be served in the fellowship
hall. There will be a short memorial
service after lunch and also special
singing. All former pastors, members,
and friends are invited to attend.

A week of special revival services will
begin at the church on Monday, October
25, at 7:30 p. m. with the Rev. 0. B.
Jones of Tarboro as the guest evangelist.
The services will feature special music
each evening. A nursery will also be
provided. The church extends an in-
vitation to everyone to attend.

Sweet Gum Grove Church
Announces Fall Revival

Fall revival services are scheduled tor

October 25-30 at the Sweet Gum Grove
Free Will Baptist Church, Route 1,
Stokes. Services will begin each evening

at 7:30 with the Rev. Davie Brinson
the guest speaker. The pastor, the Re
Frank Brinson, will be assisting in I
services. Special music will be render*
at each service.

The church requests the prayers of <
Christians for the success of the reviv
and that souls may be saved ar
rededicated to Christ. Everyone
cordially invited to attend. A nursery wj
be provided.

Homecoming Announced
At Dilda's Grove Church

Homecoming will be observed
Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist Churc
near Fountain, on Sunday, October 1
Following Sunday school at 10 a. m., tl
pastor, the Rev. Luther Bissette, w
deliver the message during the mornir
worship hour. Lunch will be served
the fellowship building.

The church extends a cordial invitatk
to all former pastors, members, ar
friends to attend and enjoy this spec
day.

Free Union Church, Host

To Albemarle District Meetings

The Free Union Free Will Bapti
Church, Pinetown, will host t;!
Albemarle Union Meeting, Sund
School Convention, and League Co:
vention on October 30. Mr. Craig Oliv
will serve as the pianist. The prograr
are as follows:

Albemarle Union Meeting
Opening Session

10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Melv
Moore

10:10— Welcome, the Rev. Frani
Garner

— Response, the Rev. Jo
Melancon

10:1j5 — Moderator's Address, the Rf

Charlie Overton
10:20— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministe

— Roll Call of Churches
10:45— Offering for Denominatioi

Enterprises
—Announcements

Business Session

11 :05— Report of Children's Home

— Report of Mount Olive College

— Report of Missions

— Report of Press j

— Report of Cragmont

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

1 :20— Reading of Minutes of Last
Union

— Report of Treasurer

— Other Business
—Announcements of Next Union

1 :30— Minutes Read and Approved

Morning Worship

1 :35— Hymn

1 :40— Special Music, Host Church
1 :45— Message, the Rev. Charlie

Overton
2:30 — Benediction

— Adjournment and Lunch

Albemarle Sunday School Convention
Opening Session

i :45— Devotions, Mr. Bentley Oliver
:1 5— Welcome, Superintendent,
Mr. Frank Keech

— Response

3:00 — President ' s Message, Mrs.
Francis Spruill

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Roll Call of Churches and
Delegates

— Bringing Reports and
Receiving Blanks

—Announcements
—Offering for Children's Home
] —Offertory Prayer
!:10— Suggestions and Information for
the Betterment of Sunday
Schools

Business Session

>:30— Minutes of Last Convention
—Treasurer's Report

— New Business

— Minutes Read and Approved

Afternoon Worship

3:00— Special Music, Host Church
3:10— Benediction and Adjournment

Albemarle League Convention

7:30— Devotions

7:40— President's Message, Mr. Loyd
Jones Jr.

—Appointment of Digest Com-
mittee

—Offering

— Roll Call of Leagues
—Sword Drill

— Hymn

— Recognition of Ministers
—Announcements
—Special Music, Host Church

— League Program

— Minutes of Last Convention

— Business Period

— Report of Digest Committee

— Awarding of Banners and
Picture

— Treasurer's Report
9:00 — Adjournment

First Union Meeting
Western Conference

Following is the program for the First
Union Meeting of the Western Con-
ference to be held with Pleasant Plain
Free Will Baptist Church, Johnston
County, Saturday, October 30, with
William Dale, moderator; C. F. Bowen,
clerk.

10:00— Devotions, Keith Cobb
10:15— Welcome Address, Raymond T.
Sasser, Host Pastor

— Response, Johnny Howell
10:20— Business Session

11:00— News from Denominational

Enterprises
1 1 : 20 — Report of Committees
1 1 :30— Morning Worship Service

— Congregational Singing and
Special Music

— Offering forthe Children's Home

— Sermon, DeWayne Eakes;
Alternate, H. M. Minschew

12:30— Adjournment and Lunch

Cape Fear Union Meets
With Lanwood Chapel Church

The Union Meeting of the Cape Fear
Conference will convene with the
Lanwood Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 3, Smithfield, Saturday,
October 30. The moderator, the Rev. C.
M. Coats, will be presiding. Special
music will be rendered by the host
church with the church pianist playing
for the union. There will only be a
morning session. The program is as
follows.

10:00— Hymn, Congregation

— Devotions, the Rev. David
Barrow

—Welcome, Host Church

— Response, the Rev. Walter
Stanley

10:20— Enrollment of Officers and
Ministers

— Recognition of Visitors

— Reading Minutes of Last Union
—Appointments of Committees

— Roll Call of Churches

— Report of Denominational
Enterprises

— Miscellaneous Business
11:15— Hymn, Congregation

— Special Music, Host Church

— Offering and Offertory Prayer

— Message, the Rev. Henry
Armstrong

1 2:00— Report of Treasurer

— Report of Nominating Committee

— Unfinished Business

— Benediction and Adjournment

— Lunch and Christian Fellowship

Macedonia Church to Host
Fifth Eastern Union Meeting

The Fifth Eastern Union Meeting will
convene with the Macedonia Free Will
Baptist Church, Ernul, on Saturday,
October 30, with the Rev. Ralph Sumner
as moderator. There will be only a
morning session as follows:

10:00— Hymn, "The Home Over There"
10:05— Devotions, the Rev. Ray
Harrison

10:15— Welcome, the Rev. Walter
Sutton

— Response, Mr. Johnnie Boyd

10:20— Moderator's Remarks
10:30— Reading of Minutes

— Roll Call of Ministers

— Recognition of Visiting Ministers

— Receiving of Church Reports

— Offering for Children's Home

— Appointment of Committees
10:45— Reports of Denominational

Enterprises
1 1 :1 5— Business Session

— Reports of Committees
1 1 :30— Memorial Service

— Hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer"

— Special Music, Mrs. Judy
Brown

— Sermon, the Rev. Frank Brown

— Benediction

— Lunch and Fellowship

Revival in Progress
First Church, Goldsboro

Revival services are now in progress
at the First Free Will Baptist Church,
Goldsboro, beginning each evening at
7:30, and will continue through October
22. The Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark, an
outstanding Free Will Baptist minister, is
the visiting evangelist.

The pastor of the church, the Rev. Earl
Glenn, extends a cordial invitation to all
to attend these services.

Revival at Bethel Church
Now in Session

Revival services began at Bethel Free

News Notes Continued Next Page

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Will Baptist Church, Route 1, Merritt, on
October 18 and will continue through the
week. Services begin each evening at
7:30 with the Rev. Norman Ard as the
evangelist, assisted by the pastor, the
Rev. James E. Howard. Special music
will be featured at each service.

The pastor and the church members
extend to everyone an invitation to at-
tend.

Gospel Singing to Benefit

Free Will Baptist Children's Home

The Aspen Grove and the Marlboro
Free Will Baptist Churches are spon-
soring a Gospel Singing to be held at the
Farmville National Guard Armory on
Friday night, October 29, at 8 p. m.,
featuring the Foundations of Pikeville and
The Redeemers of New Bern. Advance
tickets will sell for $3; tickets at the door
will be $3.50; children under 12 will be
admitted for $1.50.

The proceeds from the singing will
benefit the Free Will Baptist Children's
Home of Middlesex. The sponsoring
churches urge everyone, especially Free
Will Baptists, to attend and to invite your
friends.

Friendship Church
Announces Homecoming

Homecoming will be observed at
Friendship Original Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1 , Middlesex, on Sunday,
October 24. Services will begin with
Sunday school at 10 a. m., followed by
the morning worship with the pastor, the
Rev. Dwight Chapman, delivering the
message. Lunch will be served on the
church grounds at noon. There will be
gospel singing in the afternoon,
beginning at 1:30 p. m. The public is
cordially invited to attend.

Fall Revival Announced
At Palmer Memorial Church

Fall revival services will begin at the
Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptist
Church, Garner, beginning Monday,
October 24, and continuing through
Friday, October 29. The Rev. Rusty
Coffey of West Virginia will be the visiting
evangelist. He will be assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. Curtis Jones. Special
music will be featured each evening also.

The pastor and the church members
extend a cordial invitation to everyone to
worship with them in these services
which will begin each evening at 7:30.

Revival and Harvest Day
At Gethsemane Church

The Gethsemane Free Will Baptist
Church of Wilson announces that revival
services will be held at the church
October 25-30, beginning each evening
at 7:30 p. m. The Rev. Rudy Shepard of
Wilmington will be the evangelist.

Harvest day, a day of fellowship with
dinner served on the grounds, will be
celebrated on Sunday, October 31. The
church members and the pastor, the
Rev. George Greene, extend a cordial
invitation to all to attend these services.

Revival in Progress
At Union Chapel Church

The Union Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church of Route 1, Middlesex, an-
nounces that revival services are now in
progress and will continue through
October 23. The Rev. Braxton Creech is
the guest evangelist, assisted by the
pastor, the Rev. Walton E. Parrish.
Services begin each evening at 7:30,
featuring special music each night.

The pastor and the church members

invite everyone to attend.

Calvary Church
Announces Homecoming

Calvary Free Will Baptist Church
Wilson will observe its annu
homecoming on October 24, 1971
Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a. n
The morning worship service will indue
a memorial service by Mrs. Florenc
Taylor and message by the pastor, th
Rev. Dewey C. Boling. Lunch will t
served at noon.

An afternoon service of gospel musi
has been planned. All former pastors
members, and friends are invited t
attend.

Revival and Homecoming
At Harrell's Chapel Church

Fall revival services are in session an
will continue through October 23 a
Harrell's Chapel Free Will Baptii
Church, Route 3, Snow Hill. The churc
had previously announced a visitim
evangelist for the week, however it i|
called to your attention that the pastor
the Rev. Robert Rollins, is the evangelis
for the services which begin eac
evening at 7:30.

The church will observe its annua
homecoming following the revival o
Sunday, October 24. All .former pastors
former members, and friends are urgei
to attend.

Calvin Church Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Calvin Free Will Baptist Church o
Route 1, Beulaville, will celebrate it:
homecoming on October 24. Sundaj
school begins at 9:45 a. m., followed b)
the worship hour and the picnic on th<
church grounds. There will be a sonc
service in the afternoon. The Rev. W. L
Littleton, pastor, extends an invitation tc
all former pastors, former members, anc
friends.

On the following Monday evening
October 25, a series of revival service;
will begin with the Rev. M. E. Coxasthi
evangelist. Prayer room service opens a
7:15, followed by the worship service a
7:30 p. m. Everyone is invited to atteni
these services which will continui
through October 29.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS"

SCENES OF THE ALBEMARLE CONFERENCE
Held at Shiloh Church, Pinetown
October 6

toderator; Charlie Overton, assistant moderator; Oscar lunch break.

'ebster, clerk; and Marvin Waters, assistant clerk and
yst pastor.

he Rev. Robert May strikes a familiar pose as he Some of those in attendance lift their voices in song,
loderates the meeting.

Photos by Walter Reynolds

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST 11

Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For October 31

SECURE IN GOD'S LOVE

Lesson Text: Romans 8:28-39
Memory Verse: Romans 8:28

I. INTRODUCTION

Many Bible scholars consider the Book
of Romans the greatest work Paul did. It
is the crown which sits atop all his
writings. In his book, Come Alive, the
subtitle of which is "The Roman Road to
Renewal," Dr. William L. Bennett,
pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fort
Smith, Arkansas, writes: "It is a well
documented fact that the Book of
Romans has had more impact upon
Christian history than any of the 66
books of the Bible. History tells us that
the Book of Romans led Augustine to
Christ: the Book of Romans formed the
seed bed of the Protestant Reformation
under Martin Luther. The Book of
Romans led John Wesley into a saving
relationship with Jesus Christ."

If the Book of Romans is perhaps the
greatest book of the Bible, then we must
add that the eighth chapter of this book
is the greatest chapter, for the child of
God, in the Bible. William R. Newell
wrote in his Romans: "The Eighth
Chapter of Romans is the instinctive goal
of the Christian. Whether or not he can
tell why— whether or not he can give the
great doctrinal facts that give him
comfort here, he is, nevertheless, like a
storm-tossed mariner who has arrived at
his home port, and has cast anchor,
when he comes into Romans Eight! ' ' —
The Advanced (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. We know— because we believe
God's Word— that all things work
together for good. The all things cannot
be fully comprehended; they involve
things that have happened perhaps even
before we were born; the good things,
the bad things, the sweet things, the
sour things, the happy things, the bitter
things— all work together for good. They
do not work separately and in an

unrelated way at all. Only God knows
how to put all things together for our
good — The Advanced (F. W. B.)

B. No sinner can claim the benefits
of this promise. He has no right to them
because he does not love God and has
not answered God's call to discipleship.
This promise is the sweetest one in all
the Bible for the child of God who loves
Him enough to make full surrender of his
whole life to Him.— The Advanced
(F. W. B.)

C. Many efforts have been made to
destroy the church through persecution;
but these efforts have all backfired.
Instead of making the-light of the gospel
grow dim through the testimony of the
saints, it only served to brighten the
flame of their testimony and increase
their determination to continue to suffer,
even death if it need be, for the cause of
their Lord.

The passage quoted by Paul in
describing the death which Christians
are undergoing for the cause of the Lord
is from Psalm 44:22. Paul saw in the
present distress and persecution of the
church a fulfillment of these words from
the psalmist. None of these things,
however, were able to separate the
believer from the love of Christ nor to
cause his love for Christ to diminish in
the least — The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

D. Paul lists seven forces of evil that
plague our footsteps. We may succumb
to either of them, but trusting in Christ
we know that none of them is able to
keep His love from us. The way may be
hard at times but we know that Jesus
cares and is ever ready to help us bear
up under any of these. The threat of
these things is ever before us; the world
hates us because it hated Christ. While
we may appear to be safe, we are yet
potentially subject to being killed as are
sheep that are taken to the slaughter
pen. But Christ is our triumph.

He is our triumph because it is
through Him that we can overcome all
forces of evil. "Nay, in all these things

we are more than conquerors throug
him that loved us" (v. 37). This does m
mean that we will not be killed, or it
prisoned, or persecuted in some way;
means that in and through it all we w
be conquerors, that we will emerg
triumphant, that we will be victorious i
the end. His grace is stronger than an
force of evil Satan may have.— The Bibl
Student (F. W. B.)

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. "Human love may be of tw
kinds. There is a love for its ow
pleasure, and there is a love for the sak
of others. Self-seeking love lasts as Ion
as the object of affection gives person;
satisfaction and enjoyment. It is mor
interested in getting than in giving.

"Unselfish love is hard to define,
requires the giving of ourselves t
another, and this requires that we als
feel that we have something that is wort,
giving to another. Paul sees love a
having various qualities such a
patience, kindness, generosity, humility
courtesy, unselfishness, sincerity, an,
honesty. " — Where Are You Growing?

B. Oftentimes things seem to be ill
reverse for us. Nothing seems to gij
right. All at once we find that all thi
reverses were used by God for our good.

C. If God is almighty, what He ha;
decreed will surely come to pass. Hi:
power gives us full assurance of ou
security.

D. Power carries responsibility witf
it. What only you can do, you must do
You must choose your destiny. You mus
choose to live after the flesh or to be let
by the Spirit, and with this choice yoi
choose whether you will live or dif
(Romans 8:12-14). God wants you to live
(2 Peter 3:9), but He will not make youi
choice for you. It is up to you.

E. How awesome is the power o
God! Nothing in Heaven or earth, nothinc
in present or future, nothing above oi
below can snatch us from His keeping.

F. "It just won't fit," my son saic
as he viewed one piece of a Chinese
puzzle that refused to find its propei
place in the symmetrical block that was
to be a perfect whole.

The carefully precisioned pieces hac
once been together in a perfect cube, bu!
now one did not seem to belong. The
remaining gap just wouldn't receive the
disengaged portion.

Continued on page 16

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS"

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
Scripture Reading— 1 Timothy 6 : 17

THE BEST THINGS
The best things are nearest : breath
l your nostrils, light in your eyes,
owers at your feet, duties at your
and, the path of right just before you.
hen do not grasp at the stars, but do
fe's plain, common work as it
omes, certain that daily duties and
aily bread are the sweetest things of
|fe.— Robert Louis Stevenson

PRAYER THOUGHT
"Along the way, take time to smell
he flowers." This is a motto used
tften today, and a good one. Often-
\mes we miss the joys of today while
\lanning for tomorrow.

! MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 9:6, 7

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
The New is in the Old concealed,

The Old is in the New revealed,
The New is in the Old contained,

The Old is in the New explained.

PRAYER THOUGHT
This catchy little poem serves to
emind us that God's Word is proven
'ue by the prophecies in the Old
Testament which are brought to pass
1 the New Testament. The Scriptures
>ere truly revealed by God to holy
len who recorded them for us.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 22 : 1

RICH TOWARD GOD
lenry Ward Beecher said, "No man
in tell whether he is rich or poor by
irning to his ledger. It is the heart
lat makes a man rich. He is rich
^cording to what he is, not according
• what he has."

Jesus said, "A man's life consists
ot in the abundance of the things

which he possesses." (See Luke
12:15.)

PRAYER THOUGHT
The love of money causes man to do
a lot of things. This fact is borne out
by the following poem entitled "What
You Make of Gold":
Dug from the mountainside, washed

from the glen,
Servant am I or the master of men.
Steal me, I curse you; earn me, I

bless you;
Grasp me and hoard me, a fiend shall

possess you;
Live for me, die for me, covet me,

take me,

Angel or devil, I am what you make
me.

— Anonymous

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Scripture Reading— Psalm 138

BIBLE STOPS BULLET
U.S. Army Pfc. Roger Boe of Elbow
Lake, Minnesota, learned that his
Bible meant salvation for the flesh as
well as for the soul. Here's how :

The 1st Infantry Division trooper
was on a patrol near Lai Khe when
North Vietnamese soldiers ambushed
his unit. When the attack ended, Boe
noticed smoke curling from his
pocket. He discovered that an enemy
rifle bullet had gone through his
wallet and lodged in his Bible, just
short of a loaded ammunition clip.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus used Scripture each time
the devil confronted Him in the
wilderness. Remembering Scripture
prevents many mistakes in our lives
also.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28
Scripture Reading— Psalm 84 : 11

SERENDIPITY

The word "serendipity" means the
faculty of happening upon fortunate
discoveries when not in search of
them. The word was coined by Horace
Walpole in 1754.

God often showers blessings on His
children when they are not expected.
He often works wondrously for them
when there is no outward evidence,
staying "in the shadows, keeping
watch above His own ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
Have you ever thought about how
often we pray "gimme prayers"? We

are always asking God for something,
when He gives so freely all of the time
anyway. Wouldn't it be wonderful if
we could learn to pray prayers of
praise and thanksgiving instead?

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29
Scripture Reading— Psalm 73 : 24-28

THE POWER OF CLEAN
LIVING

Said a high school principal to a
pastor, "The most popular student on
our campus is not a football player.
He is just an ordinary student, but he
lives such a clean, wholesome, and
Christlike life before the students that
he has raised the moral standards of
the whole school. It is simply
amazing! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Edwin Markham once said, "We
have committed the Golden Rule to
memory. Let us now commit it to
life!"

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-
15, 25, 26

DON'T DO IT!

A self-righteous young man once
said to Spurgeon, "When I find a
perfect church, I'll join it! "

Spurgeon quipped: "Young man,
there has never been a perfect
church. I am sure my church is not
perfect. If perchance you ever find a
perfect church, I would advise you not
to join it, for then it would become an
imperfect church! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
J think that I shall never see
A church that's all it ought to be:
A church whose members never
stray,

Beyond the strait and narrow way.
A church that has no empty pews,
Whose pastor never has the blues,
A church whose deacons always
"deak,"

And none are proud but always meek,
Where gossips never peddle lies,
Or make complaints or criticize,
Where all are always sweet and kind,
And all to others' faults are blind,
Such perfect churches there may be,
But none of them are known to me,
But still we'll work and pray and plan,
To make our church the best we can!

— Author Unknown
(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The-Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

Mount :miI+K
Olive College

INTO THE FUTURE OF MOUNT
OLIVE COLLEGE

"Where There Is No Vision the People
Perish"

(Part III)

Based upon a careful consideration of
the needs of both Mount Olive College
and the Free Will Baptist Church, the
Board of Trustees has approved the
following twenty-fifth anniversary goals
to be achieved by the end of 1980:

*Continusd development and
maintenance of educational excellence.

"Continuous enrichment of the
spiritual life of students and personnel.

* Building enrollment to 500 full-time
capable and highly motivated students.

"Programs for the professional and
personal development of all college
personnel: administration, faculty, and
staff.

"Continued development of relevant
programs of study (curricula) that will
effectively prepare students for both life
and work in a changing world.

"New campus development including:
College Union Complex (Food services,
bookstore, student activities, coun-
seling, and other services); Physical
Education and Convention Center; Fine
Arts Building for music, art, and drama;
administrative offices; continuous
program of campus beautification
through landscaping, roads, and parking
areas.

"Development of programs of con-
tinuing education for the church and
community.

"Development of Eagles Nest Con-
ference Center for: Conference center for
educational, civic, business, and other
groups; Christian youth camp and
spiritual life retreats; educational uses by
the college; recreational use by
students, college personnel, churches,
youth, and community groups.

"Attainment of senior college status
for the awarding of baccalaureate
degrees.

"Resource development adequate to

achieve the above and to build an en-
dowment that will give stable financial
strength to the college.

SCHEDULE OF
1976 CHURCH DINNERS

Duplin County— Saturday, October 23,
6:30 p. m., East Duplin High School.
Wayne County— Tuesday, October 26,
7 p. m., Mount Olive College
Auditorium; Ben Rollins, Chairman.
Onslow-New Hanover— Friday, October
29, 7:15 p. m., Folkstone Church;
Leonard Hobbs, Chairman.
Beaufort County— Saturday, October 30,
7 p. m., Chocowinity High School;
Oscar Webster, Chairman.
JONES COUNTY, PLEASE NOTE CHANGE
TO FOLLOWING DATE— Thursday,
November 4, 7:30 p. m., Kings
Restuarant, the Rev. Melvin
Everington, Chairman.

Pitt County— Monday, November 1,
7 p. m., D. H. Conley High School;
Stewart Humphrey, Chairman.

Nash County— Wednesday, November 3,
7 p. m., Middlesex Elementary
School Cafeteria; Lester Duncan,
Chairman.

Lenoir County— Saturday, November 6,
7:30 p. m., Kings Barbecue; Buddy
Sasser, Chairman.

Johnston-Wake Counties— Monday,
November 8, 7 p. m., Smithfield-
Selma High School; V. T. Craddock
and L. B. Woodall, Cochairmen.

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun-
ties—Thursday, November 11, 7:30
p. m., Washington County Union
School.

Greene County— Saturday, November
13, 7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; James Ray McLawhorn and
George Harrison, Cochairmen. .

Wilson County— Tuesday, November 16,
7 p. m., American Legion; James B.
Hunt, Sr., Chairman.

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberlai
Counties— Thursday, November 1
7:00 p. m., Midway School; the Re
Felton Godwin, Chairman.

Edgecombe-Halifax Counties— To

Announced.
Carteret County— Saturday, Novembi
20, 6:30 p. m., East Carteret Hig
School; Reginald Styron and Natha
Garner, Cochairmen.

CHANGE!!!
High School Day at Mount Olive
College will be held Saturday,
November 13, 1976. Details are
forthcoming.

DO YOU KNOW MY FRIEND?

by Hazel Casey
Goldsboro, North Carolina

I have a very special and dedicate
Friend

Who has promised to stand by me unl
life's end.

This Friend is always so kind and s

patient with me;
He guides my feet on this road of life ^

lovingly —
That I might not fall or falter.

He loves me more than anyone I coul

ever know.
It costs me nothing for this love, so

must show
His love and grace, through me,

everyone I meet,
As I travel the winding paths on the dail

beat

To win the race of life on earth.

He died for me one dark, dark day
On a cruel cross, that my sins would a

be washed away;
By believing in Him, as having paid th

price

For my salvation, and full joy always, bi
alas —

I know that I am so unworthy!

He conquered death, and showed meth
way

To receive salvation, He freely offers a
today.

He's my Lord, my Saviour, my Redeeme

and my King —
That ' s why I'm so happy, I continue t<

shout and sing
THAT HE IS MY FRIEND!

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

foments

ar Maggie,

I was blessed to have been born in a Christian home. Thank God for godly
rents. I was reared in a home that believed there was a "Hell to shun" and a

leaven to gain." I telt pretty sure that I would not be lost, not realizing that I was
e eady lost. I was living my life my way. I didn't do anything hideous, such as
f ysically harm anyone or steal, for I would not have thought of such a thing. I was
rlral, but I was a sinner. You see, I was outside not knowing the joy of
sivation— the peace of mind. Then I came to the reality that if I lost my life I would
l|e my soul. It never occurred to me that I could not be saved anytime I wanted to,
l;e putting on a coat or a pair of shoes. It's not that way at all. I tried my way— it
Iri't work! Then I tried God's way. It was by grace through faith not of myself but
rough the wooing of the Holy Spirit I became a new creature in Christ. I know I have
Ijen redeemed! I have stumbled many times. I have shed many tears. They were not
; for joy; many were for remorse. I have failed my Lord many times. But He has
|sSed me by giving me a Christian wife, two lovely daughters, eight grandchildren,
Id two great grandchildren. I have peace of mind and a conscience that's free.

anks be to God!

is

Illy Ridge, N. C.

Today's response is the last part of a lengthy testimony of Christian faith by a
(jntleman who has served God many, many years. May it bless your life.

Maggie

IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT?

by Rev. Graham Faucette
Kenly, North Carolina

Some 1500 years ago a pound of
[pper would have marked you as being
tHch man. It was so expensive that it
Is found only on the tables of kings and
flry rich people. There was a time when
[jople demanded pepper as a ransom,
fpper was also given as payments on
main things.

Values change as time goes on, but
jjsre is one treasure that never changes,
'at is the treasure of salvation. It still

remains the greatest goal of mankind.
We know that all kinds of businesses
take inventory to determine how much
stock they have and its value. They want
to know if what they have is worth the
effort they have to put forth .

Such inventory and self-evaluation,
along with the matter of reviewing final
goals and rewards, should not be
completely new to the Christian.

We labor long and faithful in the

vineyard of the Lord. We do the work of
the Lord in order that we may be well-
pleasing in His sight. We seek to win
others that they too, may have the same
knowledge and joy in the Lord that we
have. We call; we write; we preach; we
teach; we invite; we pray; we visit. We
spend much time reading the Bible that
we may learn more about His Word. Then
we stop and wonder if it's really worth all
the effort.

The final goal and the real reward is
that each of us may spend eternity in
God's Heaven. To know Jesus and the
Father through Him is to possess eternal
life. The proof of the promise, "I am the
resurrection and the life" (see John
11:25).

Paul affirmed in the Roman epistle that
Christ was "... declared to be the Son
of God with power, according to the spirit
of holiness, by the resurrection from the
dead" (Romans 1:4). To Timothy he
wrote, "... your Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath
brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1 :10).

Those whose robes have been washed
in the blood of the Lamb are become the
children of God, and with Christ they
shall inherit all things. To the Roman
Christians Paul wrote, "The Spirit itself
beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God: And if children,
then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs
with Christ; if so be that we suffer with
Him, that we may be also glorified
together" (Romans 8:16, 17).

They shall know the beauty and glory
of God's new and perfect creation,
unspoiled by sin, and described in terms
of most costly, the most pure, the most
beautiful, and the most enduring
materials known to man. It is built of
pure gold and precious stones.

Words fail to express the far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
That which the Apostle Paul did not find
lawful to do when he was tempted to
declare the glory of the third heaven was
an impossibility. Enough that we discern
the exceeding great and precious
promise of a redeemed humanity and the
love that is working to bring it to pass.
Here is the vision to inspire us as we do
the work of the Lord, on earth. The
present joys and the promised rewards
make our work in the Master's vineyard
worth far more than the effort we could
ever put into it.

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

-

-

-•

.. -

iDuKE UNIvEHSITT
DURHAM. H. Ca

"THINK ON THESE THINGS"

by

Rev. Graham Faucette

Route 1
Kenly, North Carolina

^7oo long we have had questions,
articles, and tracts concerning what
women should wear and how they should
think and act. How long are men going to
criticize women when they go out of their
way to take the second or third look at
the girl who walks down the street
wearing an immodest dress? Which is
worse, voyeurism or exhibitionism?

The Word of God denounces all
sensual pleasures. The lewd look and the
lecherous looker are both condemned.
When the Apostle Paul told the women
to ". . . adorn themselves in modest
apparel, ..." (1 Timothy 2:9), they got
the message. And men did not miss the
point when Jesus said, ". . . whosoever
looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
committed adultery with her already in
his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

In Mark 7:14-23 Christ analyzes the
heart of man. In Verse 21 He says, "For
from within, out of the heart of men,
proceed evil thoughts, adulteries,
fornications, murders." Proverbs 4:23
says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life." The
human heart is constantly being
bombarded with temptations to sin. If the
heart harbors these evil thoughts an evil
action results.

James says, "But every man is
tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed. Then when lust
hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and
sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth
death" (James 1:14,1 5).

In Ephesians 4:19 Paul talks of the
unsaved, saying that they were
motivated by evil minds and reckless
lusts. Then in the next verses he
declares that Christ taught them dif-
ferently and that they should get rid of
the "former manner of life" which had
been corrupted by lust.

The rapid spread of adult bookstores
and topless bars seems to indicate that
we are living in the time that Paul spoke

16

of when he said, "But evil men and
seducers shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived" (2
Timothy 3:13).

How badly has the American sense of
decency been eroded. "The wicked shall
be turned into hell, and all the nations
that forget God" (Psalm 9:17). People
are being swept down the devil's drain
by the thousands. "Therefore hell hath
enlarged herself, and opened her mouth
without measure. ..." (Isaiah 5:14).
The once ever-so-glamorous lights of
Broadway now shine on cheap por-
nographic plays and films.

Fortunately for the Christian, he
doesn't have to be swept down the devil's
drain. Paul gives us excellent advice for
such a time as this: "Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; . . . think on
these things" (Philippians 4:8).

THE CHURCH: CONCLUSION

Continued from page 3

"Church" Life (order from International
Students, Inc., P. 0. Box C, Colorado
Springs, Colorado 80901), by Watchman
Nee.

And again I say I offer these articles in
love and with the understanding that we,
as brothers and sisters, can and indeed
probably do disagree over many things.
Yet I submit them to you, the body of
Christ, for whatever they might be worth
to your upbuilding.

Finally, I want to say I encourage
response to what I have said and am
willing to be judged by you in the Spirit.
Feel free to write me at 439 Stadium
Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina.

I pray and trust that God will guide you
and your fellowship until we, the people
of God, meet to rest forever in the very
presence of our Father, who is blessed
and worthy of all glory and honor.

BIBLE-BOOK PUZZLE

There are sixteen (16) books of the
Bible hidden in the following story. The
first one is MARKed to help you. Spacing

of letters, words and punctuation are
to be observed closely! Can YOU find ,
16?

I once made a reMARK about tl
hidden books of the Bible. It was a lul
kept people looking so hard for fact
and for others it was a revelation. Sort
were in a jam, especially since the narrn
of the books were not capitalized. Buttl
truth finally struck home to numbers
readers. To others, it was a real job. V
want it to be a most fascinating fe
moments for you. Yes, there will be son
really easy ones to spot. Others mig
require judges to help them. We w
quickly admit, it usually takes a minist
to find one of them, and there will be loi
lamentations when it is found! A lit*
lady says she brews a cup of tea, so si
can concentrate better. See how well yc
can compete. Relax now, for there rea
ARE sixteen names of books in the Bib
in this little 'story'!

(This puzzle was submitted I
Johnnie G. Howell of Pikeville, Nor
Carolina. It has appeared in oth
publications and should prove of intere
to the readers of the "Baptist." Tl
author is unknown.)

Continued from page 12

After several more futile attempts
rearranging, he handed the puzzle bac.
to his older brother, who quick
reassembled the odd shapes into
perfect cube.

There was no magic in my older son
skill of reassembling all the parts, h
had the instructions to the puzzle!

Life was meant to be whole. God mac
us that way, but sin has left gaping hole
where nothing seems to fit right. All ti
hurts of man across all the centuries '
time keep us from the completeness Gcj
originally designed for us.

Then Jesus came and by His ow
sacrifice made us whole again. Trust Hit
to take the misplaced pieces of your If
and reorder them into the creation Gc
designed. In Jesus we come into perfei
union with God once more.— Selected fro
Standard Lesson Commentary

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

What Do You Do With It?

Some use it; some misuse it; some squander it; and some just while it
away, neglecting to consider the importance of it.

Some take it for granted, suggesting that an abundance of it is theirs for
the asking, knowing little where it comes from, and caring even less.

Some refuse to view it as a luxury, and others may not even consider it a
necessity, since it has been a constant part of their lives, and they have never
been without it.

Some find a lot of it on their hands; and since they have it in abundance,
they don't stop to realize that their wasting of it may be an imposition on
somebody else— especially when their wasting of it involves stopping someone
from doing something he needs to do: some duty, a job, or something he would
simply rather do.

Some act as though they have a premium on it and tend to cause it to
revolve around themselves, their immediate concerns, cares, or personal
interests, at the expense of actually cheating another out of his portion of it.

Some take it out for their own benefit, depriving others of their right to do
the same, risking the probability of losing it altogether. It can never be called
forth again, once it has been used or abused.

Some relinquish it, intentionally or unintentionally, knowing the possible
peril of doing so, but disdaining to acknowledge the fact that they indeed need
it. They are injudicious, to say the least.

Some hoard it, thinking it can be stored up and saved like money ; but, no, it
passes too quickly; it cannot be preserved. It waits for no man, despite his
"claim" on it, his wealth, or his education.

Some just simply ignore it— but not for long; it catches up with them. It
cannot be escaped, neither can it be avoided— except in the imagination.

Some gloat over it; others view it with dismay and with little enthusiasm,
perhaps wondering how much longer they will be privileged to enjoy it.

Some spend it here and there, foolishly or wisely, according to the dictates
of their individual minds and hearts.

Some budget it, knowing that at the very best they have a minimum of it to
treat lightly.

Some use it for others (very nobly), and some use it solely for them-
selves—and that, in excess.

Some make plans for it, hoping that it will come; others approach it
haphazardly, feeling that little can be done about it anyhow.

A stitch in it saves nine, we're told. It tries men's souls. It is the stuff that
dreams are made of. It has been often called the fourth dimension.

According to John Heywood, it tries truth in every doubt. It has been said
to fly, and, further, it has been reputed to heal what reason cannot.

There are footprints on it, according to Longfellow. Some are clear-cut,
while others have been distorted by the wind of discontent. Yes—

Time!

What do you do with your allotted portion of it? Your approach could mean
the difference in success or failure.

There is a time to be born and a time to die, according to the Bible. And as
unpleasant as it might be to think about: Our ration may be running low.
Tomorrow might never come !

OCTOBER 27, 1976
Volume 91 Number'

Edited and published weekly by tire Free W
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Li
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina, i

All materials to be placed in any issue mu
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tl
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; oi
year, $5.00 ; two years, $9 ; four years, $17; pi
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou
given when local churches send the "Baptist"
the home of every member; names and a
dresses to be provided by churches. Church™
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist!
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflej
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Tl;
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eaij
article is given the person whose name appea
under trie title or to the person submitting sal
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 15
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.-i
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. tr
Saturday.

Smithlield, New Bam, and Wilson. 9:
a. m.-5p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Riveobai
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robtl
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation. Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor ot Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assist*
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass<[
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

by the Rev. Fred A. Rivenbark

SOUL WINNING: Sherron Acres Free Will Baptist Church

Durham, North Carolina

THE FIRST TASK
OF THE
CHURCH

11932, my heart fills with praise first of all

to the God who saved me and secondly to
i jthe evangelistically-oriented pastor, the

Rev. Henry Melvin, whose every
i jieartthrob seemed to beat evangelism.
J The very life of the church was saturated

with a fervor to reach the lost. Seeing
J seeking sinners walk down the aisle of

that church was the norm, not the ex-
*j peption.

If the "evangelistic fervor" is con-
i tagious, I must have caught it from my
Dastor. God called me to preach in 1935,
and from the very beginning of my
ministry, my main thrust has been to
reach the lost for Christ.
\ The central theme of the Book of Acts
I s spreading the good news by wit-
nessing. In this book we see the great
jxpert on witnessing— the Holy Spirit.
JJ jwe learn in Acts what witnessing is,
sts jwhat it isn't, when to witness, and how
Ito witness. The earnest believer who

yearns to obey God in this matter of soul
winning will be infused with the same
enthusiasm, boldness, and excitement
that first-century witnesses had.

Surely the phenomenal expansion of
the Early Church gives us reason enough
to study closely the ministries of the first
apostles. For believers who want a
scriptural basis for modern evangelistic
efforts, the Book of Acts is extremely
helpful.

Motive of Evangelism

"But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of
the earth" (Acts 1:8).

The disciples gave up their fishing
business, tax business, families and
friends. But it wasn't until they gave up
themselves after praying for days in the
Upper Room that the Holy Spirit fell upon
them. When they came to the end of
themselves, they came to the beginning
of evangelism. So, the power and
presence of the Holy Spirit in the early
disciples became their directive and
power, and obedience to God's Spirit
became their motive. God is His own
motivator. We are His instruments. We
are His vessels, His earthenware pots,
His containers. He, the motivator, lives
inside us. (See Galatians 2:20.)

How did this higher motivation work in
the Early Church? Read Acts 4 where
Peter and John were arrested and
brought before the rulers and elders
because of their boldness in speaking to
the people about Jesus Christ as Lord
and Messiah. They were warned not "to
speak or teach at all in the name of
Jesus." But these bold men of God did
not accept the verdict. Their loyalty to
Christ meant more than any protec-
tion from the government. These

brave witnesses emphatically replied,
"Whether it is right in the sight of God
to listen to you rather than to God, you
must judge; for we cannot but speak of
what we have seen and heard" (see
Acts 4:18-20). Notice how Peter turned
persecution into a witnessing op-
portunity. Isn't this the basic motivation
in evangelism? We live under the
direction of the Holy Spirit. He lives
within the believer. Dare we silence Him?

So the only real motivating force is God
himself within us. When we totally yield
ourselves to Him, then evangelism is the
natural result of our commitment.

Methods of Evangelism

Jesus made contacts among people
where they were— in the street.

In Acts 2 we see the apostles leaving
the Upper Room where they had lingered
for the power of the Holy Spirit and going
to the masses that thronged the streets.
These Spirit-filled believers mingled
among the crowds telling the unsaved
about the resurrected Christ.

The Early Church also won the lost to
Christ in the church. Study the first part
of Paul's ministry and you will see that,
when he went to a new city, he first went
to the synagogue. "And it came to pass
in Iconium, that they went both together
into the synagogue of the Jews, and so
spake, that a great multitude both of the
Jews and also of the Greeks believed"
(Acts 14:1).

Wherever people were in need, we see
the Early Christians making contact with
them. The Holy Spirit opened doors of
opportunity and the early apostles
allowed the Holy Spirit to use them to win
souls. When the apostles could get a
crowd together, they preached the Word
of God. The Book of Acts is filled with
sermons by Peter and Paul. Their main
message centered on the resurrection of
Jesus Christ. Wherever we read of Peter
and Paul, we see them taking advantage
of opportunities and preaching the Word.

Visitation evangelism is not as obvious
in the Book of Acts as preaching, but it is
definitely a biblical method of wit-
nessing. The Lord sent Philip on a soul
winning mission. Philip met an Ethiopian
reading Isaiah and wondering what the
passage meant.

In Acts 3 we see an example of
personal evangelism. Peter and John
stopped to minister to a needy heart on

(Continued on Next Page)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

their way to a prayer service. Jesus
became real to the beggar through the
personal witness of these apostles.

Modern Evangelism

The first task of the church today is
soul winning. The first desire a new
Christian often has is to tell his closest
firends what Jesus Christ has done for
him. I sincerely believe that the basic
nature of the church is evangelistic, and
both ministers and laity have a con-
tinuing responsibility to share Jesus
Christ with others— in the church, in
homes, on the street, in the factory, in
the shop, in the office— wherever there
are people.

The experiences of the Early Church
can furnish both the motivation and the
basic patterns for our approach today.
But within the basic patterns, we find in
the Book of Acts we must adapt our
evangelism to our current time and
culture. Evangelism must be con-
temporary.

Believers who are fed properly will find
the truths of God's Word too good to
keep. And in becoming witnesses they
will enrich their own relationship with
Jesus Christ.

"Say not ye, There are yet four
months, and then cometh harvest?
behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes,
and look on the fields; for they are white
already to harvest" (John 4:35). Here
Jesus was telling His disciples that the
people of His day were spiritually hungry
and thirsty. Only God could fill that God-
shaped vacuum in their lives. People all
around us today are seeking for
something that satisfies just as they did
in Jesus' day.

The need to reach the unsaved is
urgent! When we meet together as
members of God's family, we should
have such love and compassion for the
sinner that he will feel a compelling
desire to accept Christ into his life. Our
church life should be so permeated with
a passion for lost souls that sinners will
come to know Christ.

When the name of your church is
mentioned at work, in a social gathering,
or some other place, what do you
suppose comes to the minds of those
listening? Do they immediately think of
the tremendous concern your church has
for the lost of your community? Is your
church known for its fervor in reaching
the unsaved?

4

Remember, God does not hold you
responsible for being successful in
witnessing; He holds you responsible for
being faithful.

The Final Curtain
Will Fall

by Mrs. Hersel L. Bowen
Winterville, North Carolina

F you have ever been into
an opera house, I know you (like
me (remember the elegance of its in-
terior. As you sat and watched the opera,
everything around you faded into
nothing. Everything on stage seemed so
real. You were caught up in the act. Then
the curtain fell, and you were brought
back to reality. Then you realized it was
all acting.

We have the most beautiful opera
house— this lovely world. Take time to
look around at the trees, flowers, food
and fiber— they are real! The singing of the
birds is for real. The sky above us, the
sunlight, the stars, the moon, and many
other things are given to us by God, and
they are real . Thestagewestand upon isthe
good earth. How often do we take these
things for granted?

Will life upon this earth be better
because we were here? Are we acting a
part that is not real? Someday the final
curtain will fall for you and me. Have we
stood upon this stage of life, acting out a
part or are we for real? God has a
purpose for you and me. Have we wasted
away our past? Have we played or acted?
Have we been for real? Have we been
Christians whom God could count on to
tell others of Him? When the final curtain
falls, will we stand upon the beautiful
stage of Heaven? or upon the stage of
Hell?

If we are Christians, we don't have to
put on an act or sign a pledge that we will
do certain things, go certain places, or
dress indecently. If we are right with God
with all our heart, soul, and strength,
then we will not do things we know to be
wrong. No one has to tell a Christian
what to do or not to do; a real Chriristian
will do the right things or be the best he
can be.

"For none of us liveth to himself, and
no man dieth to himself. For whether we
live, we live unto the Lord; and whether
we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we

live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's'
(Romans 14:7, 8).

When the final curtain falls upon thf
earth for us, I pray each of us will fine
ourselves on the great stage of Heaven
May we say with Charles H. Gabriel:

0 that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me;
When by His grace I shall

look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.

MEMORIAL GIFTS FOR
REV. W. L. MORETZ

The family of the Rev. Willet L. Moretz
have asked me to express appreciation to
all those who remembered Brother
Moretz during the time of his sickness
and death. Cards and gifts sent to him
during his extended illness brightened
his final days, and friendly interest
shown the family at the time of his death
and funeral comforted the hearts of Mrs.
Moretz and the girls.

The family is requesting that if there
are those who would like to honor the
memory of Brother Moretz, they do so by
making gifts in his memory to the
building fund of Roanoke Rapids Free
Will Baptist Church. Roanoke Rapids was
the last church pastored by Brother
Moretz, and he and his family remained
members of and supported this church
during the years of his retirement,
brought on prematurely due to the loss of
his health while pastoring the church.
The people of the church were always
dear to him.

Donations for this purpose should be
sent to: Home Mission Board, Rev. Taylor
Hill, 1207 Arsenal Avenue, Fayetteville,
N. C. 28305. Be sure and designate it for
Roanoke Rapids Building Fund.

Respectively submitted,
Rev. L. E. Ballard

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The new address for the Rev. M. E.
Cox is Route 3, Box 334, Elm City, North
Carolina 27822; phone, (919) 236-4073.

t^**m tfi

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

CAiswering \bur
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

Question: Please explain: "Wherefore
if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut
them off, and cast them from thee: it is
better for thee to enter into life halt or
maimed, rather than having two hands or
two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out,
and cast it from thee: it is better for thee
to enter into life with one eye, rather than
having two eyes to be cast into hell fire"
(Matthew 18:8, 9).

Answer: Jesus' primary teachings
here seem to be that a Christian is
jobligated to release himself of any at-
tachments that hinder himself of
completely fulfilling his obligation to
jChrist. If, for instance, he is employed
by someone or under some conditions
that will hinder him from submitting to
>Christ in a fully dedicated life of love and
service to his Saviour, he should detach
himself from such an employer and that
kind of employment immediately. When
he becomes a Christian, if he finds
jhimself attached to social cronies that
jmakes him in this association limited in
I his Christian witness, then he is to call
an immediate halt to this relationship.

We are told in the Bible: "No man can
serve two masters: for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he
will hold to the one, and despise the
jother. Ye cannot serve God and mam-
mon" (Matthew 6:24). We have certain
obligations in relation to the natural
realm. We are to be honest and upright in
the fulfillment of such obligations.

The late philanthropist, Colgate, was
sent from his home, being the member of
a large, poor, honest, hardworking family
to begin as an apprentice in the soap-
making business of a friend of his father.
He was detained a short distance from
home by a Christian friend of his father.
This friend, a tugboat operator, gave him
good advice and the kind that paid in
dollars and cents when he said, "Always
give a full pound for a pound of soap.

When in doubt tip the scale in favor of
your customer and not yourself. Seek
daily guidance from God. Show forth the
Christian integrity under which you grew
up at home. Read the Bible every day and
walk only in its light. You will get along if
you don't get rich."

Those of us who have read of him
know that he did get along well, that he
did get rich and made many rich in his
gifts to evangelical institutions, even
though long since his homegoing some of
these are no longer evangelical in the
true sense of the word.

Jesus himself was excluding the very
chief of His apostles when He voiced a
selfish attitude: "But he turned, and
said unto Peter, Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for
thou savourest not the things that be of
God, but those that be of men" (Matthew
16:23). When He had so done, He gave
the formula of success for any of His
followers: "Then said Jesus unto his
disciples, If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

Jesus freely excluded the Pharisees
and other Jewish groups whose favor the
average politician of that day or of today
(both church and ecclesiastical) would
gladly embrace. He was in no way about
to encumber Himself with either in-
dividuals or groups of individuals who
would in any way influence Him in any
other route than that which led to
Calvary. We should be of like mind and
determination with our Christ and our
God. No other way leads the Christian
home but the way of the cross; and let us
remember that, regardless of what we
are commanded of the world.

In Albert Barnes' Notes, Matthew to
Mark, page 186, in interpreting these
verses, we read: "The sense in all these
interpretations is the same. Worldly

attachments, friendships, and em-
ployments of any kind, that cannot be
pursued without leading us into sin, be
they ever so dear to us, must be
abandoned or the soul will be lost. ' '

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question in his book 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions as follows:

"The words of Jesus in Matthew
18:8-10 point out (among other things)
the wickedness of those who, by evil
example and by their impure inclinations,
their quarrelsome and revengeful
dispositions, their unworthy aims and
ambitions, stand in the way of others and
prevent them from seeking salvation. It
is as though he had said there would be
stumblings and pitfalls enough through
the world's treatment of young and
inexperienced souls without any ad-
ditions from the disciples, and he warns
them not to share in such wickedness,
as the one who, after having himself
received light, wilfully caused others to
stumble was doubly an offender. Far
better were it for him to make any
personal sacrifice than to be the means
of causing a weaker brother or sister to
stumble and lose faith."

In the above Scripture Jesus appeals
to us who profess to be Christians,
holding us responsible to eliminate all
hindering objects, calling us to a life of
obedience in Him and in His cause. In
the following He calls upon professing
Christians who would, in their deceit,
hinder a young or weak Christian: "But
whoso shall offend one of these little
ones which believe in me, it were better
for him that a millstone were hanged
about his neck, and that he were
drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe
unto the world because of offences: for it
must needs be that offences come; but
woe to that man by whom the offence
cometh! " (Matthew 18:6, 7).

So if we read and study and meditate
on the Bible's message as we are in-
structed in its sacred pages, we shall be
able to intelligently withstand the wiles of
the devil. When we become negligent
and disobedient and fail to spend the
time God would have us spend
familiarizing ourselves with the Bible's
instructions, we may fall prey to the
enemies of God.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

freewi

cnildren s

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

Religious Contributions
For September, 1976

Albemarle Conference

Laymen's League

34.50

Bel haven

$ 110.25

Fourth Union

108.85

Corinth

10.00

Ormondsville

68.00

Free Union

240.00

Otter's Creek

237.15

Gum Neck

100.00

Owen's Chapel

150.00

Hickory Chapel

131.00

Peace

14.10

Malachi's Chapel

300.00

Piney Grove (Pitt)

100.00

Mt. Tabor

285.00

Reedy Branch

543.98

Mt. Zion

120.00

Roanoke Rapids

5.00

Sidney

600.00

Rocky Mount

100.00

Sound Side

50.00

Saratoga

384.07

Union Chapel

117.85

Spring Branch

200.00

Total

$2,064.10

Sweet Gum Grove

221.19

Tarboro

40.00

Blue Ridge Association

Walnut Creek

200.00

Cedar Hill

$ 14.00

Winterville

401.56

Total

$7,116.70

Cape Fear Conference

Catalpa

$ 10.00

Eastern Conference

Goldsboro

400.00

Bethel

$ 100.00

Hopewell

250.00

Bethlehem

200.00

Johnston Union

212.00

Bridgeton

50.00

Lee's Chapel

275.00

British Chapel

200.00

Oak Grove

200.00

Christian Chapel

350.00

Palmer Memorial

50.00

Core Creek

297.93

Riverside

200.00

Crab Point

15.00

Robert's Grove

200.00

Croatan

200.00

Saint Mary's Grove

105.00

Davis

200.00

Shady Grove

303.53

Deep Run

106.00

Smyrna

265.00

Dublin Grove

165.00

St. Paul

200.00

Folkstone

90.00

Tee's Chapel

200.00

Friendship

26.40

Wooten's Chapel

91.55

Gray Branch

200.00

Total

$2,962.08

Hillsberry

30.00

Juniper Chapel

400.00

Central Conference

Kinston

65.00

Aspen Grove

$ 213.50

Lanier's Chapel

110.00

Ayden

285.00

Macedonia

35.00

Bethany

276.60

May's Chapel

200.00

Blackjack

200.00

Mt. Zion (Onslow)

185.79

Community

53.00

Mt. Zion (Pamlico)

200.00

Daniels Chapel

315.00

Eula Jones

5.00

Dilda's Grove

100.00

Third Union

50.00

Edgewood

335.00

Fifth S.S. Convention

57.00

Elm Grove

100.00

New Bethlehem

26.81

Free Union

240.00

New Haven

135.59

Friendship

349.43

Northeast

63.26

Greenville

235.00

Oak Grove

280.00

Grimsley

140.77

Oriental

35.36

Gum Swamp

340.00

Otway

30.00

Harrell's Chapel

320.00

Pearsall's Chapel

200.00

Howell Swamp

350.00

Rock of Zion

30.00

Hull Road

300.00

Rooty Branch

50.00

Little Creek

55.00

Sandy Plain

230.14

Marlboro

100.00

Sarecta

200.00

Snead's Ferry
Snow Hill
Sound View
St. Mary's
Vanceboro
White Oak Grove
Wintergreen
Total

Pee Dee Association

Beaverdam
Cypress Creek
Emerson
Union No. 1
Oak Grove
Total

Christ
Durham
Total

Piedmont Conference

Toe River Association

Roaring Creek

Western Conference

Barnes Hill
Black Jack Grove
Branch Chapel
Calvary

Everett's Chapel
Free Union
Friendship
Holly Springs
Kenly
Little Rock
Living Waters
Marsh Swamp
Micro
Milbournie
Mt. Zion
First Union

Second S.S. Convention
New Sandy Hill
People's Chapel
Pine Level
Piney Grove
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Hill
Rains Cross Road
Rock Springs
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Spring Hill
Stancil's Chapel
St. Mary's
Union Chapel
Union Grove
Unity

Watson's Grove
West Hillsborough
Wilson
Total

Statewide Bodies

State Convention Cash

Other States

Bim, West Virginia
Laurel City, West Virginia
Flint, Michigan
Total

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Total Religious Contributions $25,918.24

(Included in this total is $15,157.52 in State
Convention offering.)

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIINS
FOR SEPTEMBER, 1976

Memorial gifts for the Children's home for September,
1976 totaled $60, and were as follows:

Mrs. Louise Mills by an Anonymous Donor
Leon L. Scott by MaeW. Scott

Scriptural Basis: ". . . pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he
would send forth labourers into his
harvest" (Luke 10:2).

THE NEED OF A
GOLDEN HARVEST

There is a need for Christians to
lawaken to a holy and useful life. Only a
i very small percentage of citizens in the
! world have been saved. The grace of God
; has not been received by them and they
: are lost; most of them are lost forever.
■ Christians are the only ones saved,
redeemed by the blood of Christ. All
{other people, in spite of their religion, are
doomed for a devil's hell. There is no
way a soul can be saved but by the
precious blood of Jesus Christ. God
ordered it, the Bible teaches it, and I
believe it all the way. Christians are like
Christ because they have accepted the
likeness and dedication of Christ. In
words, they are, as far as possible,
carbon copies of the real Christ. All
earthly and worldly claims upon their
lives have been declared null and void.
They are committed to Christ, and they
have enthroned Christ who directs their
affairs in this world forever. Christ is
Lord of lords and King of kings. He
reigns in holy majesty upon the throne of
the heart of the Christian. With all the
great religions of the world, there is only
one that can save— and that one is the
one whose god is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus declares, "... lift up your

eyes, and look on the fields; for they are
white already to harvest" (John 4:35).
There is a great harvest promised, but
the laborers are few. Many of the few
laborers who qualify fail to realize the
urgency of their work. The need is
urgent because sinners must be
awakened and warned of God's coming
judgment. No sinner will be able to
bypass the wrath and penalty of God.
The judge has already been appointed,
the time has been set, and the place
where judgment will be handed down
has already been assigned. The only way
a sinner can avoid the judgment of God is
to be reconciled to God through council
for his defense. Jesus Christ is the
attorney assigned to you, and He will be
the one to handle your case. He now has
the authority to remove all sins and their
guilt so that you will be absolutely pure
and free from every sin.

The Christian's efforts in the golden
harvest must be directed to reveal God's
love to the unsaved. God loves all people,
even sinners. He loves the sinner but not
his sins and, because of this, He has
provided a way for man to be saved
from his sins. There are very few people
whom God will not save. These are lost
and lost forever. I am not sure that God
has completely given up on anyone if that
person has the capability of making a
decision for himself. God's Spirit does
not always strive with man, but only God
knows where the place of no return lies.

Christian workers, then, must learn to
show sinners how they can be saved,
satisfied, and secure in God's love.
Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and
they shall never perish, neither shall any
man pluck them out of my hand" (John
10:27, 28).

When the laborers are aroused,
become excited, and are awakened to the
zeal and spiritual urgency of their work,
sinners will listen and begin to seek
salvation. A golden harvest of souls
depends upon the workers in the fields.
There is no time for laziness or bickering
or foolishness in God's fields.

The church must be motivated. Her
chords must be lengthened and her
stakes must be strengthened so as to
make her coverage safe and secure.
Prayer warriors are needed. Christians
should attend public prayer meetings.
They should call friends and urge them to
attend prayer meetings to pray for lost
sinners, the pastor, and all the ministries
of the church, especially the preaching of
God's Word. It is through the foolishness
of preaching that sinners are saved.
Every laborer must have a definite place
and time for prayer every day. Family
altars are needed and necessary in all
homes for daily communion, con-
fessions, and close relationship with
God. The time of prayer is most im-
portant.

"Go ye into all the world,^
and preach the gospel"#

mission worn

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

THE HISTORY OF VICTORY

October 25, 1972— we held our first
business conference this night.
Discussion was held as to what plan of
action would be desirable to all in at-
tendance. It was strongly expressed by
all that a Free Will Baptist church in the
Hope Mills, North Carolina, area be
established.

FREE WILL BAPTIST MISSION

We all realize that we are not a
recognized Free Will Baptist mission and
are not affiliated with any Free Will
Baptist conference, but we are all
dedicated to establishing a Free Will
Baptist church in this area. All persons
gathered here tonight are Christians, and
Missions continued on next page

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

all have faith in God that if we move out
on faith in trying to organize a church
that God will supply the needs. The
following persons were present: Brother
and Sister J. L. Lee, Brother and Sister
Joe Marsuak, Sister Mildred Marsuak,
Brother and Sister Charles Reep, and
Sister Louise Lee.

November 11, 1972— the name,
Victory Free Will Baptist Mission was
chosen for our group.

Four months later— February,
1973— we met with the Rev. Taylor Hill
at his church to talk about our becoming
a mission and to find out from Brother
Hill just what we needed to do before
getting started. We expressed our desire
to join with the Cape Fear Conference at
that time. The ones who met with Brother
Hill at this time were as follows: Brother
and Sister Charles Reep, Brother and
Sister J. L. Lee, Sister Louise Lee,
Brother Joe Marusak, Sister Mildred
Marausak, Sister Lettie Elmore, Sister
Ruby Elmore, Sister Debbie Elmore and
Brother and Sister Clarence Lee.

We were well pleased with the
meeting. Two weeks later we met with
the mission board to talk with them about
getting the mission started. Brother Reep
had written to the mission board telling
them about us and our desire to start a
Free Will Baptist mission in Hope Mills.
The mission board was pleased and
offered their help to us for which we are
all thankful.

March 11, 1973— the mission board
has sent us a preacher, and today we
met in the home of Brother Paul Kinlaw
for worship service and Sunday school.
We all enjoyed the message and
everyone was well pleased with the Rev.
Al Markuson, the preacher whom the
mission board sent us.

April 22, 1973 (Easter Sunday)— we
are in our building today for our first
service as a mission. We had 38 present
today and an offering of $65.99. The
Spirit of God was with us in a mighty
way.

The 1973 average attendance was a
high of 38, a low of 7, with a Sunday
school average of 21 .

Vacation Bible School
Reports for the Years
1974, 1975, and 1976

In July, 1974, we held our first
Vacation Bible School, averaging 50 per
night, with 75 on commencement night.
The offering for the week was $60,
which went to the building fund.

The 1975 average was 51 with an
offering of $135.57 to our building fund.

The 1976 average was 62 with an
offering of $193 to our general treasury.

God continued blessing us richly
during the year of 1974 as we were able
to pay off what we owed on the piano,
start supplementing the pastor's salary,
and were able to purchase a filing
cabinet, electric typewriter, adding
machine, and a secretary's table and
chair.

1975

March 7, 1975— $500 was deposited
on the purchase of 2.06 acres of land.

May 19, 1975— we completed all
negotiations for our land on Highway 59
and Orchard Street, Hope Mills, North
Carolina, and received our warranty
deed.

May, 1975— the Rev. Alfred J.
Markuson left us to become the
evangelist for the Swordmen Singers. He
was greatly loved and will be greatly
missed by each of us, but we feel he has
the leadership of God Almighty in this
move.

On June 5, 1975, the Rev. Taylor Hill,
secretary and treasurer of the Home
Missions Board appointed Brother
Charles Reep as moderator of Victory
Free Will Baptist Mission until such time
as the Lord sends us a minister. For five
months we were without a pastor.

October 19, 1975— this is our third
homecoming and the first service with
our new pastor, the Rev. Joe E. Gerald
and his lovely wife, Sylvia, and three
children: Jody, Eugene, and Jennifer.
We pray God's Holy Spirit may continue
filling them and us as we all march
forward for our livng Saviour, Christ
Jesus. Amen.

On Sunday, January 4, 1976, at 3
p.m., Victory Free Will Baptist Mission of

Continued on Page 16

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO
ELLIE EASON RICE

Days that we live when we are yount.
become memories which we treasure ai
we grow older. Happy memories or sac
ones we treasure them all. To know
people and then to come to love them is
perhaps the dearest thing memories are
made of.

on August 28, 1976, God in His in]
finite grace called from our midst one o
the true saints of God, Ellie Eason Rice |
who had been a long-time faithfu
member of the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Greenville, North Carolina. The
true mark of her devoted life came
through her great compassion and love
for each and everyone. She had unusual(
patience as she worked with the young,
people of the First church. Her special
Christian character led her to choose
working with mentally retarded andj
handicapped children as a vocation. Hei
principles went much higher as did her
true concern, as her home was a foster
home for many years. In her home,
unwanted children found love, strength,
and happiness in a proud religious way.

Ellie was born on November 29, 1923,
in Snow Hill, North Carolina. For manyj
years she gave and gave of herself to;
others until God decided that she had
done what He had called her to do— and
that she had done it well, so He called,
her to a higher work with Him. During
the last few months of her life here on,
earth, knowing full and well that her
illness was terminal, she continued to be
the picture of Christian inspiration that
she had always been. Her unwavering
faith in her Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ enabled her to face death
unafraid, and, at the same time, inspired
others who were fortunate enough to
share her life and now her memory.

Ellie Rice will always have a special
place in the hearts and minds of the
people of the First Free Will Baptist
Church, and to her family: her husband,
Ronald Rice Sr.; her son, Ronald Rice
Jr., and her three daughters, Sandra
Hall, Rebecca Rice, and Betty Langston.
Yes, we share your precious memories of
a true saint of God.

Submitted by,

First FreeWill Baptist Church
Greenville, North Carolina

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Mount :ii"I+K
Olive College

Greene County— Saturday, November
13,-7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; James Ray McLawhorn and
George Harrison, Cochairmen. .

Edgecombe-Halifax Counties, Monday,
November 15, 7 p. m., Edgewood
Church, Rufus Harrell, Chairman.

Wilson County— Tuesday, November 16,
7 p. m., American Legion; James B.
Hunt, Sr., Chairman.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
STATE CONVENTION FROM
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE
(Part IV)

n order to help provide the
sengthening and continued de-
\jopment of Mount Olive College, the
flowing recommendations are made to
I North Carolina State Convention of
(he Will Baptists:

|*That the convention go on record as
^proving the twenty-fifth anniversary
c als outlined in this report and that the
mvention recommend to its churches
id individual members that they provide
| maximum financial support possible
tjattain these goals.

PThat in order to help provide a
:!itable and adequate facility for the
teting of this convention and for other
ibommodations to Free Will Baptists,
e convention recommend to each
lumber church that it consider a
Immitment of $1,000 toward the
instruction of a Physical Education and
'invention Center at Mount Olive College
Jtlii the provision that this commitment
iky be paid in annual installments by
|80 ($250 annually for four years or
00 annually for five years.)
*That the convention recommend to
r churches unrestricted gifts totaling
50,000 for the 1976-77 operating
dget of Mount Olive College.
*That the convention continue its
signation of each fifth Sunday as
Vlount Olive College Day" and the
ibnths of February and July for
hristian Education."

DR. W. BURKETTE RAPER
to Attend Workshop

)r. W. Burkette Raper, president of
unt Olive College, and W. Nathan
R'nolds, assistant to the president, will
in Chicago October 28-29 attending a

TE FREE WILL BAPTIST

workshop on Estate Planning and
programs of Life-Income Contracts. The
workshop is sponsored by Gonser Gerber
Tinker Stuhr, educational consultants to
Mount Olive College.

The purpose of the workshop is to
acquaint educational personnel with the
1976 Tax Reform Act and with other
provisions relative to gifts and bequests
to educational institutions.

In addition to a program of wills and
bequests, Mount Olive College has also
inaugurated a comprehensive program of
planned gifts, inluding Gift Annuities,
Unitrusts, Pooled Income, and Charitable
Giving through Life Insurance.

SCHEDULE OF

1976 CHURCH DINNERS
Onslow-New Hanover— Friday, October

29, 7:15 p. m., Folkstone Church;

Leonard Hobbs, Chairman.
Beaufort County— Saturday, October 30,

7 p. m., Chocowinity High School;

Oscar Webster, Chairman.
Pitt County— Monday, November 1,

7 p. m., D. H. Conley High School;

Stewart Humphrey, Chairman.
Nash County— Wednesday, November 3,

7 p. m., Middlesex Elementary

School Cafeteria; Lester Duncan,

Chairman.

Jones County— Thursday, November 4,
7:30 p. m., Kings Restuarant, the
Rev. Melvin Everington, Chairman.

Lenoir County— Saturday, November 6,
7:30 p. m., Kings Barbecue; Buddy
Sasser, Chairman.

Johnston-Wake Counties— Monday,
November 8, 7 p. m., Smithfield-
Selma High School; V. T. Craddock
and L. B. Woodall, Cochairmen.

Washington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun-
ties—Thursday, November 11, 7:30
p. m., Washington County Union
School.

IN MEMORY OF CLARENCE
D. WHITEHURST

As we review the past year, we are
conscious of the vacancy that has been
left in our church by the passing of our
brother in Christ, Mr. Clarence D.
Whitehurst. Brother Whitehurst united
with the Sweet Gum Grove Free Will
Baptist Church, Stokes, at an early age
and served his church as long as his
health permitted.

He is survived by his faithful wife,
Mrs. Agnes B. Whitehurst; one
daughter, Mrs. George Johnson of
Robersonville; two sons, Dewey
Whitehurst of Greenville, and Jimmy
Whitehurst of Kernersville; and six
grandchildren.

The funeral services were conducted
at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel by his
pastor, the Rev. Frank Brinson, and a
former pastor, the Rev. W. H. Willis of
Kinston.

Surely the church and the community
have sustained a great loss and are
saddened by his passing, but we bow in
humble submission to Him who doeth all
things well.

A home they all enjoyed,
A voice they loved is still;
A place is vacant now
That no one else can fill.

Oh, how they tried to save him;
Prayers and tears were all in vain.
Angels came and took him away
To a world of no more pain.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Esper Futrell, Chairman
Mrs. Provot Lassiter
Mrs. James Smith

NEWSX
_NOTES.

Westward Hill Mission

Gets New Pastor

The Rev. Jesse Lane has accepted the

call to pastor the Westward Hills Mission
at Henderson. Mr. Lane is married and
has four children. He is manager of a
supermarket. His address is: 2211 May
Drive, Burlington, North Carolina 27705.

Otter's Creek
Revival Planned

Revival services are scheduled to
begin November 1 and continue through
November 5 at Otter's Creek Free Will
Baptist Church, near Macclesfield.
Services will start at 7:30 each night
with the Rev. C. F. Bowen as guest
speaker, assisted by the pastor, the Rev.
Ralph Aycock. Everyone is invited to
attend this revival. Special singing will
be rendered each service.

Revival In Progress
At Powhatan Church

The Powhatan Free Will Baptist Church ,
near Clayton, announces that revival
services are now in progress and will
continue through October 29 at 7:30
each evening. The Rev. Floyd Cherry,
pastor of the Pine Level Free Will Baptist
Church is the evangelist. Everyone is
cordially invited to attend the remaining
services.

Fall Revival Announced
At Dilda's Grove

Fall revival services are scheduled for
the Dilda's Grove Free Will Baptist
church, Fountain, North Carolina, for the
week of November 1-6, with the Rev.
Keith Cobb, pastor of the Fellowship
church, Wilson, as the evangelist.
Services will begin nightly at 7:30.

The pastor, the Rev. Luther Bissette,
and the church members extend to
everyone a cordial invitation.

League Convention to
Convene at Mount Zion

The League Convention will meet with
Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church,
Roper, North Carolina, on October 30.

The program will be given by the
Mount Zion church. The Rev. Charlie
Overton, pastor, urges all leaguers to
attend.

Daley's Chapel
Announces Revival

Revival services will be held at Daly's
Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Route
1, Seven Springs, North Carolina, the
week of November 1-6. Services will
begin each evening at 7:30 with the Rev.
Scott Sowers as the visiting evangelist.

The pastor, the Rev. David W.
Hansley, and the church membership
extend a cordial invitation to the public to
attend these services.

Second Union Meeting and SS
Convention, Contralto Meet

The Second Union Meeting and
Sunday School Convention of the Central
Conference will convene Sunday af-
ternoon, October 31, at 3 p. m., at the
Marlboro Free Will Baptist Church
located on N.C. Highway 264 East, near
Farmville. The Rev. N. Bruce Barrow is
host pastor. All area churches and
Sunday schools are urged to be in
attendance for the occasion. Mr. Ran-
dolph Harris of the Winterville Free Will
Baptist Church is moderator of the con-
vention.

Revival and Homecoming
Slated for Crab Point Church

The week of November 1-5 is the l|
during which revival services have t
scheduled for the Crab Point Free
Baptist Church, Route 2, Morehead 0
North Carolina. Evangelist for this se
of services which begin at 7 p. m. nigj
will be the Rev. M. E. Cox assisted)
the pastor of Crab Point, the Rev. |i
Kivett. Special music will be renderec
local and visiting groups nightly; i
the public is cordially invited to bii
attendance for the services.

On Sunday, November 7, Crab Pi
will observe its annual homecorrj
celebration, with the Tucker Family
Kannapolis presenting a program i
special music during the morr;
worship service.

Free Union Church
Announces Revival

The Rev. Joe Lehmann of Farmville j
be the evangelist for the fall revival1!
Free Union Free Will Baptist Church n|
Walstonburg, North Carolina. Mr. ll
mann is a former member of Free Un!i
church where he served as a deacon el
a Sunday school teacher prior to S
ordination.

In addition to the gospel messat
there will be special music each nig;
The services will begin each evening':
7:30 p. m., October 31 — Novembers.

A cordial invitation is extended to t
public to attend.

Trent Free Will Baptist
Church History

Mrs. Robert Williams Jr., Box 1|
Merritt, North Carolina 28556 wishes;
hear from any one who knows any oft
history of the Trent church. The chur
is doing great things under the guidan
of the Rev. Charles Richardson.

Revival in Progress
Core Point Church

The revival services began at Co
Point church, Monday night, October 2
and will continue through Saturd
night, October 30, at 7:30 each evenin
The Rev. Graham Lane will be tl
evangelist, with the pastor, the Rev. R
Harrison assisting in the service
Everyone is invited to attend tne
services and enjoy the special singii
and good Christian fellowship with then

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTI!

fccedonia to Host

Rh Eastern Convention

The Sunday School Convention of the
Hh Eastern District will convene with
medonta Free Will Baptis*
w Emul, on October 31 with a morning
■rim only The program is as follows:

BID— Opening. C^a' es '/as:'
President

—Hymn, the Congregation
—Welcome. Frankie Whitford

— Response. Wesley Williams
—Offering

— Recognition of Pastors,
Delegates, Officers, and
Visitors

— Program, White Hill Church,
Small, North Carolina

—Sunday School Lesson. Mrs.
Vera Eubanks, Faith Church

— Business
—Minutes

—Treasurer's Report

— Denominational Reports

■pel Singing to Benefit

he Will Baptist Children's Home

The Aspen Grove and the Marlboro
mt Will Baptist Churches are spoo-
ring a Gospel Singing to oe held at the
Qmviiie National Guard Armory on
night, October 29, at 8 p. m.
.": -. z: .".v.':. - - ■ -. -. i~\

3; tickets a*

"r" Z'z' "l A jz

■rifted for $1 .50.

The proceeds from the singing will
■left the Free Will Baptist Children's
be of Middlesex. The sponsoring

- . z- - . i . z '--.

■ Revival

1 Hatty Springs

Revival services wHI be held at Holly
Br r:s : r9 Will Baptis: '.' -

2 Kenry. r>eg inning Sunday night,
flpber 31 and continuing through
Rvember 5 Prayer service will begin
eth evening at 7:15 n re bz.zzzci
biding. Services wH begin in the
cjrch sanctuary at 7:30. The Rev.
ftton Godwin of Newton Grove i~z
pstor of Oak Grove church will be the
:es: v

The pastor, the Rev. W. Royster
Wk, and the church me

\ E FREE WILL BAPTIST

request that each of you be

ion to

New Pastor at
Wilmington. First

Z'z~ Zi "t Z '.' Z.Z)'J\z S'5 i'' ' ;

ea: " : a; we a- >e: v
i'ie:: 'e:e .e: "e

largest amount of pledges (S1 H3 for - e
acj- sr.K:-j a-: W re - Swer
($62.50 ) for the young people.

The membership of the First Original

Free Will Baptist Church of Wilmington,
North Carolina, is very pleased to an-
nounce that as o; Sere-:-- '2 1976
the Rev. Lloyd Gore accepted the
pastorate of the church.

We would like to invite the public to
'-.-.'Z se~.

Far Missions'

A Walk-A-Thon for Foreign Missions,
sponsored by the YFA of Community

Free Will Baptist Church, WelO" Nortti , _

Carolina was heic S<:.-:s. 5e: ^..^V' :' "e "": ' - "■

tember 25. Approximately 25 young $500' '"; ' :- 8601 ::' *e

i pictured above, too* Foreign Missions Boarc

-s*ass.*-. eorir":

far everyone who took part, and if your

The walk began at the church around cnurch has not trieo it. we challenge you

1 p. m.. and e'oed in historic Halifax at to do so.

4 p. m i : stance oi id:.;: eight - -.\ - — —
~'z z".aZ r.zzz>z;Z z'Zz lv i h\ zv ::

at Ha~ax So---'". Zz ?Zz *~z -. First Church. Wilson.

-eres1 — e~'i *z". se-'.e: -~V a" . *: Announces Revival

in Halifax the proup *as :a*e' :* \ :e>'ta se~> :>s * *e: " wi'oa*

' v re r t :-T7 »'»

will De the Rei Kemer)

anc

ghl November

■as Mrs. Jerusha
it T.e seventy-tow

r

night with special singing by local
groups and soloists. The pastor, the Rev.
Clyde W. Cox, extends an invitation to
everyone to come for these services.

Yelverton's Grove Church, Host
Cape Fear Conference

The Yelverton's Grove Original Free
Will Baptist Church, Smithfield, will host
the 122nd session of the Cape Fear
Conference on November 4 and 5. The
song leader will be the Rev. Cooper
Thompson. Mrs. Debbie Davenport will
serve as the pianist. The program is as
follows:

Thursday Morning Session

9:15— Registration
10:00— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.
A. B. Bryan
10:10— Welcome, the Rev. C. M. Coats

— Response, the Rev. Henry
Armstrong

10:15— Call to Order by Conference
Secretary

— Registration Rules Explained by
Credentials Committee
Chairman, the Rev. W. A.
Martin

— Roll Call of Officers

— Roll Call of Churches

— Recognition of Visitors

— Moderator's Remarks, the Rev.
C. Felton Godwin

—Appointment of Committees
10:45— Song and Praise Time
1 1 :00 — Children's Home Report
11:15— Congregational Singing

— Offering
—Offertory Prayer
—Sermon, the Rev. Luby Tyner

12:00— Recess for Lunch

Thursday Afternoon Session

1:15— Congregational Singing
1:30— Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.
John David Hill

— Partial Report of the Credentials
Committee

— Report of Executive Committee

— Report of Ordaining Council, the
Rev. Billy R. Nowell

—Report of Cape Fear Sunday
School Convention

Friday Morning Session

10:00— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.
Alton Howard
10:10— Report of the Cape Fear Mission

Board, A. F. Ballance
10:20— Report of the Woman's
Auxiliary, Mrs. Mary Lou
Jackson

10:30— Report of Cape Fear Minister's
Conference, the Rev. John
David Hill

10:35— Report of Board of Education,

the Rev. Gene B. Britt
10:45— Song and Praise Time
11:00— Mount Olive College Report
1 1 :1 5— Congregational Singing

—Offering

—Offertory Prayer

—Sermon, the Rev. Cedric Pierce
12:00— Recess for Lunch

Friday Afternoon Session

1 :1 5— Congregational Singing

—Scripture and Prayer, the Rev.
J. B. Caton
1:30— Report of Denominational
Enterprises
— Report of Temporary Committees
—Treasurer's Report
—Closing Business Session
—Adjournment

Central Conference
To Convene at Elm Grove

The 228th Annual Session of the
Central Conference of Original Free Will
Baptists will convene at Elm Grove Free
Will Baptist Church, Route 3, Ayden, on
November 10 and 11. The following is
the program for the two-day meeting:

Wednesday Norning

9:30— Registration of Ministers and
Delegates

10:00— Devotions, the Rev. Robert
Rollins

10:15— Welcome, the Rev. Gary Bailey
10:20— Response, the Rev. Harry Jones
10:25— Moderator's Message, the Rev.
James Lupton

— Recognition of Visitors
—Appointment of Committees

10:45— Report of State Convention, the

Rev. Robert May
10:55— Report of Free Will Baptist Press

Foundation, the Rev.

Walter Reynolds
11:05— Report of Mount Olive College,

Dr. W. B. Raper
11:30— Morning Worship, the Rev.

Wiley Lewis

— Introductory Sermon

Wednesday Afternoon

1:15— Devotions, the Rev. Bobby Taylor

1:25— Business Period

Partial Report of Credentia
Committee

Report of Executive Committee

Report of Central

Conference Missions

Report of Church Extension, tti

Rev. Taylor Hill

Report of Trustees

Report of Central Conferee

Historian

Report of Cragmont
3:15— Adjournment

Thursday Morning

9:00— Final Registration

9:30— Devotions, the Rev. Bobt
Futrell

9:40— Business Period:
Reading of Minutes
Recognition of Visitors
Report of Obituary Committees
Report of Temperance Con
mittee

Report of Resolutions Committe
10:30— Ordaining Council Report
10:40— Report of State Mission Boan

the Rev. Joe Ingram
10:50— Report of Free Will Bapti

Children's Home, the Rev.

Sam Weeks
-I -| 05 — Report of Church Financ

Assoc., the Rev. Hubert Burre<
11:15— Business Period

Final Report of Credentia

Committee

Report of Treasurer

Morning Worship Ordainir

Council

All the reports to be placed in minuti
must be turned in to the clerk. All boar<
are requested to have copies of repor
for delegates printed for distribution
convening of conference. Each speak
is expected to stay within time limit.

All churches are requested to sen
$5.90 for yearbooks. Lunch on Wei
nesday will be $2.50.

Notice to Clerks of Central Conferenci
The conference report blanks wei
mailed on October 14. Please see th
these are completed and delivered to tf
conference. In the event that you did n
receive a report blank, please contact I
clerk, the Rev. Hubert Burres
Pinetops, North Carolina.

Revival in Session
At Fremont Church

The Fremont Free Will Baptist Chur
of Fremont, North Carolina, announc

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

s fall revival is this week, October 25-
0, at 7:30 each evening. The guest
vangelist is the Rev. Ralph Aycock,
astor of Otter's Creek Free Will Baptist
hurch. There will be special music
ightly, and a nursery will be provided.
The congregation and the pastor, the
ti. Charles L. Renfrow, extend a
ordial invitation to all to attend these
ervices. They also invite everyone to
ttendthechildren'sservice, which will be-
in at 7:15 nightly, and the prayer
Dom which will also begin at 7:15
ach evening.

The Mountaintop Experience'

arecta Church, Host to

lird Eastern District League Union

The Sarecta Free Will Baptist Church
sar Kenansville will be host to the Third
astern District League Union on
ovember 13 at 4 p. m. All churches are
ged to have their leagues represented
this meeting; recommended
jgistration fees are $10. The following
rogram gives a summary of the league
ctivities:

00— Hymn
—Prayer

—Devotions, Gray Branch League
—Welcome, Sarecta Church

— Business; Minutes, Miss Myra
Summerlin

— Reports from Leagues
—Offering

—Special Music, Christian Chapel

League
—Choruses
—Sword Drill

—Program, Sarecta League
—Treasurer's Report, Miss Maria
Ard

—Announcements
—League Benediction
—Supper, Host Church

Churches and Ministers
Available

ote: This column is provided, when needed,
r any church that is seeking a pastor and for
iy minister who is seeking a church to serve
id would like to give such notice. Please send
le necessary information to the editor of "The
|se Will Baptist." Each notice will run for two
sues only.)

The First Free Will Baptist Church of
irham is looking for a pastor. Those
erested and qualified please call
imes Frazer, (919) 596-3938 after 6
m.

^BullStin

Mr and Mrs Douglas Skinner, Managers
Black Mountain. N C

TREASURER'S REPORT AUGUST, 1976

Balance Brought Forward August 1 , 1976

Albemarle District
Albemarle Union Meeting

Cape Fear District
Hopewell

Lee's Chapel Sunday School
Victory Mission

Central District
Black Jack

Queenie Clark Sunday School Class, Black Jack

Dilda's Grove Sunday School

Edgewood

First Church, Tarboro

Fourth Union Convention

Otter's Creek Sunday School

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dail, Bethany Church

Wanda Sweat, Roanoke Rapids

Eastern District
Angola
Beulaville
Bridgeton

Caroon Brothers Seafood Company
Fifth, Sunday School Convention
Julia Matthews Bible Class, Saint Mary's
Oriental YFA

Western District
Branch Chapel
Flood's Chapel

People's Chapel Sunday School

Milbournie

Selma

Sherron Acres
Stancil's Chapel
Unity, Durham

Mrs. Hilda Currie, Sherron Acres
General Youth Conference
General Youth Conference (In honor, Cecil Ballard)
North Carolina Free Will Baptist Woman's Auxiliary

Convention
Department of Revenue (Sales tax rebate)

Total Receipts

Total for Which to Account

Receipts

Disbursements

Operational Expenses
Burress Insurance Agency
Transfer of Funds to Main Building Fund
Transfer of Funds to General Savings

Total Disbursements
Balance on Hand September 1 , 1976

General Savings
Main Building Fund
Chapel Fund
General Fund
Total

EARMARKED FUNDS

$16.63

35.28
57.63
40.60

645.91
25.00
52.17
15.00
75.00
8.62
9.97
25.00
10.00

60.00
50.00
18.00
500.00
10.00
50.00
25.00

10.00
5.00
5.00
23.00
25.00
41.50
10.00
5.00
5.00
100.00
50.00

605.94
239.28

$235.51
56.95
1,231.28
1,381.11

$2,500.00

16.63

133.51

866.67

713.00

129.50

995.22
$2,854.53
$5,354.53

2,904.85
$2,449.68

$15,627.77
16,362.78
3,381.67
2,449.68
$37,821.90
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler, Treasurer

iE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For November 7

TOGETHER UNDER GOD

Lesson Text: Romans 10:5-13; 11:33-36
Memory Verse: Romans 10:12

I. INTRODUCTION

At the time of Paul's labors there were
three religious philosophies at work in
that part of the world seeking to control
the minds and the souls of men. Paul in
his work as the apostle to the Gentiles
had to deal with all three of these. The
first of these was as is termed in
Scripture "heathenism" which em-
braced many forms of idolatry including
emperor worship. When the church
spread from the land of Israel and
became active in Gentile lands,
heathenism became its greatest foe.
Much of the Epistle to the Romans is
designed to show that heathenism was
not only incapable of saving but was
exceedingly sinful within itself. The
second of these religious conceptions
was Judaism, or the established religion
of the Jewish people. This religious
conception, though it had stemmed from
God and had a very definite role to play in
the revealing of God and His will to
men, had not only been corrupted and
compromised along the way but had
now served its purpose, find-
ing fulfillment in Christ. The
third of these religious conceptions was
the one which Paul espoused, that which
we call "Christianity," but which Paul
recognized as the dispensation of God's
grace through faith in Christ.

Part of today's lesson text will concern
itself with Paul's efforts to show both
Jew and Gentile that this dispensation of
grace embraced them, and that God was
no respecter of persons, but would
willingly save all who met the terms of
redemption made possible through the
death of His Son. It will also stress the
fact that both Jew and Gentile need this
salvation which is available to all through
faith in Christ, and through faith
alone.— The Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Often seen these days is a
Christian salute with one upraised finger,
meaning "one way." There is only one
way of salvation because there is only
one Saviour (Acts 4:12). We are saved by
Jesus, or we are not saved at all.

Paul draws a sharp contrast between
Christians and unbelieving Jews.
Christians are made righteous because of
their faith, even though what they do is
not altogether righteous. Unbelieving
Jews reject the righteousness that God is
willing to give to believers. They try
instead to make themselves righteous by
keeping the law, and they fail. Our
lesson continues the contrast between
righteousness by law and rightousness
by faith.

B. God chose Moses to receive His
law and pass it on to the people of Israel.
The law is recorded in the books of
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy.

The law told how to do right. One who
obeyed it in all points would be
righteous, and therefore would have a
right to live. This is a message of justice.
But by this stern rule no one had a right to
live. Through all the ages of Israel, no
one obeyed the law in all points. Man
cannot live by justice alone. Without
mercy he has no hope. No one is entirely
righteous by his own efforts alone.
Everyone does some things that are
wrong and fails to do some things that
are right. But when we believe in Jesus,
God takes away our sin and gives us His
righteousness instead. This is the
righteousness of faith.

We already know the message of the
righteousness of faith. We have the word
in our mouths as we pass it on to others.
We hold the message in our hearts, and
as we think about it we see gleams of
truth we have never seen before. The
ancient word does not change, but our
understanding of it grows. In this lesson
we see an inspired apostle presenting

the truth in a way not quite like ai
other presentation of it; and even witho
special inspiration we find new ways
speaking, new illustrations, new a
plications that give us a new a|
preciation of the message we ha>
known so long.

C. Of him may be translated "fro
him" or "out of him." This prepositk
suggests creation. There would I
nothing but God if God had not mat
something else. All else that exists h;
come from God.

D. Through him suggests tran
mission. Whatever goes throw
anybody or anything is moving, goii
somewhere. All the good things we enj<
not only come from God in His create
they also come to us through Him; thi
is, through His love, His grace, H
giving. Life and breath, sunshine ar
rain, our daily food, our physic1
strength, our mental powers— all the'
and more are gifts we receive throu/
God. Most important of all, eternal I,
can never be produced or won by o]
efforts alone. We have it also throu
him.— Standard Lesson Commentary j

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS |

A. His ways are far above curi
What a great Saviour we have! Pa
closes out this passage in a burst j
praise for His Master. God is rich
wisdom and understanding, fl
judgments, His wise decisions, paleoui
into insignificance. The wisest of us a
as ignorant beings compared to t
depths of His discernment, and His wa
are far above ours, no matter how hii
we may strive to reach intellectually
spiritually.

B. He needs no counselor. We are1
constant need of someone to guide us,
advise us lest we stumble and fall by t
way. But not so with God. A gn
American educator, who had receiv
only a B. A. degree, was urged by I
colleagues to take tests for a higf
degree. His startling reply was, "W
would examine me?" Who can exami
the mind of God? Who is capable)
advising so great an intellect?

C. There is nothing we can give '
Him which does not at first belong >
Him. He is the giver of all things; wit
He wants from us is our love, our livi
and our obedience. The offerings »
make to Him are mere symbols of i>
greater part of our lives He desires. U I

Continued on page 16

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTI

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31
Scripture Reading— Luke 14 : 16-26

A SELF-EXCUSING
DEACON
Two deacons from a rural church
ent fishing on a bright Sunday
lorning. As they sat in their boat,
ley heard in the distance the ringing
[ the church bell, calling the people
i God's house.

One, conscience-stricken, said
idly, "Really, we ought to be in
Wch today."

Self -excusing, the other said, "Even
I were at home today, I couldn't go
) church for my wife is ill. "
How trivial are the excuses
isponsibility-shirking, backslidden
iristians make !

PRAYER THOUGHT
! On God's day, the excuses which
mid not hold up during the work
sek seem to become legitimate,
that we forget is that God sees the
|art; He doesn't just listen to our
reuses not knowing what is behind
\eml

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Scripture Reading— Psalm 127:1;
Iroverbs 14:34

A SNICKER IN HEAVEN
Once upon a time there was a
ition. That nation spent $75 billion
ich year to defend itself against
tesible attack; spent $330 million in
j ie year for chemical warfare ; spent
4 billion in one year for alcoholic
Averages— more than twice as much
■\ it spent for religious and welfare
jitivities. But on every one of these
•liars that nation printed "In God
e Trust!" And from somewhere in
saven there was heard a snicker !
O God, mercifully help us to un-
'iceive ourselves, lest we perish! -W.
Rees

PRAYER THOUGHT
When American citizens get their

values in the proper order, then, and
only then, will our nation truly
prosper. Do we really trust in God? If
so, we will show it in the spending of
our money also.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians

8:5

' 'I HAVE NO SILVER OR GOLD' '
Deeply burdened for unsaved ones
in the vast stretches of earth where
Christ was unknown, Alexander Duff
prayed thus: "O Lord, Thou knowest
that I have no silver or gold to give to
this cause. What I have I give unto
Thee. I offer Thee myself. Wilt thou
accept the gift?"

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we first give ourselves to
God, then all the other areas of our
lives fall in proper order. It is when
we hold back part of ourselves that
our service to God, our faith in God,
and our gifts to God's cause are not
what they should be.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Scripture Reading— Romans 8 : 37

JOHN WESLEY'S CONVERSION

Years ago, a ship bound for
America was caught in the jaws of a
mighty storm in mid- Atlantic. The
voyagers were filled with fear. It
seemed certain that all would go down
into a watery grave. Aboard the ship
was a young minister, John Wesley,
enroute to Georgia to convert the
Indians. As the storm raged in its
fury, Wesley observed that a small
group of Moravian missionaries
appeared calm and confident, having
no fear. He said to them, "Are you not
afraid? Our lives are in grave peril ! ' '

Calmly they replied, "We have no
fear whatever. Our lives are hid with
Christ in God. He is our Saviour and
nothing will ever separate us from
Him!" One of them asked Wesley,
' 'Do you know Christ as your personal
Saviour?"

Wesley replied, "I fear that I do
not." Later he had a vital, ex-
periential confrontation with Christ.
Then he said, "Think of it! I was going
to Georgia to convert the Indians
when I myself was not converted!"
After preaching to the Indians, John
Wesley returned to England and
began to proclaim the transforming
Gospel of Christ. Revival fires began
to glow throughout England. —Told by
Ralph M. Smith.

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is when we are truly converted
that we can accomplish mighty things
for God's cause — not of our own doing,
but through God himself!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Scripture Reading— 1 Corinthians
3:9

GOD AND YOU

A minister said to a farmer who had
converted a veritable rock pile into a
crop-producing farm, "God and you
are getting along very well here ! ' '

"Yes," the farmer replied, "but you
should have seen the place when God
was handling it alone ! ' '

God likes to use human instruments
to perform His work on earth for we
are truly laborers together with God.

PRAYER THOUGHT
George Eliot once said, " 'Tis God's
skill, but it needs our hands." God
uses man to accomplish His will on
earth, but man must be willing for
God to use him.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Scripture Reading— Galatians 6 : 14

NO OTHER WAY

In Dallas, a little boy became lost.
Frightened and confused, he could tell
the officer little or nothing about
where he lived. In an effort to get
some inkling about the boy's home,
the officer asked, "Is there anything
you can tell me that will help us find
your home?" Pointing to a distant
towering cross atop a church, the boy
replied, "If you will take me to the
cross, I can find my way home. ' '

Long ago Christ died on the Cross a
vicarious death for the sin of
mankind. All who enter the eternal
home, Heaven, must needs go by the
way of the Cross.— Told by Ralph M.
Smith.

PRAYER THOUGHT
I must needs go home by the way of
the Cross,

There's no other way but this;

I shall ne'er get sight of the Gates of

Light,

If the way of the Cross I miss.

— Jesse B. Pounds

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians

5:1

MADE FOR IMMORTALITY
President Lincoln said, "Surely
Continued on page 16

1

E FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

Dear Maggie,

Once in a while God sends to us a special blessing of love and fellowship to lift
our hearts in joy and praise. An occasion such as this came to me recently as the
Miles family gave a program of song and testimony in our church. They had already
begun to sing as we entered; and the power of the Holy Spirit seemed to fill the room,
resting upon everyone there. It did not take long to understand why because the love
and unity between the members of the group was so very sweet that you could almost
imagine the angels bending near to watch and hear. This was not polished
professionalism; but, rather, the simple and humble worship of our beloved Father.

A young man in the group was called upon to render a hymn, which he did
beautifully. At the age of twelve, this young man is a very dedicated child of God. As
he sang of his master's nail-scarred hands, his voice broke and tears flowed down
his cheeks. Most of the congregation wept with him, unashamed to express their
feelings for our Saviour and Lord. By the end of the service, everyone there had been
strengthened and replenished in the spirit of God. What a wonderful, precious
memory that night shall be for me and so many more!
DR

Fountain, N.C.

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleas-
ant; and praise is comely" (Psalm 147:1).

Maggie

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Continued from page 14

we have given Him ourselves and all we
have, we have given Him nothing.

D. A doxology of praise. Reaching
the zenith of his praise. Paul crowns it
with a pledge of glory. All things are of
him, they come to us through him, and in
our worship we return them to him. All
glory is of Him, comes to us through
Him, and in sincere praise we give it
back to Him. All this is true when we are
in a blessed togetherness with Him.

-The Bible Student (F. W. B.)

E. In boundless compassion You
sent Your Son to redeem us from our

sins, and we thank You from the depths
of grateful hearts. Since we are saved by
Your grace, we pray that by Your grace
we shall also follow the leading of the
Spirit and live as Your obedient children.
Help us to rid ourselves of selfishness
and give freely of our time and money to
take Your gospel of salvation to all the
world.

— Selected

Thought to Remember

If God's mercy is for all, everybody
ought to hear about it.— Standard
Lesson Commentary

FAMILY DEVOTIONS

Continued from page 15

God would not have created man w
an ability to grasp the Infinite to es
only for a day. No, no, man was ma
for immortality ! ' '

As God's children come up to 1<
opal gates of death, they can ci.
fidently exclaim, "We know we ha:
a house not made with hands, etenl
in the heavens."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Because He lives, God's childr
will live eternally with Hit
Hallelujah!

(Devotions used by permission
Knight's Up-To-The-Minute
lustrations, Moody Press.)

Missions

Continued from Page 8

Hope Mills had a ground-break]
ceremony. We thank God and praise hi
for His marvelous grace as He proviii
us a building to worship Him in.

Six months later, on July 14, 19 ,
we held our last meeting on Ellin
Street— Wednesday business meetii,
and started off in our new building wit i
three-day weekend revival. 1
evangelist was the Rev. Al Markuson J
the Swordmen Singers.

October 17,1 976— today is the foil
homecoming of Victory Free Will Bap t
Mission, Highway 59 and Orchi
Street, Hope Mills, with the Rev. Joe.
Gerald as our minister. After giving |
some history of our mission, I would n|
like to give you a report of the ml
important part: We are a mission wit a
"Mission." God has placed each ofs
here for just one thing, and that is "si
winning." In almost four years, tin
have been 35 baptized, 20 conversio
six received by letter, 14 conversio
during Vacation Bible School, and 3
now have seven awaiting baptism. Prd
the Lord! God has been so good to ,
don't you agree? Our Lord has also j
recently called a young man (U
Murray) from our ranks to preach 3
gospel.

Submitted i
Taylor Hill

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTf

"ALL'S FAIR" . . . SACRILEGE OR
PORNOGRAPHY-ORBOTH?

AN AFFAIR TO FORGET

The only thing that's fair about "All's Fair" is that the devil gets more than
his share of publicity. I have reference to a Monday night program aired on
CBS television in which an older man (aged 49) is involved physically and
romantically (if you will) with a younger lady who says that she's 23. (I use the
term "lady" loosely.)

More permissive than "Maude" (a show that has perhaps received more
moralistic bombardment than any other show on television), "All's Fair"
really defies the imagination. While we admit that people probably do act that
way, we can't help but gasp at some of the blatant statements and/or
suggestive acts prevalent that cheapen a man-woman social relationship. And
what is even more disturbing is the fact that the show, while trying to be cute,
borders on the sacrilegious — which isn't funny at all!

An obvious question would be: "If you find the program so bad, obnoxious,
and offensive, why do you watch it?" To answer truthfully : I've watched it only
on two occasions— partly out of curiosity, and partly to assure myself that I
was indeed seeing and hearing what I thought I was seeing and hearing.

Bent and intent on humor, the show comes across a little more than
ridiculous, with a few touching scenes (pun intended) thrown in for added
"thrill" for those who subscribe to this particular "appealing" attraction of the
show. The sexual overtones of the program and the obvious lustful nature
depicted by the 49-year-old man (who is admittedly "hooked" on a girl who is
young enough to be his daughter) are quite evident. It would seem that the man
is making one last attempt to prove his masculinity; and the girl, in turn, is
finding intrigue (for want of a better term) in a relationship with an older,
more experienced man who makes her feel as though she is the rarest of gifts
to mankind.

If these facts alone were not enough to make "realism" (if that's what they
choose to call it) repugnant, the references to God, made in a frivolous man-
ner, are such as to make me, at least, shiver in my boots !

To wit: On Monday night's show, October 25, thunder was heard, and the
main male character looked heavenward and said something to this effect: "If
you have any compassion at all, you'll let the next sound I hear be a knock on
my door." (He hoped, of course, that his paramour would be the knocker. ) The
knock came, and as he opened the door, there she stood in all her (excuse me)
sexy splendor! Then, as he greeted her, as is his usual custom it seems, with
sexual innuendoes befitting the proverbial "dirty old man," thunder again was
heard ; and he looked toward the ceiling, offering verbal thanks : ' 'There for a
minute I thought you might be away— in church, maybe— since it's Sunday,"
(or some such demeaning conversational trivia). Can you imagine anyone
speaking to the Almighty Father in that manner?

TV has its advantages and disadvantages, its good and bad points. It has
its off-and-on switch, too; and in too many cases, I feel that we as a society of
Christian people fail to turn "the tube" off from lack of real concern or mere
indifference — which, I don't really know. It is a sure fact, however, that more
and more of the prime time programs are leaning toward permissiveness of
such extremism that some of us fear literal thunder and lightning coming down
from Heaven. And oddly enough, these programs are usually the highest-rated
ones on the air!

The producer of "All's Fair" (whose name I prefer not to mention) has
several such successful shows on the air; and under the guise of reality, these
shows get by the censors without so much as a sniff (if such people actually
exist anymore — censors, I mean). Indeed, these shows may represent life as it
is, but they do not represent life as it ought to be!

All's fair in love and war, so it has been said for generations; but both the
words love and war carry different connotations for different people. While the
man and young woman on "All's Fair" flaunt their own brand of love, I per-
sonally wonder if there's any real love felt in such an involvement. Satanic
love— maybe, but certainly not the love that draws two hearts together in one
accord! However "sweetly" the two main characters speak of the virtue, it is
obvious to most viewers that their whole relationship hinges on physical lust. If
I am too narrow i:i my appraisal, somebody please correct me !

I end this critique by saying that in my opinion "All's Fair" ought to be
taken off the air; and further, it's an affair that would best be forgotten.
Reader supporting or dissenting opinions are welcomed !

NOVEMBER 3, 1976
Volume 91 Number 43

Edited and published weekly by tire Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lee
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second-
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue must
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to the
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; one
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17; plus
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" to
the home of every member; names and ad-
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes
these A 50 percent discount is offered under
this plan

The contents herein do not necessarily reflect
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of The
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for each
article is given the person whose name appears
under the title or to the person submitting said
article.

Items for publication should be addressed to
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158,
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.— 5
p m , Monday — Friday; 9 a. m.— 5 p. rn.,
Saturday.

Smithfield. New Bern, and Wilson, 9:30
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark,
Vice-President; Hubert Burress. Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning,
Editor ol Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T Sasser,
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE SEXTON'S DREAM

by John W. Beaman
Walstonburg, North Carolina

"And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and
to another one; ..." (Matthew 25:15).

The sexton was old, his head was white;
He was hard of hearing, and dim of sight.
There were many days when his step was slow,
But he never was called when he did not go—
In summer or winter, foul weather or fair,
If duty called, the sexton was there.

The pews were polished, the aisles were clean,

No dust on altar or railing was seen.

The fires were lighted, the church was warm,

In bitter weather, no winter storm

Could daunt the sexton; no summer sun

Could stop the old man 'til his work was done.

But he held one sorrow within his heart;
He would say to himself that the humble part
He did for his Master could never prove
The strength and the depth of his utter love
For the one who died on Calvary,
To bring salvation to such as he.

If he could preach with the strength and power

That the parson did— 0 the happy hour,

Or if he might join with the Sunday choir

As they sang the songs that set hearts on fire,

Or play the organ with wondrous skill,

He would serve the Master with might and will.

It happened one day when his work was done,
And he rested awhile in the morning sun,
That he fell asleep and began to dream—
The sun never shone with a brighter gleam,
The birds never sang with a gladder sound,
Or the flowers bloomed more sweetly round.

Some children entered the chancel door,
And with silent footsteps tiptoed o'er.
They said, "We'll thank the sexton old,
Who tends our fire when the days are cold,
Who toils and labors with loving care,
To keep our church house so pleasant here.

"He is such a kind and friendly man,
We'll show him we love him the best we can."
Then many others came passing through,
The men and women and children he knew—
To speak their thanks and voice their cheer,
For the work he had done there for many a year.

The preacher came with a friendly smile

To shake his hand and chat awhile.

He said, "I minister to the soul,

You labor to keep the body whole;

But your work and my work go hand in hand,

And He who knows all will understand."

Then a voice came soft as a whispering breeze,

"Inasmuch as you did it to one of these,

To the least of these, you did it to me.

So the work you do is not little you see;

He who has one talent and serves me with such,

Serves even as he does who serves me with much."

The sexton awoke and his eyes were bright;
The sexton rose and Iiis step was light.
His wrinkled face wore a happy smile;
His heart kept sighing and shouting the while,
And he went his way with the joy of one
To whom the Master had said, "Well done."

[HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

REMOVE NOT THE ANCIENT
LANDMARK

emoi/e no

by Joan A. Hooks
Winterville, North Carolina

tthe ancient landmark, which thy fathers have Set ' (Prouerhs 22:28).

jl ISTORIC Reedy Branch Free Will
Baptist Church near Winterville,
North Carolina, will celebrate its 176th
anniversary on Sunday, November 7,
when it will observe its annual
homecoming day. The pastor, the Rev.
Willis Wilson, and the church members
especially invite former pastors and
former members of their renowned
church to be in attendance for this
momentous occasion.

Reedy Branch Church Today— A Silent Sentinel of

Faith

The Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist
Church lays claim to being one of the
oldest Free Will Baptist churches in Pitt
County. The church does not have actual
written proof due to the burning of the
Pitt County Courthouse in 1854 when the
county records were destroyed.
Therefore, the church was forced to rely
upon information given by older
members, word-of-mouth historical
reports, and data gleaned here and
there. The writer would like to invite our
readers to notify her if you have any
records of old minutes of the Central
Conference or other papers which
mention Reedy Branch and which will
testify of an actual date in the early
1 800 ' s . Please respond if you can be of
help, especially by allowing the writer to
have copies made of your documents

which can then be filed with the church
records. One example of such records
the writer has in her possession is a
photostat copy which states:
"Quarterly Meeting, July term in the
year of our Lord 1838, in time of con-
ference, brother Joab Smith applied for a
letter of commendation for himself and
wife to the Church at Reedy Branch for
convenience. We the Church at this place
do recommend the aforesaid brother and
sister to be in full fellowship at this
place. Signed Benjamin Meeks for Elder
M ."

The age of Reedy Branch Church
strongly suggests that it is perhaps the
"Mother Church" to many of the other
Free Will Baptist churches in Pitt County.
It is an established fact that at the close
of the Civil War, the former slaves who
had been attending Reedy Branch were
assisted by the church in organizing a
church of their own which has since
been known as English Chapel Free Will
Baptist Church and is located near
Greenville. The "white people" of Reedy
Branch assisted the "black people" of
English Chapel, their Christian brothers
and sisters, by furnishing speakers for
their services and also a clerk until they

were capable of carrying on for them
selves.

Reedy Branch Church was firs
housed in a one-room log building
typical of pioneer days, with a large
fireplace as the heating system. Thf
pews were slabs of wood with hole:
bored in them into which wooden peg?
were driven for legs. A small frame
building replaced the log structure ir
1880, and in 1901 a frame structure was
occupied. The 1901 building has since
been brick veneered, and several ad-
ditions have been made as mentionec
later in this article.

Pastor Willis Wilson Charges Members as the Con-
struction of New Fellowship Hall Begins

First Shovelful of Dirt Turned by Pastor Wilson a;
Building Chairman S. A. Paramore and Boari
Chairman Russell Little Look On

The old log building served for man]
years when people came to worship frorr
miles around, some walking quite <
distance, others came on horseback
cart, wagons, and occasionally a buggy
Since in those days many of the womer
rode horseback, there were wooder
blocks placed on the church yard so the^
could dismount gracefully.

The 1880 structure, which replacec
the original log building, soon became
too small for the congregation. Therefore
the present building which has un
dergone many changes was built ir
1901. Renovation began in 1949 wher

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

he steeple and a vestibule were added,
he first educational unit was completed
i 1957; the sanctuary interior was
lodernized in 1961; the exterior was
Iricked in 1965 along with the adding of
le second educational unit. The third
.ducational unit has been built this year,
.wing been just completed, and will be
ailed the Fellowship Hall. The church is
uite proud of this new addition and
opes that it will benefit the church and
ie denomination as we seek to serve the
ord together.

One of the interesting facts in the
emodeling efforts is that the church has
ought to preserve the old building and
lany of its contents. The colonial
aneling used throughout the chancel
fas made from the old pews which were
riginally cut from long-leaf pines which
jrew on the local church grounds. The
rees which stand today were hauled to
he church site by oxcart and set out by
arly members of the church. Other
irticles of historic furnishings have been
Itilized throughout the church building.

ellowship Hall— As It Stands Completed and Ready
for Use

The Reedy Branch Church members
re especially proud, during this
Jcentennial year, that when the ink was
ardly dry on the Declaration of
"idependence, hardy souls began
olding religious services at its location
ear Winterville, North Carolina. By
800, a Free Will Baptist church was
rganized, taking the name Reedy
Iranch. The branch, as a result of
lodern drainage methods, has long
ince disappeared; but Reedy Branch
jlhurch still lives! Its white towering
ielfry, pointing to the sky, stands as a
nighty witness to the influence of Christ
n this community.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
PROMOTIONAL SERVICE

by the Rev. L. E. Ballard

I have recently received a number of
requests from Sunday schools for copies
of the various "Sunday School Guide"
bulletins I have been preparing over the
years I served as Field Secretary of the
North Carolina Sunday School Con-
vention. I have sent these out on
request, and will continue to do so as
long as my supply lasts, or until other
plans are made by the Executive Board of
the Convention for promotional literature,
even though I am no longer serving as
Field Secretary.

I also have around fifty film strips on
most every phase of Sunday school
work, and I will be glad to visit schools,
or workers' council meetings and show
these on request. I will expect only a free
will offering or small donation to cover
expenses. I have a number of film strips
and sound films suitable for youth
meetings, and the same offer is made
regarding them.

I am listing a few of the available films
below:

HOW TO TRAIN SUNDAY SCHOOL
WORKERS— Good for preparing for
Sunday school institute, or organization
of workers' council (runs about 15
minutes).

USING RECORDS EFFECTIVELY— For
workers' council meeting (runs about 10
minutes).

HOW TO HAVE AN OFFICERS AND
TEACHERS MEETING (about 15
minutes).

YOUNG PEOPLE AND SUNDAY
SCHOOL WORK— How to involve the
youth in the Sunday school (runs about
15 minutes).

BRING THEM IN— Film on visitation
(about 15 minutes).

PLANNING A LESSON and TESTING
RESULTS (about 15 minutes each). This
film is for teachers' meetings and can be
shown at one meeting or two.

TEACHER, DO YOU CARE? — Designed
to stimulate more dedication upon the
part of teachers, especially with respect
to between Sundays interest in pupils (a
full 30-minute program). This film is our
own, made up in part from portions of
various film-strips used by permission of
producers.

THE MINISTRY OF THE DEACON-For
meeting of the deacons or con-
gregation (runs about 20 minutes).

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S MEETINGS:
Manners at Home, at Church and at
School [three film strips about 10
minutes each]. Christian Com-
mittment—for teenagers (runs about 15
minutes). How the Bible Came to Be and
What's in the Bible (about 15 minutes
each). Teenagers and the Bible,
Teenagers and Prayer and Teenagers
and Christian Service (three filmstrips
about 10 minutes each). This makes a
good 30-minute program for youth
meetings. Tell Me About Jesus (a 30-
minute sound film for children).

NOTE: We have records for some of
these, but generally prefer to use
manuals because they can better be
adapted to needs of schools and youth
organizations of our denomination. All
films are in color.

For further information or dates for
visits, write me at 1225 South
Washington Street, Greenville, North
Carolina; or call me at 752-2950.

JOHNNY MERCER

MEMORIAL

Nearly a year has passed but it seems
like only yesterday that Johnny was
standing in our midst, giving a wonderful
testimony touching the hearts of all who
heard. His testimony has continued to
ring strong and touch hearts in Cabin
community.

Johnny Mercer was born November
14, 1955; he died November 7, 1975. A
member of Cabin Free Will Baptist
Church near Beulaville, North Carolina,
he was the son of Mrs. Julia Mercer and
the late Ralph Mercer.

Johnny was physically handicapped
all his life, but his "thorn in the flesh"
did not affect his emotional and spiritual
maturity. His commitment to his Lord,
his love for God and man, and his
determination to make the most of what
life offered was evident in his life. His
outlook on life continues to inspire and
encourage us. Even now we rejoice in the
new and whole body which Johnny has
in the presence of his Saviour.

A Johnny Mercer Memorial has been
established for home and foreign
missions in honor of the brave spirit
which characterized his life.

Respectfully submitted,
Lila N. Miller

rHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Q Answering ¥xir
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: What if any is the difference
in being a Christian in keeping with New
Testament requirements and being a Jew
under the law of Moses?

Answer: Those whom we now
generally designate as Jews were under
a covenant and so are we who are
Christians— Christians that are truly
born-again believers. The Jews made
their covenant with Jehovah when Moses
took it, written on two tables from God, to
them and read it before the whole
congregation. Then at times the Ten
Commandments were added to as God
dictated to the writers of the books of the
Old Testament and inspired them to
write, choosing from their own
vocabulary as He controlled them in the
writing of every word, yea every jot and
tittle.

Here is what God said to the Children
of Israel, the Jews as we are accustomed
to calling them: "Now therefore, if ye
will obey my voice indeed, and keep my
covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar
treasure unto me above all people: for all
the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto
me a kingdom of priests, and an holy
nation. These are the words which thou
shalt speak unto the children of Israel. . . .
And all the people answered together,
and said, All that the LORD hath spoken
we will do. And Moses returned the
words of the people unto the LORD"
(Exodus 19:5, 6, 8).

Scofield's Bible notes found on page
93 in the original Scofield Bible speak of
the difference in a rather concise form:

"2 At Sinai Israel learned the lessons:
(1) of the holiness of Jehovah through
the Commandments; (2) of their own
sinfulness and weakness through
failure; (3) and of the goodness of
Jehovah through the provision of
priesthood and sacrifice. The Christian
learns through the experience of Romans
7:7-24 what Israel learned at Sinai.

"4Cf. 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10.
What, under law, was condition, is under
grace, freely given to every believer. The
'if of v. 5 is the essence of law as a
method of divine dealing, and the

fundamental reason why 'the law made
nothing perfect' (Rom. 8:3; Heb. 7:18,
19). The Abahamic (Gen. 15:18, note)
and New (Heb. 8:8-12 note) covenants
minister salvation and assurance
because they impose but one condition,
faith."

Referring to Matthew 5:20: Peloubet's
Notes presents the following on page 1 51
in the 1974-75 notes as follows:

"This is generally considered to be
the key verse of the Sermon on the
Mount. Jesus said that His followers
must have a higher righteousness than
that of the scribes and Pharisees, or they
would never enter the kingdom of
heaven. The righteousness of the
Pharisees was outward, formal,
ceremonial, legalistic. In contrast, the
righteousness that Christ demands— and
gives those who will receive it— is in-
ward, spiritual, moral, loving. 'The point
that Jesus was emphasizing was that the
demands of grace are actually higher
than those of the Law. But they are a
different nature. Instead of paying
meticulous attention to multitudinous
details, Christians are to do "one thing"
(Philippians 3:13)— seek to please God
continually' (Wesleyan, IV, 33).

"Filson comments: 'The gospel
brings mercy, comfort, and divine help,
but it does not cancel the demand of God
for faithful and complete obedience to his
will' (A Commentary on the Gospel
According to St. Matthew, p. 84). And
Marcus Ward observes: 'The disciple
does not think in terms of rules and right
but of love' (The Gospel According to St.
Matthew, p. 33)."

We in the church age who have been
born again as required of Jesus Christ
our Lord in John 3:3-5 are members of
the spiritual body of which Christ is the
head. The New Testament says of us:
"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are
become dead to the law by the body of
Christ; that ye should be married to
another, even to him who is raised from
the dead, that we should bring forth fruit
unto God" (Romans 7:4). "Therefore we
are buried with him by baptism into

death: that like as Christ was raised m
from the dead by the glory of the Father1
even so we also should walk in newnes
of life. For if we have been plantei
together in the likeness of his death, w
shall be also in the likeness of hi
resurrection" (Romans 6:4-5). "For
the body is one, and hath many me
bers, and all the members of that o
body, being many, are one body: soal
is Christ. For by one Spirit are we
baptized into one body, whether we bf
Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond a
free; and have been all made to drink intc
one Spirit. For the body is not one
member, but many" (1 Corinthians
12:12-14).

So the church is brought together anc
kept together by the Spirit and has man\
advantages not gained by the Jews
under the old covenant. We are one in
Christ and have the mind of Christ. "Lei
this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). "Fo,
who hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct him? But we have
the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).

We look back to the cross as we
observe the ordinances of the church and
forward to the second advent of Christ.
The Jews looked forward not having
sufficient clarity in revelation to separate
the events of the first from those of the
second coming of Christ. We, the truly
born-again and Bible-taught, obedient
Christians, can quote with gusto, "I can
do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me. . . . But my God shall
supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 4:13, 19).

FREE WILL BAPTIST
COLLECTOR'S ITEM

The first issue of the 1976
Yearbook for Original Free Will
Baptists of North Carolina is now on
sale at the Free Will Baptist Book-
store at the reduced price of
$1.00. The yearbook contains a
church directory, minutes of state
bodies, conferences, and as-
sociations, a calendar of activ-
ities, and statistical tables.

This book will be a collector's
item among Free Will Baptists in the
future. Get your copy today before
the supply is depleted!

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Auxiliaries^

The Cape Fear District Auxiliary
onvention presented a life membership
ward to Mrs. Joy Garris ot Garner,
orth Carolina, at the fall convention held
n October 13, 1976, at Saint Mary's
irove church near Benson. The
Presentation was made by Mrs. Dola
Dudley who paid the following tribute to
/Irs. Garris:

" 'Now the LORD said unto Abram,

et thee out of thy country, and from thy
■cindred , . . . unto a land that I will shew
bee: ... and I will bless thee, ... and

ou shalt be a blessing' (Genesis 12:1-

i.

"God spoke these words to Abraham
any years ago. He speaks in similar
anner to people today when He has a
jlace of service for them.

"Some twenty years ago, God moved
n the hearts of Joy and Lawrence Garris
o leave their home in Saratoga and move
Raleigh. They did not know God's
lurpose in this, but He had a job foi
hem to do.

"The first Sunday the Garrises were in
Raleigh, they attended the First Free Will
Japtist Church. They soon became active
nembers, moving their membership
rom the Saratoga Free Will Baptist
3hurch. Joy enrolled in a course for

training new Sunday school teachers.
After completing the course, she was
elected teacher of a junior class. The
following year she taught imtermediates.
She was an active member of the
woman's auxiliary, always ready to
render service where she was needed.

"Soon a new church was organized in
Garner— the Garner Free Will Baptist
Church. The Garrises resided in Garner
and, because of convenience, became
charter members of the church. An
auxiliary was soon organized, and Joy
became its first program chairman. The
meetings were always highlighted by her
inspiring programs. In this church, she
served as superintendent of the primary
department in the Sunday school. She
also served as league director with
attendance as high as one hundred.

"After the division in our
denomination, the Garrises, desiring to
remain with our state convention, were
instrumental in the organizing of a
church in Raleigh that would work in
harmony with the state program— thus
Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptist
Church came into existence. The
Garrises became charter members of this
church.

"In 1962, a woman's auxiliary was
organized and Joy became its first
president. She served for a term of two
years and was later elected to the office
again serving for a period of five years.
During this time, the church was in a
building program and under her capable
leadership, the auxiliary made many
contributions to the church. She has
served for four years as program
chairman of the auxiliary, an officer
second to none in this position. All
programs are well-planned, well-
prepared, and excellently presented. She
now serves as teacher of the adult Bible
class in the Sunday school, a faithful

choir member, a conscientious tither,
and believes in supporting every phase
of our denominational program.

' 'These are some of the things Joy has
done that many people know about. She
has done other things that only God and a
few people know about. She has taken
many trays of food to the sick and shut-
ins, always taking time to tidy up their
house while there, then taking their
laundry home with her and returning it
fresh and ready for use again. Her doors
are always open to visitors in the church
for meals and overnight guests. If our
fellowship hall had sense of feeling, it
would know her touch by the many times
she has cleaned and waxed it in
preparing for special events to be held at
the church. She has done more than her
share of washing dishes and putting
them in place following these events.

"Aside from being a housewife and
carrying on her church activities, she is a
full-time employee of Hudson-Belk
Company in Raleigh. She has two fine
sons and a grandson.

"Yes, God had a purpose in sending
this good woman and her husband to
Raleigh. It was to help establish a church
and promote the cause of Christ through
Free Will Baptists in that area. Recently,
she said, 'I don't know what the Lord
has for me to do in the future, but
whatever it is, I will do my best for Him
because He has done so much for me. '

"Joy, on behalf of the Cape Fear
District Auxiliary Convention, it is my
pleasure to present to you this life
membership award for your faithful
service to God and our beloved
denomination."

Ruth Warrick
Corresponding Secretary
North Carolina Woman's
Auxiliary Convention

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Scriptural Basis: ". . . he shall be a
vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
for the master's use, and prepared unto
every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE
WHO WORK IN A GOLDEN
HARVEST

The first qualification of a person who
will work toward a "golden harvest" is
that he must experience the new birth
from above. There is no other way a
person can become a new creature.
Education and formal training is not
enough. The nationality and family
connection is inadequate. The
Christian's efforts will be activated only
by the spiritual birth and the fact that he
has become a child of God. No person
can have a spiritual enlightenment or see
spiritual things unless and until "old
things are passed away" (see 2
Corinthians 5:17).

The old things are the connections you
had with and the love you used to have
for worldly things. "Behold, all things
are become new" (see 2 Corinthians
5:17). The holy and spiritual things you
once hated, now you love. You used to
hate going to church, Sunday school,
prayer meeting, and choir practice. You
used to hate paying the tithe, visiting the
sick, witnessing to the unsaved, and
wasting your precious time taking part in
Christmas programs, revival campaigns,
church-related social events,
recreations, or other special occasions.
You had much rather be fishing, hun-
ting, swimming, playing ball or bowling
than to be caught taking part in the
stupid and drab and poorly supervised
sports sponsored by the church. And
besides, it was more fun parking with
your lover in some isolated place where

8

you were sure there would be no in-
terruptions, no chaperons to annoy you,
and where you would be free to take
liberties. But now, you understand
spiritual things and you love them with
all your heart. Heaven is sure to be your
eternal home, and you know and un-
derstand how essential it is to keep busy
and ever pressing toward the goals of a
"golden harvest." The salvation of one
person affords more real joy, thrill, and
satisfaction than all the thrills of worldly
pleasure of lifetime— and besides this
the glory of God floods the soul and
happiness is assured.

The second qualification of those who
work toward a "golden harvest" is his
personal assurance of salvation. The new
birth from above has a real meaning.
This assurance cannot be doubted if you
realize what the new birth is. It means
that you have been born again— you are
now in the family of God and "He that
hath the Son hath life" (see 1 John 5:12,
13). You are now a son of God, brother to
the Lord Jesus Christ, and an heir of the
Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus assures us
that "... it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke
12:32). Now that you are saved, you
qualify as a witness and your testimony
is enhanced and blessed with the urging
and power of the Holy Spirit. The
presence of the Holy Spirit also affords
boldness and determination to succeed.

Thirdly, the born-again Christian who
has the assurance of salvation must be
vested with the whole-hearted desire to
do God's will. We are admonished by the
Apostle Paul to present our bodies ". . .
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service"
(Romans 12:1). We obtain a heaven-sent
love to serve the Lord. For example:
when the Lord called me and ordained
me into the gospel ministry, there was
nothing else in this world that could take
my first love, desire, or ambition. I knew
I had to preach or die trying. This feeling
has never changed. I am more deter-
mined now, and I know that this is the
only thing I do that really counts or has
any real meaning at all in my life. There
is no way I can retire or quit preaching as
long as God provides me with an
audience. He has done this for more than
forty years, during which time I have not
been without a pulpit from which I could
speak with the authority of the church

and my Lord. I have not been without i
church to pastor since January, 193(
when I became supply pastor of the Fin!
Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville
North Carolina. This church was m
grandfather's home church. Incidentally
I became pastor (regular pastor) ther
the same year.

•¥"¥"¥-¥■■¥■■¥"¥"¥"¥"¥"¥■

NEWS I
NOTES I

Fremont Church
Announces Homecoming

Homecoming will be observed a
Fremont Free Will Baptist Church oi
Sunday, November 7.

Mrs. Ruth Killette will teach a join
Sunday school class. The homecomint
message will be delivered by the Rev
Lloyd Hargis, pastor of Trinity Free Wil«
Baptist Church in Clayton and forme1
pastor of the church.

i

Following lunch on the grounds, the*
afternoon service will resume at 1 :30 anc
will consist of talent from local churches.

\

The Rev. Charles L. Renfrow, pastou
of the church, and the members extend a
cordial invitation to all former pastors
members, and friends to attend anc
enjoy this special day.

Wintergreen Church Announces
Homecoming and Revival

The Wintergreen Free Will Baptist
Church located on Route 1 , Cove City,
will observe its annual homecoming on
November 7, 1976. Sunday school
begins at 10 a. m., followed by the
worship hour and the picnic on the
church grounds. There will be a film on
Sunday night entitled "The Rapture."

Revival services will begin on Monday
night, November 8, at 7:30 and con-
tinuing through the week. The visiting
minister will be the Rev. Billy Hardee
from Elizabethtown. Everyone is invited
to attend these services. The pastor, the
Rev. Donald Venable, will assist in these
services.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SpeciaC foments

rjr Maggie,

The most wonderful experience of my life comes to me day by day. Each day that
we I am amazed by the fact that my Saviour loves me and knows me as a person. It
njkes me so humble as I go through this daily life to see and to touch the things He
Bs made. It is so wonderful to know that someone as great as He watches over me
esn though I am not worthy to call upon His name. He loves me and cares about my
[cry need. He comforts me in my sorrow and He helps me to share my joy with
clers. I see Him in everything good that I do. I see Him when I do wrong because He
■there to let me know He cares; He always calls me back from my wrong thoughts
ad from the times when I get so caught up in "self."

i Most of all, I thank Him for showing himself to me when I lost a child. I was so
m. He lighted my room and my heart with His love and gave me a peace I never
lew I could have on this earth again. I just wish everyone in this world could know
h and love Him. May He teach us all to pray in His name.

! rf City, N. C.

"The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works" (Psalm
5:9).

Maggie

IN MEMORY OF
MRS. VIRGIE BRANCH

Ne at the First Free Will Baptist
Curch of Goldsboro would like to make
l>wn to all of our dear friends in the
site that our beloved friend and sister in
ist, Mrs. Virgie Branch, has taken
leave from us and gone to be with the
d.

We were blessed with her presence,
enjoyed working and worshiping
h her for around 40 years. She was

EE FREE WILL BAPTIST

always in the middle of every program,
pushing and working to reach the goal,
and the final victory. It was so easy to
love our "Miss Virgie" as she was
called. She was a kind, gentle, con-
siderate, special person with lots of love
in her heart for everyone. You knew
when you first met her that she was a
Christian, for she glowed with the light of
Jesus Christ. "Miss Virgie" taught
Sunday school at our church for many

years. She was very active in the
woman's auxiliary, and held many of-
fices in the organization. She could be
counted on to be faithful, for she was
always at church. Her strong alto voice
could be heard as she sang in groups,
and in duets with her sister, Mrs. Nellie
Jones.

"Miss Virgie" was born on July 1,
1898, the daughter of N. V. and Beadie
W. Wiggs. She was one of eleven
children, and she learned early in life
what it was like to share, for she did so
every day with her sisters and brothers.
In her early childhood days she attended
the Primitive Baptist church with her
parents. Later, when the familv moved to
Pine Level, she attended the Free Will
Baptist church there.

On January 31, 1920, she was
married to William Edgar Branch, and
three children were born into this little
family. They are W. E. Branch Jr., Jean
B. Hamn, and Fay B. Smithwick. The
family grew and at her passing, "Miss
Virgie" left eight grandchildren, five
great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs.
Nellie Jones), and several nieces and
nephews. She left her children, and all of
the rest of her family a rich heritage— a
very strong faith in God— one that even
death cannot erase.

The influence that our dear departed
sister in Christ left behind is very far-
reaching. It has been the means of many
people being born into the Kingdom of
God. She saw that her children came to
know Jesus. Also, it was a happy day
when her husband was saved in our
church, after "Miss Virgie" has been
praying for this miracle for 20 years. She
never gave up, but continued to lift her
needs and her people to God in prayer.

During her last four years, Sister
Virgie was in bad health, and the last 26
months was spent in Oak Manor Nursing
Home. She left us one day in September,
and it seemed that a beautiful rose had
faded and left the vine. Yet, we at the
church know that her "Good night here"
was a "Good morning" up there in that
heavenly home. Our loss is Heaven's
gain. We shall prepare ourselves for that
great day when we shall meet her in the
air.

Respectfully submitted,
Hazel Casey

9

Mount :»nI+K
Olive College

ATTEND PARENTS DAY

Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Scott (center) of are members of Stony Creek Free Will

Goldsboro attended the annual Parents Baptist Church. About 400 parents,

Day Program at Mount Olive College students, and guests attended the day's

where their son, Joseph (left), is a fresh- events which included special music in

man. They are greeted by Dr. W. the Rodgers Chapel, President's

Burkette Raper (right), president, during Reception, and an informal meeting with

the President's Reception. The Scotts professors preceding the evening meal.

MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE DAY Dr. W. Burkette Raper, President of

AT MACEDONIA CHURCH Mount Olive College, will visit Macedonia

Free Will Baptist Church in observance of
"Mount Olive College Day" on Sunday,
November 7. The Rev. Walter Sutton,
pastor, announces that Dr. Raper will
teach the adult Sunday school class at 10
a. m. and preach at the morning worship
service.

FIRST THREE DINNERS
Gifts Up $4,677

Gifts received at the first three of the
17 annual dinners for Mount Olive
College have totaled $17,693— an in-
crease of $4,677 over last year's totals
for the same three dinners.

Pamlico and Duplin Counties raised
more at the 1976 dinners than anytime
previously during the 13-year history of

the dinners. They raised $7,635 a
$6,934, respectively. The Craven Cow
dinner raised $3,123— the third highi
amount in the history of the dinners. I

Over 1200 Free Will Baptists ha
indicated at the first three dinners th
they will be prayer partners for tl'
success and future growth of Mou
Olive College. All churches are beii
urged to have the cards filled at this ye
in an effort to unite all hearts and mini
in prayer for a dream to come true.

I

Twenty churches have exceeded thi
dinner goal at the first three dinner
Over 600 Free Will Baptists and frienij
have attended the first three.

Gifts by churches at the dinners a!
listed below:

Craven County: Bridgeton $135
Core Creek $629*, Gethsemai!
$156.50, Juniper Chapel $1,000'
Macedonia $75, New Haven $125*, Oi!
Grove $173*, Saint Mary's $415, Firi
Vanceboro $65, Wintergreen $300, ar
Woodrow $50*.

Pamlico County: Arapahoe $645
Bethel $300*, Mount Zion $3,026*, Ne,
Bethlehem $100, Oriental $197.50, Roi
of Zion $383*, Trent $200*, ar
Warden's Grove $239.

Duplin County: Beulaville $918
Cabin $618*, Lanier's Chapel $268:
Long Ridge $350*, Pearsall's Chap.
$448, Rooty Branch $333, Sandy Pla
$1,596*, Sarecta $1,068*, Snow H
$413*, First Warsaw $741*, and Mou
Zion (Onslow County) $199.

(The churches which met their dinm
goal are denoted by an asterisk.)

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR

SUBSCRIPTION?
*********

SCHEDULE OF

1976 CHURCH DINNERS

Nash County— Wednesday, November
7 p. m., Middlesex Elementa
School Cafeteria; Lester Dunca
Chairman.

Jones County— Thursday, November
7:30 p. m., Kings Restuarant, tl
Rev. Melvin Everington, Chairman.

10

THE FREE WILLBAPTIS

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE LAITY

PLEASE RESPOND

This questionnaire is prepared and printed by the Griffin Brotherhood. It is an
attempt to give the laity of our church a chance to voice their feelings as to the
relationship of the pastor and the people.

Fellow laborers for Christ, please complete and return this questionnaire to: De
W. Eakes, P. 0. Box 298, Lucama, North Carolina 27851. Please do not sign this
questionnaire or give the name of your church or minister.

1 . Name of the Conference/Association of Which Your Church is a Member

2. Status of Church (a) Fulltime (b) Halftime

3. Do You Feel Your Church's Support of Your Minister and His Ministry is
Adequate:

Yes No

(a) Income _____

(b) Cooperation

(c) Housing

(d) Visitation _____ _____

(e) Support of Church Program

(f) Prayer _____ _____

4. Circle the Number of Years of Education You Have Completed:
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

(a) Do You Feel Your Minister's Education Is Adequate for Ministry to Your
Particular Church/People's Needs7 Yes No

(b) What Level of Education Do You Feel Your Minister Should Have?

(1) High School

(2) College

(3) Bible Institute

(4) Seminary

(5) Other (Specify) _____

5. Is Your Minister's Ministry Adequate? Yes No _____

6. Should Any of the Following Areas Receive Special Attention?

Yes No

(a) Preaching _____

(b) Teaching

(c) Administrative

(d) Music _____ ______

(e) Youth Work

(f) Ministry to Aged

(g) Hospital Ministry _____

(h) Ministry to the Bereaved _____

(i) Evangelistic Outreach — — — —
(j) Counseling

7. Rank the Above 10 Areas of Ministry (Question No. 6) in Order of Importance
from Your Own Perspective (Assign Them a Number 1 -1 0 with 1 being of highest
importance and 10 being of least importance).

(Note: Please elaborate on all "No" answers as you wish to do so. Again please
do not use any names of persons or churches.

Thank you,
De W. Eakes,
Program Chairman,
Griffin Brotherhood

li

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

^oiJNovembeM^

THE RECONCILED LIFE

Lesson Text: Romans 12:3-18
Memory Verse: Romans 12:21

I. INTRODUCTION

The Apostle Paul had the authority, not
only to preach the gospel, but also to
superintend the church. He was called of
God to preach the gospel and was given
the authority to do so by God himself. He,
therefore, appealed to every man not to
act proudly nor to exalt himself when he
has some special work committed to him.
In other words, no one is to think of
himself as being better or greater than
God has made him. He should realize
that whatever he is or has comes from
God.

One's body is made up of many parts,
and each part contributes to the per-
fection and support of the whole. Each is
necessary in the place which it occupies;
and each is equally useful, although it
performs a different function from the
others. All Christians make up the body
of Christ, who is the head of the body
and the common center of their unity.
Believers lie not in the world as a
confused and disorderly heap. They are
organized and knit together, being
united under one head and actuated and
animated by one Spirit. Yet, the
members have not the same office. Each
has its respective place and work
assigned to it. Everyone has its own
office for the good and benefit of the
whole and of every other member.

Believers are not only members of the
body of Christ, but members one of
another. We stand in relation to one
another. It is our duty to do all the good
that we can for one another and to work
together for the common benefit.
Therefore, we should not be puffed up
with a conceit of our own attainments.
Whatever we have we received, not for
ourselves, but for the good of others.

No two people are exactly alike. Each
one is a different, distinct person with a
special gift from God. We are different

12

because God made us that way.
According to His grace, God has given
each a talent that fits him for a particular
task; therefore, everyone should seek to
do that which he is capable of doing.

Paul tells us that we ought to give
special attention to the thing for which
we are called and prepared. We should
do the thing, not with the idea of
satisfying our own selfish desires, but to
glorify God and bless humanity. We
should do our work in the Spirit of Christ,
and there should be no display of any
particular gift with the idea of receiving
acclaim.— The Intermediate Quarterly
(F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Of course, Christians will be
kindly affectioned to all men, but they
will be especially kind to those who are
brothers and sisters in Christ. The old
adage to the effect that one must show
himself friendly in order to have friends
holds in this case. In being kindly af-
fectioned to one another in brotherly
love, we will not manifest a spirit of
selfishness under any circumstance, but
we will, in keeping with all that is
honorable, show preference to others.

B. Real love never wears a mask,
and it is never hypocritical. It makes no
empty profession, and it manifests itself
in obedience to God and acts of
benevolence to others. It shows no
partiality, and it causes us to consider
others more worthy than we are our-
selves.

C. As members of the family of God
we should show kind affection toward
each other in the spirit of brotherly love,
not criticizing them for the same faults
we may have. We are too much alike, as
human beings, to do less than love one
another. Moreover, in all things we
should give honour to our brother,
showing preference to his needs rather
than to our own. This is the spirit of
Christian fellowship that strengthens the
bonds of affection that keep us together.
The same spirit of love that helps family

members share with one another sho
prevail among members of the family
God.

D. It is very difficult to bless thi
who are persecuting us, but this is w
our Lord would have us to do. It is to
remembered that Paul was not giving t
admonition to a group of Christians w
were strangers to persecution, but
those who were at that time undergo
some of the bitterest and most sevi
persecution that has ever been leve
against the followers of the Lord Jesi
This then is not a mere theory of behav
that he is giving them that can |
dropped at the moment persecuti
arises, but it is a practical doctrine to
implemented and followed at that m{
time. — Selecll

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Mind not high things, t
condescend to men of low estate. Th<

seems to be a natural human desire to
"up in the world": to gain a hi,
position in business or society
government or church, to have mo
knowledge or power or prestige or monj
than those about us have. We need
keep this wish in check so that we c
enjoy full Christian fellowship w
common people. If God has given
more of wisdom or wealth, He has giv
it to be shared with those who ha
less— and in the sharing we may
enriched more than we think possib
Can any treasure of gold match t
treasures of friendship?

Be not wise in your own conceit
"Don't think you're so smart!" A m
opinion of our own wisdom may be,
handicap. It may keep us from learnit
from others, and it may even keep
from learning from God. — Standa;
Lesson Commentary

B. "The Bible tells us to love tho
who hate us, and do good to those wl
persecute us. Are these things evident
your life? Do you show kindnes
tolerance, and Christian love to fellc
students, teachers, and others w
question your belief in God?
— Devotions III for Early Teens

C. We must be more than fai
weather friends. As we rejoice with tho:
who have occasion for joy, sharing thi
in their joy, we are also to weep wi
those who weep, letting them knowth
their joys and their sorrows are our jo'
and sorrows, and that we are anxious
share them with them.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7
:ripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
2

ONLY A STEP
ntering a crowded street car, with
Bible under his arm, a young
mjister soon became the brunt of
snpring remarks and wisecracks
nri the group of fellows. These
relarks continued, and when the
rniister left the car, one youth said,
'Sly, mister, how far is it to
rtHven?" The Christian replied, "It is
m a step; will you take it
ncjr?" — Power

PRAYER THOUGHT
pd gives Christians the power to
erhxre all things graciously. Do you
pels this test as a Christian?

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
j;ripture Reading— Psalm 1

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
THING

e colored sunsets and the starry
icjyens, the beautiful mountains and
111 shining seas, the fragrant woods
■ the painted bowers, are not half
is)eautiful as a soul that is serving
Jejis out of love, in the wear and tear
af})mmon, unpoetic life.— Faber

PRAYER THOUGHT
vc is the most powerful of all
gs in this life. Love can transform
s, heal broken hearts, mend
aruments, and make all things
titrable. "Faith, hope, love — but the
grtfitest of these is love! "

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
cripture Reading— Galatians 6:1, 2

BEARS IN THE BOOK
n old couple quarreled so
frquently that the whole village
w it. Suddenly they ceased their
ering.

ne neighbor approached them to
what had happened.

T

E FREE WILL BAPTIST

' 'Two bears did it, ' ' said the wife.

"Two bears? We thought two bears
caused all the trouble. ' '

"Ah," said the husband, "but these
are two nice bears, which we found in
the Bible. 'Bear ye one another's
burdens' and 'forbearing one another
in love.' " — Sunday

PRAYER THOUGHT
Christians, of all people, should be
capable of settling their differences
peacefully and in love. The Bible does
not say that Christians will not argue
or disagree. What it does say is "Let
not the sun go down upon thy wrath."

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Scripture Reading— Psalm 104:33,

34

DON'T LET THE SONG GO
OUT OF YOUR LIFE

A doctor visiting a leper colony
heard an aged sufferer singing
cheerily; yet he knew that her con-
dition was serious.

"Well, Mother," he remarked to
her, "you must be feeling pretty well
today— you're singing so happily."

She turned a face full of suffering
towards him and answered, "O
Doctor, my sores hurt so badly I must
sing! " — Prairie Overcomer

PRAYER THOUGHT
Many times we seek to carry joy
and blessings to friends who are sick,
when in reality we find that through
their attitudes they bring blessings to
us. May God give us grace to bear our
burdens and troubles in joy.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Scripture Reading— Genesis 45:10

MAKING THE CHILDREN
WANT "MORE!"
A mother with three children was
about to leave home for a few days.
Gathering them about her she talked
to them about her absence and their
behavior and prayers until she should
return. She then poured out her heart
with them in prayer. All heads were
raised and every face was full of
sunshine. After a moment's pause a
little two-year-old boy bowed his head
down by his mother's cheek, and said,
"More." When a parent's love and
example can evoke from children a
call for more prayer, the home
happiness is assured. — Faithful
Witness

PRAYER THOUGHT
Give me a little child to point the way,
Over the strange sweet path that

leads to Thee;
Give me the little voice to teach to

pray;

Give me two shining eyes Thy face to
see.

The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to
wear,

Is this: that I may teach a little child.
I do not ask that I may ever stand
Among the wise, the worthy, or the
great —

7 oniy ask that softly, hand in hand,
A child and I may enter at the gate.

— C. A. Fields

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Scripture Reading— Matthew 5:14-

16

LETTING THE LIGHT SHINE

THROUGH
A small child was taken to a
cathedral. She sat watching the
sunshine through the windows. She
asked her mother, "What are these
people on the windows?" "They are
saints," was the answer. Then the
child said, "Now I know what saints
are. They are people who let the light
shine through." — Toronto Globe

PRAYER THOUGHT
Saints are not perfect people; they
are Christians who try to live
Christlike lives. Is God's light shining
through you?

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 40 : 3-5

GOD'S POWER
Each worker for Christ, in his own
particular sphere, meets with many
valleys and mountains, crooked
places and rough ones, which God
alone can deal with. Let him rejoice
not only that God's power is equal to
the occasion, but also that there are
difficulties of such a nature as to
make the putting forth of that power a
visible and notable thing.— J. Hudson
Taylor

PRAYER THOUGHT
Paul said that he could do all things
through Christ who strengthened him.
We, too, can conquer all — not in our
own power but through the power that
God gives to dedicated believers.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up- To- The- Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

13

tree will baptist #i

lildren s borre yR

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA JV %

SAM WEEKS, Superintenden

CHILDREN'S HOME THANKSGIVING
LETTER

Dear Pastors and Church Members:

On behalf of the Children's Home, I
wish to express my sincere thanks to you
for your generous support of the
Children's Home during the past year.
We have certainly been blessed and we
pause to "praise God from whom all
blessings flow." The Thanksgiving
season is upon us and it is a special time
for all of us to render thanks unto Him.

For numerous years, November has
been recognized as Children's Home
month by our Free Will Baptist
denomination. This year we are asking
each church to recognize Sunday,
November 7 or the 14, as Children's
Home Day. Then on that Sunday, please
do two things for us. First, pause and
have special prayer for the Home's staff
and children; and secondly, receive a
special Thanksgiving love offering for
God's little children.

On Saturday, November 20, we will be
holding Thanksgiving services at the
Home. Each of you has an invitation and
is strongly encouraged to attend. There
are some changes in our plan for the day
this year. Open house and tours of the
campus and farm will begin at 1 p. m. in
the afternoon; that is the first event of the
day. At 3 p. m. there will be a gospel
singing in Memorial Chapel and then at
4:30 we will eat supper. Persons at-
tending are asked to bring the vegetables
and desserts and the Children's Home
will provide the meat, bread, and drinks.
After supper, at 6 p. m. we will start our
evening Thanksgiving worship service in
the chapel. The Rev. Henry Armstrong,
pastor of Lee's Chapel of the Cape Fear
Conference and a former board member,
will be our guest speaker.

In the event that your church would
like to use the Thanksgiving turkey
folders to aid in a Thanksgiving offering
for the Home, we will provide them upon
request. Just send us your mailing
address and the number of copies
desired and we will mail them right
away.

In closing, allow me to summarize
what I'm requesting each of you to do.
First, observe November 7 or 14 as
Children's Home Day in your church by
having special prayer and receiving a
love offering. Secondly, come on
November 20 to our Thanksgiving
services and spend the afternoon and
evening with us.

Thank you so very much for all that
you have done and are now doing for us.
It is our prayer that you will continue
to allow God to work through you,
and may God bless you for your
willingness to help.

In His service,
Sam Weeks
Executive Director

IN MEMORY OF
WELDON E. FULCHER

On January 12, 1976, Weldon Earl
Fulcher departed this life to be with the
Lord. He was born March 4, 1903 in
Carteret County, the son of Ephraim and
Sophronia Willis Fulcher. Most of his life
was spent in the little fishing village of
Stacy, North Carolina, where he joined
the St. John's Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church at an early age. He spent the rest
of his life in loyalty to the Free Will
Baptist Denomination.

He was married to Miss Mayb
Williams of Morehead City in 1930.Tlj
home was blessed with two ch ildrenu
son, Weldon E. Fulcher Jr., anfy
daughter, Virginia Dare Fulcher (n
Mrs. Bobby Oglesby), both of Morehi.
City. Four grandchildren and one gn?
grandchild also survive.

In 1 951 the family moved to Moreh('
City taking residence in the Crab Pe(
community. Later they moved th[:
membership to the Crab Point Free V,
Baptist Church where he served as
faithful member and a deacon until 'i
time of his death.

Weldon was deeply interested in t'
various phases of work in his church a'
denomination, holding several offices!
the Sunday school and church during t
many years God gave him. He hac1;
great interest in the Children's Homea^
Mount Olive College. He loved you
people and took an active interest in th,
activities, realizing that they are tjj
church of tomorrow.

The funeral services were held at ti
Crab Point Free Will Baptist Churd
conducted by the pastor, the Rcf
Johnny Shearon, and the Rev. J. f
Starnes. Mr. and Mrs. Starnes sang
songs: "Lights of Home" and "Goi
Down the Valley." Burial was in t
Stacy Community Cemetery.

During his last years as a retir
commercial fisherman, after suffering
heart attack, he spent most of his time
home enjoying his hobbies of net maki
and wood carving.

' ' It broke my heart to lose you ,

But you didn't go alone.
For a part of my heart went with you

The day God called you home.

"Life goes on, I know it is true,
But not the same since I lost you.

Your grave I will tend with loving care,
Because, dear, most of my heart
buried there."

Respectfully submitte
Maybelle W. Fulcher

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

WE BELIEVE:

That there is only one God who is
inbitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver,
an Righteous Governor of the Universe;
th His eternal existence is in three per-
se : Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that
allfhree are equal, but distinct persons,
r, are the divine Trinity.

That Jesus Christ is the only begot-
Son of God; that He was born of the
Ifijin Mary; that He died for man's re-
dtjption; that He ascended to heaven
is today at the right hand of the
er as our intercessor.

e

01

That both, the Scriptures of the
and New Testaments, were given by
i rati on of God, and that they only
titute the infallible rule of faith and
prtice.

I That man was created innocent, but
iisobedience fell into a state of sin
an condemnation and stands guilty be-
fo| God and separate from Him.

| That it is the privilege of all men
tele saved; that God desires the salva-
tk of all; that the gospel invites every-
on! that the Holy Spirit strives with all,
an whosoever will may come and take
of he water of life freely.

\ That the human will is free and
s controlled; that it is possible for a
pejon who has been saved by divine
gripe to make shipwreck of his faith and
be»me lost. The person (believer) who
thlugh grace perseveres unto the end
of fe has promise of eternal salvation.

That sanctification is initial at re-
lation and continues progressively
thiugh the Christian experience, becom-
mi final and complete in heaven.

That there are three gospel ordi-
owes to be perpetuated under the gos-
pe teaching: baptism by immersion, the
Lo

's Supper, and washing of the saints'

That tithing is God's financial plan
supporting the work of the church
on earth.

3. That our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
hst, who ascended on high, and sits
>e right hand of God, will come again;
there will be a resurrection of all
at the last day; that they which are
d will come forth to the resurrection
fe, and they which are lost unto the
reijrrection of damnation; that the wick-
edjwill "go away into eternal punish-
m(t, but the righteous into eternal life."
■ is the final judgment,

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MINISTERS

PLEASE RESPOND

This questionnaire is prepared and printed by the Griffin Brotherhood. It is an
attempt to ascertain the level of income received by our Free Will Baptist ministers;
the type of services rendered to and by the ministers; -income expectations and
needs of the ministry.

Fellow laborers for Christ, please complete and return this questionnaire to: De
W. Eakes, P. 0. Box 298, Lucama, North Carolina 27851. Please do not sign this
questionnaire or give the name of the church(es) or institution served.

1 . Name of Conference of Which Church(es) Holds Membership

2. Status of Work (Ministry)

(a) Fulltime — (b) Halftime (c) Denominational Institution

3. Portion of Income Derived from Ministry:

(a) All (b) Half. (c) Other Employment (type work) >

4. Amount of Income

(a)
(b)

Salary

Fringe Benefits

(1) Hospital Insurance—

(4) Housing: Parsonage.
Housing Allowance—

(5) Utilities Allotment

Pays Utilities—.

(7) Other (Specify)

.(2) Retirement.
— Own Home_

•(3) Life Insurance

.Rent Home Receive

•Church Pays Utilities.

•Minister

-<6) Car Allowance/Traveling Expense,

5.
6.

Amount of Other Income Not Derived from Ministry

Secretarial Help Received:

(a) Paid by the Church (c) Volunteer

(b) Paid by the Minister

Education (Circle the Correct Number of Years):
67891011 1213141516171819 20
Are You Satisfied with Your:

Yes No

(a) Income:

(b) Education

(c) Relationship to the Church

(d) Relationship to Fellow Ministers

(e) Relationship to the Denomination

(f) Quality of Ministry

Assign a Number (1-9, beginning with No. 1 as Top Priority) to Each of These
Phases of Ministry:

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

Preaching
Teaching
Administrative
Music
Youth Work

(f) Ministry to Aged

(g) Hospital Ministry

(h) Ministry to the Bereaved

(i) Counseling

(j) Evangelistic Outreach

10. Elaborate on any "NO" answers given if you desire:

(The Griffin Brotherhood is made up of all ministerial students and religion
majors past and present as well as any person who has entered the ministry since
attending Mount Olive College who wish to participate. It is named in memory of the
late Elder J. C. Griffin, a renowned denominational leader of years past. The purpose
of the brotherhood is fellowship, promote the unity progress of the Free Will Baptist
denomination, and the continuing education of the minister and his family.)

Please give the amounts in each category as accurately as possible. Remember,
please do not give names of persons or Churches/institutions.

Thank you,
De W. Eakes,
Program Chairman,
Griffin Brotherhood

TIC FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

COM.

iJ L'i"- Zte*%£L,

We Have A Lot Going For Us . . .

-A curriculum that credits you for practical ex-
perience as well as classroom learning

-A place where you may develop your particular skills
or interests

-A spacious 1 1 0 acre campus

-An excellent financial aid program

-An opportunity to work with a faculty that is con-
cerned with you and your future

-A great intramural and intercollegiate athletic
program

-A place where you can develop your ideals and goals
on the foundation of Christian truth

Mallory Garner a freshman from Newport asks, "Why
don't you come to see us? Come on High School Day and tour
the campus. Sample our food. Talk to our professors. Meet our
fantastic students. Get to know us on a firsthand basis. See you
on the 13th."

HIGH SCHOOL DAY
Saturday, November 13, 1976
Mount Olive College

10:00— Arrival

Registration

10:15— Campus Tours

10:30— Refreshments

PROGRAM

10:30— Conferences with
12:00 Faculty

12:00— Lunch

Entertainment MOC
Singers

1:30— Auditions for MOC

Singers
by any interested

students.
Conferences with

admission

PLEASE RETURN

THIS FORM
BY NOVEMBER 10

□ I PLAN TO ATTEND.

Name

Address

□ I WILL BE UNABLE TO ATTEND.

street

city state zip code

Telephone ( )

High School Year of Graduation

I am interested in a career in

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Beyond ourselves: a
place where we find a
thef closer communion with

free.|i

God than we have ever
known before.

0^ %

0'

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1976

REACHING BEYOND OURSELVES

(Guest editorial by Free Will Baptist authoress, Joyce Proctor Beaman)

(Joyce Proctor Beaman is a busy housewife, mother, librarian, educator, author, and Christian— not
necessarily in that order. Her guest editorials reveal the depth of her empathizing soul and have inspired the
readers of the "Baptist" countless times.)

Matthew 5:48 challenges us to "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your
Father which is in heaven is perfect." Because we are physical beings in a
physical world, not spiritual beings in a spiritual world, we interpret this
Scripture as a challenge, not a command— for no one can obtain perfection in
our world. Romans 3:10 emphasizes this with the words: "As it is written,
There is none righteous, no, not one."

Yet, the challenge is always before us— to live the best we can, to learn all
that we can, to do all that we can, to think all we can, to pray all we can— for
others and for the glory of God. In so doing, almost without exception, we grow,
we change, we mature in the Christian faith; and as Catherine Marshall wrote,
we reach that realm where our souls, spirits, and beings reach a realm
' 'beyond ourselves" —a place where we find a closer communion with God than
we have ever known before. Robert Browning, the English poet, expressed the
idea in this way when he wrote: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his
grasp, or what's a heaven for ? ' '

In America, in the middle 1800' s, a group of brilliant young men led by
Ralph Waldo Emerson, emphasized the idea of transcendentalism— a
philosophy that mind goes beyond matter and that man can know more than he
really sees or experiences. In other words, Emerson and others believed that
through thought, prayer, study, and concentrated effort, man can go beyond
himself to come in contact with Divine truth. Many transcendentalists thought
that true spirit had gone out of the churches and that religion needed new in-
spiration and new vision.

Even though we, as Christians, may not accept all the teachings of the
transcendentalists, their ideas of man's continuous, in-depth search for truth,
for right, for good, and for God, are worthy of our sincerest consideration.

Perhaps there is not one of us who has not looked at the life of another and
wondered: "What makes him, or her, 'tick'?" The answer to this is that it may
be talent, or training, a gift from God, or a special blessing. Yet, on the other
hand, that special insight or ability, or "know-how" may be the result of
constant striving to seek, to find, to learn. It may come from that special effort
to find, to memorize, to recall a great idea, or to read about great people in the
Bible and in the world to see what made them "tick."

You will recall that not too many months ago, on the reverse side of high-
way ice-warning signs, was written the word "think." On one occasion, my dad
remarked that he thought that the word, think, was one of the most powerful
words in our language.

Yet, how often do we really think? How often do we recall the thoughts of
the Bible, the ideas of a sermon, the meaning of a great quotation, the depth of
spoken idea to make it a part of our conscious or subconscious mind? It is
often so much easier to let things come and go and pass away without making
them a part of us daily— or when we need them for inspiration, sharing, or
transcending!

In most of our local schools each year at graduation, two seniors are given
a small, but powerful, book given by the Danforth Foundation entitled "I Dare
You." This little volume challenges its readers to fourfold development: Think
Tall, Stand Tall, Smile Tall, and Live Tall. The book emphasizes that we have
not one life to live, but four: a body (Physical), a brain (Mental), a heart
(Social), and a soul (Spiritual).

In St. Paul's Cathedral, London, on a tablet to the memory of General
Charles Gordon, we find these immortal words:

"He at all times and everywhere gave
His Strength to the Weak
His Substance to the Poor
His Sympathy to the Suffering
His Heart to God."

In reality, these words express truthfully what life is all about. Yet,
somewhere, somehow, if we can learn, through praying, studying, Bible
reading, loving others and God, and thinking deeply about good, inspiring,
beautiful things, maybe we can come in even greater contact with Divine truth
and power to be even more what God would have us to be.

2

Volume 91 NumbeM

Edited and published weekly by tire FreeWi!
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Lei;
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Seconc
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mus
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th<
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; orvj
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17; plu
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t<
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute:
these A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thi|
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacll
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sail
article.

Items for publication should be addressed d
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m — '
p. m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m.— 5 p. rn
Saturday.

Smithfield. New Bern, and Wilson. 9:3
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarh
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin. Robei
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assists*
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassei
Comptroller.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

GIVE THE GLORY
BACK TO GOD

by the Rev. Kenneth Forehand
Durham, North Carolina

r

(Note from the writer: In the letter of invitation
which I received from Brother Johnnie Howell, clerk of
he Western Conference, there was one sentence that
j would like to share with you. He stated, "We are
rioping to have our best conference in years." It was
with this sentence foremost in my heart and mind that
J approached the throne of grace, and prayed, "God,
jive me one thought to share that will help make this
[he best conference ever." This is the thought God
gave me: Isn't it time that we give the glory back to
Sod? This thought was the theme for my address to
he Western Conference which I was asked to submit
io The Free Will Baptist.)

Q N Matthew 6:13, Jesus, after
Y instructing His disciples in
vhat manner they should pray, ended
Vith these words: (Speaking of God the
rather) He said, ". . . For thine is the
lingdom, and the power, and the glory
or ever. Amen . ' ' Glory belongs to God .
| Other Scripture references say: "The
leavens declare the glory of God; . . .
Psalm 19:1). "The glory of the LORD
hall endure for ever: . . . (Psalm
04:31). "I am the LORD: that is my
jame: and glory will I not give to
inother, . . . (Isaiah 42:8). Paul said,
'. . . whatsoever ye do, do all to the
lory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). In
losing his second epistle Peter wrote:
'To Him be glory both now and for ever.
>men."

My friends, it's my conviction that
lere are too many Free Will Baptists
>day that have failed to glorify God as
iey should. God blesses and multiplies
tose who glorify Him. To whom have we
een giving the glory that is due God?
ur churches are failing in carrying out
ie Great Commission. Our people are
piling in carrying out the Great Com-

mission. There is no glory for God in that.
Statistics back up what I'm saying.

Speaking of statistics, figures are
something hard to come by from Free
Will Baptists. I contacted several old-
timers trying to get an estimate of
growth, but to no avail. Is it because we
are ashamed of our progress?

Let me share some figures with you
based on the past 38 years. These are as
near correct as I could get. We boasted
of nearly 30,000 members in 1938.
Today we still must boast of less than
40,000. We have averaged adding 163
souls per year to our rolls. This is three
souls per week. Can't nearly 40,000
people win more than three souls in a
week? Many small churches, and many
individuals do a whole sight more than
that. Is there any glory for God in that? Of
253 churches that we boast, these
statistics show that 250 churches per
week have no decisions for Christ. Is
there any glory for God there?

Where is the glory that belongs to
God? Do we have so many preachers
being glorified, so many laymen being
glorified, so many programs being
glorified, so many social clubs and such
being glorified, that there is no glory left
for God? We are robbing God of His due
glory.

Jesus glorified God. In John, Chapter
1 2, as Jesus tells of His coming suffering
and death, He becomes deeply troubled.
He is man as well as God. The human
nature must have dreaded the coming
events. He said here "Now is my soul

troubled; and what shall I say? Father,
save me from this hour: but for this
cause came I unto this hour. Father,
glorify thy name. Then came there a
voice from heaven saying, I have both
glorified it, and will glorify it again"
(John 12:27, 28). Jesus glorified God by
obeying, and obeying even unto death.
He glorified God by paying the sin debt
for you and me. He glorified God in
saying, "... not my will, but thine, be
done" (Luke 22:42).

Jesus glorified God: we also must
glorify God. How can we glorify Him?
Jesus said in John 15:8: "Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples". My friend,
are you His disciple? Do you bring forth
fruit? Do you glorify God?

John the Baptist came from the
wilderness preaching, "Bring forth
therefore fruits meet for repentance"
(Matthew 3:8). Jesus said, "Let your
light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in Heaven" (Matthew
5:16). Jesus said, "Ye have not chosen
me, but I have chosen you, and ordained
you, that ye should go and bring forth
fruit, and that your fruit should remain:
. . ." (John 15:16).

Brothers and sisters, do you want this
to be the best conference ever? Then
let's give the glory back to God. Let's
dedicate ourselves today to the task of
winning souls to Christ. "Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much
fruit."

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

« — rs

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 6:4

CONFUSED
If Junior hears Dad pray like a
prophet on Sundays and then sees him
lose his temper on weekdays, he is
prone to lose faith in Dad's Bible and
the church.— Warren Wiersbe in
Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
As Christians, we should be con-
sistent in our daily living. Live every
day as if it is Sunday by serving God
to the fullest.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Scripture Reading— Matthew 6:26-

34

THE BURDEN OF TOMORROW
It has been well said that no man
ever sank under the burden of the
day. It is when tomorrow's burden is
added to the burden of today that the
weight is more than a man can bear.
Never load yourselves so, my friends.
If you find yourselves so loaded, at
least remember this: It is your own
doing, not God's. He begs you to leave
the future to Him, and mind the
present.— George MacDonald

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we worry about the future, we
often destroy the present. God helps
us handle our lives and our problems
day by day. Put your trust in Him
today!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Scripture Reading— Romans 15 : 19

"HAVE SEEN GOSPEL!"
A traveler in China asked a native if
he had ever read the gospel. "No,"
was the answer, "but I have seen it. I
have seen a man who was the terror of
his neighborhood with his curses and
his violent temper. He was an opium

smoker, a criminal, and as dangerous
as a wild beast. But the doctrine of
Jesus made him gentle and good, and
he has left off opium. No, I have not
read the gospel, but I have seen it, and
it is good."— A lliance Weekly

PRAYER THOUGHT
Our lives are the only Bible that
some people read. Therefore it is
extremely important that we set a
good Christian example. What kind of
an example are you setting?

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Scripture Reading— 1 John 2:15

REASON FOR ALARM
Thomas Guthrie used to say: "If
you find yourself loving any pleasure
better than your prayers, any book
better than the Bible, any house
better than the house of God, any
table better than the Lord's Table,
any persons better than Christ, or any
indulgence better than the hope
of —take alarm."— Alliance Weekly

PRAYER THOUGHT
Nothing and no one should come
before God. He refuses to take second
place. As Christians, we should give
our all to Him, for he supplies our
every need.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 4 : 16

' 'NOT LIKE CHRISTIANS"
Two Moslems came in the other
day, one with a fractured knee cap.
The sufferer was asked if some of his
co-religionists would help him by
giving something toward the
operation expenses. He answered,
"Sir, we are not like Christians. When
we get into trouble there is no one to
help us. " — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Aren't you glad you're a Christian?
God is always near to give comfort.
He is not only with us, but He gives us
power through the Holy Spirit to cope
with the trials of life.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
12:7-10

YOUR HANDICAPS
If you have the idea that physical
perfection is necessary to success in
your chosen field, take a look at this
even dozen of famous men and the
handicaps that failed to slow them:
Lord Byron had a clubfoot; Robert

Louis Stevenson and John Keats ha
tuberculosis. Charles Steinmetz an
Alexander Pope were hunchbacks
Admiral Nelson had only one eyt
Edgar Allan Poe was
psychoneurotic ; Charles Darwin wa
an invalid; Julius Caesar was a
epileptic ; Thomas Edison and Ludwi
von Beethoven were deaf, and Pete
Stuyvesant had a wooden le{
—Wilfred Funk

PRAYER THOUGHT
A survey shows that 90 percent II
man's ability goes untapped. What
sin to allow the capabilities that Go
has given us to go to waste!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Scripture Reading— Psalm 95:5
96:1

THE VALUE OF SINGING
A brave little girl was taken to
doctor for a minor, but painfi
operation. When all was ready, th
kindly doctor said, "This will hur
but you may cry or scream as muc
as you please." The little girl looke
up at him, smiling, and said, "I woul
rather sing," which she did with he
sweet, childish voice and wer
through her brief ordeal without
sigh, groan, or tear. — The Presb$
terian

PRAYER THOUGHT
God puts a song in our heart even t1
our suffering. Let us say with Job <t
old, "Though He slay me, yet will
serve Him."

(Devotions used by permission (I
Knight's Up-To-The-Minute
lustrations, Moody Press.)

Churches and Ministers
Available

With his credentials having bee
established with the Central Conferenc
and having been accepted in ft
fellowship as a member of the coi
ference, the Rev. Beverly Ballard
available for pastoral and evangelist
work and for holding gospel music
concerts. He may be contacted at 122
South Washington Street, Greenville,
by calling 752-2950. Mr. Ballard w
also be glad to serve as a substitute I
any minister unable to fill his pulp
because of absence due to sickness
other reasons.

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

©Answering libur
UESTIONS by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

QUESTION: Please explain Psalm
11:9 ". . . holy and reverend is his
s Ime." Free Will Baptists refused to
£ jldress their preachers as "reverend"
c' j earlier times, saying this was God's
ime and that it was blasphemous for
en to assume God's name. But for the
jst fifty years or so, it has become an
) | cepted practice to so address them,
hy?

ANSWER: I suppose that it is because
e more sophisticated denominations, or

" least those that thus regard them-
jlves as belonging to this class, do. I

, jell remember when the ministers of the
Antral Conference discussed this
jbject rather thoroughly and went on
jcord as condemning it as a title for any

: firistian and reaffirmed the fact that
ielders" should be the only title by
pich the preachers, of this conference
tould be addressed. Almost im-
ediately. thereafter, some acted
impletely contrary to this resolution,
be minister among us said the motion
assed was another backward step for
ur conference and that all the big
jnominations were progressively
garding this as the preacher's
Jthentic title. He further stated that in a
w years we would be on common
found with Primitive Baptists— only a
[ughingstock of all progressive peoples
Ich as the Catholics and Methodists
jid other progressive groups.
I suppose that the reason for this
|ange in attitude toward this title was
at our leaders wanted to be liberal-
inded enough to fit the mold of the
Inominations that had made it a
pmon practice to use it. And again, it
Jay be because of the unmovable stand
jat some of our ministers, who were in
e forefront as leaders of our
^nomination, took in those days when
'ey opposed this title on the grounds
at it was one of God's names. I have
ways regretted that we agreed to it, but
still feel uncomfortable when it is used
! my presence, for I have never been
mvinced that it is not a violation of

God's unique personal biblical
designations. Most high dignitaries of
"the cloth" disagree with me in this
point of view.

Here is what George H. Sandison says
in answering a question on this subject
in the book 1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered:

"Its origin is obscure. It is known to
have been in use as early as the thir-
teenth century. It was a recognized title
at the Reformation. The Puritans applied
it and Richard Baxter addressed his
colaborers in the ministry as 'Reverend
Brethren'. In the early church the
ministers were designated as 'leaders'.
The title 'reverend,' which came into use
later, referred to the character of the
office rather than to the individual. It
dignifies the work rather than the
worker. Paul, in calling himself an
apostle, glorified his ministry (Romans
11:13) and this, rightly understood, is
the case with 'reverend,' which,
however humble the worker, honors the
labor that is performed with a single eye
to God's glory and the salvation of men."

Since I had been rather narrowly
restricted in my acquaintances with
churches and denominational leaders
when the above reported discussion and
motion took place, I naturally would be
prejudiced. However, more than fifty
years of Bible study since has not
revealed any justifiable grounds to
change this narrow view. The more I
study, the more keenly aware I become
that we need to let God's restrictions, as
found in the Bible, be the criterion by
which we expand and restrict our use of
God's holy name, rather than some
passing fads and fancies that come and
go (like man's use of certain terms, and
titles through which certain classes of
individuals are referred).

The Bible says: "But be not ye called
Rabbi: for one is your Master, even
Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call
no man your father upon the earth: for
one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is

your Master, even Christ. But he that is
greatest among you shall be your ser-
vant. And whosoever shall exalt himself
shall be abased; and he that shall
humble himself shall be exalted"
(Matthew 23:8-12). It might be helpful
to read all of Matthew 23 as we consider
this subject.

"That men may know that thou,
whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the
most high over all the earth" (Psalm
83:18). "And God said unto Moses, I
AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt
thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM
hath sent me unto you" (Exodus 3:14).
"Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof,
the LORD that formed it, to establish it;
the LORD is his name" (Jeremiah 33 2).
"Thou shalt not take the name of the
LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will
not hold him guiltless that taketh his
name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). "For mine
own sake, even for mine own sake, will I
do it: for how should my name be
polluted? and I will not give my glory
unto another" (Isaiah 48:11).

Coming Events . . .

High School Day— Saturday, November

13— Mount Olive College; events
begin at 10 a. m. Lunch will be
provided, but please call in number
coming (Admissions Office 658-
2502). See what your College has to
offer you. Financial aid available.

November 20— Thanksgiving Services at
the Free Will Baptist Children's
Home on Saturday Afternoon and
Evening Beginning at 1 p. m.
Everyone Is Invited!

Founders Day— Tuesday, November

23— Mount Olive College; special
service will be held in Rodgers
Chapel at 11 a. m. Friends are
cordially invited to this twenty-fifth
Anniversary Celebration.

"Messiah" (By George Frideria Han-
del)—Tuesday, December 7, at 8 p.
m. and Thursday, December 9, at 11

a. m.— Mount Olive College; this
great classic of church music will be
presented twice by the College Music
Department and members of the
Mount Olive community under the
direction of Mrs. Irene Patten.

IE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

'The Mountaintop Experience'

m

SKINNER REPLACES CHANDLER
AS PROMOTIONAL SECRETARY

Dear Cragmont Friends,

It has been a real pleasure to visit with
our ladies in the various auxiliary
conventions last spring and this fall.
Each of the districts was kind enough to
allow me some time on their program to
speak about the needs of Cragmont.

I thank God for the decision of the
Central District ladies to continue their
"pennies for Cragmont" plan. Last
spring their offering was more than
$1,100 and this fall their offering was
$1,070.04.

The theme of the Western District
Auxiliary Convention this fall was
"Cragmont," and their special offering
for Cragmont was $378.25. We ap-
preciate the interest these ladies and all
of you have shown.

I received (and deposited) a check
from Mrs. Raymond Sasser, state
auxiliary treasurer, for Cragmont
amounting to $2,137.55. This includes
the figure mentioned above from the
Western District. Our women have really
responded to the needs of Cragmont and
no matter how small the gift, we are
grateful for every one that has given.

We have $54,028.19 in our savings
accounts, but we need to realize that we
have hardly begun and not let up in our
support. We need more churches like
Holly Springs (Eastern), Pleasant Grove
(Western), and Spring Branch (Central)
who will give a thousand dollars and
more offerings. In fact, we need $1,000
from each one of our churches now. If
your church has not done something
special for Cragmont, I urge you to do so
as soon as possible.

It has been a joy and a privilege to
serve as your promotional secretary. The
Rev. Douglas Skinner will assume this
responsibility November 1. Doug served
as manager of Cragmont this past

Ir. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner, Managers
Black Mountain. N C.

summer and he and his wife, Virginia,
did a great job. Mr. Skinner may be
contacted at 2517 Trull Street, Wilson,
North Carolina 27893. His phone number
(after November 6) is 243-2729. Plan to
have Mr. Skinner at your church to
present slides of Cragmont, a program
about the plans and cost of the new
building, and the general needs of
Cragmont.

Watch the "Baptist" for more news of
Cragmont. Pray for Cragmont, visit
Cragmont, and support Cragmont.

Yours in His service,

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, Treasurer

CRAGMONT NEWS

It is almost time for this year's
camping season to end. After leaving
Black Mountain, we will serve as
directors of promotion and publicity for
Cragmont.

This winter we wish to visit our Free
Will Baptist churches in order to present
a Cragmont program. We want to visit as
many churches as possible. If you wish
to have us present a Cragmont program
at your church, please contact us (after
November 14) at 2517 Trull Street,
Wilson, North Carolina; phone: 243-
2729.

There is no further progress to report
on the new Main Building. Right now we
desire your prayers that God will have
His way in the construction of this
building. We want a building that will
help us serve God in a better way.
Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work at Cragmont.

In His service,

Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

TREASURER'S REPORT
SEPTEMBER, 1976

Balance Brought Forward

September 1, 1976 $ 2,449

Receipts

Albemarle District:

Albemarle Sunday School

Convention $ 5.00

Sidney 25.00 30

Cape Fear District:

Dorcas Circle of Goldsboro,

First 34.20
Eastwood 25.00
Hopewell 100.00
Lee's Chapel Sunday

School 29.28
Wooten's Chapel 13.85

Central District:

Bethany

Friendship Sunday

School
Mrs. B. F. Faulkner
Grimsley
Hugo

Reedy Branch
Sunday School

Rose Hill Sunday
School

Second Union

Spring Branch

Spring Branch YFA

Spring Branch
Sunday School

10.00
25.00
41.04

Eastern District:

Fifth Sunday School Convention
Fifth Union Meeting
Juniper Chapel Sunday School
Minnie Oglesby Sunday School

Class, Bridgeton 81 .00

Mount Zion, Pamlico County 25.00
Smith's New Home 100.00
Third Union Meeting 30.00
Warden's Grove 63.22
Mr. and Mrs. C S. Lupton,

Warden's Grove 10.00
Whaley's Chapel 75.00
White Oak Grove 100.00

Western District:

Barnes Hill 100.00

First Church, Wilson 250.00

First Union Meeting 25.00

Friendship 50.00

Marsh Swamp 75.00

Milbournie 23.00
Mount Zion Sunday School,

Nash County 4 00

Pine Level Woman's Auxiliary 6100
L. W. B. Night Circle

of Pine Level 10.00

Piney Grove 30.00

Sherron Acres 41.50

Unity, Durham 5.00

N. C. State League Conv 46.07
Woman's Conference
Stewardship Offering

202.3:

52.61

200.00

10.00
140.77

22.00

16.00

5.00

9.98
500.00
500.00

20.00 1 ,476.36

(1973-1976)

11,200.00

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Total Receipts
Total to Account For

$14,189.52
$16,639 20

Disbursements

Disbursements

perational Expenses $ 309.80
ransfer of Funds to

Main Building Fund 12,973.04

ansfer of Funds to

General Savings 752.46
Total Disbursements
alance on Hand October 1 , 1976

Earmarked Funds

eneral Savings
lain Building Fund
hapel Fund
eneral Fund
Total

$14,035.30
$ 2,603.90

$16,380.23
29,335.82
3,381.67
2,603.90

$51,701 62

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, Treasurer

TREASURER'S REPORT
OCTOBER,

alance Brought Forward
October 1, 1976

Receipts

'bemarle District

Albemarle Union Meeting^ 15.60
ape Fear District

Hopewell 32.84

Palmer Memorial 55.97

Yelverton Grove 100.00

Yelverton Grove Y FA 100.00

Mrs. Person Daughtry 50.00
sntral District

Dawson's Grove

Edgewood

Howell Swamp

King's Cross Roads

Rose Hill Sunday school
■ Spring Branch Sunday
School

Winterville
astern District

Eastern District Auxiliary
Convention

Jackson Heights

Saint Mary's

Third Sunday School
Convention

e Dee District

White Oak 30.00

$ 2,603.90

15.60

338.81

150.00
15.00
25.00

673.83
5.00

20.00
800.00

1,688.83

100.00
49.49
137.50

20.00

306.99
30.00

estern District

Flood's Chapel

5.00

Marsh Swamp Auxiliary

50.00

Milbournie

23.00

People's Chapel Sunday

school

5.00

Sherron Acres

41.50

Unity, Durham

5.00

129.50

her Sources

First Citizen's (Interest on

Chapel Fund)

42.76

First Citizen's (Interest on

General Savings)

187.64

First Citizen's (Interest on

Main Building Fund)

247.31

Mrs. W. L. Moretz

25.00

502.71

Total Receipts

3,012.44

Total for Which to Account

1 5,616.34

Operational Expenses

Burress Insurance Agency 3

149.26

Free Will Baptist Press

240.55

Transfer of Funds to General

Savings

8.22

Transfer of Funds to General

Savings

362.10

Transfer of Funds to Main

Building Fund

2,048.83

Transfer of Interest to

Savings Accounts

477 71

Total Disbursements

D^hnro fin HanH
DdldllLc UN ndl IU

November 1 , 1976

Earmarked

Funds

Main Building Fund
General Savings
Chapel Fund
Total

3,286.67
$ 2,329.67

$31,631.96
16,929.97
3,424.43
$51,986.36
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. A. B. Chandler, Treasurer

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and
a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).

IN MEMORY OF THE REV.
WILLET L. MORETZ

The Rev. Willet Linville Moretz, age
78, of Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa, North
Carolina, departed this life on the
morning of October 12, 1976, in Black
Mountain Hospital after a long illness.

The Rev. Moretz was born June 23,
1897, at Boone, North Carolina, where
he spent his childhood and boyhood
years, securing a grammar and high
school education in the local schools. He
then attended and graduated from Mars
Hill College. He was married December
24, 1923, to Anna Laura Harrison. They
had no children of their own, but adopted
two foster daughters, who through the
years were as devoted to them as they
could have been had they been their
natural daughters.

Mr. Moretz began his ministry in 1922
as pastor of the First Baptist Church in
Swannanoa, but later he transferred to
the Free Will Baptist Denomination. Until
1936 he pastored a number of Free Will
Baptist churches in western North

Carolina, including the Asheville, Hazel
Green, Mt. Bethel, and Swannanoa
churches. Around 1936, he began
pastoring churches in eastern North
Carolina, including churches in Pitt,
Greene, Hertford, and Pamlico counties.
He made many friends in these churches
who were loyal to him over the
years. His ministry also included
evangelistic meetings over the state and
in other states. For several years, Mr.
Moretz wrote a weekly column called
"The Lighted Pathway" for The Free Will
Baptist.

In 1966, Mr. Moretz became an
employee of the Central Conference
Mission Board, and was assigned to
work in Roanoke Rapids where the
mission board had begun work toward
the establishing of a church in that city.
Mr. Moretz did some splendid work
there in a ministry to the local
congregation and through radio. Within a
few months, he had developed the
mission to a point where the mission
board decided it was time to organize the
work into a regular church, which was
done in 1967 with Mr. Moretz as pastor.
The mission board had purchased
property upon which a church was to
have been built, but changing of zoning
laws by the city made it impossible to
build on the lot owned by the mission
board. Mr. Moretz began immediately
raising money to purchase other
property, and within a few months the
new congregation had bought and paid
for a whole block of land in a good
section of the city. They started at once a
building fund, and had around $3,000 in
it when Mr. Moretz became ill. With the
help of members of the mission board, he
continued to serve for some months, but
was forced to give up the work in 1971 .
He returned to his home in Swannanoa in
hopes of making a physical comeback
but did not succeed, and was forced to
spend much time in hospitals and
nursing homes until his death.

Funeral services were conducted on
October 18 in the Calvary Free Will
Baptist Church in Swannanoa, by the
Rev. Loy E. Ballard, assisted by local
pastors. He was laid to rest in the Piney
Grove Cemetery in Swannanoa. He is
survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Laura
Moretz; two foster daughters, Mrs.
Magnolia Revis of Asheville, and Miss
Ruth Casida of Swannanoa; and by one
brother, Grady G. Moretz of Boone.
—Adapted from the Asheville Citizen

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

IN ME MORI AM

Mrs. Winona Smith Gaskins
November 29, 1975
Mr. Wilbur S. Martin

April 5, 1976
Mr. Carson A. Jackson
April 26, 1976
Mr. J. Sherman Daugherty
June 28. 1976
Mr. Alvin L. Stilley

July 31. 1976
Mrs. Ola Caton Ipock
September 16. 1976

by Marice Debruhl
St. Mary's FWB Church
New Bern, North Carolina

(This memorial tribute was delivered at the annual
homecoming observance, and is printed by request of
congregational members.)

P IFE is continuous. It begins
cr~ with earthly birth and continues
on forever into the future. God ordained
that life consist of relationships, of family
units, that man might have more than a
mere existence - that he might in reality
have a daily walk with his Creator and his
fellowman. We are born into a physical
family and, we, as Christians, are re-
born into a spiritual family— the church.

We, at St. Mary's, are a spiritual
family unit, a part of the larger family of
God, and it is with sadness that we
realize today thaf our family circle has
been broken. Perhaps never in the
history of our church in one given year
have we experienced such a loss. Called
into that larger and fuller life have been
six faithful members, three of whom
served God and their church through the
office of deacon. Our loss has been
great, but we rejoice in the assurance
that our loss is Heaven's gain.

At each end of our communion table
today we see a lighted candle, sym-
bolizing the presence of God and
reminding us of the words of our Lord
who said:

Where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them.

At the center of the altar, we see the
empty Cross reminding us of the Saviour
who atoned for our sins and who was

victorious over death and the grave. The
red rose is the symbol of love and the six
red roses at the base of the Cross
symbolize our love for those who have
gone to be with the Lord and remind us
that the Christian life is lived at the foot of
the Cross. The candle is a symbol of life
and light and as we light the candles on
either side of the Cross, we do so with the
assurance that our loved ones are today
experiencing life in its fullness, life lived
in the presence of God.

Called to be with the Lord this year
were the following:

Mrs. Winona Smith Gaskins: A devoted
Christian and church member whose
love for God found expression in the
teaching of little children in the
Sunday school department.

WILBUR S. MARTIN: A deacon, who was
faithful to his commitment, always in
his place, supporting his pastor and
church with a life lived in service to
His God and his fellowman.

CARSON A. JACKSON: A son devoted to
his mother, a church member faithful
to his church, who supported it with
his presence and love.

J. SHERMAN DAUGHERTY: The oldest
living deacon in our church whom
God called home at the age of 95.
Faithful as long as his health per-
mitted, a senior citizen in Heaven
today.

ALVIN L STILLEY: Chairman of the
Board of Deacons at the time of his
death, active in all phases of the
work of the church, a man of deep
spiritual convictions whose love for
God and his church was evidenced in
his daily walk with His Lord.

MRS. OLA CATON IPOCK: Active as long
as her health would permit, a truly
Christian lady with a real testimony
of the love of God in her heart.

The poet Walt Whitman penned these
immortal words:

In the Faces of Men and Women I
have seen God.

Certainly it can be said that in the faces
and lives of these whose memory we
honor today, we have seen God and an
example of the Christian life.

The world today measures greatness
in many different ways but greatness in
God's sight is not measured in fame or
wealth, but rather it is measured in how
closely our lives resemble the life of the
gentle Galilean. We may be rich or poor,
educated or ignorant; we may live in the
bright lights of fame or in the shadows of
obscurity; but we can never achieve
greatness until our thoughts and deeds
resemble the thoughts and deeds of
Jesus Christ.

There are two primary ways to
measure a man. You can measure him on
the outside and get his physical
dimensions, but if you want to determine
his spiritual dimensions, you must
measure him on the inside.

We are never made great by what we
have. Greatness is the result of what we
are and what we are is expressed by
what we do. Jesus talked about the1
importance of simple deeds that grow out
of love and concern. He talked about
giving a cool drink to the thirsty,
sheltering the stranger, feeding the
hungry, and visiting the sick. Whenever
we meet a human need with love, we are
doing the work of God.

A wise man once said, "You cannot
touch a rose without its fragrance
lingering long after it has been passed on
to a friend." The ones whose memory we
pay tribute to today have touched our
lives in many ways and their Christian
influence lingers to bless and enrich us.

As they live now in the presence of
God, we have the assurance that
someday, if we remain faithful, we, too
shall experience life in its fullness as we
join them in God's presence. Whether or
not we are reunited is our choice, as we
live life as we will it. You and I may not
choose the colors, but certainly we
choose the pattern.

Jesus said:

I am the resurrection, and the life,
he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live.

Death's Not The End
Neath The Cold Black Sod—
'Tis The Inn By The Road
On The Way To God.

8

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

SCENES

Beulaville FWB

OF THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

October 20, 21

Beulaville, North Carolina

Jneup o/ officers: David C. Hansley, assistant
noderator; J. B. Starnes, moderator; W. E. Futch, clerk;
Voodrow McCoy, treasurer.

Woman's Auxiliary Report being given. (Identification not
available)

he Rev. Graham Lane delivering the morning sermon.

The afternoon devotion presented. (Identification not
available)

Is?

"he Rev. J. B. Starnes as he moderates the meeting.

Some of those in attendance in fellowship.

Photos by Walter Reynolds

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

NEWST
_NOTES

Halloween Festival at
Sandy Plain Church

A Halloween festival for the youth of
the community, sponsored by the youth
teachers and other members of the
Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist Church,
Pink Hill, was held Friday night, October
29.

The festival got underway at 6 p. m.
and all children, old and young, enjoyed
the different activities. The activities
included knocking the cans down with
bean bags, bursting the balloons with
darts, guessing how many beans are in
the jar, and guessing your age, birthday,
and weight. With each activity there was
a prize for the winner. There was an old
country store with anything from dill
pickles and candy apples to canned
goods and handmade items. They also
had a spook trail which gave thrills and
scares to all who entered. There was a
little ride for the smaller kids and a
refreshment stand with hot dogs,
cupcakes, popcorn, coffee, and drinks.
At 7 p. m. there was a costume contest
held with prizes for the winners. The
winners included: Mark Lanier, age 3,
Trina Tripp, age 6, Joe Lanier, age 11,
and Kay Thigpen, age 19. At 8 p. m.
everyone was invited inside the
educational building for an auction, in
which there were cakes, cookies, pies,
and other items auctioned off.
Throughout the Halloween festival there
was a big bonfire burning. A total of
$600 was raised to be used for the
youth. This Halloween festival was held
for the benefit and entertainment of the
youth and all who came enjoyed the fun.

Trip to Raleigh Observed by
Sandy Plain Church

On Sunday, October 31, the youth
sponsors of Sandy Plain Free Will Baptist
Church took their youth to Raleigh. They
were joined by other members of the
church. At 9 a. m., they departed and
arrived at the Raleigh park at 12:30 p. m.
There they had a picnic lunch and the
children and adults enjoyed the various

activities. At 1 :30 p.m., they visited the
State Museum, where they were divided
into groups and toured the museum.
After the tour, they headed back to
Sandy Plain, and arrived at 6:30 p. m.
The group gave thanks to God for the
safe trip, and each one who went enjoyed
the trip.

Revival and Homecoming
Slated for Free Spirit Mission

Homecoming will be observed at Free

Spirit Free Will Baptist Mission,
November 7, 1976. The Rev. Taylor Hill
will be the guest speaker for the eleven
o'clock worship service followed by
dinner on the grounds. There will be a
gospel singing service in the afternoon.

Fall revival will be held November 8-1 2
at 7:30 p. m. nightly. The Rev. Joe
Gerald from Victory Mission, Fayetteville,
will be the evangelist. Everyone is
cordially invited to attend.

Robert's Grove Church Stage
Week-end Youth Revival

The Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Route 1, Dunn, will have three
services of youth revival beginning on
Friday night, November 19 and run
through the following Sunday morning at
eleven o'clock.

The Rev. and Mrs. Bass M. Mitchell

will be the visiting ministerial teai
working with the youth. The youn
minister is a graduate of Mount Oliv
College and is presently attendin
Atlantic Christian College in Wilson. Mi
and Mrs. Mitchell are gifted musician
and are recommended very highly.

In preparation for the youth reviva:
Mr. Bobby G. Tew, Principal of Midwa
High School in Sampson County, wi
deliver the 11 a. m. message o
November 14. During the following wee
at Roberts Grove, there will be othe
activities of the youth preceding th
revival, according to the Rev. A. B
Bryan, pastor of Robert's Grove.

Grimsley Announces
Revival Services

The Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church'
near Maury, announces its reviv;
beginning Monday night, November 15
continuing through November 19
Services will begin at 7:30 each evenin
with the Rev. Norman Ard, pastor of th
Gray Branch church, as the gue<
speaker. Special music will be provide
each night.

On Saturday, November 20, th
District Youth Convention will be held £
Grimsley. The church members and it
pastor, the Rev. Tom Miller, extend
warm invitation to everyone to atten
these services.

Rooty Branch
Honors Pastor

The Rev. Bryce Q. Rouse of Seve,
Springs, pastor of the Rooty Branch Fre
Will Baptist Church, was honored at a
appreciation day held during revive
services last month. The Rev. Don Tra
of Deep Run, pastor of Tray Brand'
church, was guest speaker for th
services. The Rev. Rouse and famil
were remembered with gifts, and th»
following poem was written in his honor:

Rooty Branch Church has a wonderfi

pastor,

And we're thankful he answereif
God's call.
He's always prepared to preach the Hoi
word,

And regardless of circumstance

stands tall.
A unique man who is continuousl

concerned,
About his flock lest, they should fall, i

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

ie desires to know the needs of each
church

Member, and prays for all.

\le love our pastor dearly, dearly with

such outstanding leadership, and

distinguished personality,
le's a faithful worker in God's vineyard,
And his religion is an every day reality,
lever too busy to visit the wayward, and

comfort the broken hearted, and ill.
n close communion with God, always

ready a place in service to fill.

he Rev. Bryce Rouse is our pastor,
We are so very proud to say.
ere's wishing him special blessings

and happiness on this "Appreciation

Day."

od grant him a bountiful harvest,
As he ministers to others along life's
way.

lay Reverend Rouse, and the church
congregation abide in the shadow of
| the Almighty, we pray.

By Zilphia S. Ivey

by Mrs. Luther Tugwell

. There is nothing in all the world
as sweet as a little baby girl.
? There is nothing that will give you
joy as a precious little baby
boy.

;| So young parents, please take
heed.

Give your babies the love they
need.

They are a gift from God— you
know,

Love them— and tell them so.

Bring them up in a Christian way,
From the love of God— they will
never stray.
Their lives will be full of love and
serenity,
Together you will be through
eternity.

Scriptural Basis: "The fear of man
bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his
trust in the LORD shall be safe"
(Proverbs 29:25).

SOME CHRISTIANS DO NOT
WORK TOWARD A GOLDEN
HARVEST

The reason some Christians do not
work toward a golden harvest is obvious.
There are at least seven reasons which
men use for not becoming active in
Christian service. I shall name a few of
them. Some Christians do not desire to
follow Christ's commands because of the
expedience and the urgency of the
proclamation of God's Word. Even the
Great Commission cannot stir them
because it makes immediate and con-
tinued demands upon them in the areas
of personal sacrifice and expense. They
feel that they deserve time of their own to
explore and engage in the affairs of life
and their earthly ambitions, desires, and
participations.

Even the demoniac, being healed, was
commanded of Christ to "Return to thine
own house, and shew how great things
God hath done unto thee" (Luke 8:39).
When God delivers a man from the power
of Satan, he should be so grateful unto
Him that he would offer himself a living
sacrifice in the total service of God. The
Lord's ascension address urged
believers to be witnesses. "But ye shall
receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me . . ." (Acts 1 :8).

Some Christians are afraid of what
others will say. To be called a religious
fanatic does not set well with them. They
have no desire to be religious zealots lest
their friends say they have gone crazy
over religion. Fear causes a Christian's
testimony to be hindered or even denied.
It was probably fear that prevented the
nine lepers from becoming witnesses to
the saving and healing power of God.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare"

(Proverbs 29:25). That snare can be
from any number of things of which men
are afraid. Fear of being persecuted for
Christ's sake is a snare to some. A good
parent will suffer most anything for his
children. He would even put his own life
on the line to save his child.

Jesus went to the Cross and died to
save us. Jesus declares that if a person
has more love for his own than he does
for Him (Christ), he is not worthy of Him.
Think about it!

Many Christians appear to be
ashamed to confess Christ, but it is
God's plan and we should be willing to
stay with God's plan at any cost. If we do
not confess Christ in public, how is the
world and those around us to know that
we are saved? The fact is, some
Christians feel guilty because they are
living with unconfessed sins and these
are the sins which separate them from
Christ. The Christian cannot afford to be
separated from Christ. The risks are too
great! One who backslides and continues
to tolerate a love for the world may one
day be abandoned by God. There are
several reasons for this: they not only
separate from Christ, but they cause one
to lose his testimony and confession.
Christ insures us that Christ will confess
us. "Whosoever therefore shall confess
me before men, him will I confess also
before my Father which is in Heaven"
(Matthew 10:32).

Other reasons why some Christians do
not work in a golden harvest emerge as
we observe the carelessness of
Christians in their attitudes of life. They
do not realize the shortness of life. They
plan their lives, their work, and their
activities as though they will never die.
They horde wealth and material ad-
vantages as though they will live forever
to enjoy them. Life is like a vapor: it
appears and then it passes away. Life is
separated from death by only a step —
the step of death. It is only as a shadow,
abiding only for a short time and then it is
gone. Some careless and unconcerned
Christians do not realize the value of a
human soul. The Lord's sacrificial death
proved the value of a soul. The soul must
exist either in Heaven or Hell forever.

Many do not realize that they will be
rewarded according to their works
whether they be good or bad. All of us
should realize that payday is coming,
that we owe God and that He will collect
all His just dues. Get to work!

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For November 21

WALKING IN LOVE

Lesson Text: Romans 14:10-23
Memory Verse: Romans 14:13

I. INTRODUCTION

"But whoso hath this world's good,
and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in
him?" (1 John 3:17). "Of all Christian
duties, Christian love is perhaps most
poorly practiced. The reason— it requires
so much of purpose and energy and
courage. The Christian witness to the
world is on trial at this very point."
—Clifton J. Allen

Walking in love for our brother's sake
doesn't just happen, even for a
Christian. It requires cultivation and
practice, as the Holy Spirit within us
nurtures it. To walk in love requires that
we take a good look at every brother and
see that he is also valuable in the sight of
God. Walking in love comes hard
sometimes, especially when our brother
may decide he doesn't care to walk with
us. At such times, we must practice
returning kindness for indifference,
friendliness for hostility, and forgiveness
for what may seem to be mistreatment.

Love calls for patient practice, for
courageous constancy, and for faith to
believe that it is all worthwhile, faith to
believe what Christ believed: that love,
ultimately, never fails. After all, Christ
practiced love to the very end— He never
gave us— even to death.— The Advanced
Quarterly (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Christians must live in such a
way that they will promote peace and
concord among the brethren rather than
discord and dissension. We should strive
to walk in love by showing preference to
our brother to the best of our ability,
thereby helping him to walk also in that
same love. The Christian goal is to help
one another to be edified or built up in
the grace of Christ.

Christians must show concern for all
other members of the family of God, and
this is especially true of our attitude
toward the weaker members of the
family. If we discover that any of the
liberties which we exercise in Christ
constitute a stumbling block or an oc-
casion to fall for a weaker brother, we
will refrain from the exercising of such
privileges.

B. While the Christian may have the
right to eat and drink that which is good,
there is something else more important
for him to consider. The kingdom of God is
spiritual, not food, and we are to give
thought to the higher essences of the
kingdom, such as righteousness, peace,
and joy— all exercised in and through the
Holy Spirit. These are the enduring
qualities Christians should teach and
practice, not spend time debating inferior
matters such as food and drink. When
the Spirit of the Lord pervades the life of
the child of God he will know what to take
into his body and what not.

C. If we feel that our faith in our
newfound liberty must find expression,
and there is danger that a weaker brother
might misunderstand, let us manifest
that faith before God in private and not
put it on public display. In doing this due
care must be exercised that we do not
overestimate the liberty which is ours in
Christ and thus in the name of Christian
liberty do things that are not permissible
in that liberty. We must never allow our
zeal for the expression of our liberty in
Christ to lead us to do those things which
will only serve to bring us into a state of
condemnation.

Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. FAITH AND DOUBT— "Go ahead,
it won't hurt you," is a statement of
reassurance that may not be founded in
fact.

Not long before this writing two young
women at a high school in our city

listened to those reassuring and luri
words just before their deaths.

Some of the students had be
inhaling oven cleaner blown from aero;
cans into paper bags. The immedi<
"high" some were experiencing wj
later described as the most "freak
out" drug trip they had ever known.

These two had been reluctant to 1
the new thrill. They had expressed th
doubts and so were the last of the gro
to indulge.

The time line between death and
enormous high must have been tf.
indeed. A few moments after inhalatio
both girls were wallowing on the gra.
rooting with their faces like hogs. In le,
than five minutes both were dead. |,
sudden and tragic ending had be
written to a real life drama in hon<::
doubt.

We may not deal in such dras1:
decisions, but at no time are we to *
against our doubts of the Tightness I
any action. If we cannot act in faith, h
must refrain from the performance. IH
do anything, believing it to be wrong, iji
defile our conscience.— W. P.

B. At a quick glance, we mij
think, this is a lesson about eating me!.
But really, that is not what the lesson;
about.

Paul mentions drinking winetoo. 1 n 1
verses just before the lesson text,
speaks of observing special days. \
mentioned also such varied things
movies and military service, but
lesson is not about any of these.

What is the lesson all about? The I
tells us: it is about walking in love, 'jl
thy brother be grieved with thy me|P
now walkest thou not charitably'
Charity is not just giving to the poor. 1.5
the noble, unselfish kind of love tit
leads us to give to the poor and do ma)
other good things.

If I am the kind of Christian who Us
no scruples about eating meat or keepg
Christmas, I may give up any or al ii
these to keep from upsetting my brotH
But love is a two-way street. If I am f
kind of Christian who is set agai:'
eating meat or keeping Christmas, le
may keep me from trying to force ,y
opinion on my brother. With a little s -
restraint on both sides, Christians n
walk together in love even when tin
opinions and their actions are different
some respects.— Standard Les n
Commentary

12

THE FREEWILL BAPTK

I

Mount SMC
Olive College

HIGH SCHOOL DAY
ON NOVEMBER 13

High School Day at Mount Olive
„j( allege will be held on Saturday,
' ivember 13. All Free Will Baptist
[. udents and friends are invited.

The High School Day program is
^signed to show high school students
.mpus life on a firsthand basis. Current
ibdents will be on hand to greet high
jhool students at 10 a. m. and conduct
jnpus tours explaining the different
jipects of student life. Refreshments will
| served at 10:30 at which time
ipfessors will be available to answer
|estions concerning career interests,
irfeh will be served at 12 o'clock with
itertainment by the Mount Olive
jngers. Please call in the number of
'udents and guests that will be at-
„nding to the Admissions Office at 658-

602.

I

'Auditions for the Mount Olive Singers
III be held at 1 p. m. in the college
iilorium. The Mount Olive Singers are
ade up of a select group of versatile
udents that sing and play instruments.
\e Singers tour and perform at
inquets, club programs, and special
'icasions, and on television. See Mount
Jive College High School Day ad this
sue.

SCHEDULE OF
1976 CHURCH DINNERS

ashington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank, and Chowan Coun-
ties—Thursday, November 11, 7:30
p. m., Washington County Union
School; David Cahoon, Chairman.

Greene County— Saturday, November
13, 7 p. m., Snow Hill Junior High
School; George Harrison, Chairmen.

Edgecombe-Halifax Counties— Monday,
November 15, 7 p. m., Edgewood
Church, Rufus Harrell, Chairman.

Wilson County— Tuesday, November 16,
7 p. m., American Legion; James B.
Hunt Sr., Chairman.

Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland
Counties— Thursday, November 18,
7 p. m., Midway School; the Rev.
Felton Godwin, Chairman.

Carteret County— Saturday, November
20, 6:30 p. m., East Carteret High
School; Reginald Styron and Nathan
Garner, Cochairmen.

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE
TO MR. AND MRS. CHARLES
E. DAY SR.

It is indeed comforting to know that
since the Saviour has vanquished death,
its power holds no terror for the
Christian. The fact that the Christian
knows the valley of the shadow of
death will only give way to the glorious
light of eternal life will be glorious to him
or her. Although the physical death is the
most ominous of all life's clouds for the
Christian, it forms the background for
God's brightest rainbow.

Both Charles E. Day and his wife,
Carlie, were Christians of rare virtue and
charity. The untimely death of Mrs. Day
on September 27, 1975, and of Mr. Day
on October 3, 1976, saddened the hearts
of those to whom they had faithfully
ministered as members and officers of
the Marvin Chapel Free Will Baptist
Church in the Magnolia Community
located at Marianna, Florida. Their faith-

ful devotion to the Lord in commonplace
things and their loving compassion for
others had made them a worthy model for
others to follow.

Their life of humble services reminds
me of the following anonymous poem:

"They asked the Lord to let them do

some mighty work for Him,
to fight among His battle hosts, and then

sing the victor's hymn.
They longed their ardent love to show,

but Jesus would not have it so.
He placed them though in a quiet home

where life was calm and still,
and He gave them little things to do, their

daily round to fill.

They could not think it good to be just put

aside so silently.
So, they asked the Lord once more that

He would give them work for Him,
and open wide the door forgetting that

the Master knew just what was best

for them to do.

Then quietly the answer came, "My

child, I heard your plea.
Think not that mighty deeds alone will

bring the victory.
The battle has been planned by me. Let

daily life your conquests see."

May the worthy example of both Mr.
and Mrs. Day spur their family, close
friends, and all of us to be faithful in
doing living deeds that bring blessings to
others and credit to our Saviour!

Respectfully submitted,
Evangelist Arnold Woodlief

FREE WILL BAPTIST
COLLECTOR'S ITEM

The first issue of the 1976
Yearbook for Original Free Will
Baptists of North Carolina is now on
sale at the Free Will Baptist Book-
store at the reduced price of
$1.00. The yearbook contains a
church directory, minutes of state
bodies, conferences, and as-
sociations, a calendar of activ-
ities, and statistical tables.

This book will be a collector's
item among Free Will Baptists in the
future. Get your copy today before
the supply is depleted!

I HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel" yj

mu

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0. Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

HOME MISSIONS CONTRIBUTIONS
JULY 1— SEPTEMBER 30, 1976

CAPE FEAR

Cape Fear Conference $ 80.88

Casey's Chapel 60.00

Catalpa Mission 55.00

Eastwood 100.00

Faith 50.00

Goldsboro, First 329.00

Happiness Mission 25.00

Hopewell 354.33

Johnston Union 306.92

Lee's Chapel 151.22

Mount Olive 45.00

Palmer Memorial 46.21

Pleasant Grove 100.00

Riverside 1,200.00

Robert's Grove 50.00

St. Mary's 75.00

Shady Grove 221.49

Smithfield, First 50.00

Tee's Chapel 325.00

Victory Mission 40.60

West Clinton 43.04

Wooten's Chapel 119.25

Yelverton's Grove 125.00

$ 3,952.94

CENTRAL

Otter's Creek 132.36

Owens Chapel 100.00

Peace 89.50

Reedy Branch 184.69

Roanoke Rapids, First 25.00

Rocky Mount, First 100.00

Rose Hill 15.00

Rose of Sharon 12.50

Second Union Sunday School Convention 100.00

Saratoga 103.00

Spring Branch (Greene County) 135.65

Sweet Gum Grove 15.00

Tarboro, First 125.00

Watery Branch 15.00

Walnut Creek 100.00

Winterville 362.05

$ 6,297.14

ALBEMARLE

Albemarle Union Meeting '■ $ 7.00

Free Union (Beaufort County) 1 89.00

Hickory Chapel 143.62

Mt. Tabor 75.00

Mt. Zion 25.00

St. Paul 126.67

Shiloh 160.87

Sidney 4.00

Union Chapel 273.06

$ 1,004.22

Kinston, First

11

II

Lanier's Chapel

5

(

May's Chapel

101)11

Memorial Chapel

511

Moseley's Creek

12 (

Mount Zion

5

New Bethlehem

II

Northeast

12 ill

Oak Grove

3

-

Otway

10 f

Pearsall Chapel

11

Pilgrim's Rest

6

Rock of Zion

12

Rooty Branch

8

Russell's Creek

1 l(

St. Mary's

161

Sacreta

6

I

Sandy Plain

12 1;

Smyrna

5'«

Snow Hill

12' (

Sound View

23 <

Spring Hope

Verona Church

11 I

Warden's Grove

4

Welcome Home

51 C

Whaley's Chapel

615

White Oak Grove

K

Wintergreen

18

•t

Woodrow, First

■I

WESTERN

Barnes Hill
Branch Chapel
Calvary

Everett's Chapel

First Union

Flood's Chapel

Free Union (Nash County)

Fremont Mission

Friendship

Holly Springs

Kenly

Little Rock

Living Waters

Marsh Swamp

Micro

Milbournie

Mount Zion

Aspen Grove

$ 15.00

Northern

Ayden

45.00

EASTERN

Oak Grove

Bethany

98.45

Araphaoe $

44.00

People's Chapel

Black Jack

361.80

Beulavilie

81.36

Piney Grove

Central Conference Missions

1,075.00

Bethel

10.00

Pleasant Grove

Community

1.00

Bridgeton

64.00

Pleasant Hill

Daniels Chapel

250.00

Cabin

185.63

Pleasant Plain

Dawson's Grove

12.50

Christian Chapel

200.00

Rosebud

Dilda's Grove

100.00

Core Creek

130.00

Rains Cross Roads

Edgewood

236.72

Core Point

15.00

Rock Springs

Elm Grove

215.32

Crab Point

114.00

St. Mary's

Free Union (Greene County)

106.00

Davis

106.79

Selma

Friendship (Greene County)

295.25

Dublin Grove

15.00

Sherron Acres

Greenville, First

175.00

Faith

100.00

Stancil's Chapel

Grimsley

333.95

Fellowship

25.00

Stoney Creek

Gum Swamp

200.00

Fifth Eastern District Youth Fellowship

75.00

Spring Hill

Harrell's Chapel

225.00

Fifth Eastern Sunday School Convention

10.00

Stoney Hill

Hickory Grove

33.58

Fifth Eastern Union Meeting

10.00

Union Grove

Howell Swamp

2.00

Folkstone

50.00

Unity

Hugo

79.38

Gray Branch

100.00

Wilson, First

Hull Road

227.55

Hillsberry

5.00

King's Cross Roads

550.89

Holly Springs

891.58

LaGrange

23.00

Jackson Heights

75.81

Marlboro

2p.00

Juniper Chapel

325.00

Beaverdam

PEE DEE

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Wayne Whitley 1.00

Ola Mae Williams 5.00

Cynthia Wood 5.00

Julius Wooten Jr. 5.00

$ 792.25

N . C . State Woman 1 s Auxiliary $ 90.58

Total Contributions $22,374.55

MISSION CONFERENCE IN
SOUTH GEORGIA

On Thursday, October 14, 1976, I left
home for a visit to our churches in South
Georgia. I drove by Sherron Acres
church of Durham and made a mission
report to the Western Conference. Only a
few minutes could be spent there due to
the appointment at 6:16 p. m. in Atlanta,
Georgia. The Rev. Vance Link of Texas-
Mexico and the Rev. Fred Baker, a
student at Columbia Bible College, were
to meet me there.

Through the efforts of the Rev. Dwight
Hawley, pastor of Zion Free Will Baptist
Church, and the Rev. Paul Irwin,
moderator of the Paul Palmer Con-
ference, plans were made for mission
services to be held in our churches in
Georgia.

I arrived in Blakely, Georgia about 5
p. m. on Friday. I called Mr. Hawley, and
a short time later we were at the homes
that we were to stay during the missions
conference. Vance Link and I stayed with
Mr. and Mrs. David Still. In the comforts
of a new home, we enjoyed the
fellowship of this Christian home. Fred
Baker spent the time in Georgia with Mr.
Hawley.

On Friday night, Mr. Baker held a
service in the Jakin Free Will Baptist
Church. Messrs. Link and Ingram had
services in the Bethlehem Free Will
Baptist Church. The Rev. Ronnie
Knighton is pastor of Bethlehem church.
On Saturday, the Paul Palmer Conference
held the quarterly meeting at Bethlehem
church. This was a great day of worship
and fellowship.

After the conference, we visited Mr.
and Mrs. J. D. King in Florida, parents of
Wayne King. The visit was short but the
love shown by the King family made the
entire trip worthwhile. Thank God for
parents that are willing to submit to the
will of God for their son.

Plans were made for a conference
mission rally to be held on Saturday night
at Zion Free Will Baptist Church. The
attendance was low due to bad weather,
but the group attending was blessed by

God through slides from the Philippines
and India. A testimony was given by Fred
Baker and Brother Link inspired us with
a message from God's Word.

On Sunday, October 17, 1976, the
representatives from the mission board
went to the following churches for
services: Fred Baker, Zion Free Will
Baptist Church; Vance Link, White Pond
Free Will Baptist Church; and Joe
Ingram, Live Oak Free Will Baptist
Church. Sunday was a busy day in that
Messrs. Baker and Ingram had to
catch a plane in Dothan, Alabama for
their return home.

Offerings for the mission conference in
South Georgia were in excess of $1 ,200.
For this, we express our love and ap-
preciation, and our thanks and prayers to
the pastors of each church. May God
bless you as you lead your people to
share the gospel of Christ to all.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE ADOPTS
GOAL OF $1,000

The youth rally of the Central Con-
ference adopted a project of raising
$1,000 for foreign missions for the
current year. At the youth rally in
September, the Rev. Joe Ingram was
invited to share mission news with the
youth of the conference.

The meeting was held at the Ayden
Free Will Baptist Church of Ayden.
Several churches were present for the
meeting. There were many of the youth
groups of the Central Conference that
were not present.

Mrs. Jack Dail presented the Rev. Joe
Ingram a check for $500 as the first half
of their goal. A portion of this amount has
been sent to purchase mats for the youth
of our elementary school in India. I am
sure that the children of this school
express their love and thanks to you as
youth of the Central Conference for these
mats for their school.

Several of the youth groups expressed
an interest in a walk-a-thon in their
church for foreign missions. If you are
interested in this, please contact North
Carolina Free Will Baptist Board of
Foreign Missions, P. 0. Box 979,
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530.

In behalf of the foreign missionaries,
your director expresses thanks to all the
youth of the Central Conference for your
interest and hard work.

15

COME TO HIGH SCHOOL DAY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

iiii?
mi?

1 HI

mil
mm

i nil
lini

10:00— Arrival

Registration

10:15— Campus Tours

10:30— Refreshments

We Have A Lot Going For Us

HIGH SCHOOL DAY PROGRAM

10:30— 12:00— Conferences with faculty

12:00— Lunch

Entertainment by MOC
Singers

1 :30— Auditions for MOC Singei
(by any interested
students)

Conferences available wit
admission

The Rev. Charles Renfrew

Sophomore

Fremont Church

"As a Free Will Baptist minister and
student, I came to Mount Olive because it
is 'ours'. A high school student leaving
his church and his home for the first time
can come to Mount Olive and be
welcomed and be assured he truly is! ' '

Maria Ard
Freshman

Christian Chapel Church
(Pink Hill)

"When I watched so many students
leave high school and wander away from
God and the church, I knew I would like
Mount Olive, because here serving and
loving God are an accepted way of life;
and in so many colleges it is not that way
at all."

Elaine Sasser
Sophomore
Piney Grove Church
(Kenly)

"Coming to High School Day gave n
a chance to talk with students and si
student life as it is. I went home excitf
about coming back as a student mysel
I'm glad I did."

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

emai

WE WON THE BATTLE!

by the Rev. L. E . Ballard

This editorial is about the selection of a president of the United States; but
please don't jump to any conclusion because of the caption we are using. You
just might find yourself wrong!

All through the early and midhours of the night of November 2, we sat by
our television watching the returns from the selection of a president as they
came in. Whom had we voted for? Whom did we hope to hear announced as the
winner? We are not going to tell, because answers to these questions are not
important to the purpose of this editorial. Besides it was our private business
anyway!

The night was far gone before there was any clear indication of which of
two men would be our next President; but before this clear indication came, we
had won a great victory for ourselves. We had thought through all our
prejudices, preconceived suspicions, and ties of family tradition, and decided
that our President would be the man whose name might be finally flashed on
the television screen as the one for whom most Americans had voted; for
during that lonely seven or eight hours of waiting, we had become convinced
that it would have to be one of two great Americans, both of whom were worthy
of the high honor. During these hours we had let our mind review the facts that
had been brought out concerning each of them during the campaign. The jury
of our contemplation had found both of them guilty of having human
weaknesses, but the same contemplation had found in each of them qualities of
greatness and of goodness qualifying them for the office to which they aspired.
Sure, we still had our preferences, but they had become less and less important
as the hours passed by. When at last one was announced as the winner, we were
able to say, "He is our President"— and from this don't jump to any conclusion
as to whom we voted for ; you don't know, and we're not going to tell you !

We are satisfied that during the campaign both these great Americans
made some rash statements concerning each other and the positions assumed
by them— statements which they may now regret. But before we Free Will
Baptists pass judgment, perhaps we should look back to some of our times of
"stress and strain" and ask ourselves if we always spoke and acted fully
rationally. This writer remembers some occasions when he— but, please, let's
not go into this !

When Mr. Carter enters upon his duties as President in January of 1977, we
may expect that most of the things he endeavors to do for our country will be
backed up by sincere convictions. We may not agree with him, but we can
believe in the honesty of his motives. We have no reason to doubt but that he
will have the good of the country at heart.

Jimmy Carter professes to be a Christian, although he has confessed that
he has not always been perfect in his Christianity. His profession is backed up
by a very good record as a member of a Baptist Church. We have good reason
to believe that our new President will appreciate our prayers for him to have
God's guidance as he endeavors to lead our country in finding the solution of
the many problems that face us as a nation in a badly disturbed world of today.
God can move in every life that is open to Him; and who is to say that this
simple peanut growing Christian of Plains, Georgia, who is at the same time a
great American, will not be willing to let God guide him as he undertakes the
tremendous task of being President of the United States of America?

NOVEMBER 17, 1976
Volume 91 Number

Edited and published weekly by the Free W
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North L
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secor
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina. 1

All materials to be placed in any issue mu
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to t!
publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; o
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17; pi
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discou
given when local churches send the "Baptist"
the home of every member; names and a
dresses to be provided by churches. Church
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptist
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily refle
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Tl
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eai
article is given the person whose name appea
under trje title or to the person submitting sa
article.

Items for publication should be addressed
the Editor, The Free Will Baptists O. Box 15
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m-
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. rr
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9::

a. m.— 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbai
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretar
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Root
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannin
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assista
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sassi
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

LESSON FROM THE LEAVES

v{/hat makes the leaves change we will leave some endearing memorials
Dior— Frost? No. It is just the of our years of leafage and usefulness,
atural result of life— of having lived. It Soon the leaves pass to make place for

;i as natural as the graying hairs that
me brings.

\ The leaf has done its work well. It has
■ssimilated the forces of the air and sun
jpd built them into the bulk of the tree,
through the spring rains, the summer
taught, the fierce storms it has hung
n, keeping everlastingly at its work of
Service— quietly, purposefully, faith-
lily. And when it falls, its work
pides— for in the trunk of every sturdy
lee, there remains an added ring as a
icord of the achievement of the year's
afage.

The leaf has served its day; so may it
e with us. Fighting valiantly, let us
raw from the Sun of Righteousness
lose forces that make for good and build
lem into the life of our world in our day.
nd through our steadfastness, our
onsistent living, our patient endurance

others. They are not selfish. They are
willing to get out of the way after they
have lived their lives and accomplished
their work. Nor do they put on mourning,
but array themselves in the gorgeous
crimsons and yellows of autumn and wait
for the ruthless wind to lay them to the
ground. There they die, but their
usefulness goes on— for they enrich the
ground, and live again in the beautiful
foliage of next spring.

The glory of old age is to be able to
step aside and say to youth, "I have
served my day. Now you shall have your
chance, and I will bless your works by
giving to you what God has given me:
faith, hope and love."

Strangely enough, the trees that have
the most sweetness in their sap have the
brightest colors in their foliage as Indian
summer announces the coming of

winter. This is also true in the lives of
men. Those who, in gentle compassion,
have served their fellowman have a
beauty, a holy composure, a divine
loveliness that is apparent to all as they
approach the glories of the eternal day.

Is your hair silvering? Does your
usefulness in life suddenly seem to have
ended? Lift up your head. Array yourself
in the garment of praise. Possess a
shining face— and let the autumn of your
life be filled with the beauty of holiness.
Then, when you are called, you will hear
that wondrous welcome, "Come ye
blessed of my Father."

Lift up your head. The Sun of
Righteousness has come to "give unto
them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for
mourning, the garment of praise for the
spirit of heaviness; that they might be
called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord, that he might be
glorified " (Isaiah 61:3).

—Copied

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

fS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 7:23

CHRIST'S LAST WILL AND
TESTAMENT:
He left His purse to Judas ; His body
to Joseph of Arimathea; His mother
to John; His clothes to the soldiers;
His peace to His disciples ; His supper
to His followers; Himself as an
example and as a servant; His gospel
to the world; His presence always
with God's children! —Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Being a Christian involves Christ-
likeness. We see in Him the
perfect example of all that we desire
to be, and we must pattern our lives
after His. What will be your last will
and testament to God?

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Scripture Reading— Romans 15:13

SINCERE CONGRATULATION
The Rev. John Newton one day
called to visit a Christian family that
had suffered the loss of all they
possessed by fire. He found the pious
mistress and said: "I give you joy,
Madam." Surprised, and ready to be
offended, she exclaimed: "What! joy
that all my property is consumed?"
"Oh, no," he answered, "but joy that
you have so much property that fire
cannot touch."— D. L. Moody

PRAYER THOUGHT
What a joy it is to be children of
God! As Christians, we know that in
everything God works for good for
those who love Him, who are called
according to His purpose.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 12:28

SOON TO BE IN HEAVEN
When Billy Bray was taken with his
last illnesses, he asked: "Well,

doctor, how is it?" "You are going to
die." "Glory, glory be to God! I shall
soon be in heaven." He then added in
a low tone, and in his own peculiar
way, "When I get up there shall I give
them your compliments, doctor, and
tell them you will be coming,
too?"— The Witness.

PRAYER THOUGHT
Sharing with others the gospel
message and the testimony of our
Christian experiences is very im-
portant in our daily living. As we
share God's Word, we should be
seeking to win others to Christ.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Scripture Reading— Acts 17:23-26

WHERE CHRIST IS
UNKNOWN

When Amy Carmichael went to
India, she did not know that many
beautiful and intelligent little girls in
that land were taken from their
homes and trained to become temple
women to satisfy the lusts of men in
the degrading worship of the Hindu
gods. Later Miss Carmichael said,
"What a little girl, who had escaped
from a temple, told me darkened the
sunlight!" Her heart became deeply
burdened to save these girls from
moral ruin and bring them to Christ.

How dark are the vast regions of
earth where Christ is unknown. How
dark, too, are hearts and homes
where He is excluded.

PRAYER THOUGHT
How terrible the thought of not
knowing Jesus Christ! Is Christ
present in your heart and home?

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Scripture Reading— Deuteronomy
11:19

A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY
When J. Wilbur Chapman nodded
courteously and tipped his hat to a
neighbor and his wife, Chapman's
little boy did the same thing with
heart-touching gravity. The neighbor
reined up the horse, roared with
laughter, and said, "Have the little
fellow do it again!" Chapman's eyes
filled with tears. "Oh, my friend, it's
serious with me. He's watching
everything I do." — The Cross and
Crown

PRAYER THOUGHT
If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance am

friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.

—Dorothy Law Noltt

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Scripture Reading— John 12:35, 36

HE MAKES IT PLAIN
Do not forget the importance o:
walking according to the light yoi
have, while seeking for more. If yoi
feel you are called to the work, do no
fear as to the way, and the time. H(
will make all plain. The eye of faitH
looks to Jesus and walks, in spite o;j
wind and waves, on the water
—Hudson Taylor

PRAYER THOUGHT
Jesus tells us to let our light shiru
before men so they may see our gooi
works. Is the light of the Spirit shining
through you?

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Scripture Reading— Romans 14:22

THE DIFFERENT FAITHS
Greece said: "Be moderate— know
thyself."

Rome said: "Be strong— order
thyself."

Confucianism says: "Be superior
— correct thyself. ' '

Buddhism says: "Be disillusioned

—annihilate thyself. ' '

Mohammedanism says: "Be sub-
missive—bend thyself."

Judaism says: "Be holy— conform
thyself."

Modern dilettantism says: "Be
broad— cultivate thyself."

Modern materialism says: "Be in-
dustrious—enjoy thyself."

Christianity says: "Be Christ
like — give thyself. ' ■

PRAYER THOUGHT
As Christians, we should give o,
every area of our being — body, mine
and spirit — to God. What are yoi
giving to Christ?

(Devotions used by permission ol
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

Q1 Answering Your
CJESTmONS by J. P
> Route 1 , Box 475

Question: Please explain: "Ye shall
tot eat any thing with the blood: neither
hall ye use enchantment, nor observe
imes. Ye shall not round the corners of
'our heads, neither shalt thou mar the
iorners of thy beard. Ye shall not make
[ny cuttings in your flesh for the dead,
lor print any marks upon you: I am the
.ORD" (Leviticus 19:26-28). These and
ither rules seem to lack purpose.
I Answer: The regulations enforced in
he law as seen here, have to do with
ibstaining from certain heathen prac-
ices common when God brought Israel
nto Canaan, the promised land. These
lews, God's chosen people, had in part
:onformed to their lord's, the Egyp-
ians', religious practices, which was in
dotation of God's covenant with Abraham
ind Israel regarding the religion of any
dolatrous peoples.

We are told that God called Abraham
iway from the idolatry of Mesopotamia
vhen He called him from the Gentiles of

r of the Chaldeans. "And Joshua said
nto all the people, Thus saith the LORD
tod cf Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the
ither side of the flood in old time, even
"erah, the father of Abraham, and the
ather of Nachor: and they served other
lods" (Joshua 24:2). So Abraham's
mcestors were idolatrous in their
vorship services.

{ Paul says: "For the wrath of God is
evealed from heaven against all
jngodliness and unrighteousness of
nen, who hold the truth in un-
ighteousness; . . . Because that,
when they knew God, they glorified him
lot as God, neither were thankful; but
Decame vain in their imaginations, and
heir foolish heart was darkened.
3rofessing themselves to be wise, they
oecame fools, And changed the glory of
he uncorruptible God into an image
nade like to corruptible man, and to
)irds, and fourfooted beasts, and
keeping things. Wherefore God also

gave them up to uncleanness through the
lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour
their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie,
and worshipped and served the creature
more than the Creator, who is blessed for
ever. Amen. For this cause God gave
them up unto vile affections; for even their
women did change the natural use into
that which is against nature: And
likewise also the men, leaving the natural
use of the woman, burned in their lust
one toward another; men with men
working that which is unseemly, and
receiving in themselves that recompence
of their error which was meet. And even
as they did not like to retain God in their
knowledge, God gave them over to a
reprobate mind, to do those things which
are not convenient; Being filled
with all unrighteousness, fornication,
wickedness, covetousness, malicious-
ness; full of envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignity: whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful,
proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents, Without un-
derstanding, covenant-breakers, without
natural affection, implacable, un-
merciful: Who knowing the judgment of
God, that they which commit such things
are worthy of death, not only do the
same, but have pleasure in them that do
them" (Romans 1:18; 21-32), a dark
picture of all until they are born again.

God requires of all mankind that were
made or created in the image and
likeness of God that they worship Him.
When man sinned, that brought a great
gulf between God and man, God provided
a substitute to bring man into a right
relation with God when He gave Christ
before the foundation of the world,
which included sending Christ by the
way of the virgin birth.

Mary submitted herself and gave birth
to Jesus, having had no natural relations

with her husband in preparing her for
this birth, but conceived through the act
and power of the Holy Ghost. "But Christ
being come an high priest of good things
to come, by a greater and more perfect
tabernacle, not made with hands, that is
to say, not of this building; Neither by
the blood of goats and calves, but by his
own blood he entered in once into the
holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us. For if the blood of
bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an
heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth
to the purifying of the flesh: How much
more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered himself
without spot to God, purge your con-
science from dead works to serve the
living God?" (Hebrew 9:11-14); "But if
we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and
the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin. ... If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:7,
9).

Dr. Henry J. Heydt says the following
of the contents of Leviticus 19:26, on
page 47 in the January 1972 issue of
Christian Victory Magazine:

"The word translated 'enchantment'
is nachash. It meant 'to hiss' and is the
root for the Hebrew word for 'snake.' It
is used especially of the whispering of
sorcerers and has the force of practicing
divination. Since one can learn by
divination (Genesis 30:27), and since
'mathematics' is derived from the Greek
mathematikos, 'disposed to learn,' there
may be some connection between the
two concepts although no such parallel
may exist with the Chinese text.

"The Hebrew word translated 'ob-
serve times' is 'anan. This means 'to
cover, to cloud over.' From this concept
the word developed the meaning 'to act
covertly, to practice magic or sorcery.'
However, some Rabbins have felt that
the word in Leviticus 19:26 related
rather to 'ayin, 'eye,' having the
meaning 'to ogle, to bewitch with an evil
eye.' See Keil-Delitzsch on the passage.

"The various matters enumerated in
the passage relate to heathen customs
and idolatrous worship. The Israelites
were to be a separated people living
wholly unto the Lord."

fHE FREEWILL BAPTIST

5

"Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel"^

mission vvor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N C 27530

CHARLOTTE MISSION VISITED
BY MOTHER CHURCH

On September 19, some of the young
people and their leaders from the Black
Jack Free Will Baptist Church near
Greenville, North Carolina, visited the
Charlotte Mission.

These young people had been working
during the summer to raise money for the
mission's building program. Donna Kaye
Meeks presented the pastor with a check
and money amounting to over twelve
hundred dollars. We understand that
some of the members of the church had
also made donations. During the
presentation, one statement which Miss
Meeks made stood out vividly. She said,
"The Lord has blessed our group so

6

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1207 Arsenal Ave.
Fayetteville. N C 28305

much and has brought such unity while
we have worked on this project
together." Surely, we at Charlotte have
found this to be true— the more we do for
others, the more we are blessed.

We had a beautiful service with the
young people from Black Jack furnishing
the special music. After the morning
worship service, we had lunch together.
These young people just don't quit; they
even found a way to raise money during
lunch. Stuart Elks teasingly threatened
to put a strawberry cream pie in his
lunch companion's face. Before the meal
was finished, they had raised another
fifty dollars for the mission. As you can
see the young lady got the pie— all of it!

We at Charlotte do not have the words
to express our gratitude to these young
people and their leaders for their love and
concern.

The plans have been made and
contractors are now being consulted for
bids on the building. It has been a
struggle, but our building will soon be a

reality. Thank you, everyone across ou
denomination, for your prayers am
support.

The Rev. Wayne Watso
Charlotte FWB Mission

COMING EVENTS . . .

November 20— Thanksgiving Services a
the Free Will Baptist Children':
Home on Saturday Afternoon am
Evening Beginning at 1 P. M.

November 20— Annual Session of thi
Historical Society at the Free Wil
Baptist Press Foundation, Ayden a
10A.M.

November 23— Founders Day, Moun
Olive College; special service will bi
held in Rodgers Chapel at 1 1 A. M.

December 7, at 8 P. M.; December 9, a
11 A. M.— "Messiah" (By Georg<
Frideria Handel), Mount Olivt
College. This great classic of churcr
music will be presented twice by «
College Music Department anc
members of the Mount Olive com?
munity under the direction of Mrs
Irene Patten.

January 10— Spring Semester Begins
Mount Olive College. Both new anc,
transferring students may enter fot
the spring semester. In addition to I
full schedule of more than 6$
courses, during the day, night
classes will be available. (List h\
forthcoming.)

IN MEMORY OF
WALTER M. CORBETT

On Tuesday, January 20, 1976, thl
death angel quietly came and took ou
beloved husband and father to be witl
the Lord. We miss him so, but we knov
that our Lord never makes a mistake.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you were not alone.
The Lord was there with you

The day He called you home.

It's hard for us to understand

Just why you had to go.
You have left us all alone,

And we do miss you so.

Life goes on, I know it's true,

But not the same since we lost you.
We miss your loving smile, your gentl
face,

No one can ever take your place.

Written by his wife, j
Mrs. lone M. Corbeij

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

Scriptural Basis: "I press toward the
nark tor the prize of the high calling of
pod in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

PRESSING TOWARD A
GOLDEN HARVEST

Pressing toward a golden harvest
comes natural to those Christians who
have had a real experience with the Lord.
Take Elijah, for example, his life was
Preserved by the Lord during an ex-
tended drought that threatened to
destroy people by the thousands because
k their ungodliness and sin. Elijah was
jsed of the Lord to bless the lives of
Others in several remarkable ways. God
flowed him to raise the woman of
forephath's son from the dead. Elijah
challenged and was victorious over the
brophets of Baal. God honored his call for
Jire to fall down from Heaven upon
soldiers of Ahaziah. His earthly pressing
forward ends as he is taken into Heaven,
put not until Elisha was assured from
Elijah that his spirit would fall upon him
n great abundance and with power.

1

; The Apostle Peter's theme of life was
o ever press toward a golden harvest.
|1e was commissioned of our Lord to feed
lie Lord's flock. God gave Peter a
lermon of great power on the Day of
'entecost resulting in the greatest
ampaign for saving souls the world
las ever known. This campaign was
xtended by men of God even unto our
lay. Such men as Philip, Paul, and men
'jf today like D. L. Moody, Billy Graham,
jlral Roberts, and Jerry Falwell have
leen and are pressing toward a golden
iarvest. Thank God for all of these and
or all other workers in the fields that are
vhite unto harvest where the golden
iarvest is being gathered in.

Pressing toward a golden harvest
ihould be the theme of every Christian's
ife. God saves every Christian to serve.

The fruit (harvest) of every Christian is
another Christian. You have not done
what God saves you to do until you have
led some other person to Christ and he is
saved. All our good deeds are fruitless
unless they produce souls for the
kingdom of God. If a person is not going
to work toward a golden harvest after he
is saved, God might as well take him on
to Heaven immediately. There is ab-
solutely nothing left for a Christian to do
in this world but to work toward the
salvation of a lost soul. This is the ab-
solute and urgent need of the hour.
There are plenty unsaved or ungodly
people in this world to take care of the
physical needs of earthly citizens. People
working on the farms, in industry, in
education-, in politics and in all the other
earthly vocations or callings can supply
every earthly need. God's people are a
different breed. Our citizenship is in
Heaven. Our names are recorded in the
Lamb's Book of Life. Ours is the
business of recruiting and enlisting
whosoever will to come and join our
ranks in the laborers of the Kingdom of
God.

What I have said above may seem a bit
heavy; but the only reason Paul had for
his work of tentmaking was to find
enough revenue to sustain life so that he
could continue serving the Lord. Paul
was constantly pressing toward a golden
harvest. The Christian's secular labor is
a resort to find a means of sustenance
which allows him to continue to proclaim,
preach, or demonstrate the love of God to
all men: to proclaim the good news that
salvation has been offered to all
mankind.

Now then, this should give us the full
and complete role of the servant of the
Lord. We are ambassadors for Christ. An
ambassador is one who works for
another. In our case we work for Christ.
We represent Him in the world. No one
can have a more honorable vocation and
no one can have a better Lord and
Master. We are absolutely responsible
for the affairs of our Lord among men and
He is absolutely responsible to take care
of all our needs and to support us in all
His affairs.

The golden harvest worker is one who
has resigned from the devil's work force.
He has renounced Satan and has turned
against all the forces of evil everywhere.
He will not tolerate evil and is determined

to serve the Lord in all kinds of hardship
or torments until death. Boldness in
serving Christ will bring rewards of
heavenly riches and eternal glory!

CRAG MO NT
BULLETIN

The camping season for 1976 is now
over. We had a very good year. Our stay
at Cragmont this summer was a very
enjoyable and profitable experience.

On October 2, 3, Owens Chapel church
visited Cragmont. Their group of 34 was
indeed a pleasure to serve. October 8-10
found Little Rock church with 50
campers at Cragmont. It was most in-
teresting to learn that this made the
eighth year they have come to Cragmont
as a church group! On October 15-17, we
hosted Spring Branch church with a
group of 60 people. This is officially the
largest single church group that visited
Cragmont this summer. Winding up the
month saw two church groups at
Cragmont. Arriving Friday night, October

29, were 35 campers from Christian
Chapel church. On Saturday, October

30, 13 young people from the Saratoga
church came to spend a few hours at
camp. Each group was a delight in its
own way. We thank God for the support
of these groups.

Again we remind you pastors to please
contact us for a date to present a
Cragmont program in your church. Don't
let this year's Cragmont story go
unheard in your church.

Continue to pray for us and for the
success of God's work through us.

In His service,

The Rev. and Mrs. Douglas Skinner
Managers

THE SURE CURE

Said Dr. Karl Menninger, world-famed
psychiatrist, "Love cures people, both
the ones who give it and the ones who
receive it!"

n

'HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

IN MEMORY OF

MRS. FANNIE WHITEHURST

In the early morning hours of October
2, 1976, the Lord called Mrs. Fannie
Wynne Whitehurst, 80, of the Stokes
community, home to be with Him. She
was the wife of the late Ernest
Whitehurst who died in 1942.

She was a member of Sweet Gum
Grove Free Will Baptist Church and
served the Lord faithfully as long as her
health permitted. Her greatest desire
was to please the Lord in all things.

The funeral services were conducted
October 3, at the Wilkerson Funeral
Chapel by her pastor, the Rev. Frank
Brinson. The body was laid to rest in the
Bethel Cemetery beneath a mound of
beautiful flowers which was evidence of
the love and respect which her loved
ones and friends had for her.

She is survived by a son, Judson
Whitehurst of Stokes; four daughters,
Mrs. Leslie D. Smith of Raleigh, Mrs.
Arthur Banta of Fayetteville, Mrs.
Katherine Warren of Oxford, and Mrs.
Velma Warren of the home; twelve
grandchildren; and fifteen great-
grandchildren.

She was patient in all her suffering,
leaving her condition in the hands of the
Lord. She was in failing health for a
period of time, and was unable to attend
church in her last days. Mrs. Fannie was
an inspiration to all who came in contact
with her, and the vacancy she left in her
church, her home, and her community
cannot be filled. Today if we could hear
her speak to us from Heaven, we believe
she would say, "Trust, serve, obey, and
keep climbing, for the top of the ladder is
not far, and Jesus is at the top to
welcome you."

Out across the great divide,
Our precious one has gone.
To meet the One she loved so well,
Just beyond the setting sun.
And some day we'll meet her
On that bright and heavenly shore.
And clasp our hands together,
As we've often done before.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Esper Futrell, chairman
Mrs. James Smith
Mrs. Provot Lassiter

Balance in Bank July 31, 1976

»J> M,UJl.i

Receipts

General Fund:

Contributions

$ 58.07

Life Award Fees

50.00

Promotional (CSF)

63.82

171.89

Denominational Enterprises

20,593.93

Total Receipts

$20,765i

Total tor Which to Account

$24,8181

Disbursements

Convention Allocations and Expenses

$ 330.70

Denominational Enterprises

20,593.93

Total Disbursements

20,924.6

Balance in Bank October 31 , 1 976

$ 3,893.4

Summary of Bank Account Balances

General Fund

$ 3,386.1

Interest

507.2

Total

$ 3,893.4

Branch Banking and Trust Co. (checking)

886.1

Atlantic Savings and Loan Association

3,007.2

Total

$ 3,893.4

Denominational Enterprises Report

Missions:

Itemize

Received

Disbursei

Church Extension (Home Missions)

$ 792.76

$ 792.7

Foreign (General)

64.93

64.9

Designated:

Mexico

135.00

Wayne King

10.00

Vance Link

10.00

Special (Boat for Kings)

1,316.22

1,471.22

1,471.2

State Project (Equally Divided Among Mrs.

Link,

Mrs. Timmons, and Mrs. King)

753.21

The Fred Bakers

125.00

878.21

878.2

Central Conference Missions

135.00

135.0

Mount Olive College:

General Fund

31.00

Alice Lupton Scholarship

63.00

J. C Griffin Scholarship

35.00

State Project (Lights)

678.38

Books

25.00

Chapel

12.00

844.38

844.31

8

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

ree Will Baptist Children's Home:
General Fund
Clothing

State Project (Recreational Equipment)
Children's Expense to Cragmont
Adopted Child

uperannuation:
General Fund

Ministers and Widows Adopted

iragmont Assembly:
Building Fund

letirement Homes, Inc.
mna Phillips Loan Fund
Camp Vandemere

life Membership Fees (Mount Olive College)

Christian Service Fund:

Missions
I Mount Olive College

Children's Home

Cragmont Assembly

Superannuation

Retirement Homes

Totals

(*) 10 percent retained for promotional
(see receipts $63.82)

The following churches won scholar-
ships at the first seven of the
seventeen county dinners held this fall in
support of Mount Olive College:
' The scholarship for the church giving
the greatest amount at the dinner have
been presented to: Juniper Chapel
(Craven County); Mount Zion (Pamlico
County); Sandy Plain (Duplin County);
Spring Hill (Wayne County); Folkstone
church (Onslow-New Hanover Counties);
Free Union church (Beaufort County);
and Ayden church (Pitt County).

The scholarship for the church giving
the greatest amount per capita (average
per member) have been presented to:
Juniper Chapel (Craven County); Mount
Zion (Pamlico County); First Free Will
Baptist Church of Warsaw (Duplin
County); Spring Hill (Wayne County);

54.59
635.00
843.80
161.75

120.00 1,815.14 1,815.14

154.07

3.00 157.07 157.07

13,241.83 13,241.83

228.07 228.07

42.00 42.00

149.02 149.02

200.00 200.00

127.62
127.62

95.72

95.72

63.81

63 81 574.30 574.30

$20,593.93 $20,593.93

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser, Treasurer

Sneads Ferry (Onslow-New Hanover
Counties); Trinity church (Beaufort
County); and Ayden church (Pitt
County).

The scholarship for the church with
the largest number of high school
students present at the dinner have been
presented to: Saint Mary's church
(Craven County); Trent church and
Warden's Grove (Pamlico County);
Sandy Plain (Duplin County); First Free
Will Baptist Church (Wayne County);
Folkstone church (Onslow-New Hanover
Counties); Dublin Grove (Beaufort
County) and Winterville church (Pitt
County).

Congratulations to these churches.
Scholarships will be presented at the
remaining dinners and winners an-
nounced in the FREE WILL BAPTIST.

GIFTS TO MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, during the month of October,
1976, totaled $411 and are as follows:

In Memory of

Mrs. Carolyn Baddour by Gary
Barefoot, Mount Olive.

Mr. Steven C. Batten by Mr. and Mrs.
Sheldon Howard, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Betty Bedford by Laymen's
League, Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist
Church, Goldsboro.

Mr. William Earl Burch by Mrs. G. C.
Walker and Children, Mount Olive.

Ms. Pat Crawford by Mrs. Oscar
Willoughby, Miss Sara Willoughby, Mr.
A. B. Willoughby, Miss Ella Willoughby,
Ahoskie.

Mrs. Gurney E. Davis by Mr. and Mrs.
W. B. Murray, Jr. Mount Olive; Gary
Barefoot, Mount Olive; Mr. and Mrs.
William L. Denning, Smithfield; Mr. and
Mrs. John Carrere Sr. and Family,
Mount Olive; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Martin, Mount Olive.

Mr. Henry Edwards by The Alathea
Sunday School Class, Hull Road Free Will
Baptist Church, Snow Hill.

Mr. Darrell Everette by Reedy Branch
Free Will Baptist Church, Winterville.

Mrs. Moses Farmer by Dr. and Mrs.
W. Burkette Raper, Mount Olive.

Ms. Lillie Belle Modlin Fulcher by Mr.
and Mrs. Harold L. Stephenson,
Oriental.

Mr. Thomas Langston by Reedy
Branch Free Will Baptist Church,
Winterville.

Mr. Robert Harold McCoy by Alathea
Free Will Baptist Sunday School Class,
Hull Road Free Will Baptist Church,
Snow Hill.

Mr. D. A. McGowan by Mr. and Mrs.
Sidney Johnson, Mount Olive.

Mr. W. L. Moretz by Mrs. Anna H.
Moretz, Swannanoa; Gary F. Barefoot,
Mount Olive; and Oriental Free Will
Baptist Church, Oriental.

Mr. E. C. Morris by Gary Barefoot,
Mount Olive.

Miss Melody Paynter by Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Martin, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Edith Powell Rose by Mrs. Carrie
P. Herring, Mount Olive.

Mr. Garland Smith by Mr. and Mrs.
George C. Jeffreys, Goldsboro; and Dr.
and Mrs. M. M. Lownes Jr., Mount
Olive.

continued on page 13

Mount Ji«I+K
Olive College

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
FOR FIRST SEVEN DINNERS

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

CHRIST, MY ALL

By

Mrs. C. D. Clark

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1

The small letters— not used in the names circled in the diagram— are John 3:16 and the title of the puzzle,
"CHRIST, MYALL."

Find these words or names in the puzzle.

Advocate

Good Shepherd

Master

Righteousness

The Head

Branch

Healer

Messiah

Rock

The Life

Bread of Life

Immanuel

Mighty God

Rose of Sharon

The Vine

Bridegroom

Jesus

Potentate

Ruler

The Way

Bright and Morning Star

Judge

Priest

Saviour

Truth

Chief

King

Prince of Peace

Salvation

Wonderful

Christ

Lamb of God

Prophet

Second Adam

Word

Counsellor

Light

Rabbi

Sin Bearer

Deliverer

Lily Of the Valley

Rabboni

Sinless Man

Everlasting Father

Lord

Redeemer

Son of God

Gift

Man of Sorrows

Restorer

Son of Man

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

NEWSX
NOTES

Meeting of Free Will Baptist
Historical Society

The semi-annual meeting of the Free
Will Baptist Historical Society will be held
at 10 a. m. on Saturday, November 20,
1976, at the Free Will Baptist Press in
Ayden. Members should note the
variation in meeting time and place. All
persons interested in the history of the
Free Will Baptists are urged to attend and
join the society.

The society was organized in 1974 by
a group of persons interested in the
study and preservation of materials
related to the history of the Free Will
Baptists. Meetings are held twice a year
in May and November, featuring guest
speakers or members of the society who
present papers or lectures on various
aspects of Free Will Baptist history, or
subjects believed to advance the pur-
poses of the organization. The November
program will focus on biographies of
some prominent early Free Will Baptist
rninisters . Also, remember this is
election year and at this session our new
officers will be elected.

Central District Youth Convention
Announces Meeting

The Central District Youth Convention
will meet November 20 at 7:30 p. m. at
the Grimsley Free Will Baptist Church
located west of Ayden. All interested
youth, pastors, and sponsors are invited
to attend.

At the last meeting, the youth
fellowship completed one-half of the
$1 ,000 goal for the district project, India
^Missions. As this project will terminate in
March, 1977, the youth hopes that all
other youth auxiliaries will help to raise
the remaining funds. (Note: Be sure all
money intended for India Missions is
earmarked.)

There will be chorus singing and a
business session to get ideas for fur-
thering the ministry of our district's
youth, and information on what has been
done in the past. Furthermore, there will
be a program that's guaranteed to be

interesting, and as a special treat for the
AFC's, a ventriloquist will be present!

Robert's Grove
Announces Youth Revival

There will be a youth revival at
Robert's Grove Free Will Baptist Church
located near Dunn on November 19-21,
Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday
morning. The Rev. Bass Mitchell from
Wilson will be the guest speaker. The
Rev. A. B. Bryan, pastor of Robert's
Grove, and members invite everyone to
attend. Special singing will be presented
each service.

Catalpa Free Will Baptist
Grants License to Roger C. Heath

The Catalpa Free Will Baptist Mission
of Fayetteville has recently granted a
license to Mr. Roger C. Heath. The
pastor of Catalpa, the Rev. Alton
Howard, presented the license to Mr.
Heath. He and his wife, Mary, are
originally from Wallace. They have two
daughters; Denise and Glenda, and a
son, Tony.

Mr. and Mrs. Heath are faithful
workers for our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, and are making every effort to
grow in grace and knowledge of our
Lord. His pastor recommends him very
highly for supply work while he is
awaiting his ordination. He may be
contacted at his home address, 4204
Spruce Drive, Fayetteville, North

Carolina 28304; phone, 425-5402, or he
may be reached through his pastor, the
Rev. Alton Howard, at Catalpa Road,
Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28304;
phone, 425-0948.

Revival at Core Creek
Now in Progress

The Rev. Norman Ard, pastor of the
Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist Church
near Pink Hill, is the evangelist this week
for the fall revival at Core Creek Free Will
Baptist Church located at Cove City. The
services began November 15 and will
continue each evening at 7:30 p. m.
through November 20.

Special music is being provided each
evening. The pastor, the Rev. Melvin
Everington, and the church members
extend a cordial invitation to the public to
attend the remaining services.

THEY SAY
I'M GROWING OLD

by Dewey C. Boling
Clayton, North Carolina

They say I am growing old.
I've heard them tell it
In language plain and bold,
But I'm not growing old.

This frail old shell in which I dwell
Is growing old, I know full well,
But I'm not the shell.

What if my hair is turning gray?
Gray hairs are honorable, they say.
What if my eyesight is growing dim?
I still can see to follow Him
Who sacrificed His life for me,
Upon the Cross of Calvary.

What should I care if time's old plough
Has left its furrows on my brow?
Another house, not made with hands,
Awaits me in glory land.

Whattho I falter in my walk?
What tho my tongue refuses to talk?
I still can tread the narrow way,
I still can watch, and praise, and pray.

My hearing may not be so keen
As in the past it may have been.
Still I can hear my Saviour say,
In whispers soft, "This is the Way."

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

Sc

^ForNovember28^^

OUR MINISTRY OF
RECONCILIATION

Lesson Text: Romans 1:16; 15:8-21
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:18

I. INTRODUCTION

Our study tor today not only involves
the gospel as the power of God to
reconcile sinners unto Himself, but it
also involves us as custodians,
preservers, and proclaimers of that
gospel so that men of our age and in the
ages to come might be brought into
contact with its reconciling power.

Paul felt very strongly that he had
been called of the Lord for the purpose of
bringing the gospel of reconciliation to
the Gentile world. The call has also been
extended to us to participate in the
presentation of this gospel through a
ministry of reconciliation that has been
delivered to us.

Paul recognized the call that was
extended to him, and asked, "Lord,
what wilt thou have me to do?" About
the midpoint of his ministry, though he
had accomplished much more than most
in the service of the Lord, he was led to
exclaim: "Brethren, I count not myself to
have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians
3:13, 14). Thus at the close of his
ministry, he was able to maintain: "I
have fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith" (2
Timothy 4:7).— Bible Teacher (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Not ashamed of the gospel. This
is a very mild and modest way of stating
Paul's attitude. He was so devoted to the
gospel that he was spending his life in
telling it. He was so overflowing with the
good news that he could not be silent.

Alone in a strange city, he sought an
audience both in the synagogue and in
the marketplace (Acts 17:17). Such
overflowing enthusiasm was one reason
for the swift growth of the early church.
Wherever Christians went, they went
preaching (Acts 8:4). This does not
mean formal preaching from a platform.
It means simply telling the good news. In
our day the fast-growing churches are
those whose members are en-
thusiastically talking about their faith and
their Christ. How are we doing? Is our
congregation a growing one? Are we
ashamed of the gospel? How long has it
been since you personally said a word
about it to a non-Christian?

B. The power of God unto salvation.
There is no way revealed in the New
Testament by which a person can be
saved without hearing the gospel. See
Romans 10:13, 14. If paganism now is
spreading faster than Christianity in
countries long called Christian, surely it
is not because God's power has grown
less. Is it because God has entrusted His
power to us and we are not using it as He
intends?

C. To every one that believeth. We

quite readily agree that Jesus sent His
messengers to every human creature
(Mark 16:15). But what are we doing
about it? In the United States and some
other countries, the church finds its
strength among the economic middle
class. Is this because the rich and poor
reject the gospel, or because they
seldom hear it? In your own town are
there sections or groups that are
bypassed when the church has a calling
campaign? Is it considered useless to
visit "Chinatown," or the black section,
or the slums, or the "exclusive"
suburbs? If we cannot reach the whole
town, perhaps it is reasonable to expend
our effort where a favorable response can
be expected; but can we be content to
leave the rest of the town un-
touched?

— Standard Lesson Commentary

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Christianity must be more ttu,
singing and talking about brotherly lovij
Until people are willing to forsake sonn
of their selfishness and prejudice ij
order to help unite the peoples of tr
world, there will be a failure to exa
Christ in daily actions. We must con-
prise some of our personal preference;
as did the men who started slowly towarj
the fountain, in order to find a meetin
point. Jesus Christ is the meeting place
He calls to all men to forget their di;
ferences and come to Him. He says to al
regardless of color, creed, education
family background, or financial standing
"Come unto me, all ye that labour an
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'
(Matthew 11:28).

B. The hope we have in Christ Jesu
is the source of our greatest joy. When
seems that everything has turned agains
us, and so-called friends have forsakei
us, we become blessedly aware th^
there is One who never fails us. Our hop<
in Him is our constant joy, a bulwark o
peace and serenity. What would we i(
without that hope?

C. Faith on the part of the hearer ii'
the only limitation on the power of th<
gospel. Without that faithful acceptance
its saving power is nullified.

D. In the Great Commission whicr:
Jesus left with His disciples He gavf
them the greatest privilege anyone coulc
have— that of reconciling sinful men to <
holy God. The commission is still in forct
and we are now the ones challenged with
it. The great privilege has been passec
down to the present generation o
believers. How we observe that com-
mission will be determined by how we
carry out the ministry of reconciliation!
Christ left to us.

E. We may agree or disagree with
our Christian friends in regard to certain
church doctrines or methods. They may
have one view and we another. They may
attend one church and we another. But
when it comes to our home in Heaven,
the coming of the Lord Jesus, and
salvation through Christ, those who are
truly God's children must think alike.
There are no two views on these things.
These are the things that bring us
together. Together we look forward to the
Lord's coming for His children, and
together we work toward bringing others
to the Saviour.

— Selected

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MT. OLIVE COLLEGE

continued from page 9

Mr. Alvin Stilley by Fifth Union
Meeting of the Eastern Conference,
Bridgeton.

Mrs. Cora Lee Spivey by Celia Hart
t-iarris Woman's Auxiliary, Ayden Free
Will Baptist Church.

Mrs. Annie Woodard Thorne by Mr.
ind Mrs. Roney B. Bunn Jr., Kenly.

Mrs. Josephine Tripp by Reedy
Branch Free Will Baptist Church,
A/interville.

Mr. Marvin Worthington by Reedy
Branch Free Will Baptist Church,
A/interville.

Mr. Curtis P. Webb by Mrs. Daisy
Owens and Mother, Elm City.

In Honor of

, Mrs. James B. Hunt Sr. by the Men
md Women's Adult Sunday School
pass, Marsh Swamp Free Will Baptist
Church, Wilson.

; Miss Christine Perry by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Mr. Brandon Potter by Mount Olive
ipollege Alumni Association, Mount Olive.
| Miss Patricia Ranel Stephenson by
Mrs. R. Y. Stephenson, Clayton.

Mr. Robert Wayne Stephenson by
Mrs. R. Y. Stephenson, Clayton.

Mr. William Michael Stephenson by

rs. R. Y. Stephenson, Clayton.

Gifts

Celia Hart Garris Woman's Auxiliary,
Kyden Free Will Baptist Church, Ayden.
j Third Union District Sunday School,
Warsaw.

J S

The Board of Trustees,
Faculty
and Personnel of
Mount Olive College

cordially invites
all Free Will Baptists
and friends
to a special 25th Anniversary
Program
at 11 o'clock a. m.
Tuesday, November 23, 1976
Rodgers Chapel

s r

SCHEDULE OF CHURCH
DINNERS REMAINING IN 1976

Sampson, Harnett and Cumberland
Counties— Thursday, November 18,
7 p. m., Midway School; the Rev.
Felton Godwin, Chairman.

Carteret County— Saturday, November
20, 6:30 p. m., East Carteret County
High School; Reginald Styron and
Nathan Garner, Cochairmen.

DINNER GIFT AMOUNTS
KEEP CLIMBING

Gifts received from 1 0 of the 1 7 annual
county dinners for Mount Olive College
have totaled $49,994— an increase
of $5,876 over last year's totals for the
same 10 dinners.

An update on gifts by churches at the
dinners is listed for the seven dinners not
listed in last week's FREEWILL BAPTIST
article:

WAYNE COUNTY: Casey's Chapel
$1115*, Fremont $409, First Church of
Goldsboro $530*. Grant's Chapel $100*,
Indian Springs $100, Living Waters
$200, May's Chapel $262, Mount Olive
830*, Northeast $598*, Pleasant Grove
$1,150, Pleasant Hill $418*, Spring Hill
$1,840, Union Grove $1,000*, and
Walnut Creek $335*.

ONSLOW-NEW HANOVER: Folkstone
$300, Sneads Ferry $125, Verona $65,
and Wilmington $10.

BEAUFORT: Belhaven $125*, Dublin
Grove $475*, Free Union $1616*,
Memorial $176*, Shiloh $451*, Sidney
$250*, Trinity $760*, and White Hill
$150*.

PITT: Ayden $1804, Bethany $450*,
Black Jack $746*, Dilda's Grove $300*,
Elm Grove $600*, First Church of
Greenville $702, Gum Swamp $1,871*,
Hickory Grove $240*, Kings Cross Roads
$742*, Marlboro $360*, Piney Grove
$245*, Reedy Branch $1,020, Rose Hill
$680*, Sweet Gum Grove $385*, and
Winterville $71 7.

NASH: Barnes Hill $526*, Flood's
Chapel $210*, Free Union $555*,
Memorial Chapel $86, Mount Zion $60,
Rock Springs $127*, Stony Hill $175,
and Union Chapel $205*.

JONES: Friendship $1 ,563*, Pilgrim's
Home $330, and Whaley's Chapel.

LENOIR: British Chapel $151*,
Christian Chapel $380, Daly's Chapel in
Seven Springs $88, Deep Run $513,
Gray Branch $356*, Hugo $399, First
Church of Kinston $448, LaGrange

$1113*, Smith's New Home $500*, and
White Oak Grove $261*

(The churches which met their dinner
goal are denoted by an asterisk.)

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
UPDATE

The following churches won
scholarships at the last three of the ten
county dinners already held this fall in
support of Mount Olive College.

The scholarship for the church giving
the greatest amount at the dinner has
been presented to the following
churches: Free Union (Nash County);
Friendship (Jones County); and
LaGrange (Lenoir County).

The scholarship for the church giving
the greatest amount per capita (average
per member) has been presented to the
following churches: Free Union (Nash
County); Friendship (Jones County); and
LaGrange (Lenoir County).

The scholarship for the church with
the largest number of high school
students present at the dinner has been
presented to the following churches:
Memorial Chapel (Nash County);
Whaley's Chapel (Jones County); and
Smith's New Home and White Oak
Grove (Lenoir County).

WHO FIRST LOVED US

Saviour, teach me day by day,
Love's sweet lesson to obey;
Sweeter lesson cannot be
Loving Him who first loved me.

With a childlike heart of love,
At Thy bidding may I move;
Prompt to serve and follow Thee,
Loving Him who first loved me.

Teach me all Thy steps to trace,
Strong to follow in Thy grace;
Learning how to love from Thee;
Loving Him who first loved me.

Love in loving finds employ,
In obedience all her joy;
Ever new that joy will be
Loving Him who first loved me.

Thus may I rejoice to show
That I feel the love I owe;
Singing, till Thy face I see,
Of His love who first loved me.

—Jane E. Leeson

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

SpectaC foments

Dear Maggie,

After fifty years of service and experiencing God's many calls, I was called to
Israel, which was the most unexpected call of all. I never dreamed that I would ever
be taken from this country, especially flying because I had a horror of flying. Let me
take this time to say that when God calls you and you have experienced these calls as
I have for fifty years, God can take all fear away and you can feel comfortable anyway
you travel or in any country you are in, for you know that the Holy Spirit is protecting
you. It is a real pleasure to know that you are in His will.

You can feel the power of the spirit in those places I visited in Israel just like a
magnet being placed near metal. The power is with us always if we will just humble
ourselves and trust His word. The Bible is given us to read and His Holy Spirit gives
us the understanding.

While on this trip to Israel, we toured several places there and we were traveling
by bus. Our bus driver was named Joseph. He could understand English but he did
not have much to say. He observed a lot and listened very attentively; and I am sorry
to say our group was not acting much like Christians whenever the bus would stop for
a tour. They would run and push, rushing to get ahead of each other. One young
preacher and I stayed on the bus while everyone else rushed out. I asked the
preacher, "Do we all act like Christians when stopping forthe scenes?" Joseph was
still on the bus not saying anything.

The preacher said, "I don't think our group's showing too much Christian
attitude by the way we're acting."

I said, "You know that not everyone understands our talking but they can surely
read our actions. I believe when people cannot understand our language, they do
read the way we act. I believe our motive for being here is not what God has planned
this to be." Joseph was still listening.

When everyone was back on the bus, the preacher would not let Joseph move
the bus until he had preached to the group as to how our actions were being ob-
served. We should be carrying the message we knew in our hearts by the way we
acted which would do a lot of good to point the Jews to Christ. Things were different
from then on. I believe God called me on that trip for that message.

Some two or three months later I was listening to a radio message on Sunday
morning. A preacher had just returned from Israel and he was talking about his trip
and how they had sung, prayed, and praised God. He had Joseph for his bus driver.
Joseph was converted and accepted Jesus as his Saviour. I said, "Thank you, Lord,
for calling me to Israel for just that one soul." I'll always believe that our conversation
and the sermon the preacher delivered to us on our tour prepared Joseph's heart to
accept Jesus while this other group of Christians sang and praised God.

I trust that each one that reads this message will listen and obey his calls and
always be sure that our daily living speaks louder than our words.

EW

Holly Ridge

This response is only a portion of the gentleman's testimony of years of Christian
faith, trusting in God's love, abiding in His grace, and always following God's calls.
May it enrich your life.

Maggie

S. 0. S. PRAYER REQUEST

The child pictured above needs t
prayers of all Christians. His name i
Anthony Whitson, eight-month-old son)
Charles and Becky Whitson of Route
Box 169-C, Roanoke Rapids, Nor
Carolina 27870.

The baby was injured when hit by
wild-pitched ball at a softball game abc:
five months ago. He is now blind (evi
though in the photo he appears to be at
to see) and has brain damage which h
progressed into seizures.

The information in this request w
furnished by the Rev. Wiley Lew
pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church
Roanoke Rapids.

These are very trying times for th
young couple, as no close relatives li;
near to help them bear their burden. Tlf
is their only child. If our readers wish ,
write the couple, letters of support ai
assurance of prayers will be very mu<
appreciated.

BOOKSTORE AND PRESS FOUNDATIt
HOURS

The Ayden Bible Bookstore, 811 Nor,
Lee Street, Ayden, working hours are
follows:

8:30 A. M. - 5 P. M.— Monday Throu
Friday

9 A. M. - 5 P. M.— Saturdays

Free Will Baptist Press Foundatii
working hours are as follows:

7:30-4:30— Monday Through Friday

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

"A Christian Home

for Boys and Girls'

free will baptist

nildren s 1

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
SAM WEEKS, Superintendent

aphsr JtJL

RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR OCTOBER, 1976

Albemarle Conference

J Free Union $ 20.00

Mt. Tabor 81.85

Union Meeting 17.60

j Sunday School Convention 40.62

j Sidney 60.00

I Union Chapel 154.60
i Total $ 374.67

' lue Ridge Association

| Cedar Hill $ 17.25

;ape Fear Conference

|j Casey's Chapel $ 20.00

Hopewell 127.57

\ Johnston Union 20.00

j Lee's Chapel 60.00

j Auxiliary District Convention 36.04

| Palmer Memorial 367.90

J Pleasant Grove 170.00

j Saint Mary's Grove 5.00

Shady Grove 55.00

j Total , $ 861.51

antral Conference

I Aspen Grove $ 263.00

j Ayden 55.00

Bethany 25.00

j Blackjack 15.00

! Community 50.00

; Dawsons Grove 20.00

I Dilda's Grove 281.74

| Edgewood 115.00

! Free Union 510.00

Friendship 405.29

Greenville 10.00

! Grimsley 50.00

Gum Swamp 165.00

Harrell's Chapel 20.00

Hickory Grove 115.04

Hugo 128.00

Howell Swamp 13.00

| Hull Road 6.00

King's Cross Road 250.25

LaGrange 20.00

Little Creek 65.00

Marlboro 20.00

Third Union Meeting 20.00

Auxiliary District Convention 32.80

Ormondsville 5.00

rHE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Otter's Creek

70.35

Owen's Chapel

20.00

Peace

64.00

Pinpv/ firnwp
rnioy uiuvu

68.58

Rppriv Branch

55.00

Rnrkv Mount

i'Uvr\y iviuui ii

70.00

Rose Hill

70.00

Spring Branch

440.00

102.98

Tafboro

350.00

William^tnn

V V 1 1 1 IQI 1 1 OIU 1 1

14.81

Winterville

215.18

Total

$4,201.02

astern Conference

Antioch

$ 100.00

Cabin

100.00

Core Creek

98.63

Crab Point

15.00

Deep Run

75.00

Folkstone

40.00

Friendship

29.65

Jackson Heights

150.71

Kinston

300.00

Lanier's Chapel

10.00

Macedonia

185.00

May's Chapel

40.00

Moseley's Creek

20.00

Mt. Zion (Onslow)

32.05

Auxiliary District Convention

157.22

Eula Jones

5.00

Eastern Conference

25.00

Fifth Union

100.00

New Bethlehem

23.55

New Haven

30.47

Northeast

3.75

Oak Grove

10.00

Oriental

60.34

Pilgrim's Home

200.00

Reunion Chapel

15.00

Rock of Zion

162.46

Sandy Plain

75.00

Sarecta

177.66

Sound View

437.00

St. Mary's

61.75

Trent

10.00

Warden's Grove

20.00

Welcome Home

25.00

Total

$2,795.24

'ee Dee Association

Beaverdam

$ 47.45

Emerson

47.39

Mt. Olive

15.00

Pee Dee Conference 126.13

Auxiliary District Convention 94.59

Oak Grove 95.00

White Oak 315.00

Total $ 740.56

Piedmont Conference

Bethany $ 20.39

Calvary 113.00

Durham 75.00

Highland Pines 30.00

House of Prayer 50.00

Union Gospel 100.00

Total $ 388.39

Rockfish Conference

Conference $ 41 .05

Sandy Grove 200.00

Total $ 241.05

Western Conference

Barnes Hill $ 20.00

Everett's Chapel 59.38

Fellowship 85.77

Flood's Chapel 74.00

Free Union 5.40

Fremont 127.50

Friendship 27.50

Kenly 85.00

Little Rock 8.00

Marsh Swamp 59.50

Memorial Chapel 129.50

Micro 110.97

Youth Fellowship 51.05

Auxiliary Convention 24.00

New Sandy Hill 25.00

People's Chapel 10.00

Pine Level 100.00

Piney Grove 29.50

Pleasant Grove 96.50

Pleasant Hill 50.00

Pleasant Plain 152.50

Rains Cross Roads 54.50

Rosebud 5.00

Sherron Acres 150.00

Stancil's Chapel 133.97

St. Mary's 643.00

Stoney Creek 75.00

Stony Hill 6.p0

Union Chapel 83.29

Union Grove 61 .00

Unity 10.00

Wilson 1,250.00

Total $3,217.83

Statewide Bodies

Auxiliary Convention $ 95.72

Other States

Flint, Michigan $ 60.00

Bim, West Virginia 10.00

Total $ 70.00

MEMORIAL GIFTS FOR
OCTOBER, 1976

The Rev. Willett Moretz by Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Williams

15

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

AT THE

F. W. B. CHILDREN'S HOME

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
ON

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1976

1 :00 P. M. Afternoon Tour of Campus
3:00 P. M. Gospel Singing in Memorial Chapel

SUPPER — 4:30 P. M.

(Bring vegetables and desserts
Drinks, bread, and the meats will be provided by the Home)

WORS HI P SERVICE AT 6 : 00 P. M.

WITH

THE REV. HENRY ARMSTRONG, SPEAKER

"BRING YOUR GIFTS AND THANKSGIVING
OFFERINGS FOR THE HOME"

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

thef

tree.

II

bap1i^|—

DUKE UNWERSnY UBRA

MOV

30 ^976

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1976

The Great Physician
entreats you, "Come unto
me, . . . I will give you
rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Guest Writer, Mrs. Raymond T. Sasser

Mrs. Sasser is an editorial assistant at the Press, and is the wife of the Rev. Raymond T. Sasser, comp-
troller of the Press Foundation who, in addition, pastors Pieasant Plain Free Will Baptist Church near Selma.

An experienced educator, Mrs. Sasser, for a number of years, taught public school in the Wilson and
Edgecombe County and the Tarboro City school systems. She is the mother of two sons.

A busy homemaker and pastor's wife, she is very active in denominational work from the local to state
levels, having held woman's auxiliary offices on all levels. Her Christian spirit is contagious, both in her person
and in her writing.

Here, she shares with the readers of the "Baptist" some of her inner thoughts and provides a reflective
answer to the problem of restlessness.

Our world of today is a world of restlessness. Everywhere we see results of
frustration and worry. Political, social, spiritual, and emotional unrest seem to
scream at us from all directions and from all areas of life. People everywhere
are overcome by the frustrations and pressures of everyday life. They hurry
hither and yon never finding that for which they search. Many would give
almost anything for just one good night's sleep. We are told that there are more
people today who are unable to sleep than ever before.

A recent survey conducted by Chemical and Engineering News reported
that "... one of every twelve adults takes tranquilizers regularly. Also, that
tranquilizers are now the third largest-selling prescription drug." One such
drug is even termed the "anxiety" drug. Anxiety, we are told, is largely
responsible in part for the rapid rise in alcoholism, narcotic addiction, divorce,
and suicide.

"A Harris Survey asked a cross section of Americans to tell what worries
them most. More than seventy percent said they worried about wasting too
much time, especially watching television. About the same number said they
worried about not attending church enough or being active enough in com-
munity affairs. Sixty percent said they often felt guilty about eating too much
and being physically out of shape. One-third of those surveyed reported that
they worried about spending too much money and getting into debt. One-fifth
were concerned about their drinking habits" — Moody Monthly. Does it seem
strange that none of those surveyed reported a worry or concern for things
spiritual? All worries concerned things temporal— the things of this life which
will last for only a. season, —gather than things eternal— those things which
endure. Inner peace and tranquility cannot be found in material things; they
come only from Him who said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto
you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid' ' ( John 14 : 27 ) .

Jesus himself gave God's prescription for all our anxieties and worries
when He said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me ; for I am meek and
lowly in heart: For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-
30). Jesus invites man to come to Him and find rest. Why does he look
everywhere except the right place? Why not claim the promise that "... the
peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus' ' ? ( Philippians 4:7).

Seeking peace and rest? Turn to Jesus. He alone can give it. How won-
derful it is to be able to say as did the psalmist David, "The LORD is my
shepherd; ... he leadeth me . . ."! (Psalm 23:1, 2). Come to the Great
Physician. His prescription will never fail.

Cover photo by Harold M. Lambert

NOVEMBER 24, 1976
Volume91 Number*

Edited and published weekly by the FreeWi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secorv
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina. ;

All materials to be placed in any issue mu:
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to tH
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; or
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17; pit,
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discoui
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and a<
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these. A 50 percent discount is offered und(
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflet
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Th
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eac
article is given the person whose name appeal
under the title or to the person submitting sai
article.

Items for publication should be addressed I
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 151
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m.—
p. m., Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bem, and Wilson, 9:3
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbarl
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robe
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mannini
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistai
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasse
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

'TODAY IS THANKSGIVING DAY"

r\ F course today is Thanksgiving
kJ Day. So was yesterday, the day
before, and so will be tomorrow and the
jiext day. Every day should be
Thanksgiving Day for us. We as
Christians have so much to be thankful
lor. Day by day God surrounds us with
pountless blessings and every day we
should respond with thanks. Sometimes
It seems that we are more concerned
with what day Thanksgiving comes on,
nan we are in giving thanks where
'thanks are due.

Did you know that the first American
Woclaimed Thanksgiving Day was in
jDecember? It lasted for three days in-
jistead of just one. This happened in the
'/ear of 1621 , nearly twelve months after
"he Mayflower had sailed across the bay
jand dropped anchor at the spot that was
phosen for Plymouth Colony,
j The December weather must have
Deen too chilly for the outdoor festival,
oecause two years later, Governor
Bradford moved the festival to July 30 for
Plymouth's Thanksgiving Day. For about
a century and a half, the date for
Thanksgiving Day was changed from one
month to another. Then in 1863,
President Lincoln proclaimed the last
Thursday in November as being a day of
thanksgiving and to give praise to our

by the Rev. Graham Faucette
Kenly, North Carolina

Heavenly Father. For nearly a century
every American president followed
President Lincoln's example.

During the year of 1939, President
Roosevelt set the time up one week to
give more time for Christmas shopping
which traditionally always begins after
Thanksgiving Day. There are people
living now who can remember that
a wide-spread rage arose over this
change; a rage that continued until
congress established a compromise,
putting Thanksgiving Day to come on the
fourth Thursday in November regardless
if it was the last Thursday in November
or not. The day chosen in Canada is the
second Monday in October.

The day chosen for Thanksgiving Day
should make little difference to the
people that are most sincere and eager to
give thanks to Him. We who are living
very close to our Heavenly Father, and
we who are always aware of His great
blessings, aloud or silently, our hearts
reach out to Him in thanksgiving many,
many times each day, each week, and
each year. We can say with the psalmist,
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help. My help
cometh from the LORD, which made
heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1 , 2). We
know that all our help comes from the

Lord, and we should keep our eyes daily
on the source of our help and praise Him
for each blessing that He gives us.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and cometh down from the
Father of lights, with whom is no
variableness, neither show of turn-
ing" (James 1:17). We know that He
not only gives good gifts, but also, ". . .
gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful
seasons, filling our hearts with food and
gladness" (Acts 14:17). Also, ". . .
who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ"
(Ephesians 1 :3).

We can also sing with the psalmist,
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto
the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy
name, 0 most High: To shew forth thy
lovingkindness in the morning, and thy
faithfulness every night" (Psalm 92:1,
2).

We can, "Enter into His gates with
thanksgiving, and into His courts with
praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless
His name" (Psalm 100:4). And also,
"For the administration of this service
not only supplieth the want of the saints,
but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God" (2 Corinthians
9:12).

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

FRANKLIN'S LOSS IS
THANKSGIVING GAIN

by Larry L. Hanson
Reprinted from the November, 1976, Issue of "Carolina Country"

V

A S the warm smells of roasting
turkey drift lazily through the air
and waft tantalizingly at your nostrils,
imagine for a moment that those
delicious smells of a traditional
Thanksgiving were instead roast eagle.
What?! Roast eagle. Absurd!!

Well, if the Continental Congress had
listened to Benjamin Franklin back in
1776, the only absurdity would be 200
million Americans sitting down to eat the
symbol of the United States— the turkey.

The bald eagle, which has come to
symbolize America by appearing on
dollar bills, government stationery, all
sorts of military hardware and uniforms,
almost all government buildings, and
over the doors of American consulates
around the world, didn't emerge vic-
torious over the turkey until 1782. That
was six years after a committee made up
of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson
and John Adams was appointed to draw
up a great seal for the infant nation.
(It's interesting to note that Congress
didn't move any faster then than it does
today.)

In August of 1776, John Adams wrote
a letter home describing some of the
many ideas the committee had discussed
for a design to be known as "The Great
Seal of the United States of America."
Thomas Jefferson, as Adams tells it,
proposed "Liberty, with her spear and
pileus, leaning on General Washington."
That was probably a good suggestion,
but Mrs. Washington must not have
liked it since the idea didn't go very far.

The allusion of the fight for in-
dependence to biblical events seemed to
inspire Jefferson to yet another idea.
This time Adams' letter described
Jefferson's proposal of "the children of
Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud
by day and a pillar of fire by night. ' '

Another idea Adams attributed to
Jefferson in his letter was a seal using
the arms of the people that populated
America, "such as English, Dutch,
German, Irish, etc., each in a shield. On
the one side Liberty. . . on the other a
rifler. ..." But this idea became too
grandiose as the rifler became dressed in
Roman Armor with a rifle in one hand and
a tomahawk in the other.

At this time Franklin was proposing a
seal with "Moses lifting up his wand,
and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in
his chariot being overwhelmed with the
waters." Underneath this scene he
proposed the motto' ' Rebellion to tyrants
is obedience to God."

In the last paragraph of the letter,
Adams told of his own idea. "I proposed
. . . Hercules . . . resting on his club.
Virtue pointing to her rugged mountain
on one hand, and persuading him to
ascend. Sloth, glancing at her flowery
paths of pleasure, wantonly reclining on
the ground, displaying the charms both
of her eloquence and person, to seduce
him into vice."

Can it be any wonder then, when Dr.
Franklin wrote the following letter to
Congress in 1777, that all these other
suggestions were rejected as too
complicated and Franklin's taken
seriously. hffMp

"May I urge the approvel of the turkey
as the emblem of our young nation," he
wrote, "The wild turkey roams the
woodlands of the continent. It is a bird
known to all."

It certainly was a bird known to all.
Although Franklin was quite serious in
suggesting the turkey as the national
bird, not all the members of the Con-
tinental Congress could keep from
cracking a smile at the suggestion. The
debate that arose has been lost to the

history books as overshadowed by t|
many events of the War for Indepen-
dence that was being fought at the tirri
but the reaction to the turkey was one'f
comedy.

At that time, the turkey was 1
domesticated. It had been brought tot1;
New World from Europe and h'l
flourished in the wilderness. It proviol
food for starving pioneers, and
feathers appeared in many Indi
headdresses.

But, the turkey was not considerec
delicacy. It was looked upon then mu
like people look upon eating opossli
today. The turkey was a stupid bll
which overate to a point where it coijl
only fly a few feet at a time, and wheril
did, would often fly right into a tri
knocking itself out and making ea!'
pickings for hunters.

So, for most of these reasor
Congress balked at accepting the turk
as the symbol on the national seal. Bi
Franklin persisted with his idea.

As a sort of compromise, Jeffers
suggested using the dove as the natioil
symbol, thereby alluding to the Unit:!
States as a nation of peace. But tfs
suggestion was discarded, too. After I
the nation was at war, and not doing 1
well at the time, and Jefferson's proposl
might look like an act of surrender, ort
least of submission.

So, the controversy continued url
1782, the turkey looking more like II
choice with every day that passed. Bi,
John Adams finally solved the issue '
proposing the eagle.

The eagle had been the symbol oft!
Roman Army, and Rome was copied '
the infant nation in many ways, adding <
the eagle's appeal. To Americanize t'
symbol, Adams suggested using V
native Bald Eagle (who had probably Ic

4

THE FREEWILL BAPTI"

all his head feathers worrying about
whether the turkey would become the
national symbol or not).

Congress was attracted to the noble,
warlike image the eagle afforded, and
while old Ben Franklin was making a
eputation in Paris, Congress voted the
eagle in. Franklin shot a letter back home
on the subject.

"For my own part, I wish the bald
sagle had not been chosen as the
representative of our country; he is a bird
of bad moral character; he does not get
his living honestly; you may have seen
him perched on some dead tree where,
Jtoo lazy to fish for himself, he watches
jthe labor of the fishing hawk; and, when
that diligent bird has at length taken a
fish and is bearing it to his nest for the
support of his mate and young ones, the
„ bald eagle pursues him and takes it from
him. With all this injustice he is never in
good case; but, like those among men
who live by sharping and robbing, he is
generally poor, and often very lousy.
Besides, he is a rank coward; the little
'king-bird, not bigger than a sparrow,
■ attacks him boldly and drives him out of
the district. . . . The turkey is in com-
parison a much more respectable bird,
iand withal a true original native of
^America."

As if to soothe the venerable
^Franklin's feelings, the original eagle
jj that appeared on the seal looked more
hike a turkey than the other bird, and did
not get changed until 1841 .

This Thanksgiving, I'll have one
jmore thing to be thankful for— the fact
that the turkey missed out and made it to
my dinner table. And don't feel bad, Dr.
j Franklin, we were able to cook it in our
,i electric oven because you flew that
, famous kite, so you were listened to. . .
Just not about the turkey.

i

CHRIST, MY ALL

By

Mrs. C. D. Clark

t m (E Ull

y a 1Q E L L

In the block of letters above, we have circled the words in last week's puzzle.
The small letters not used in the names circled in the diagram are John 3:16 and the
title of the puzzle, CHRIST, MYALL.

OBITUARY

Mr. Daniel Jefferson O'Donnell of
Pell City, Alabama, died on October
28, 1976. His funeral services were
conducted by the Rev. Paul Davis and
the Rev. Robert Ritch at the Mt. Zion
Free Will Baptist Church in Pell City.
He was laid to rest in the Mt. Zion
Cemetery in Shoal Creek Valley. His
grandsons served as pallbearers.

Mr. O'Donnell was born on July 3,
1888, the son of William E. and Mary
Florence Palmer O'Donnell. He was
married to Irma Wilson on December
16, 1906. He was a charter member
of the Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist
Church near Ashville, and a founder of
the Liberty Association (No. 2) of Free
Will Baptist Churches. A devoted student
of the Bible throughout his life, he was
instrumental in leading many people to a
deeper understanding of the Christian
faith. He was a member of the Guiding

Light Free Will Baptist Church near
Wattsville at the time of his death.

Mrs. O'Donnell preceded him in
death on October 22, 1964. Two
years later he was married to Sybil
Harris Perkins, who survives him. He
is also survived by one daughter,
Mrs. Ruth McKee, and eight sons,
Clarence, Alford, Louie, Earl, Carl,
Marvin, Seldon, and Roy; eighteen
grandchildren, fifteen great-grand-
children, and two great-great-grand-
children; seven brothers and two
sisters.

Mr. O'Donnell's life was an in-
fluence for good, and those who
mourn the loss of his presence take
comfort in the fact that his good
influence will live on.

Respectfully submitted,
The O'Donnell Family

PI THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MARLBORO CHURCH

mini

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iiMiiiiiimiiiiiniiiiiiii

lllllllilllllllllllllllll

HAS HOMECOMING

^7he annual homecoming at Marlboro
Free Will Baptist Church was more than
just a gathering of members, friends
and loved ones. The church debt was
completely paid, and the mortgage
burned. A note of sadness prevailed as
tributes were paid to the pastor, the Rev.
N. Bruce Barrow, who preached his final
sermon in the church on that Sunday.
Mr. Barrow will be in semiretirement,
with limited work in pastoral duties
elsewhere.

The Rev. Scott Sowers of Pamlico

county, a Greene county native, has
accepted a call from the church and will
begin his new pastorate in about three
months.

Much to the surprise of Mr. Barrow,
Dr. Leonard Harris of Rocky Mount was

present for the morning worship service,
and at Mr. Barrow's request sang
"Three Rusty Nails."

The morning offering had been
designated in its entirety to the building
fund with an all-out effort being made to
clear the church indebtedness. Due to
inclement weather, the meal was served
at Planter's warehouse.

During the meal, Mr. Barrow an-
nounced that $900 was needed to clear
the debt.

After lunch, a surprise Honors
Program was held for the Barrows in the
sanctuary. Jimmy Lewis, song leader,
asked Mr. and Mrs. Barrow to join him at
the front of the church. Sam D. Bundy
made brief facts and comments con-
cerning Mr. Barrow's years in the
ministry. He stated that Mr. Barrow
began his ministry in Kinston about 40
years ago, worked as an assistant at the
Children's Home, served as a member of

the board of Mount Olive College,
served as treasurer of the State Mission
Board, was moderator of State and:
National Association, was manager of the
Free Will Baptist Press in Ayden,
manager of Cragmont Assembly for one
year, has helped with the renovation of
several churches including Kinston,
Little Creek, Lucama, Beaufort, and|
Marlboro (some of which were built new)
and that he saw them all completed
before moving on; he served as pastor of
approximately 32 churches and as pastor1
of Marlboro for ten years.

In pointing out the example Mr.
Barrow has demonstrated in leading the
church, Bundy said, "I'd rather see a
sermon than hear one. I'd rather
someone walk with me than show the

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

way." He concluded with the following
poem:

Wouldn't it be fine and dandy
If each handclasp warm and true
Carried with it this assurance
i know something good about you.

Wouldn't this world be better
If the folks we meet would say
I know something good about you
And then treat us just that way.

Wouldn't it be nice to practice
That fine way of thinking too
You know something good about me
And I know something good about you.

On behalf of the church, Mrs. Hattie
Brock presented Mr. Barrow with a ten-
year service Award Plaque. Following a
solo by Dr. Harris, the presentation of a
|church scrapbook was made to the
jBarrows by Mrs. Debra Shirley Weeks.
Miss Susan Parker, accompanied by
iMarshall Thompson, guitarist, sang,
"Oh For a Thousand Tongues," a
favorite of Mr. Barrow.

Lloyd Allen, a deacon, presented the
Barrows with money for a trip to the Holy
'Land, made possible by members of the
church and loved ones. After expressing
jjhis appreciation for the gift, he stated
[hat he was not satisfied that the debt of
pi the building program was not com-
pleted. A special offering was taken and
the full amount was raised. It was then
that the burning of the mortgage took
place on the lawn. A prayer of
thanksgiving was made for the church
being paid for and one of dedication for
the land the parsonage will be built on in
the near future.

ATTENTION

Those persons responsible for
information io be included in the
1977 YEARBOOK FOR ORIGINAL
FREE WILL BAPTISTS OF NORTH
CAROLINA are asked to send such
information io the Press as soon as
possible. Thank you.

Dear Maggie,

A great comfort in being a Christian comes in knowing that God hears
and answers prayer— no matter where you are or what the subject of the
prayer.

The first part of 1976 was an especially trying time at my job. The office
manager became ill and was forced to retire. Being assistant manager, I
assumed her responsibilities with two brand new employees to train, plus
keeping the usual work caught up. I worked many nights until ten and eleven
o'clock and a good part of almost every Saturday and sometimes Sunday,
trying to get the work out by deadlines.

One of the new employees, the one who was my new assistant, was
having a difficult time learning her new responsibilities. The pressure continued
to mount. It seemed more than I could bear. I had prayed many times about
the problem but I had not turned it completely over to God.

One night God made me realize I could not continue the way I had been
going. I was not being fair to myself or my family. I was risking my health for
a job!

I knelt down and turned it all over to God. I confessed I could no longer
carry this burden alone. The next morning, I prayed all the way to work that
God would take over as He saw fit. When I arrived at work, I was satisfied
my prayers would be answered.

In His own way, the Lord touched the two girls working with me. They
began immediately to catch on and were able to take a tremendous load off
me. I am still thanking God for this wonderful blessing. My stomach is no
longer in knots and the nervous, shaky feeling I had is gone!

My job is still important in that I want to do a good job, but God has
shown me through special moments with Him that I cannot do anything alone.
As His child, I need His strength and power to guide every phase of my life.
As I sit here in sheer amazement thinking of all the blessings God gives, I
realize how small I really am compared to God's power.

RLB

Kinston

The column needs your response!

Maggie

NOW IS A GOOD TIME

TO RENEW
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

NOTE:

The poem entitled "They Say I'm
Growing Old" in last week's Baptist
was submitted to us by Dewey C. Boling.
However, the poem was written by the
late Mr. E. C. Morris. This was the last
poem which he composed before his
death and was recited at his funeral.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

Questions

by J- P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

Question: How should we appeal to
a friend whose loved one has
recently been taken in death and she
or he seems to be unreconcilable to
it?

Answer: It would make a big
difference whether or not this friend
that recently died was saved or not.
If he were saved, or better said
probably, if he gave what seemed to
be clear evidence that he was a child
of God, it should not be too hard,
and the words of Paul would be
appropriate: "Therefore we are always
confident, knowing that, whilst we are
at home in the body, we are absent
from the Lord: (For we walk by faith,
not by sight:) We are confident, I
say, and willing rather to be absent
from the body, and to be present
with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).

There are many hardships for true
Christians while upon earth and much
to be enjoyed when we are no longer
encumbered with the body "of
death" as it is called in the Bible.
"And not only they, but ourselves
also, which have the firstfruits of the
Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to
wit, the redemption of our body"
(Romans 8:23). "For since by man
came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead. For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall
all be made alive" (1 Corinthians
15:21, 22).

Our life, now that we are
Christians, is in Christ and of Christ.
We are His whether while here in the
body, in His presence apart from this
body, or in His eternal presence
having our new resurrection bodies in
whose attire we spend eternity in His
glorious presence. The going of a
loved one to be with Christ, when it
is a saved loved one, should be
cause for rejoicing and not sadness
and mourning. The Bible says, "be
ye also ready for ye know not the

8

day nor the hour when your Lord
cometh."

This life given to us in which to
prepare for eternal bliss in the
presence of our precious Lord, should
not be wasted in a nonchalant flippant
attitude of wasted days and op-
portunities, but made good and ready
use of. The Holy Spirit through Paul
tells us to "work while it is day for
night cometh when no man
can work." Careless, unconcerned
Christians whose bodies are dead
have no more opportunity to win their
loved ones to Christ. That opportunity
was available when they first became
a new creature in Christ. It ended the
moment that they were no longer alive
physically.

"Today is the day of salvation."
No one knows how long or how short
it is to be for him, so this is the day
to work in behalf of the salvation of
lost souls whether we know them
personally or not, or whether or not
we have a family relationship with
them. Nothing can be done when
death puts that eternal gulf between
them and us. The rich man, in the
story of Lazarus and the rich man,
had loved ones that he wanted saved,
but all his natural life he had
neglected them as he had his own
spiritual welfare, and at death it was
too late. "And it came to pass, that
the beggar died, and was carried by
the angels into Abraham's bosom: the
rich man also died, and was buried:
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being
in torments, and seeth Abraham afar
off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And
he cried and said, Father Abraham,
have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of
his finger in water, and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this
flame. But Abraham said, Son,
remember that thou in thy lifetime
receivest thy good things, and
likewise Lazarus evil things: but now
he is comforted, and thou art tor-
mented. And beside all this, between

us and you there is a great gull
fixed: so that they which would pass
from hence to you cannot; neither can
they pass to us, that would come
from thence. ... For I have five
brethren; that he may testify unto
them, lest they also come into this
place of torment. Abraham saith unto
him, They have Moses and the
prophets; let them hear them. And he j
said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one>
went unto them from the dead, they
will repent. And he said unto him, If
they hear not Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be per-
suaded, though one rose from the
dead" (Luke 16:22-26, 28-31).

When the curtain has been let
down in this life, the opportunities'
this life afforded are gone for ever,
never to be regained. The tree is
used to illustrate this fact: ". . . If
the tree falleth toward the south or
toward the north in the place where'
the tree faileth there it shall be." if
in this life we have won souls to
Christ, we shall be amply rewarded'
for this. If we have not, no op-
portunity will come when we have no
living body in which to do this. When
one of us, like the rich man, did
something other than seeking and
finding the Lord as our Saviour, then
as it was and is with him throughout
all eternity it is too late; and it is too
late to win others. No pleading could
cause God to change His plans and
save the rich man's lost brothers.
Nothing we do after the body is dead
will change things for us and our
loved ones. The tree has fallen and
will so lie.

George H. Sandison says the

following on a similar question in

1000 Difficult Bible Questions
Answered:

"What can we say to these
friends? In the first place, they must
quickly and with intense determination
seek God. They may feel that their
minds are almost shattered by the
crushing blow, but the one steady
fact upon which to rest in the midst
of all the anguish is God himself. Or
it may be that instead of sharp agony
some feel a terrible weariness and
bewilderment. They, too, must seek
God for his rest. It is a time for

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

NEWSX
_NOTES

;reeping into 'the secret place of the
Most High, and abiding under the
shadow of the Almighty.' They will
begin to realize something of the
depth and strength of God's great
ove for them, a love even greater
than their love for the dear one who
has gone. They will think of the
Cross of Christ, where God showed
so unmistakably his love for mankind.
They will see Christ going through
that strange experience of death, and
coming out untouched by it, un-
touched except to be glorified. Then
they will see Christ 'sitting at the
right hand of God'— and know that
out in that other world their loved
ones are safe with him. They will
realize again that the abiding things
in human life are thought and love
and character; they will know that
their dear ones have not lost those
things which made them dear, but
,have only laid aside the garment of
■flesh and gone out into the world of
the spirit, their true home and ours.
Most wonderful and blessed of all,
ithey may come to feel, as many have
jcome to feel, that those whom we call
jdead are nearer to us than ever
(before— no one knows how near. A
■young man who recently lost his wife
bears testimony that he is sure she
jknows what he is doing and how he
.and the children are getting along,
i May we not find, after all, that the
] real world is not the world of clay
land stones and wood and flesh, but
that all the atmosphere and ether are
the real abiding places and working
places of human spirits, that even the
stars are nothing but the golden nails
in God's home and that the house
itself is all that we call 'space,' in
which there is ample room for all the
spirits who have ever lived and shall
live hereafter? But at any rate we
may know Jesus, Master of life and
death, and know that our loved ones
;and ourselves are safe in his strong
and sympathetic keeping. Tell these
friends that 'his grace is sufficient'
even for their time of bitter anguish.
Tell them to come close to him and
thus get in closest possible com-
munion with those who have passed
out of sight. Tell them he will give
them strength to bear this burden of
grief, and enable them to lead others
to the rest of faith they have found."

S. 0. S. PRAYER REQUEST

As we stated in last week's Baptist,
the child pictured above needs the
prayers of all Christians. His name is
Anthony Whitson, eight-month-old son of
Charles and Becky Whitson of Route 1,
Box 169-C, Roanoke Rapids, North
Carolina 27870.

The baby was injured when hit by a
wild-pitched ball at a softball game about
five months ago. He is now blind (even
though in the photo he appears to be able
to see) and has brain damage which has
progressed into seizures.

The information in this request was
furnished by the Rev. Wiley Lewis,
pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church of
Roanoke Rapids.

These are very trying times for this
young couple, as no close relatives live
near to help them bear their burden. This
is their only child. If our readers wish to
write the couple, letters of support and
assurance of prayers will be very much
appreciated.

Mission Program To Be Held
Ai First Church

On Sunday night, November 28, the
Rev. Joseph Ingram will be guest
speaker at the First Free Will Baptist
Church, corner of Lenoir Avenue and
College Street, Kinston. Mr. Ingram will
be showing slides of his trip to India and

will bring news from the mission board.
Services will begin at 7 p. m. Everyone is
invited to attend, especially members of
the woman's auxiliary, as this service
will be counted as a study course on
missions.

Revival ai LaGrange
Now in Progress

The Rev. Chris Singleton pastor of the
Beulavilie church, is the guest speaker
this week for the revival services at
LaGrange Free Will Baptist Church. The
services began November 20 and will
continue through November 26. The
revival is being held at the new church
on South Caswell Street in LaGrange.

The Rev. L. B. Manning, pastor, and
members extend a warm invitation to
everyone to attend the remaining ser-
vices.

Youih Sunday Observed
Ai Friendship Church

Youth Sunday at Friendship Free Will
Baptist Church was observed October
31 . The call to worship was rendered by
the youth. Gladys Oakley led the young
children in several songs accompanied
by Mrs. Verna Heath. Soloists were
Christy Cobb, Holly Beamon, and Janice
Tugwell. Special music was given by the
youth choir under the direction of Johnny
Lewis and Susan Beamon, pianist.

The flowers in the sanctuary, placed
by Claudia Walston on behalf of the
young woman's auxiliary, were given in
honor of the Sunday school officers in
recognition of their outstanding work in
the church.

A very inspiring message on the
subject of judging others was given by
Johnny Ellis who also led the
congregation in the responsive reading.

Ushers for the service were: Kendell
Moore, Marvin Morgan, Perry Beamon,
and Jeff Shirley. The Rev. Walter
Reynolds is pastor of the church.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

Mount :wiX+K
Olive College

HIGH SCHOOL DAY

Mount Olive College students, faculty and staff greeted over 200 high
school students on High School Day held November 13. The daylong activities
are designed to give high school students the opportunity to explore college life
on the Mount Olive campus. Some Free Will Baptist visitors included: (left to
right) Debbie Moore, Karen Moore, and Pamela Godwin from Lee's Chapel
Church in Sampson County; Pat Crocker, Tim Crocker, and Billy Kaye Woodard
of Pine Level Church in Johnston County.

FREE WILL BAPTISTS
INVITED TO ATTEND
MESSIAH PRESENTATION

Free Will Baptists and friends are
invited to the annual presentations of
Handel's Messiah scheduled for the
evening of Tuesday, December 7 at 8
p. m. and the morning of Thursday,
December 9 at 11 a. m. Both per-
formances will be held in Rodgers
Chapel on the Mount Olive College
campus.

The College Music Department and
interested members of the Mount
Olive community will sing under the
direction of Mrs. Irene Patten.
Soloists will be Miss Sherry Jo Jones
of Hopewell Church in Smithfield,

soprano; Miss Sharon Pelt, daughter
of Dr. Michael Pelt, Chairman of the
Religion department of Mount Olive,
soprano; Miss Jan Glenn of First
Church in Goldsboro, daughter of the
Rev. Earl Glenn, Free Will Baptist
minister, and Mrs. Glenn, Registrar at
Mount Olive, mezzo-soprano; Bob
Schoonover of Goldsboro, tenor;
Donald Coates of First Church of
Smithfield, tenor; and Gary Wilson of
Rocky Mount, bass.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
FOR SPRING SEMESTER
BEGINNING JANUARY 10

Spring Semester begins January 10
for both new and transferring
students.

In addition to more than 65 cours
during the day, the following nig
courses will be available:
MONDAY

The Free Will Baptist Church Stj
English Composition Mrs Margar
Walker

Microbiology stc
TUESDAY

Introduction to New Testamei

Mr. Sheldon Howard
Photography I Mr. Willis Brow

Microbiology Lab sta

Registration is open now. A
classes will be from 7 p. m. to 1
p. m. except Photography on Tuesdc
night from 7 p. m. to 9 p. m.

For more information concernin
admission, class scheduling am
financial aid for pastors or churcl
workers please contact: Admission
Office, Mount Olive College, Moun
Olive, North Carolina 28365; phone
(919) 658-2502.

Continued on Page 12

CRAGMONT

BULLETIN

CRAGMONT CHRISTMAS CARDS
ARE HERE

The Cragmont Christmas Cards are,
now available at the Ayden Bible anc
Bookstore and the branch stores ai
Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. Any
woman's auxiliary wishing to sell these
cards may get them at the above
locations. The cards have a beautiful
color photo of a winter scene at
Cragmont, and sell for $1 .50 a box. Any
cards left over may be returned to the
Bookstore. Any auxiliary unable to pick
up their cards are asked to contact Doug
Skinner at 2517 Trull Street, Wilson,
North Carolina 27893; phone 243-2729.
All monies are to be sent to Mr. Skinner
or Mrs. A. B. Chandler (treasurer of
Cragmont Assembly) at her home ad-
dress: P. 0. Box 298, Oriental, North
Carolina 28571 . Get your cards today!

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10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Scripture Reading— Philippians 4 : 6

AND PRAYER
As a little girl lay motionless on a
lospital bed, the doctor said to her
mxious parents, "Everything has
j)een done that we know to do. Now we
pan only wait ! ' '

J The father quietly added these
jvords, "And pray."
' Later the fully recovered child was
(lismissed from the hospital. Then the
ioctor said, "There'll never be a drug
chat can take the place of prayer ! ' '

-Alice M. Knight

PRAYER THOUGHT
i Sometimes answering all of our
prayers would be completely
catastrophic, but many difficult
situations have been resolved suc-
cessfully by earnest and continuous
prayer. There's power in prayer!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Scripture Reading — Jude 1 : 7

CROOKEDNESS
There was a crooked man,
Who had a crooked smile,
Who made a crooked fortune,
In a very crooked style.

He lived a crooked life,
As crooked people do,
And wondered how it turned out,
That his sons were crooked too.

—Author Unknown

PRAYER THOUGHT
Oftentimes people are watching our
lives and following in our footsteps
when we least expect it. Pray that
\God will help us that we lead none
\astray.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
j Scripture Reading— 1 Samuel 16 : 7

A CHRISTIAN IN SMALL THINGS
A servant girl applied for mem-
bership in a church. The pastor asked,
"Is there any evidence you can give
me to indicate you have had a change

of heart?"

The girl replied, "Since I trusted
Jesus as my Saviour, I don't hide the
dirt under the rugs when I sweep. ' '

Said the pastor, "That's enough!
We will receive you into our
fellowship ! " — Alice M . Knight

PRAYER THOUGHT
We've always heard that the best
things come in small packages. We
may be (and should be) Christians in
small things, but this does not mean
that we are small Christians.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
Scripture Reading— Psalm 111:2

A GREAT WORK

Never before has so large a per-
centage of this nation belonged to the
church. Never before have so many
people around the world belonged to
the church. The church outnumbers
every empire on earth. Jesus Christ
has more confessed followers than
any modern head of state. We have
enough man power to do any thing
which needs to be done in the world.

We have the people. Everything
depends upon whether or not the
people will have a mind to work.

We must work with wisdom. The
tasks of Jesus Christ deserve our best
intelligence. We must work with faith,
content to do our best and trust God
with the rest. . . . Someone has told of
a little girl who fell out of bed. She
explained the accident later by
saying: "I guess I went to sleep too
close to the place where I got in." If
only so many of us in the church
would not go "to sleep too close to the
place where we got in. ' '

To do a great work we must work :
work with wisdom, with faith, with
harmony, and above all,
work! —Everett W. Palmer

PRAYER THOUGHT
Being a Christian involves belief in
Christ; but we must put ourselves to
work for Christ also. We should do as
we sing: "Work for the Night is
Coming," and "To the work, to the
work, we are servants of God!"

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
Scripture Reading— Genesis 26:24

IS HE A MEMBER OF
YOUR FAMILY?
A college girl wrote home to her
parents, who seemed to have ex-
pressed some fear as to her religious
life at college, "Do not worry; God

has been a member of our family too
long for me to lose Him
now." — Moody Monthly

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we question our youth, a
reflection is set on the parents. As
parents, you should look now and see
if God is present in your home. Do
your children think of Him as a family
member?

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
Scripture Reading— Colossians 3:13

SAY THAT AGAIN,
ROGER!

"Mommy, I wish the one who stole
my tricycle would bring it back and
then he would live with us," said
Roger.

"But, my boy, why do you want a
thief to live with us ? "

Roger replied, "Mommy, if he lived
with us, he would go to church and be
saved, and then he wouldn't be a thief
anymore."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Do not neglect to show love for
sinners. As humans, it is sometimes
difficult for us to forgive those who
have mistreated us, but with the love
of God in our hearts, we may learn to
love them. Let brotherly love con-
tinue!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
Scripture Reading— Psalm; 102:1;
143:1

A PRAYER OF SAINT
FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Lord, make me an instrument of
Your peace! Where there is hatred,
let me sow love. Where there is in-
jury, pardon, Where there is doubt,
faith. Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light. Where
there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to
console; to be understood, as to un-
derstand; to be loved as to love; for it
is in giving that we receive. It is in
pardoning that we receive pardon. It
is in dying that we are born to eternal
life.

PRAYER THOUGHT
What a beautiful prayer! Let us
pray that we may work for God's
glory and not seek to glory in God's
works.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

MOUNT OLIVE NEWS

Continued from Page 10

CHILDREN'S

HOME

SPRITUAL LIFE
RETREAT 1976

by Donald Coates

Frank Harrison, (left) Chaplain at Mount Olive
Olive College students leave for a spiritual life retreat

"Fantastic" is the word to describe
our annual Spiritual Life Retreat at
Oriental this fall. About 25 students
and three faculty boarded a bus on
Friday afternoon in anticipation of
seeking and seraching for a closer
walk with God.

We were certainly not disappointed
because Friday night, the Rev.
Norman Ard, pastor of Christian
Chapel in Pink Hill and father of one
of our fellow students, Maria, spoke
of "seeking God's face." He used
Scripture from 2 Chronicles as a
basis for his message.

This initial message spurred me, as
I know it did others, into what made
me describe this weekend as fan-
tastic.

Saturday morning we divided into
three groups under the leadership of
Chaplain Frank Harrison, Miss

College, leads the way to the bus door as Mount
held annually at Oriental.

Caroline Castelloe, math professor;
and Miss Pam Wood, assistant
librarian; all faculty at Mount Olive.
Each group searched the Scriptures
as the Lord led. Our group had a
long and meaningful discussion on
how to witness and answer the
questions and remarks of a non-
believer. It was good to relate our
feelings to one another about how to
use ". . . the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God"
(Ephesians 6:17).

Saturday night everyone shared a
campfire and also the blessings
received through sharing the Word of
God. When the time came to leave
after worshiping on Sunday morning,
we couldn't help but feel sad about
leaving; however, we felt renewed
from having spent a weekend that
brought us closer to God.

Carry On

"In trying times, too many people stop
trying."

"Love never faileth" (1 Corinthians
13:8). Try it!

A Personalized Love

Said Augustine, "God loved us every
one as though there were but one of us to
love!"

BULLETS

HOME
TO RECEIVE $9,000
FROM THE DUKE
ENDOWMENT

Duke Endowment Assislance
Toiais Over $350,000

Trustees of the Duke Endowmen
have made an appropriation of $9,00(!
to Free Will Baptist Children's Home
Middlesex, North Carolina, as ad
ditional assistance in a three-year
program to expand the Social Services
Department.

The Home now has two full-timi
social workers, since one was adder,
in March of this year. In addition t
supervising the on-campus care, they
are responsible for the new foste
home program which began in early
1976.

The Home is now able to maintair
a stronger and more satisfactory
contact with each child's family.
Regular social service visits have
opened lines of communication'
between the institution and the familyi
which only help the family to feel thati
it is still an important part of the,
child's life but also make the child
aware that the institution is interested
in his rejoining his family.

Since 1925, grants totaling
$350,627 have been made by the
Duke Endowment to the Free Will,
Baptist Children's Home for operating!
and capital purposes.

Child care institutions are among
major beneficiaries of the Duke
Endowment, founded in 1924 by
James B. Duke. In addition to
nonprofit child care institutions in the
Carolinas, the Endowment also assists
hopitals in North Carolina and South
Carolina, four educational in-
stutions— Duke, Johnson C. Smith,
and Furman Universities, and
Davidson College— and rural United
Methodist churches, retired United
Methodist ministers and widows, and
dependent orphaned children of United
Methodist ministers in North Carolina.

By the end of 1975, total financial
assistance from the Duke Endowment
to beneficiaries totaled $417,770,443.

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

THE COMING ANNOUNCED

Lesson Text: Luke 1:31, 32
Memory Verse: Luke 1:26-38

I. INTRODUCTION

Our lesson for this Sunday is built
around the angelic announcement of the
i coming of the Lord to earth. This an-
nouncement was made by Gabriel to the
Virgin Mary, a young woman of Israel, of
the tribe of Judah, and of the house and
i lineage of David.

It is to be remembered that at every
period of national emergency or un-
certainty, the people of Israel revived the
I hope that God's promise to send them a
! ruler to sit upon the throne of David and
restore the kingdom to its former glory
and independent status would be
' fulfilled . This expectation was par-
ticularly strong at this time; for the
people of Israel resented the yoke of their
Roman oppressors and were ready to join
themselves to anyone who promised
I deliverance from it.

It was at this time of expectancy that
God saw fit to send His Son to the world
to redeem His people, not so much from
the bondage of Rome, as they expected,
but from the bondage of sin and
death — The Senior Quarterly (F. W. B.)

||

II. HINTS THAT HELP

i A. The Scriptures plainly teach that
a marvelous young woman, the Virgin
Mary, was the human mother of Jesus.
Nowhere is there any indication that
i Joseph was His father, except as foster
i father by his marriage to Mary. You will
I notice that the word "begat" in the
| genealogy is omitted when it refers to
Joseph's relation to Jesus which in-
dicates that Christ was not begotten of
Joseph. He was the only begotten Son of
God!

B. For some, the story of the birth of
Christ is old. They expect to hear it every

year during the Christmas season. It has
become a routine thing. Many have lost
the true meaning of Christmas. They
forget that God sent His only begotten
Son to the world to die for the sins of the
world.

C. What if the virgin birth is not
true? Does it really make any difference?
There are those who say that it does not,
but we believe that it does. If the virgin
birth of Christ is not true, then the Bible
is not true. If the virgin birth of Christ is
not true then Mary lied to the angel
Gabriel, and he was fooled and accepted
it for the truth. If the virgin birth of Christ
is not true, then the Early Church was
deluded. If Jesus were not born of a
virgin, then He had an earthly father and
inherited the sinful nature of Adam and
could not have been the Saviour of the
world.

D. He shall be great. What a simple
but profound statement! Certainly Jesus
was great in many ways. He was great in
His teaching, great in compassion, great
in spiritual awareness, great in His
influence over men, great in His effect on
all of human history. No other human life
has ever had such a profound impact on
so many lives, in so many areas of
earth, across such a long span
of time. — Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. So many times God's will for us
seems to involve, and really does in-
volve, unpleasantness, difficulty, and
harsh experiences. Yet in and through
and beyond everything His will is our
peace and His service is full of blessing
and ultimate fulfillment. As Cowper has
so beautifully written:

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

B. We want to be blessed by God
and to be given special tasks to express
our faith and to test our faithfulness.
That is, we want to do this in theory. In
fact, when God's opportunities come,
they often seem to be inconvenient,
sometimes unpleasant, and often upset
the "even tenor" of our ways. We want
to serve God if it isn't too demanding and
to be used in His cause if it isn't too
much trouble.

C. Daniel Webster once said, "I
believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of
God. The miracles which He wrought
establish, in my mind, His personal
authority, and render it proper for me to
believe whatever He asserts. I believe,
therefore, all His declarations, as well
when He declared Himself to be the Son
of God, as when He declared any other
proposition. And I be|ieve that there is no
other way of salvation than through the
merits of His atonement."

D. Some few years back, Graham
Greene wrote a novel called The Heart of
the Matter. The hero was a police chief in
Africa whose life had become so com-
plicated in a mass of intrigue, killing,
and unfaithfulness that he saw but one
way out: suicide. He had 'tried' religion
as a boy and as a young man, but he had
almost forgotten all that as his sadly
wicked life unfolded. As he goes out to
kill himself, he passes a church;
cynically, he decides to go in and pray a
bitter, lost man's prayer, more in
defiance than in faith. He kneels, and as
he prays there suddenly breaks over him
the thought that God is there with him,
and that God will not let him go. He
shouts, 'How desperately God must love
me!"

"That's the point of Christmas, and of
the coming of Christ. How desperately
God must have loved us to send His only
begotten Son . . . How desperately God
must have loved us to die on that Cross
for our sins . . . Christmas is another
word for divine love."— Tarbell's
Teachers' Guide

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

^X^X^X^X^V

POEMS OF THANKSGIVING

GIVING

We are never truly living

As we should from day to day,
Till we find that we are giving

Very much of life away,
So that we are helping others

Find their way to God above,
Making of them Christian brothers,

Full of godliness and love.

We should give them words of warning,

Words of comfort and of cheer,
Never scoffing, never scorning

As we meet them there and here,
Helping them to live far better

Than they otherwise would do;
For to God we are a debtor

As this life we journey through.

Giving of ourselves to others-
Time and talent, means and all-
Makes us friends and makes us
brothers,
Whether we be great or small,
And it's this that makes us kingly,

And our lives a blessing great,
Helping men in mass or singly
To a higher, better state.

God requires that we be giving

Best of what we have away,
For this is the art of living

That He plans for us each day;
And it makes us happy-hearted,

Noble, godly and sublime,
Then when life we have departed

We shall enter Heaven's clime.

But there'll be a mark behind us
Pointing up the heav'nly road,
Telling men that if they find us

They must reach the soul's abode,
Where the best of all the ages

Live and dwell for evermore—
Patriarchs, apostles, sages,
And our loved ones gone before.

—The Rev. Walter E. Isenhour

THANKS FOR FAMILIAR
THINGS

"I offer thanks for just familiar things;
The ruddy glory of the sunset sky,
The shine of firelight as the dusk
draws nigh,

The cheer song my little kettle sings.

"The woodland music of my giant pine,
The last sweet tokens that my garden
yields,

The mellow tints upon the autumn
fields,

The far off misty mountain's purple line;

"The sense of rest that home so surely
brings,

The books that wait my pleasure, true
and fine

Old friendships that I joy to feel are
mine.

I offer thanks for just familiar things!"

— Selected

X^X^X^X^X^X^X^

"IN EVERYTHING GIVE
THANKS"

" 'Mid sunshine, cloud or stormy days,
When hope abounds or care dismays,
When trials press and toils increase
Let not thy faith in God decrease—
'In every thing give thanks.'

"All things we know shall work for good,
Nor would we change them if we could;
'Tis well if only He command;
His promises will ever stand—
'In every thing give thanks.'

"He satisfies the longing heart,
He thwarts the tempter's cruel dart,
With goodness fills the hungry soul,
And helps us sing when billows roll.
'In every thing give thanks.' "

— Selected

I

THANKSLIVING

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

Father, each year
at Thanksgiving,
I try

I may fail,
But I try

to come into Your
presence

with Thanksliving.
But one day just
won't do

to give all the thanks
I feel.

I want to live
0 Lord
ever grateful
for Your bounty
by sharing it
with others.
And Father
may I give myself
as well as time and money
in helping those
who can't
help themselves.
Just letting them know
someone cares,
and someone
will share
his meager loaf.
Lord, help me
to show thanks
always

by my Thanksliving.

T^^X^X^X^X^X^K^X^X^X^X^X^X^X

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

The Free Will Baptist Press Foundation
and the Ayden Bible and Bookstore,
along with the branch stores at Smith-
field, New Bern, and Wilson will be
closed Thursday, November 25, in
observance of Thanksgiving Day. They
will all be open again on Friday,
November 26, at the usual hour. Thank
you!

^X^X^X^M^X^X^X^X^X^X^X^X^X^

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

GOLDEN HARVEST

WORDS OF THANKSGIVING

by

Ruth Langley Newsome

I thank Thee
Father in Heaven
for this golden
Thanksgiving.
There is so much
pure gold.
Gold worth more
than the Midas touch.
Gold of sunset,
moonlight at
midnight.
Maple leaves
cascading
to the ground.
The golden dawn
of a new day.
A golden harvest
of shimmering wheat.
Fields of
rustling corn.
Father,
a song of
praise to Thee.
Happy

golden harvest.

I GIVE THEE HUMBLE
THANKS

I For all the gifts that Thou dost send ,

For every kind and loyal friend,
J For prompt supply of all my need,
| For all that's good in word or deed,
| For gift of health along life's way.
For strength to work from day to day.
I give Thee humble thanks.

For ready hands to help and cheer,
For listening ears Thy voice to hear,
For yielded tongue Thy love to talk,

j For willing feet Thy paths to walk,
For open eyes Thy Word to read,

i For loving heart Thy will to heed,
I give Thee humble thanks.

j For Christ who came from Heaven above,
I For the Cross and His redeeming love,
j For His mighty power to seek and save,
j For His glorious triumph o'er the grave,
For the lovely mansions in the sky,
For His blessed coming by-and-by,
I give Thee humble thanks.

—Clifford Lewis

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During the Thanksgiving season,
we should give thanks to God. This is
a puzzle containing words of
Thanksgiving. The list of words below
are hidden in the puzzle. See if you

Autumn Gift

Faith Giving

Fall Grateful

Feast Harvest

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Offering Pumpkin

Pilgrims Service

Praise Thanksgiving

Prayer Turkey

Joy
Love
Maize
Mayflower

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE
HOLIDAY HOURS

Monday— Thursday 8:30 A. M.— 5:00 P. M

Friday (thru December 17) 8:30 A. M.— 9:00 P. M
Saturday 9:00 A. M.— 5:00 P. M

(Smithfield, Wilson, and New Bern Stores Included)

Christmas Gift Suggestions

Bibles Christmas Cards

Gift Books Decorations

Records Games

Sheet Music Pictures

Songbooks Posters

SHOP FOR YOUR
CHRIS TMAS GIFTS

at

811 North Lee Street
Ayden, North Carolina

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 , 1976

IF, IN THE MIDST OF ALL MANNER OF
TROUBLES, YOU CAN STILL BE
THANKFUL, BLESSED YOU SHALL

SURELY BE!

DOKE UNIVERSITY UbU,'&(

*

t

j DEC 2 1976

DURHAM, N. C

CAN YOU STILL BE THANKFUL?

Nothing goes the way you want it to go. The whole world seems to be un-
friendly, if not indeed your enemy. You struggle and fight for personal identity,
realizing your countless inabilities— not particularly liking your present state
or set of circumstances, still knowing that you are stuck with life as it is.

Everything has gone wrong for as long as you can remember— and, it
seems, contrary to the popular saying, things can and are getting worse. A tear
falls now and then, when you will let it; but the ones imprisoned within hurt
even more ; and you don't know what to do.

You can't remember ever having hurt anyone intentionally, but you can't
help but feel a tinge of bitterness at the present hurts you have to soothe— hurts
inflicted upon you by another— seemingly for no reason. You would like to vent
your anger at injustices you've suffered and put a stop to the never-ceasing
bombardment of verbal abuses that pour from the mouths of self-appointed
chastisers.

The shattered pieces of your life resist reconstruction. No cohesive force
seems strong enough to hold you together; and even if you were able to get
yourself back on even keel, you fear another wave of destruction.

Your heart is heavy, and your mind is tired— fatigued by constant worry
about this and that— undefinable "somethings" which are very real but which
elude you and your efforts to filter them out to satisfaction and understanding.
You are at a loss for words of explanation, for you haven't been able to reason
things through for yourself, let alone for somebody else.

Doors are closed and windows are fogged up. You can't get in, and you
can't see out. You ask the old familiar "Why?" and the answer is withheld. You
strain to open the door and press your face against one window after another,
to no avail.

Your lot seems cast in fire and tempered in torment; you constantly grope
for a revelation of things to come, wondering at the same time about things
that have come to pass.

You walk in the valley of despair, dreading the end of your jour-
ney,—thinking perhaps that, when you make your exit, the other side will prove
even more foreboding.

You and all you own seem to hang on that slender thread that separates
sanity from insanity, and you shudder at the possibility of a sudden snap and a
downward plunge.

Fear— that unrelenting enemy— envelops your entire being, tearing
asunder your rationale and wrecking your physical body. You cringe.

Every small place seems too small, and every wide expanse of space
seems too cold, too lonely, too unfamiliar, too friendless. And you don't know
how to enlarge the too-confining small area or how to reduce the insecurity of
the large one. You wonder if there are others like you.

You seek the sunshine, and you get the rain. You're given loss when you've
purchased gain. You've asked amiss, it seems, for a cloudless sky. And you've
reached the last hill and mustered the last ounce of energy— only to find that
you haven't enough forbearance to go on.

You look upward toward His face; and for some reason known to Him
alone, He has chosen not to reveal Himself to you just yet. You hope for the
best, but fear the worst. You call on Him, but He seems too faraway to hear.

He has said, "Wait," when you have wanted Him to say, "Go on." You
stand still, wondering what will happen next.

With a weighted brow you look toward tomorrow, knowing very well that it
might produce a repeat of all your terrible yesterdays and your impossible
today.

Can you still be thankful? If so, how blessed thou art— and how much more
blessed canst thou be?

Cover Photo by Harold M. Lambert

DECEMBER 1 , 1976
Volume91 Number4

Edited and published weekly by the FreeWi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secon
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

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article.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assists
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sass<
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER

by F. B. Cherry

"I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the
faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

(The following address was delivered November
1, by Mr. Cherry, at the ordination of Keith Cobb,
uring the annual session of the Central Conference.
/Ir. Cobb is a graduate of The Carolina Bible Institute,
'. 0. Box 337, Pine Level, North Carolina 27568,
j/hich is headed by Mr. Cherry.)

0 T is interesting to compare
the two Sauls of the Bible. One
s in the Old Testament, and one is in the
ilew Testament. The Saul of the Old
"estament was the first King of Israel,
[he Saul of the New Testament was Saul
If Tarsus who became Paul the apostle,
[he Saul of the Old Testament stood head
nd shoulders above his fellows
ihysically. The Saul of the New
'estament stood head and shoulders
ibove his fellows spiritually. At the end
f his life, the Saul of the Old Testament
'faid, "... I have played the fool" (1
famuel 26:21 ). At the end of his life, the
Jew Testament Saul said, "I have
'ought a good fight, I have finished my
ilourse, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy
:7).

To what did Paul refer when he made
his statement? In one sense, he was
jeferring to the whole Christian life. But
[n another sense, he was referring to the
Christian ministry. Remember, Paul was
;he greatest of Christian ministers since
Christ himself, and here in 2 Timothy he
s writing to a young minister. So I do not
;eel that we are doing this Scripture an
njustice to say that he was referring to
he Christian ministry.

In this message today, we point out
hree great figures of speech which Paul
used to refer to his ministry. Let's apply
hem to our ministry as preachers of the
jospel of Jesus Christ.

The Ministry as a Fight

First, Paul pictures the Christian
ninistry as a fight. In 1 Timothy 6:12, he

says, "Fight the good fight of faith."
Then, in our text, he says, "I have
fought a good fight." If there is a fight,
there must be some foes. What are some
of the foes that this young man who is
ordained today will face? That every
Christian minister must face?

The scriptural enemies of the
Christian, and therefore the Christian
minister, are the world, the flesh, and
the devil. Let's take a brief look at each
of these.

In 1 John 2:15, we are told, "Love not
the world, neither the things that are in
the world." In what way is the world an
enemy to the Christian ministry? There
are many ways, to be sure; but we want
to point out only one characteristic of the
world that we believe gives the minister
more trouble than any other. It is the
world's prosperity.

The young minister goes out and sees
the prosperity of the world, and looks at
his own salary. Perhaps, his first
reaction is, "This is not fair." Then his
family may ask, "Why can't we have
things like others?" And while he is still
pondering these things in his heart,
some of his church brethren come along
and ask, "Why don't you make money
like other people?"

My friends, it is not a matter of what's
fair, and not even what your family
wants, nor what some of your church
brethren think. The truth is you must
make up your mind that you cannot keep
up with the Joneses in material things if
you would be a faithful minister.

Just as prosperity keeps many people
from their church, the love for it can ruin
your spiritual life and make your ministry
ineffective. An effort to keep up with the

Joneses can cause you to live beyond
your income and wreck your ministry. I
believe that more ministers have spoiled
their ministry at this point than any
other.

Moving on to a second foe that you
must constantly fight, let's return to 1
John 2:16, "For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world." Yes, the
flesh is your enemy.

What is the one characteristic of the
flesh that makes it such a formidable
foe? It is pride. Men will lie, cheat, and
stoop to debasing things to satisfy their
pride. Make sure of this: success in the
ministry is not based on big crowds, big
church budgets, or fine buildings, or the
acclaim c* others; but upon faithfulness.

If it is the prosperity of the world, and
the pride of the flesh that are our
enemies, where does the devil come in?
Of course, he is back of the world and
the flesh, but there is still one more thing
about him that you will have to fight— his
principles. What are the devil's prin-
ciples that plague the minister?

The outstanding one is this:The devil
will tell you that the end justifies the
means. In other words, it matters not
what methods you use just so you end up
with the right results. If you believe this
you will stoop to cheap, worldly tactics to
get a big crowd. If you believe this you
will divide your church by putting one
member against another to get what you
want. If you believe this you will follow
one of the devil's foremost principles in
your work.

There is an old saying which I have
picked up somewhere, it is not Scrip-
ture, but it is true nonetheless: "It is
never right to do wrong to get a chance to
do right." Don't forget that.

In the first World War, when hard
pressed on the Western front, General
Foch sent this report to General Joffre:
"My right is broken; my left is shat-
tered; my center is in retreat. The
situation is excellent: I shall attack."
Later when the battle had reached its
height, he commented, "When you have
faith, you do not retire. You stop the
enemy wherever you find him." If you
would be successful in the Christian
ministry, you must quell the foes of the
world with its prosperity, your flesh with
its pride, and the devil with his prin-
ciples.

(Continued on Page 15)

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

MENTAL RETARDATION
SABBATH/SUNDAY OBSERVED

by Ikie Hines

(The following address was delivered by Mr. Hines
at the First Free Will Baptist Church, Kinston, on
November 7, as the church observed Mental
Retardation Sabbath/Sunday. Mr. Hines is a member
of the Kinston church and is employed by Caswell
Center for the Mentally Retarded, in Kinston. The Rev.
Bill Futch is pastor of the church.)

^ODAY is Mental Retardation
-S Sabbath/Sunday and is the first
Sunday in Mental Retardation Month.
The primary purpose of Mental Retar-
dation Sabbath/Sunday is to help
acquaint congregations with the
presence of mentally retarded persons
within their community and to encourage
the ministry of the church toward
meeting the needs of retarded persons
and their families.

My purpose this morning will be to
talk to you about mental retardation,
trying to give you some practical in-
formation of what it is, how it affects
people so labeled, and the relationship of
the mentally retarded to us, as
Christians, and to God.

I am employed at Caswell Center and
have been working with the mentally
retarded for over four years. This does
not make me an expert but hopefully, as
a result of my study of and exposure to
the mentally retarded, I have gained
certain information which I can, in part,
share with you.

There are two major factors that must
be considered when trying to define
mental retardation. First of all, it involves
a subaverage intellectual functioning.
This can be obtained through the ad-
ministration of any of several stan-
dardized measures. Secondly, it is
associated with an impairment in adaptic
behavior. This is the most important part
of the definition. The adaptic behavior,
that is, how a person adapts to and
copes with his environment is what we
see and what we, therefore, must deal
with. But this is true with all of us. How
we deal with ourselves and with others

4

depends on how we adapt and cope with
our environment, ourselves, and others.
All of us occasionally find ourselves in
situations in which we have all the
necessary reasoning ability and skills to
function properly, and we are quite
comfortable in these situations. All of us
also find ourselves occasionally in
situations that we do not have the
reasoning ability or the skills to function
properly and are quite uncomfortable. I
am also sure that when we get into such
situations, we find that the way the
people around us react to us can greatly
affect our anxiety level. Equally so, the
mentally retarded can sense the way you
and I feel about them and this affects
their feelings.

I am reminded of a story about a man
who had two sons. One of his sons was
mentally retarded. One day this man was
asked which one of his sons was
mentally retarded. He replied by saying
that one of his sons could analyze the
metallic content of the door knob and
lock assembly on the front door of their
home. The other son could fix it if it was
broken. The father then asked the
inquirer which one did he think was
retarded.

Most of us have heard the term mental
retardation all our lives, but very few
people know anything about what it
means from a functional perspective. I
would like to take a few moments to try to
explain to you, from a functional per-
spective, what it means or tell you about
someone who is so labeled. First of all,
mental retardation is not a physical
illness. It is not a mental illness. It is
simply a condition. For our purpose, we
will briefly describe three broad
classifications of mental retar-
dation—educable mentally retarded,
trainable mentally retarded, and cus-
todial mentally retarded. The follow-
ing descriptions are generalizations.

The educable mentally retarded will
reach an academic level of about the
second to the fifth grade, will be able to

do semi-skilled work, will appe;
physically the same as the norm,
population, the majority will be capab
of, and will, marry, and the educab:!'
mentally retarded will be absorbed inl
society.

The trainable mentally retarded w,
have minimal success, if any, at readinc
writing, and arithmetic, will more thajl
likely function in low-skilled or shelter^
employment, will appear physical!:
somewhat different than the norm,
population, will not marry, and will m
be absorbed into society.

The custodial mentally retarded wi
need constant supervision, most likely i
an institution or similar setting.

How many people are we talkin
about? Approximately 3 percent of th
population is mentally retarded. Of this
percent, 80 percent are educable, 1
percent are trainable, and 3 percent w
require custodial care. This means that
town with 10,000 people would hav
approximately 300 mentally retarde
people— 240 of these would c
educable, 45 would be trainable, and 1
would require custodial care. If yo
remember, one of the characteristics <
the educable was that they would t
absorbed by society and go unnoticec
Therefore, in a town of 10,000 peopi
there would be 60 mentally retarde
persons who would need special service
on into adulthood.

Trying to give you some indication a
to what mental retardation is, I haV
given you an indication as to those thing
about the mentally retarded that aij
different from people who are nt
mentally retarded. While I was at Mour
Olive College, Dr. Tolochko, who was th
Rabbi at Temple Israel here in Kinston
spoke at one of our chapel services. Hj
stated something that stuck in my min
more than anything that I can remembe
from my college experiences. He state:
that when he spoke to Protestar
audiences, the most common questio
he was asked was what is the differenc
between the Jewish religion and th
Christian religion. His response to thi
question was always this: I can tell yo
the difference in a few minutes, but
would take me several days to tell yo
the similarities. This applies so much t
the way we do things. We are too ofte
trying to pick out the differences that w
fail to build on the similarities.

In comparing the mentally retarde
person to the normal person, there ar

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

ir more similarities than there are
ifferences. What are these similarities?

(1) We all need proper diet, medical
care, clothing, and shelter in
order to grow physically and
remain healthy.

(2) We all need training, education,
and exposure to the world we
live in. This begins in the early
years at home, later on formal
education is begun, then little
by little we begin to step out into
the world where we can enjoy
our successes and hopefully
profit by our mistakes.

! (3) We all need friendship, love,
self-respect, and respect for
others. We must develop as a
social being.

j (4) We all also need to develop in our
realization and understanding of
God. We need to grow as
Christians, to become more
loving and share the love of
Jesus with other people through
word and example.

I Let us restate these four similarities in
!nguage used by the King James
ersion of the Bible.

j(1) We all need to grow in stature.
|2) We all need to grow in wisdom.

(3) We all need to grow in favor with

man.

(4) We all need to grow in favor with

God.

hange the order and you have the
triptural description of the growth of
!bsus which is an example to all people,
et us look at Saint Luke 2:52: "And
esus increased in wisdom, and stature,
hd in favour with God and man."
I

j Since this is Sabbath/Sunday, I would
ke to spend a little more time on
rowing in favor with God. Growing in
ivor with God requires that we worship
nd love Him. Considering both the
imilarities and differences in the mental
bilities and physical abilities of people,
'hich is made even more complex by the
iffering interest and background of
:eople, how do we worship and love
od? Here again, God provides for us a
ractical definition of how to worship and
ive God. This definition shows more
ian anything else God's understanding
f the man that He created. This is found
i Mark 12:30: "And thou shalt love the

Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and
with all thy strength, this is the first
commandment."

Let us break this verse down into the
four components of worship and love:

(1) Heart— this is considered the
seat of our emotions.

(2) Soul— our personhood, the
essence of what we really are.

(3) Mind— intellect, mental
awareness.

(4) Strength — service, doing.

If you will notice, this verse does not
state that these components are listed in
order of priority; it does not state that one
component is more important than
another; it does not state how much of
each component is necessary. What does
this verse state to us? It states that
Jesus realized something many of us
have failed to realize, and that is that all
people have to establish their own
relationship with God and love and
worship Him with their own unique
abilities and achieve their own balance of
these four components. For some, the
love of and worship of God may be more
emotional. However, without at least
mentally recognizing Him as God and
consciously accepting Him as a personal
guide for your life and also working for
Him, there would be an incomplete
relationship with God. Any component,
be it emotional, personhood, intellect, or
service, can and does occur in different
qualities and priorities in all people, but
all must be present in order to have a
complete relationship.

This brings us to the conclusion that
God wants all kinds of people, including
the mentally retarded, to be able to
worship Him and He has provided the
means for them to do so. Experts in the
area of mental retardation have realized
that the mentally retarded develop much
more normally when they are main-
streamed into society. This also includes
the church, and we are the church.
Therefore, we, the church, have a
responsibility to minister to the needs of
the mentally retarded as well as other
people with special needs in an effort to
help them in their Christian growth and
therefore make their whole life more
complete and meaningful.

J IN MEMORY OF |
I Mrs. Sarah Cratt Ingalls |

THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

by

Mrs. Sallie I. Carraway

It was our Dear Lord's wish to call our
sister home

For she needed lots of rest;
Though her kin and her neighbors loved
her so much,

God our Father does all things best.

Her heart was of the purest gold,
Wrapped in the truest love;

She wanted to do the will of her Father
So she could dwell with Him above.

Oh, how we all are going to miss her,
For her life was a guiding light;

The family and friends she left on earth
Are sad and lonely this starlit night.

But for her sake we will try to be
cheerful,

She did not want anyone to be sad;
So put your trust in Jesus Christ, your
Saviour

For He's the best friend anyone ever
had.

Just think of her peacefully sleeping
In a newly-made grave today;

And we'll try to follow in her footsteps
On the straight and narrow way.

And when we reach that fair city
Where God is the shining light,

There will be no tears in our eyes,
No tears to dim our sight.

We can sit on the banks of the river
And sing aloud the songs of old —

Of Jesus Christ our Saviour,
The sweetest story ever told.

A good woman from all of us has gone,
A voice we all loved so much is still,

And a place is vacant in her home
That no one else can ever fill.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Q Answering four
UESTIONS

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange, N. C. 28551

Question: Does believing that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God save a lost sinner
from eternal judgment?

Answer: The Bible does not teach
what your question seems to suggest.
Jesus said: "He that believeth on the
Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him"
(John 3:36).

Paul in expounding this truth says:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe
in thine heart that God hath raised him
from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For
with the heart man believeth unto
righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. For
the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth
on him shall not be ashamed" (Romans
10:9-11).

In Acts we read: "And they said,
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
thou shalt be saved, and thy house"
(Acts 16:31). Then we read, "Trust in
the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be
fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and
he shall give thee the desires of thine
heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD;
trust also in him; and he shall bring it to
pass. And he shall bring forth thy
righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noonday" (Psalm 37:3-
6). "Trust in the LORD with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
paths" (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Jesus himself said: "Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light" (Matthew
11:28-30). "Submit yourselves
therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and
he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your

6

hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double-minded. Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and
he shall lift you up" (James 4:7, 8, 10).

The kind of belief that God calls upon
us to exercise amounts to saving faith.
When we exercise the faith which God in
His Word calls upon us for as the way
into His salvation provided in His Son
and our Saviour Jesus Christ, we cast
our all upon Jesus. "Who shall ascend
into the hill of the LORD? or who shall
stand in his holy place? He that hath
clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath
not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor
sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the
blessing from the LORD, and
righteousness from the God of his
salvation" (Psalm 24:3-5).

To trust in the Lord or to exercise
saving faith, it is required that one read,
learn, or hear what the Bible teaches
about God's plan and way of salvation,
and through the power of the Word,
identify himself with God in and through
Christ. Jesus says "Come." The in-
vitation is universal, but it is also ex-
clusive. "And the Spirit and the bride
say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

It is indeed free to us even though it
cost God, the Father, His only begotten
Son and our Saviour the leaving of His
home above being present with His
Father, and honored by the submissive
and loyal obedience of all the holy beings
of Heaven including the holy angels.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister, and to
give his life a ransom for many"
(Matthew 20:28). "For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself
a ransom for all, to be testified in due
time" (1 Timothy 2:5, 6). "And he is the
propitiation for our sins: and not for ours
only, but also for the sins of the whole
world. And hereby we do know that we

know him, if we keep his corr
mandments. He that saith, I know hirri
and keepeth not his commandments, is
liar, and the truth is not in him. Bij
whoso keepeth his word, in him verily i'
the love of God perfected: hereby kno<
we that we are in him. He that saith h i
abideth in him ought himself also so t
walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:2
6). Jesus also said: "Not every one the
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall ente
into the kingdom of heaven; but he the
doeth the will of my Father which is i
heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

George H. Sandison gives th
following answer to a similar question i
his book 1000 Difficult Bible Question
Answered:

' 'The soul cannot be saved by belief i
any doctrine or truth whatsoever. No'
can it be saved by works. It is Christ ani
he alone who saves the soul. He ha
given himself as a ransom for it and b
him men may be saved. He who believe
this fact has taken the first step. But th
step by which the man avails himself o
the benefits of Christ's sacrifice is th
crucial one, just as a man may believ
theoretically in the skill of a physician
but the decisive point is reached when h
knows that he is suffering from a morta
disease and commits himself to the can*
of that physician, staking all his hope o
life on the physician's power to cure him-
The soul that trusts Christ to save him
as the sick man trusts the physician, has
the faith of which it is said '. . . by graci
are ye saved through faith; . . J
(Ephesians 2:8)."

Coming Events . J

December 7, at 8 P. M.; December 9, a
11 A. M.— "Messiah" (By Georgi
Frideria Handel), Mount Olivi
College.

December 17— Annual Christmas
Program and Party, Free Will Baptis
Children's Home, Memorial Chape
at 6 P. M.

January 10— Spring Semester Begins
Mount Olive College. For Mori
Information Contact: Admissions
Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, N
C. 28365, Phone, (919) 658-2502.

TRUST VERSUS DOUBT

"If we doubt, we don'ttrust;
If we trust, we don't doubt!"

—Selectee
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
| Scripture Reading— Jeremiah 14 : 17

THE TEARS TOUCHED
HIM

I It is grief over the unsaved that is
jften one of the most powerful
elements in their salvation. A home
nissionary in a barracks offered a
soldier a tract. The man tore it up in
lis face, and the missionary's eyes
■illed with tears. The soldier saw it.
9n the worker's next visit to the
barracks the soldier came up to him
and begged his pardon and asked for
conversation. Nothing touched him
put the tears. — Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
1 Many times actions speak louder
\han words. It is often the little things
in life that make a big difference in a
Person.

Little Things In Life

If any little word of ours
Zan make one life the brighter,

If any little song of ours
Can make one heart the lighter,
jod help us speak that little word,

And take our bit of singing,
And drop it in some lonely vale,

And set the echoes ringing.

— Anonymous

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
j Scripture Reading— Ephesians 5:
06, 16

BECAUSE I LIVED
When morning breaks and I face the
day,

ITus, dear Lord, is what I pray:
rhat when the same day fades to
gray,

Some child of yours may happier be,
|May find himself more close to Thee,
Because I lived this day,

— Jule Creaser

PRAYER THOUGHT
We must follow the footsteps of

Jesus in our daily living. Our daily
walk either helps or hinders the
Gospel.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Scripture Reading— John 3 : 16

GRATITUDE
One day, we are told, a little girl,
the daughter of a printer, who worked
where they were printing Luther's
translation of the Bible, picked up a
small scrap of paper from the floor,
upon which were printed these words :
"God so loved the world that He gave
. . ." the rest of the sentence was torn
off, but over and over again the child
read, "God so loved the world that He
gave ..." She, and her mother before
her, had been taught to fear God as a
great Being just waiting to punish
them: but now the child said to her
mother, who had asked, ' 'What did He
give?" "I don't know what He gave,
but if He loved us well enough to give
us anything, He is not angry with us
and we need not be afraid of Him; we
can just love and thank Him for
whatever He gave us."

PRAYER THOUGHT
God loves us so much that He gave
us His son. We as Christians should be
giving God many things in return for
this wonderful gift. Let us stop and
think of what we are giving to Him.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
Scripture Reading— Luke 8:11

MISTREATED MISSIVE
You who treat the crown of writings

As you treat no other book,
Just a paragraph disjointed,

Just a brief impatient look,
Try a worthier procedure,

Try a broad and steady view,
You will kneel in joyous rapture

When you read the Bible through.

—Author Unknown

PRAYER THOUGHT
It is important that Christians read
God's Word daily. We sing, "I know
the Bible was sent from God, The Old,
as well as the New; Inspired and holy,
the living Word, J know the Bible is
true." How can we know this unless
we study it diligently?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Scripture Reading— Mark 9:23

POSSIBLE, BUT IMPROBABLE
One of our greatest preachers was

speaking on deathbed repentances
recently when he said something like
this: "I think the reason that God set
the stage for Jesus to be crucified
between two thieves was not just to
fulfill a prophecy, but to teach a great
lesson; namely, that it is possible for
a man to be saved on his deathbed as
the thief who appealed to Jesus
received the assurance, 'Today shalt
thou be with me in paradise.' " On the
other hand, it teaches us that it's
highly improbable, for you will
remember there are thousands of
conversions recorded in the Bible and
this is the sole record of a deathbed
conversion. God expects us to give
Him our lives and not just our
souls.— Selected

PRAYER THOUGHT
Yes, God does expect us to give Him
our lives and not just our souls. Do
you think God is satisfied with what
are you giving?

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Scripture Reading— Genesis 1:1

IDEAS COME FROM GOD
Dr. Albert Einstein, the renowned
scientist, expressed faith in God. He
said with reverence, "Ideas come
from God."

As he pondered the conclusions of
his cosmic investigations, he
soliloquized, "Could this be the way
God created the universe?"

PRAYER THOUGHT
Dr. Einstein was a great man with
many talents and he expressed his
faith in God. We may expect great
things from God and undertake great
things for God.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
Scripture Reading— Proverbs 3 : 13

THE ARGUMENT OF THE
DYING THIEF
A minister was conversing with a
man who professed conversion.
"Have you united with a church?" he
asked him. "No; the dying thief never
united with the church and he went to
heaven," was the answer. "Have you
ever sat at the Lord's table of the
sacrament?" "No; the dying thief
never did and he was accepted."
"Have you given to missions?" "No;
the dying thief did not, and he was not
judged for it." "Well, my friend, the
difference between you two seems to
be that he was a dying thief and you
are a living thief."— Selected

(Continued on Page 13)

rHE FREEWILL BAPTIST

7

Scriptural basis: "And the Lord God
formed man of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils the breath
of life; and man became a living soul"
(Genesis 2:7).

THE MAN
GOD MADE

And the Lord God formed man (just
one man, the only man) of the dust of the
ground (the surface of the earth which
had been in the conditioning and per-
fecting stages for millions and millions of
years so that it— the ground— could
have all the chemical elements necessary
to produce and sustain life). And
breathed (the breath of life comes from
God— no man is able to furnish this— but
God put it there) into his (Adam's, the
only man alive) nostrils (the pair of
nostrils God had just formed from the
ground for the specific use of this one
man, Adam). The breath (that which
supplies life— the only source of which is
God— no man can give it and no man can
take it away— only God) of life (that part
of man that distinguishes between the
dead chemical analysis of man and that
which affords him power to live, grow
and reproduce with perfection). And man
(Adam, the only man alive) became (by
the power of God, the Almighty Creator) a
living (one who has all the vital signs of a
perfect specimen of a being who is alive
by the power of God) soul (the eternal life
structure— that inner being— the ra-
tional, emotional and volitional faculties
in man which can never but never by
annihilated, but must continue to exist
forever either in Heaven or Hell). There
are two places prepared for the souls of
departed spitits: one is Heaven and the
other is Hell. Heaven is the eternal abode
of all that is good and holy and full of the
glory of the presence of God. Hell is the
eternal abode of all departed spirits of
men who became wicked, ungodly, and
depraved through their disobedience to

Almighty God during their lifetime on
earth. Finally, all of Hell will be delivered
up and turned into the everlasting lake of
fire, the eternal abode of the devil and his
angels and all sinful and ungodly men.

When God formed Adam it was for the
glory of God. This was His ultimately
supreme achievement. The heavens and
the earth were created to be the home of
a man make in the likeness of God. All
the basic materials of the earth were
formed by God. He used billions of years
to prepare and equip the earth for man.
The processes of chemistry worked
billions of years to perfect the right
building blocks which could produce and
sustain life as it is known on planet earth
today. I fully believe that God could have
instantly made the earth if it had been
His desire to do so; but he took the time
He wanted to make it like He wanted it to
be. However, the earth reached the point
that it could be self-sustaining— never
diminishing and never increasing in
volume or density as a whole. The
powers that be are ordained of God. God
is the supreme Ruler of the universe.

During the processes of time— after
Adam— God extended Himself through
man in three other ways, all of which
emerged from Adam: God caused Adam
to fall into a deep sleep. He then removed
a rib from the side of Adam and with it He
formed Eve. You must remember that
God took from Adam and with what He
took from Adam, He formed Eve, whom
Adam called woman— bone of his bone
and flesh of his flesh. Later, God joined
Adam and Eve together as one with the
heaven-ordained institution of marriage;
sacred and holy method God used to
solidify husband and wife relationships
for all of their earthly existence. It was
through this union of male and female
that God extended Himself through the
sons and daughters of Adam. God gave
them the power to reproduce and to re-
plenish the earth.

Now, after Adam and Eve disobeyed
God, death was their penalty. The
death sentence was instituted and
man was driven out of the Garden of
Eden, and out of the presence of God.
God no longer walked with with man in
the garden. The only way man could be
permitted to walk with God or live an holy
life again depended upon the redemptive
plan of God. This was accomplished
through the union of God and man. Unto
us a Son is given and this Son is the
union of God and man through the Virgin

Mary. This act of God now makes I
possible for lost men to be restored b
obedience to God and through the faith-
fulness and the merits of the Son of Goc
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
No man can enter Heaven but by the wa
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whosoever wi
may come!

i H A >C

LEND A HELPING HAND

by the Rev. Walter E. Isenhour
Taylorsville, North Carolina

If you cannot write a volume,

If you cannot write a song,
Maybe you can help some person

That has suffered some great wrong
Or if someone's weak and timid

That for right should take a stand,
Maybe you can give him courage

If you'll lend a helping hand.

Help some brother that's in trouble,

Help some sister that's depressed;
Give a little bit of comfort

To some neighbor that's distressed;*
For it doesn't take a fortune,

Nor a sermon great and grand,
Just to show a little kindness,

Or to lend a helping hand.

This may be the thing that's needed

More than money from your purse,
Or a bit of criticism

That could make the person worse;
Or a scorn that is unspoken,

Or a harsh and stern command,
As it's better in the "long run"

Just to give a helping hand.

Think it over, friend and neighbor,

Were you in this fellow's place,
How a little bit of sunshine

From a kind and smiling face,
Might uplift you on your journey

As you travel through the land;
Therefore pray and God will
show you

How to lend a helping hand.

M M *1

8

THE FREEWILL BAPTIJ

pcctQ^ ^Moments

Dear Maggie,

Brian is ten years old. During the last few years he has been hospitalized much
of the time with a diseased kidney; then a kidney transplant which his body rejected.

His pastor was visiting in the intensive care unit when Brian asked for prayer to
iget out of the unit. Knowing the situation, the pastor prayed vague generalities about
healing, God's love, and His watching over the sick.

"Wait a minute!" the brave little boy interjected in the middle of the prayer.

Astonished at this untimely interruption, the pastor asked, ' 'What is it, son?"

"I said 'pray that I'll get out of this room NOW'!"

Trying to finish the prayer on a more direct note, the pastor had to finish quickly
and leave the room overcome by tears.

The next day visiting Brian in his private room, the pastor said, "Son, you really
itaught me something about prayer yesterday. ' '

With his little boy innocence and manly faith, Brian helped create a special
moment for his pastor, who still says, "I'll be long in remembering."

Inm

Wilson

WORDS OF THANKSGIVING

In the block of letters above we have
circled the words in last week's puzzle
which are usually associated with
Thanksgiving. As you can see these

words were spelled vertically,
horizontally, diagonally, backward, or
forward. Were you able to locate all of
them?

WE BELIEVE:

1. That there is only one God who it
infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver,
and Righteous Governor of the Universe;
that His eternal existence is in three per-
sons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that
ail three are equal, but distinct persons.
They are the divine Trinity.

2. That Jesus Christ is the only begot-
ten Son of God; that He was born of the
Virgin Mary; that He died for man's re-
demption; that He ascended to heaven
and is today at the right hand of the
Father as our intercessor.

3. That both, the Scriptures of the
Old and New Testaments, were given by
inspiration of God, and that they only
constitute the infallible rule of faith and
practice.

4. That man was created innocent, but
by disobedience fell into a state of sin
and condemnation and stands guilty be-
fore God and separate from Him.

5. That it is the privilege of all men
to be saved; that God desires the salva-
tion of all; that the gospel invites every-
one; that the Holy Spirit strives with all,
and whosoever will may come and take
of the water of life freely.

6. That the human will is free and
self-controlled; that it is possible for a
person who has been saved by divine
grace to make shipwreck of his faith and
become lost. The person (believer) who
through grace perseveres unto the end
of life has promise of eternal salvation.

7. That sanctificatlon is initial at re-
generation and continues progressively
through the Christian experience, becom-
ing final and complete in heaven.

8. That there are three gospel ordi-
nances to be perpetuated under the gos-
pel teaching: baptism by immersion, the
Lord's Supper, and washing of the saints'
feet.

9. That tithing is God's financial plan
for supporting the work of the church
here on earth.

10. That our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, who ascended on high, and sits
at the right hand of God, will come again;
that there will be a resurrection of all
men at the last day; that they which are
saved will come forth to the resurrection
of life, and they which are lost unto the
resurrection of damnation,- that the wick-
ed will "go away into eternal punish-
ment, but the righteous into eternal life."
This is the final judgment,

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

9

SOLVE THE PUZZLE

BFGIVEBFHJKEARXUZHJ
BFJKHQUXZBFJKQUXZHF
KHFJKTOXQQUUXZMYZBB
ZXQUBFHJKQUXZQFFJKQ
XUZQBFHJWORDSFHJKUQ
BFHJKQUXZQUXZBFHJKZ
JKQUXOXZZUHJLORDKJQ
XHJKQHJKUXZJKHUQXZH
JBCONSIDERZQUXZFMYZ
BFHJKQUXZHFJKQUXZJH
JBFJKMEDITATIONUXZH
BJKQUXZHFFBJKUXZJKB
HFJKBQPSALMFF5XX1JJ
Block outthe following letters B, F, H, J, K, Q, U, X, Z and read a Bible Verse.

Giji Certricate

AYDEN BIBLE & BOOKSTORE
Ayden, North Carolina 28513

Presented ro

This Certificate is good for merchandise to the value of
$ Dollars when presented to the above store.

From_

Issued by

Date:

Why not consider a Gift Certificate

from the Free Will Baptist Press

Foundation for Christmas? These

certificates may be obtained and are

redeemable at the Ayden Bible and
Bookstore or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson, North
Carolina.

Children's Home!

YOUTH HONORED

BY OPTIMIST

During Youth Appreciation Week eacr,
year, the Optimist Club of Wilson ask
outstanding young people from thf
Wilson area to attend a dinner that i<:
given in their honor. This year'<|
representatives from the Children':
Home were Julie King and Tim Mills.

Julie is a sophomore at Southern Nash

Senior High School and Tim is in the
seventh grade at Spaulding Middle
School. As well as being above average
students and active in school activities,
both Julie and Tim have been assets to
our Home. This past year, Julie was1
selected by the staff as the girl showing'
the most interest in the Home. Tim was1
selected as the boy showing the most'
interest in religious activities. Both Julie
and Tim were selected by vote of the
children as the best all-around boy and
girl. We are proud of them and feel that
they set fine examples for our other
children.

At the end of a very enjoyable dinner1
and program, each youth was awarded a
certificate and trophy.

NEEDED ITEMS

Luggage, linens, and blankets
are badly needed at the Children's
Home at the present. We would
greatly appreciate your help with
these much needed items. Perhaps
some of you would like to work
together on a project of raising the
monies necessary to purchase the
items or collecting the items for the
Home. Thank you!

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

1st. Claire Bible Class

^Suicby
! School LESSON

For December 12

THE COMING ANTICIPATED

esson Texl: Luke 1 :39-55
lemory Verse: Luke 1 :46, 47

INTRODUCTION

In last Sunday's lesson we learned
iow the angel Gabriel came to Mary and
aid her of the wonderful thing that would
lappen to her, how that she would give
lirth to the promised Saviour, even while
he was still a virgin.

i In the last verse of the previous lesson
jve read that ". . .the angel departed
jrom her" (v. 38), and Mary was left
jlone with her thoughts. As she pon-
jiered on these matters her anticipation
fnust have built up until she could no
pnger contain the marvelous news. She
nad to share it with someone close to
her. That someone would be her relative
jmd close friend, Elisabeth. She would
soon go to her and tell her what the angel
nad said would happen.
I As Mary anticipated the coming of
Christ the first time as her own child,
ponceived in her by the Holy Spirit, so we
should be filled with anticipation for His
second coming. He has promised to
eturn to take His bride, the born-again
church, to be with Him forevermore. As
dedicated Christians we do have that
anticipation and look for His coming each
jay.

j As our lesson today opens we see
Mary going to the home of Elisabeth.
There she sang her praises to God,
narveling at His great mercies and
grace. This is a beautiful lesson and one
we should study with great care.— The
Bible Student (F. W. B.)

1 HINTS THAT HELP

A. The gospel is a "social gospel,"
3ecause Jesus is concerned with people
n their needs; and His body, the church,
nust be concerned also.

B. Those who ruled by might and
destroyed others without concern for
their feelings have been forgotten. Jesus
served others in love, and His gospel has
changed the lives of countless millions.

C. People have always used the
common, customary, communicative
means to praise God. We must expect the
means to change but the message to
remain timeless.

D. We can accept, reject, ignore,
complain, bargain, etc. However, the
one who gives the gift does not force it on
us. Neither does God force salvation on
us.

E. Christ's presence in the world in
the past worked out our salvation; His
presence in us now is the assurance of
our salvation; and our presence with
Him, in eternity, will be the completion of
our salvation.

F. God can do mighty things for, in,
and with us, only as we surrender to His
will and way.

G. Our peace with God is possible
because of the suffering, death, and
resurrection of Christ.

— Standard Lesson Commentary

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The only hope for the Christian is
Jesus Christ. Before Jesus came to the
world, people of faith were filled with
excitement over His coming. Now the
Word of God assures us that He came to
redeem us. But what about Christmas,
1976? Do we believe that Christ is the
only One who can turn our hopes into
reality? Do we believe that He can solve
our problems and meet our deepest
needs? Many people are languishing in
despair, even at Christmas, because
they do not know Jesus Christ per-
sonally.

B. We Christians have been
promised eternal life and glory by the
same living God. Jesus, who was
physically alive in Mary, is spiritually
alive in us through the same Holy Spirit.
This new life from God that stirs within

us is God's promise that the future will
also come true.

C. Peace did not come to all the
world when Jesus came, but even today
in this time of war and unrest, there can
be peace in the hearts of believers. When
God truly rules the heart of man, peace
reigns. One day Jesus will return to earth
to reign and there will be perfect peace.
In the meantime there are some things
that every person can do to help bring
peace. The very first thing is to accept
Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God
and the Messiah that Isaiah prophesied
would come, but there are many who do
not accept Him. Without accepting Him
as God's Son and as our Saviour from
sin, there can be no peace in our heart.

D. Another thing we can do to help
bring peace is to teach His message to
others. In His Great Commission, Jesus
told us to go into all the world and teach
His gospel. Perhaps the best way to
teach it is to live it; be a good example.
Every Christian can do that. We can go or
send others to the mission field. We can
support Bible colleges and radio and
television endeavors, and help distribute
Bibles and tracts.

E. We may help bring peace by
helping those in need. "Christ has no
hands but our hands to do His work
today." We can help make this a better
world by our aid to those who are poor
and needy. Christians may help, too,
when they oppose the wrong, and are
righteous and faithful to the Saviour.
When we take a firm stand for the right
and oppose the wrong, our testimony
speaks out for the Lord. When Christians
are righteous and faithful, His work is
strengthened.

— Selected

"I KNOW NOW
HOW"

"I know not how that Bethlehem's Babe,

Could in the Godhead be,
I only know the manger child

Has brought God's life to me.

"I know not how Calvary's Cross

A world from sin could free.
I only know its matchless love,

Has brought God's love to me."

—Selected

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Mount jmX+DC
Olive College

WAYNE COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS

Borden Howell, (second from left) of Spring Hill Free Will Baptist Church of
Goldsboro, is presented two $100 scholarships by Harold Herring, Director of
Development at Mount Olive College. Mr. Howell served as dinner chairman for his
church as did Wilbur Shirley (right) of First Free Will Baptist Church of Goldsboro,
who received a $100 scholarship for the church bringing the most high school
students to the annual dinner in Wayne County. Mr. Shirley is also known for serving
Wilbur's Barbecue at ten of the seventeen annual dinners held each October and
November in support of Mount Olive. Mr. Ben Rollins (left) of Walnut Creek Free Will
Baptist Church served as Wayne County dinner chairman.

I 7\ Y '

FREE WILL BAPTISTS EXCEED

GOAL OF $90,000 AT
DINNERS FOR MOUNT OLIVE
COLLEGE

Free Will Baptists across eastern
North Carolina raised a record $92,733
for Mount Olive College at the 17 annual
county dinners this year.

The 1976 dinner gifts are an increase
of $9,053 over the $83,680 raised at the
1975 dinners and $2,733 over the 1976
goal of $90,000. The dinners began in
1963 and have resulted in over $800,000
in gifts to the College. During 1975-76,

Free Will Baptists gave over $225,000 to
Mount Olive College.

Ten of the seventeen dinners raised
more money this year than anytime
previously during the thirteen-year
history of the dinners. The dinners were:
Duplin, Greene, Johnston-Wake, Jones,
Lenoir, Nash, Pamlico, Washing-
ton-Martin-Tyrrell-Pasquotank-Chowan,
Wayne, and Wilson Counties.

"The idea of having the dinners
originated back in 1963 when Dr. W. B.
Raper, President, was visiting in Wilson
County with James B. Hunt Sr., now
Chairman of the College's Board of

Trustees and father of the Governor
elect. These two men felt that it would bf
good for Free Will Baptists in the various
counties to gather once a year to bf
advised of the progress and needs of thf
College and to bring and be recognizee
for their financial support. Over the yean
these dinners have evolved into a mos
meaningful avenue of support for the
College," explained Harold Herring
Director of Development at the College.

"Dinner gifts were up ten percent this
year and several churches indicated tha
their gifts would be sent in prior tt
December 1. During the past two yean
giving at the dinners has increased by 4(
percent. These dinners, however
represent only about one-third of thf
church's support during the year,'
Herring continued.

Totals by counties are as follows
Beaufort $4,004; Carteret $3,886
Craven $3,123; Duplin $7,043
Edgecombe-Halifax $1,928; Greenf
$5,842; Johnston-Wake $1 1 ,369; Jone;
$2,312; Lenoir $4,260; Nash $2,185
Onslow-New Hanover $648; Pamlicc
$7,636; Pitt $10,298; Sampson-Harnett
Cumberland - Pasquotank - Chowai
$3,232; Wayne $9,007; and Wilsor
$10,093.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS FOR

LAST SEVEN CHURCH

DINNERS

The following churches wor
scholarships at the last seven county
dinners held in support of Mount Olive
College.

The $100 scholarship for the church
giving the greatest amount at the dinnei
has been presented to the following
churches: Rains Cross Roads (Johnstor
County); Union Chapel (Washingtor
County); Harrell's Chapel (Greene
County); Peace (Edgecombe County)
Saint Mary's (Wilson County); Sain'
Paul's (Sampson County); and Holl\
Springs (Carteret County).

The $100 scholarship for the churcr
giving the greatest amount per capitc
(average per member) has beer
presented to the following churches
Rains Cross Roads (Johnston County)
Corinth (Martin County); Peact
(Edgecombe); Saint Mary's (Wilsor
County); Saint Paul's (Sampsor
County); and Davis (Carteret County).

The $100 scholarship for the churcr
with the largest number of high schoo

12

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

students present at the dinner has been
presented to the following churches:
'Everett's Chapel and Holly Springs (tied)
'(Johnston County); Union Chapel
('Washington County); Howell Swamp
i Greene County); First Church of Tarboro
^Edgecombe County); Daniels Chapel
j( Wilson County); Eastwood (Cumberland
County); and Holly Springs (Carteret
ICounty).

COUNTY DINNERS OVER
1976 DINNER GOAL

| 1 Gifts received from the last seven
' annual county dinners for Mount Olive
' bollege brought the total giving this year
[jo $92,733. This is $2,733 over the
planned goal that was set and an in-
crease of $9,053 over the $83,680
J Raised at the 1975 dinners.
f | Johnston-Wake: Bethel $277, Branch
ijphapel $425*, Everett's Chapel
,244* , Faith $152, Friendship $305* ,
ipolly Springs $501*, Hopewell $763*,
j Johnston Union $349, Kenly $410*,
jjviicro $385, Pine Level $665*, Piney
1 3rove $323*, Pleasant Plain $287*,
^Powhatan $334*, Rains Cross Roads
1^1,585*, Riverside $300*, Saint Mary's
f (Grove $418*, Selma $202, First, Smith-
field $500*, Smyrna $355*, Stancil's
':'Chapel $200, Tee's Chapel $460*,
Trinity $107*, Yelverton Grove $370,
IPalmer Memorial $200*, and Wooten's
iCiiapel $250*. Toial: $11 ,369.
[( j Washington, Martin, Tyrrell,
Pasquotank and Chowan: Mount Tabor
|$400* , Mount Zion $312, Piney Grove
33, First Church of Plymouth $225,
flUnion Chapel $518, Corinth $167, Rose
I of Sharon $400*, First Church in
Williamston $150*, Gum Neck $210*,
[r|Malachi's Chapel $300*, Sound Side
j|$200, Saint Paul's $167, and Cape
JjColony $50*, Total: $3,232.
I Greene: Free Union $767*, Grimsley
,! $450*, Harrell's Chapel $1,589*,
Howell Swamp $752*, Hull Road
$1,401*. Ormondsville $410*, Saint's
Delight $50*, and Spring Branch $422.
\ Total: $5,842.

« j Edgecombe-Halifax: Edgewood
3 $529*, Peace $620*, First Church of
\ Rocky Mount $229, and First, Tarboro
j j$550* . Total: $1,928.

if Wilson County: Aspen Grove $557*,
Calvary $609*, Daniels Chapel
1 $1,102*, Little Rock $1,600*, Marsh
t; Swamp $1,300*, Milbournie $506*,

New Sandy Hill $170, Owen's Chapel
$560*, People's Chapel $157, Rose Bud
$452*, Saint Mary's $2,173*, Saratoga
$588, Unity $70, and First Church of
Wilson $250*. Total: $10,093.

Sampson, Harnett and Cumberland:
Eastwood $303, Happiness Mission
$27*, Pleasant Grove $100, Hillsberry
$364*, Lee's Chapel $720*, Oak Grove
$638, Robert's Grove $704*, Saint
Paul's $1 ,905, Shady Grove $1 ,002, and
West Clinton $105*. Total: $5,868.

Carteret: Crab Point $350*, Davis
$1,150*, Holly Springs $1,302*, Otway
$110*, Pilgrim's Rest $100*, Russell's
Creek $151, Sound View $213, and
Welcome Home $520*. Total: $3,885.

(The churches which met or exceeded
their goals are denoted by an asterisk.)

ERROR CORRECTION

Through an error in reporting, the Pitt
County church totals listed in the FREE
WILL BAPTIST were incorrect for the
1976 year.

Below are the correct totals for Pitt
County:

Pitt County: Ayden $1,872, Bethany
$520*, Black Jack $100, Dilda's Grove
$350*, Elm Grove $1 ,016*, First Church
of Greenville $666, Gum Swamp $1 ,305,
Hickory Grove $251 *, Kings Cross Roads
$631, Marlboro $200, Piney Grove
$443*, Reedy Branch $707, Rose Hill
$750*, Sweet Gum Grove $400*, and
Winterville $1,087. Total for Pitt County
is $1 0,298.

(The churches which met their dinner
goal are denoted by an asterisk.)

News Notes

Laymen's League Fellowship
Will Hold Quarterly Meeting

The Laymen's League Fellowship of
the Central Conference will be having its
quarterly meeting Monday, December 6,
1976 at 8 p. m. This meeting will be held
at the First Free Will Baptist Church of
Tarboro located at 112 Hope Lodge
Street.

All laymen are urged to attend
regardless of whether you have an active
league in your church. Please represent
your church at this meeting for an en-
joyable hour of fellowship, conference
discussions, and light refreshment.

Cape Youth Rally
To Be Held

The Cape Fear youth rally will be held
at Palmer Memorial Free Will Baptist
Church December 4 at 7:30 p. m.
Everyone is invited to attend.

Concert To Be Held At
First FWB Church

Mr. Johnny Cooke of Jackson,

Tennessee, formerly with the Happy
Goodman Family, will be featured in
concert on Friday night, December 10, at
7:30 p. m. at the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Wilson.

This past October, he was the winner
of the Gospel Music Association Dove
Award as Male Vocalist of the Year.

He is perhaps best known in this area
for his arrangement of "Looking for a
City," and more recently his rendition of
"Amazing Grace."

There will be no admission charge but
a love offering will be received. The
church is located on the corner of
Granger and Barn h ill Streets in Wilson.
The pastor, the Rev. Clyde W. Cox,
extends an invitation to everyone to come
for this special service.

Family Devotions

(Continued from Page 3)

PRAYER THOUGHT
Each person is accountable before
God for his every word and deed.
Christ is the great example for us to
follow, not the thief on the cross.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Master Book of New
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

13

THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER

(Continued from Page 7)

The Ministry as
a Race

The second figure of speech which
Paul uses in our text is that of the
Christian ministry as a race— "I have
finished the course." The writer of the
Book of Hebrews uses the same figure of
speech in Chapter 12 and Verse 1,
"Wherefore seeing we also are com-
passed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset
us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us."

If the Christian ministry is a race, the
will of God is the course or track upon
which the race is run. If you are not in
the will of God, you are not even in the
race. The first priority in the race is to
please God and reach the goal.

The first thing that should be said
about running this race on the track of
God's will is that there is a problem of
understanding God's will. Of course,
there are many things about the will of
God that we can know easily. We know
that it is the will of God for one to be
saved. We know that it is the will of God
for one to serve Him. And we know that it
is the will of God for one to make
sacrifices for Him. But there are specific
areas where it is more difficult to un-
derstand the will of God.

I sometimes hear people speak out
and say that I know that it is the will of
God for me to do this, or this, or that. I
believe that God does reveal His will to
man, but it is not always that easy for
me. I have trouble sometimes knowing if
it is my own personal inclination, my
wife's insistence, or the pressure of
public opinion. Since we do know that
God has promised to lead, there are some
things that we can know about finding
His will.

We know that God's will is always in
accord with His Word. God never leads a
man contrary to the teachings of the
Bible. If this is true, then one of the best
ways to find the will of God is through the
study of God's Word.

We also know that often the will of God
demands that we wait until it is revealed.
Waiting on God to know His will does
away with quick, snap, impulsive
decision. This kind of a decision is
always dangerous for a minister.

Also, we know that God never makes

all of His will known to us at once. He
reveals His will step-by-step. Sometimes
it takes faith to take the first step not
knowing what the second step will be,
but this is the way God reveals His will. It
is this following the will of God as it is
revealed step-by-step that makes the
Christian ministry such a great ad-
venture.

A second thing that should be said
about this running the race on the track
of God's will is the privilege of un-
dertaking the will of God. Have you ever
thought just how wonderful it is that God
will allow us, weak frail creature of the
dust to undertake His will, the will of the
Creator? No greater privilege has ever
been afforded man than this. The
Christian ministry can never become dull
and uninteresting if you stay on the track
of God's will.

But there is a third thing that should
be said about running the race on the
track of God's will, and that is the peril of
undercutting it. Most Christians seek to
do the will of God in some areas, but they
are not quite willing to go all the way in
the will of God. They practice what is
called selective obedience. They select
that part of God's will that they want to
do and leave the other part alone. This is
undercutting the will of God. It should
have no part in the life of the minister.

Dr. Graham Scroggie, the great
Scottish preacher, was one time
speaking along this line, and at the close
of the service he was approached by a
young woman, a professing Christian
who had been greatly stirred.

"And why don't you yield?" inquired
Dr. Scroggie.

"I am afraid I would have to do two
things if I did," responded the girl.

"What are they?" questioned the
minister.

"I play the piano in a concert hall, and
I fear I would have to give it up," ex-
plained the lady.

"And the other?"

"I am afraid God would send me to
China as a missionary."

Dr. Scroggie was wise in his dealing
with the anxious. Opening the Bible to
Acts 10:14, he explained to the young
woman the absurdity of Peter's answer.
A slave never dictates, and to say, "...
Not so, . . ." and then add the word,
"Lord" is impossible.

"Now," said Dr. Scroggie, "I want
you to cross out the two words 'not so,'

and leave the word 'Lord' or else cros
the word 'Lord' out and leave the word
'not so.' "

Handing her his pencil he quietli
walked away.

For two hours she struggled. Then hli
returned. Looking over her shoulder, h!
saw a tear-stained page, but the word
"not so" were crossed out.

This is what it means to do the will cj i
God wholly. Let Him be the Lord of yoiilj
life, and be determined to follow Hirjj
wholly at any cost.

The Ministry as
a Trust

But now in these further words, "1
have kept the faith," Paul means us t;
see the Christian ministry as a trust. I
1 Timothy 6:20 he writes, "0 Timothy
keep that which is committed to th
trust. ..." Actually the Greek here i
"Guard the deposit." In 2 Timoth
1:14 we find, "That good thing whic1
was committed unto thee, keep ..." Bi
again the Greek is "Guard the deposit. '
What then is the deposit? First Timoth
1:11 defines it: "According to th
glorious gospel of the blessed God
which was committed to my trust. ' '

The gospel is the story about Jesus
All of the Bible is God's Word; all of th
Bible is true; but only that part of th
Bible which deals with the Lord Jesu
Christ is the gospel. Of course, you wi
preach all of the Bible, but use it t
support the "good news" about Jesu
Christ.

Believe this gospel, my friend. If yoi
do not believe it, you have not beei
saved. If you do not believe it, you havi
not been called to the Christian ministry
If you do not believe it, you are i
hypocrite. Furthermore, you mus
believe in the power of the gospel. Wh;
preach to men, if you do not believe tha
the gospel is the power of God unti
salvation to every one that believeth'
Men can live morally without the gospel
Men can be honest without the gospel
But men cannot be saved and fitted fo
Heaven without it.

Preach the gospel, beloved. Youi
personality cannot win men. Youi
persuasive powers are inadequate. Youi
opinions are unimportant. The gospel i;
the answer for man's sins; the Hoi}
Spirit convicts them. All you can do is
believe it and preach it. God will do thf
rest.

Stand for the gospel, my brother

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

I There will be temptations to look to the
l theories of men. There will be those who

are better schooled than you who will
iiii deny the truth of this gospel. Don't be

led astray. Stick to the basics of the
« gospel: His Virgin Birth, His virtuous life,
i. His vicarious death, His victorious
« resurrection, and His visible return. If

,you leave out any one of these things
i tabout Jesus Christ, you make Him a little
}: ess than the wonderful Saviour that He

lis!

God has trusted you with this glorious
(gospel which, I believe, is God's greatest

I

t.

It j
't

it !

DN a recent Sunday afternoon,
I attended a special musical pro-
ftjjram in connection with a homecoming
'§ if one of our eastern North Carolina Free
Will Baptist churches. Two wonderful
as groups of young people, among them

I several of the boys and girls who had
Intended youth conferences at Cragmont
st Assembly, and who honored me with the
iljitle "Pa" when they addressed me,
llfendered programs of song I would have
sJipeen proud to have had them render in

the presence of the President of the
IfjjUnited States. One group gave the best
(if bicentennial program I have heard this
iji/ear. It included such songs as "My
tn Country 'Tis of Thee," "America the
'■beautiful, ' ' "The Battle Hymn of the
■Republic," and came to a climax with
II |" Faith of Our Fathers." The other group
presented some of the old and beloved
is jhymns of the Church along with some of

II the best of modern gospel songs.

J As I sat in the congregation listening
tp these wonderful young people sing,
t jmy mind took a strange flight back into

time to the year 1914 when I was at-
i (tending a Presbyterian school and
i (watching the Free Will Baptist
J jdenomination slowly dying! Four years
It (before, about half the Free Will Baptists
J jof the West, Southwest, and some in the
i; ICarolinas had united with a larger
I jdenomination; and about the same time

jalmost two-thirds of the Cape Fear
i |Conference in North Carolina, along with

treasure. Keep the trust. Don't fail Him!

Your parents have trusted you with
their most precious asset— a good name.
Don't disappoint them. They are
counting on you.

Your church is giving you the highest
honor that it can bestow, the name of an
ordained minister. They are giving this to
you because they think you are worthy.
In Heaven's name, if the time ever comes
that you cannot keep the trust, return
your credentials. Don't blacken the
name of your Master's church!

a good many from other North Carolina
conferences, had withdrawn to form a
Holiness group, and we were left as
institutions with only the small Ayden
Seminary, offering less than a modern
high school education, for our ministers,
and the Ayden Free Will Baptist Printing
Company, printing three items of Sunday
school literature, and the "Free Will
Baptist" — but this is not the reason I say
that the denomination was at that time in
a dying condition.

Let me explain by referring to the
conditions that existed among the
churches of my home community, where
there were within walking distance of my
home a Methodist Church, a
Presbyterian Church, a Missionary
Baptist Church, and a Free Will Baptist
Church. The Methodist had an Epworth
League for its young people, the Baptist
Church had a Baptist Young People's
Union, and the Presbyterians had a youth
organization the name of which I have
forgotten. The Free Will Baptist Church
had no organization of any kind for its
youth. Since the only Sunday school in
the immediate community was a union
Sunday school between the Methodists
and the Free Will Baptists, there was not
even a Sunday school class that could
call itself Free Will Baptist.

The sad thing about it was that the
majority of the members of the Free Will
Baptist Church did not want any kind of
organization for their young people. They

didn't believe in any kind of "society" in
the church. All "societies" were of the
world. Their idea regarding the boys and
girls was that they should go to church,
behave themselves, listen to their
elders— "be seen but not heard." Now
this does not mean that these elderly
people who controlled the church were
not good and sincere people at heart.
Their trouble was a lack of un-
derstanding of the needs of the young
people. Three years before this time,
there had been a wonderful union revival
in the community, and a number of
young people had joined the Free Will
Baptist Church; but within the three
years that followed more than half of
these had transferred to other churches.

Now let me come to a point by relating
a bit of my own experience. The Epworth
League of the Methodist Church let it be
known that all young people regardless
of denomination were welcome to join;
and so one of my cousins and I went up
one Sunday and joined. This shocked
some of the saintly people of my church.
They at once decided that I was heading
directly into worldliness. Here's why:
The Epworth League not only held a
meeting each Sunday evening to study
the Bible and sing Christian songs, but
once each month they held what they
called "a social" in one of the homes, or
at the little one room schoolhouse near
the church. In these socials, they not
only sang some hymns but also some
"worldly" songs like "Dixie Land" and
"My Old Kentucky Home." And they
played games like "Tap Hand,"
"William Trimble Toe," and " 'Leven
Hand." 'Leven Hand was considered the
worst one. In case my readers don't
know about this game, let me describe it
briefly: The boys and girls formed a
circle and piled their hands up, a girl's
hand then a boy's hand alternatively.
Then the hands were removed one by
one from the top and placed under the
bottom until ten moves were made. The
person whose hand was the eleventh,
had to do a stunt with the person whose
hand was next— which meant that it was
a boy and a girl. Some samples of
"stunts" I remember included a brief
skit together, a one minute conversation
on some assigned subject, or spelling
hard words until one missed a word. It
was reported that "kissing" was
sometimes the penalty. In all fairness, let
me admit that this was at times true: but

WATCHING A
DENOMINATION DIE

by the Rev. L. E. Ballard

15

the limit of kissing set by the young
people themselves was for the boy to
kiss the girl's hand, and this was not
often the assignment. I do not recall but
one time that I was given this "penalty,"
and that time the shy little girl was a first
cousin.

The "stunt" that shocked the well-
meaning elderly guardians of the morals
of the young people, was requiring the
boy and girl involved to go outside and
walk one hundred steps up or down the
road in the dark— and it was seldom real
dark— while all the rest of the group
were gathered about the door to see that
they went the hundred steps and no girl
walking together in the dark in those
days was simply shocking! This simply
overbalanced the Bible study,
production of Christian playlets, and the
testimonies given by the young people in
their Sunday meetings. It was assumed
by many of the elders that any kind of
familiarity between boys and girls was
liable to lead to something bad.

Perhaps I have described an extreme
condition with respect to the attitude
toward the young people upon the part of
church leaders of sixty years ago, but
one thing was true of that period in the
history of our church: We had no special
organization, and few special kinds of
programs, for our young people prior to
the year 1915 when the first Free Will
Baptist League was organized in St.
Mary's Church in New Bern, by Mrs.
Alice E. Lupton. When I first heard of this
movement, I wrote Mrs. Lupton pledging
my support for the movement in the
interest of our youth: and it has been one
of the greatest joys of my life to have
been permitted to share the ministry to
our young people over the years. I have
received a few tributes from various
sources over the years, but the most
cherished honor ever bestowed upon me
during my life was when dear old Brother
J. E. Hudgins of Tennessee, long since
promoted to Heaven, called me "the

16

apostle to the young people" in the
second session of the "General Con-
ference of Original Free Will Baptists" in
1922.

After receiving a most encouraging
reply to my letter to Mrs. Lupton in 1915,
I began at once efforts to organize Free
Will Baptist Leagues in the churches
around Asheville. In Miss Terrie Pettit
(later Mrs. Wilson) I found a helper who
shared the same dream I had. Together
we organized the second Free Will
Baptist League in the state at her church,
Cedar Hill. Because of the interest this
fine young woman had already taken in
the youth of her church, there was less
opposition to a "society" for Christian
young people there than there would
have been in several other churches.
During the following two years, Miss
Pettit and I succeeded in organizing
leagues in three other churches.

Why do I say that at this period I was
watching a denomination dying?
Because, we were fast losing our young
people on account of not having much to
offer them in the way of Christian
education, and no organization to provide
opportunities for them to be a vital part of
our churches. I can still recall the names
of several young people who left our
denomination because they needed
opportunities which they could not get in
our church during a period of about ten
years before our youth organizations
became general. Among the ones I
remember were a number who later
became successful ministers in other
denominations and three fine Christian
girls I knew personally who later went as
missionaries abroad for other
denominations. At the time, many of our
church leaders were inclined to number
them among those who had "departed
from the faith"; but I have always
thought of them as young people who
failed to find in the church of their fathers
the opportunities they sought for ser-
vices to God.

With 1915 the dying denominatio
took a turn for the better with th
beginning of our youth program. As th
new movement expanded at a good pace
many of the older members of th
churches took on new hope. They woul
not have to watch their sons an
daughters leaving for more fruitful field
of fellowship and opportunity. And th
new life blood brought the denominatio
out of the dying state to a newness of lit
that has continued until today. It resulte
in the young people having a chance I
"Grow in grace and in the knowledge i
the Lord" at home instead of goin
away. Step by step the movement e?
panded. Church after church organize
Free Will Baptist Leagues. Youl
conventions came into existence. The
came "Camp Leach" with its annu
meeting of leaguers from all over tr
state. Following right along carr;
Cragmont with its inspiring you!
conferences. Other youth organization;
like the YFA and AFC, came along wil
an expanded program of fellowship an
training. The Ayden Seminary becanr
Eureka College, to offer advancir;
opportunities for education of our younl
people within our own denominatioi
When this college was destroyed by fin
there was a period of discouragemen
Then came the Free Will Baptist Bib
College to offer opportunities for many |i
our young people. Then came our owl
Mount Olive College with its ever el
panding program offering Christia
training and liberal arts education in i
ever-expanding field including summi
youth conferences for all ages of oi
young people. "Camp Vandemere" c
the coast came on later.

A "dying church?" Never agaii
When those of us who are now tf
"elders of the church" are called to oi
reward on high, there will be hundreds
wonderful young people to take oi
places. What we saw on a recent Sund;
afternoon is a glorious guarantee of this:

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS;

[

OF ALL PLACES TO FIND
IT-LIQUOR BY THE
SINK!

Cover Photo by Ed Carlin

LIQUOR BY THE SINK?

Housewives, in increasing numbers, are becoming addicted to the nation's
number one drug— alcohol! Various reasons are given as to why women are
yielding to the bottle. The women themselves verbalize why.

1. Their husbands take them for granted.

2. Their lives have lost the early marital excitement and bliss.

3. Housewifery has become an empty chore rather than the fulfilling
position it was intended to be.

4. Brawling children (which they didn't want in the first place ) get on the
already -bad nerves.

5. Frustration thresholds are low.

6. Forgetting the burdensome plight of being an unappreciated wife and
mother seems necessary, and drinking seems to be the easiest way out.

7. The bottle is readily available and provides an unquarrelsome escape
mechanism.

8. The booze helps one to get through the long and tiring day.

9. No one else is getting hurt, so why not?
10. Drinking helps one keep her sanity.

No wonder child abuse is on the increase! No wonder "domestic
engineers" are swamping psychiatrists' offices in droves! No wonder the
coveted role of mother is losing its former appeal! No wonder women in
general are no longer looked upon with admiration! The term "ladylike" used
to carry favorable connotations; now the word is seldom used at all— and for
good reason !

One afternoon while waiting for my son, I parked by the local liquor store
(by necessity, because no other parking space was available in the area). In
the span of 45 minutes, I counted as many as 50 persons who entered the
establishment, who, of course, came out carrying the typical brown bags. I was
not too shocked by the men who purchased their favorite brew ; but from my
vantage point, I saw more than a dozen women (some quite young) enter and
come out with their brown bags. At this sight I was shocked (though perhaps I
should not have been). Friday afternoon— not Saturday! Somehow I had
thought that Saturday was the big day for the liquor salesmen.

I would like to make it clear here that it was not my intention to count the
patrons and compare the numbers with the sexes, but after so many goings and
comings (I had not counted the first several), I thought it would be interesting
to gather a few personal eye-witness statistics. The particular Friday under
discussion may indeed have been a better day than usual for the liquor
salesman, but my logic leads me to believe that the day was not that unique.

I have learned to accept the fact that women do drink (though I certainly
do not approve ) , but I still find it difficult to take lightly their being so bold in
their purchase and partaking. Granted, the sin is probably as great done in
secret as when done in public (except for the possibility that the influence is
worse when "done" openly). There is something in me that shudders at
"ladies" who leave their children-filled cars and walk boldly into the liquor
store, purchase their flavor, and come out just as boldly, offering apologies to
no one, and who, by their manner of bearing seem to ask, "What's it to you?"

Not too long ago, a little boy was hospitalized, suffering with multiple
fractures and a brain concussion. Reportedly, he sustained the injuries in a fall
down the stairs. Later investigation bore out the fact that his drunken mother
threw him down the stairs because she had come "to her wits' end."

"Liquor-by-the-drink," they say. "Let us have liquor-by-the-drink ! "
Indeed? I personally hate every drop that has ever been brewed, and I hate
even more every drop that has ever been consumed. And, when liquor finds its
place beside the housewife's sink, someone ought to pour it down the drain and
take her to task! Comment?

Tommy Manning
Editor

DECEMBER 8, 1976
Volume 91 N"mt

Edited and published weekly by the Frei
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 NortlJ
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Se^
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolin

All materials to be placed in any issue li
be in the hands of the editor six days priorill
'publication date of that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance)
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent disu
given when local churches send the "Bapt
the home of every member; names ania
dresses to be provided by churches. Chui
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Bapt
are sent to one.individual who in turn distri K
these. A 50 percent discount is offered <i
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily rl
the beliefs or policies of the editor or oi
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for u
article is given the person whose name ap>
under the title or to the person submittinci
article.

Items for publication should be address
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Bo;5
Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. <
p m , Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p
Saturday.

Smithtield, New Bern, and Wilson,
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivem
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Seen
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, F
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, In

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Mar
Editor of Literature; Ralph A. Bo wen, Ass'
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Si
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAF J

THE FLOOD

"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence" (Genesis 6: 11).

by John W. Beaman
Walstonburg, North Carolina

This is a tale of long ago;
The days were bad and evil,
For man had turned away from God,
To love and serve the devil.

The people laughed his words to scorn,
And all refused to mind him,
So Noah climbed aboard the ark-
God shut the door behind him.

Till God himself grew very sad
At what man had invented,
And that He ever made a man,
We read that He repented.

For forty days and forty nights
The rain fell without stopping;
The sun came up; the sun went down;
The rain just kept on dropping.

And so He pondered deep and long
Upon the situation,
And then at last made up His mind,
To blot out His creation.

The creeks and rivers overflowed,
The floods broke up the fountains;
They rose above the tallest trees,
And then above the mountains.

To Father Noah thus He spake,
And made known His intention,
But for his safety did provide,
And gave the ark's dimension.

Then all the strife and turmoil ceased,
And there was rest from violence.
The earth grew still and very still,
Just long, unbroken silence.

So Father Noah set to work—
His task it seemed unending—
But as he built he talked about
The flood that was impending.

And safe above it all the ark,

With Father Noah floated,

While from his dry and sheltered perch,

The hungry raven gloated.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

(Or Sunday School Only?)

by the late J. C. Griffin
(The Free Will Baptist, August 14, 1957)

HEN I was a boy, the average
Christian felt that he could not afford
to miss the worship hour in his church.
Due to his respect for and joy in worship,
whenever the church door was opened,
the devoted member of the church would
be seen at the service. Sometimes, a
Christian would walk miles to be in the
worship hour. Sometimes he would ride
horseback; sometimes the family would
go on a horse-drawn cart or wagon.
Those who were blessed with a wagon or
cart would pick up their neighbors,
providing there was room after the
family, often of seven or eight and
sometimes ten or twelve children with
the mother were loaded on. I have seen
times when the load was so heavy that
the man of the house, the husband and
father, would walk beside the team in
order to help share the burden. People
did not have much money in those days,
but they had salvation and wanted
others to share in the joy of that
salvation.

Many churches in the country did not
have what was called by some an
evergreen Sunday school while most all
churches in towns and cities had Sunday
school the year round. Not so in the
sticks! The Sunday school, where they
had one, was much smaller than the
church membership; but those who did
attend Sunday school would not leave
when the Sunday school was
over— usually there was no intermission
between the Sunday school and hour of
worship— right out of one into the other.
The Sunday school was then in reality an
auxiliary of the church.

What Brought About the Change?

Gradually, as the years came to pass,
the Sunday school has outnumbered the
worshipers in the church. We go to
Sunday school to be taught, perhaps to
worship God. I say, perhaps this is true
in some instances. Some teachers teach
the way of life and worship of Almighty
God, while others tell more about the
clubs and current events and even about
the movies and the sports than they tell

about the Lord Jesus. Thus, when the
Sunday school closes, people make for
home or the beaches or off to get an early
lunch and spend the afternoon visiting
and joy riding and doing many other
things because the Sunday school
teacher has failed to teach Jesus Christ
as the Saviour of sinners.

Another reason why people do not stay
for worship is that Mother said, when the
children were getting off to Sunday
school, "Now hurry back as soon as
Sunday school is over so that we can get
off to see some sights or some relative or
friend." Another reason why they do not
stay is because of unsaved, uninterested
fathers who stand in the way of the
salvation of their children. My what a
crime!

I Did Not Stay for Church

I told my church that I did not need it;
I received all the spiritual power I needed
in Sunday school.

I told the minister that his work was
useless; all the efforts he put into
learning what God wanted said; all the
work in preparing that message to make
it effective, all his energy in delivering,
were of no use, at least to me.

I told my family it would be better for
us to go home than to remain for wor-
ship. I told them we would receive a
greater blessing by going home than by
staying to worship God.

I told the children in Sunday school
that it is not necessary to stay for
preaching in order to be a good church
member. I told them that by going that
one hour a week is all that God needs of
our time.

I told my unsaved friend that I was not
interested in him finding Christ as his
Saviour. I know that he will likely never
be saved if he does not attend church
services, but I am not particularly
concerned; so I went home.

I told Christ I had heard enough of Him
for one day; I did not care to hear any
more about Him. I did not care to hear my
pastor lift up Christ to a lost world; so I
went home — Edgemont Challenger.

My reader, you who will not stay fo;
the worship of Almighty God after thi
Sunday school is over, you may not sa;!
in words or either in thoughts what thi1
above message sets forth in it:1
declaration; but in substance it is said ti
the Lord Jesus, His church, your pastor
and to the lost men and women of you1
community!

Think a Minute— Is It Fair?

Is it fair to invite a man to become th'
pastor of a church and lay upon him th
duty of preaching every Sunday and thei!
stay away from the services you requir
him to lead? Is it fair to leave that pasto1
to preach to empty pews because it is I
little too warm (or too cool or too rainy1
for comfort and you prefer to stay home^
Is it fair to grant to yourself thos'
liberties which, if practiced by all, wouK
paralyze the church and destroy not onl|
its usefulness but its existence? Do yoj
think it is fair?— Edgemont Challenger.

The next thing to seeing a lost soul dii
and go out into eternity that burdens al
interested pastor is to see those whon
God has called, or at least those whj
have confessed to be saved, walk o|
from the church just as soon as th|
Sunday school is over and never say I
word to the pastor as to why they ar|
leaving. Perhaps the most of pastor'
have such burdens to bear. Many talk t|
me and tell me of their problems, an
people leaving the worship period of thi,
church is one of the problems. Just a fev
days ago one young minister, who is
pastor, asked, "What can we do to gep
people to stay for worship after thi
Sunday school is over?" I am frank ti
say, I do not know.

Most pastors are doing their best t|
solve the problem. Some say, "Stud
more and deliver more interestin|
messages." Others say, "Get the peoplf
saved and they will want to stay for thi
worship of Almighty God." Others say
"Make your churches more com
fortable." Others say, "Have Sunda
school teachers who know the Lord anl
the value of worshiping of God." An-
many other suggestions are offered. I arr
frank to say that in all the answers al
given above, there is a measure of truth;.
Pastors should study more in man
instances and deliver more interestin
sermons. Certainly we ought to get mor
people saved, and we Christians an<;
many of the pastors are to blame fc
people not being saved. (May I say her
that evangelists in many instances havi

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

helped to fill our churches with unsaved
people, often by getting them cornered
and getting them to say, "I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.")
Certainly we must believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God— the only
begotten Son of God. But this belief must
| reach deep enough into our inmost
i beings to change our lives from dead
I works to an acting, aggressive wor-
shiping of the God who gave His Son for
our redemption. On the terms of Calvary,
we must yield our lives to God. It must be
more than confession.

The psalmist said, "I was glad when
j they said unto me, Let us go into the
jhouse of the LORD" (Psalm 122:1).
j Again he said, "0 come, let us sing unto
Jthe LORD: let us make a joyful noise to
jthe rock of our salvation. Let us come
j before his presence with thanksgiving,
]i and make a joyful noise unto him with
| psalms" (Psalm 95:1 , 2).

I believe that when we have really
; been saved and filled with the Holy Ghost
| that there will be no spot on earth as
precious as the house of God. We meet
] the Lord Jesus Christ when we really go
jto worship for He said, "... where two
lor three are gathered together in my
[name, there am I in the midst of them"
»(Matthew 18:20). Where Jesus is, it is
;i Heaven to me!

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

si Scriptural basis: "For whether we
;r i live , we live unto the Lord; and whether
J we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we
r live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's"
A' | (Romans 14:8).

THE SOUL OF MAN
BELONGS TO GOD

All souls from the first Adam to the
second Adam (Christ) belong to God.
From the Garden of Eden and the fall of
man until the paradise of God is restored
through our Lord Jesus Christ, all souls
are the personal property of God. He will

do what He pleases with each and
everyone of them. All fleshly men came
from God through the loins of Adam. We
are safe in saying that God put the whole
race of men upon this earth in the one
and only man He formed from the dust of
the ground, Adam. All humans are
extensions of God through Adam.

Let us reaffirm the fact that God made
the heavens and the earth specifically to
extend Himself and His glory through
man. God made us for Himself. We are
His personal property; when He lost us
through our disobedience, He bought us
back. We are, therefore, twice His. He
lost us and then He redeemed us. God
invested everything He had in man and
man refused it through disobedience.
God came back with the sacrifice of His
Son and His blood as a price He was
willing to pay to redeem man.

The devil is the culprit who entered the
garden and tricked or beguiled man into
the idea of selling out, to mortgage his
soul. The devil's trick was to separate
the soul of man from God by inducing
him to disobedience. The sins of man are
the acts of his which come between him
and God— disobedience. The devil
perverted the truth in offering the fruits
and benefits of the world to him in ex-
change for disobedience to God and his
denial of Him.

It is amazing how man can so easily
believe the devil's lie and reject God. And
yet, this is the sad story of man through
all generations. Even the ones who are
led to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and profess faith in Him still sell or
mortgage portions of their earthly
dominions to the devil. They do not
realize that as long as Satan has a lease
on them he can and does control that
portion which we lease to him. For
example, smoking cigarettes and
drinking liquor is in violation of the
property of good health, and means that
you have leased a portion of your good
health and well-being to the devil.

The Christian is a redeemed, born-
again person who owes everything to
God; all he is and all he ever hopes to be
are God's. When a man disobeys God, it
means that he has allowed an enemy of
God— the devil— to take over some
definite portion of his life. When he lies,
it means that he has sold some of his
honesty and integrity to the devil. When
he robs or takes from another by force,
he is selling his soul to the devil. When a
man or woman disobeys his body in

sinful sex acts, he is selling that portion
of his heaven-endowed property to the
devil.

The devil is always there when a
Christian has something to sell. His price
is always high enough to make the sale
attractive. The devil works through
agencies. He also forms big business
organizations (or he uses them) to
expand its properties. Everything God
allows us to use, Satan has an attractive
price to offer. Why are we so dumb?
Christians lease their automobiles to the
devil when they are used to disobey God
by taking people to the wrong places, or
by not taking them to the right places.
We lease our television sets to the devil if
and when we allow them to keep us from
serving God; or, if we allow the programs
of filth, and dirt, lust, violence, and
obscene content grip our minds and
produce ungodly thought and conduct in
our lives.

Our nation is now involved in the
greatest property deals ever known to
man. National and local powers are
becoming agents of the devil by selling
the souls of men down the drain.
Legalized gambling is claiming great
portions of God's personal ownership in
the souls of men. Legalized prostitution,
abortions, and cohabitation of unwed
men and women are taking heavy tolls.
The devil is having a lucrative business
and all the legal agencies (news media,
sports, hobbies, or just dumb, stupid
things) are making their most damaging
affects in the diversion of souls from
Heaven to hell. We must not forget that
the souls in both Heaven and hell are the
Lord's. He will do with them whatever
pleases Him. He has promised peace and
joy, happiness and glory to all who enter
Heaven. He has promised weeping,
gnashing of teeth, torments and
everlasting death to all who go to hell.
Now is the time! Repent and believe God
rather than the devil!

OPPORTUNITY

Age is opportunity, no less
Than youth itself, though in another
dress.

And as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars invisible by
day.

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

QAiswering Your
UBS TIONS
Route 1 , Box 475

LaGrange. N. C. 28551

Question: What obligation does a
sinner place himself under when he
takes Christ as his Lord and Saviour and
what may he do to enjoy the ordinary
pleasures of life without hurting his
Christian obligations?

Answer: When a sinner comes to
Christ for salvation Christ gives him a
new nature; his very own nature so that:
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to
be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through Jesus Christ our Lord. . . .
For when ye were the servants of sin, ye
were free from righteousness" (Romans
6:11, 20). Compare "But now being
made free from sin, and become servants
to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life. For the
wages of sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord" (Romans 6:22, 23); "For when
we were in the flesh, the motions of sins,
which were by the law, did work in our
members to bring forth fruit unto death.
But now we are delivered from the law,
that being dead wherein we were held;
that we should serve in newness of
spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
. . . For I delight in the law of God after
the inward man: But I see another law in
my members, warring against the law of
my mind, and bringing me into captivity
to the law of sin which is in my mem-
bers" (Romans 7:5, 6, 22, 23). "For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
hath made me free from the law of sin
and death. . . . For they that are after the
flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit the things of
the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is
death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace" (Romans 8:2, 5, 6); "But
put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil
the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14);
"Who hath delivered us from the power
of darkness, and hath translated us into
the kingdom of his dear son: In whom we
have redemption through his blood, even
the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image
of the invisible God, the firstborn of every
creature: For by him were all things

created, that are in heaven, and that are
in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were
created by him, and for him: And he is
before all things, and by him all things
consist" (Colossians 1 : 1 3-1 7) .

The saved sinner, now a saint, has
had a much greater thing to happen in
his behalf than that which happened
when he experienced his natural birth.
He has exchanged his state of slavery
unto sin for that of servant unto the
Almighty God Creator of all things.
"Which in time past were not a people,
but are now the people of God: which had
not obtained mercy, but now have
obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:10); "For ye
were sometimes darkness, but now are
ye light in the Lord: walk as children of
light" (Ephesians 5:8).

Paul under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit also well expressed what the
sentiment of a true Christian should be at
all times when he wrote: "But what
things were gain to me, those I counted
loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I
count all things but loss for the ex-
cellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the
loss of all things, and do count them but
dung, that I may win Christ, And be
found in him, not having mine own
righteousness, which is of the law, but
that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by
faith: That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death" (Philippians
3:7-10).

Again Paul said, "... I die daily" (1
Corinthians 15:31). Then he spoke
concerning the Christian life he was
exhibiting here among a lost world of
sinners among and before whom he was
manifesting a Christ-like life. "I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the
life which I now live in the" flesh I live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loved

me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians

2:20).

It is enough that a servant of Christ
lives like his Lord Christ, but nothing less
is enough. "It is enough for the disciple
that he be as his master, and the servanl
as his lord. If they have called the mastei
of the house Beelzebub, how much more
shall they call them of his household'
. . . And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: bu
rather fear him which is able to destroy
both soul and body in hell" (Matthew
10:25, 28).

It seems that the day is here when the
professed Christians as a whole have
deserted the way of life that was
characteristic of the early church. In tha-
day it was said of them: "And they
continued daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house
to house, did eat their meat with
gladness and singleness of heart
Praising God, and having favour with al1
the people. And the Lord added to the
church daily such as should be saved';
(Acts 2:46, 47); "Being grieved tha
they taught the people, and preached
through Jesus the resurrection from thf
dead. And they laid hands on them, anc,
put them in hold unto the next day: for i
was now eventide. . . . Now when the;i
saw the boldness of Peter and John, and!
perceived that they were unlearned anc;
ignorant men, they marvelled; and the*1]
took knowledge of them, that they hafj
been with Jesus. . . . And they called
them , and commanded them not to speal
at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Bui
Peter and John answered and said until
them, Whether it be right in the sight o ;
God to hearken unto you more than unt«
God, judge ye, For we cannot but speal <
the things which we have seen antf]
heard. So when they had furthe
threatened them, they let them go!|
finding nothing how they might punish
them, because of the people: for all mefj
glorified God for that which was done'lt
(Acts 4:2, 3, 13, 18-21); "Hereb
perceive we the love of God, because hi
laid down his life for us: and we ought tn
lay down our lives for the brethren" (t|
John 3:16).

Jesus tells us His followers: "An
when he had called the people unto hir
with his disciples also, he said unt[
them, Whosoever will come after me, lej
him deny himself, and take up his cross!
and follow me. For whosoever will sav
his life shall lose it; but whosoever sha

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For December 19

lose his life for my sake and the
gospel's, the same shall save it. For
jwhat shall it profit a man, if he shall gain
jthe whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for
lis soul?" (Mark 8:34-37); also "And
jhe said to them all, If any man will come
after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke
K3).

Instead of self-denial being the
dominant characteristic of the average
church member, today it is more likely to
be self indulgence. Paul writes:
"Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of
the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia; How that in a
preat trial of affliction the abundance of
|heir joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their
|iberality. . . . And this they did, not as
f/ve hoped, but first gave their own selves
|o the Lord, and unto us by the will of
pod" (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2, 5).

A professed Christian in order to
!please God and derive the benefit God
has designed must first give himself, and
pen the things that he possesses. Paul
Writes again in this manner: "I Beseech
|/ou therefore, brethren, by the mercies
|pf God, that ye present your bodies a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
pod, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but
be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that
pood, and acceptable, and perfect, will
pf God" (Romans 12:1, 2).
l God through Christ gave us all and He
Requires of us no less than all. Jesus
Required of the rich young ruler that
jpame to Him for salvation that he sell
Everything he possessed and give the
proceeds to the poor and come follow
Him. Apparently this sinner did not think
being with and sharing with Jesus the
jdngdom was worth it so he left Him
jiorrowfully. Let's you and I keep our
j/alues in perspective sufficiently to ward
)ff the fate of this rejecter. Jesus taught
hat all His Heavenly Father gave Him
tame to Him and that none who thus
tame would be cast out.

NONE AN ISLAND

John Donne, an English clergyman,
laid, "No man is an island to himself.
:.very man is a part of the main (the
vhole)."

The Bible says, "For none of us liveth
o himself" (Romans 14:7).

THE COMING CELEBRATED

Lesson Text: Luke 2:7-20
Memory Verse: John 1:14

I. INTRODUCTION

We miss the wonder and joy of
Christmas because we have become
used to it. We excuse ourselves by
saying that Christmas is for the children.
But this is not true. The children keep
Christmas with its wonder and beauty
because it is still fresh and new to them.
There is the wonder of the babe in the
manger, the glory of the angel's song,
the radiance of the star, and the worship
of the child by the Wise men. The story is
not old to our children; neither should it
grow old to us. But it is like many of
God's wonders that He lavishes upon us
until we become blind to them. The
beauty of a sunset inspires the viewer to
awe and worship and joy; but the
constant repetition of the sunset tends to
cause him to become blind to its fantastic
glory.

As we read again the familiar story of
the birth of Jesus, may we do so with the
attitude of a child. May we open our
hearts and minds and allow the majestic
wonder of the events of that night long
ago to fill us and renew our joy, our
hope, and our love for God.— Standard
Lesson Commentary

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. In Jesus we have salvation, an
eternal hope, and an understanding of
love for God and for other people as well.

B. Our whole Christian life is a walk
toward Jesus by faith, not by sight.

C. God's great gift to men must be
received or it is all in vain.

D. It's easy to get so concerned
about our family gift exchange,
Christmas dinners, etc. that we forget
Him. We can read the story and praise
God for His birth.— Standard Lesson
Commentary

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. The birth of any child should be a
time for celebration, especially if that

child was wanted, expected, and loved.
Jesus was certainly wanted; He was
surely expected; and, as time passed,
would be loved by many and hated by
still more. But it must have been hard for
the young mother and her husband to be
happy seeing the Child born in a dirty
stable, and having to use a common
feeding trough for His cradle. But such
were the circumstances, for there was no
room for them in the village inn.

B. Mary and Elisabeth— what a pair
they were! Here were two women who
were expectant mothers. One was older,
in fact so old that she was past the age of
bearing children. So it was necessary for
God to cause her to become impregnated
in a supernatural way. The other was
younger. She was betrothed to a man,
but was not married. How could she
become pregnant? The Holy Spirit
impregnated her without the help of a
man. Both of these women's
pregnancies were supernatural. Both of
these women glorified God for what He
had done for them.

C. The Christmas message comes to
us today. It is that Jesus has come from
heaven to earth, that He has died for our
sin, that He loves us everyone, and that
He will receive all who will come to Him
in repentance and faith. We ought to
ponder and think on this message and
accept it, even as the shepherds ac-
cepted it on that night long ago. After we
have accepted it, then we have the
command of Jesus himself to tell others
the good news that He is the Saviour.

D. Christmas is more than a day to
be celebrated; it is a vision to be lived.
Today we should lead our children to the
One who can make them wise. We
should point them to the One who can
make them rejoice with exceeding great
joy. We should teach them of the One
who can save their souls. Christmas is
not Christmas without Christ. Let us
resolve this year to give our children that
vision they can live, and make Christmas
more than just a routine celebration.

— Selected

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
Scripture Reading— John 16 : 33

CAPABLE OF LOVING GOD
One of God's children, who had very
little of this world's goods, said, "I
rejoice in being exactly what I am— a
creature capable of loving God. I look
for a while out of my window and gaze
at the moon and the stars the work of
God's almighty hand. I think of the
grandeur of the universe and think
myself one of the happiest beings in
it!"

PRAYER THOUGHT
How great and enduring is the joy of
God's children as they daily live for
the Saviour and are sustained by His
never-failing promise, we will have
fulness of joy, and pleasures for
evermore.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13
Scripture Reading— Daniel 4:35

"GOD IS NOT BURNING
UP"

As a Christian Vietnamese stood by
his burning home, with the flames
lighting up his face, he praised God.

One asked, "How can you praise
your God when everything in your
home is burning to the ground? ' '

He replied, "But my God is not
burning up! " We are finite, but God is
infinite !

PRAYER THOUGHT
In the midst of a world aflame, God
lives. He is still "within the shadows,
keeping watch above His own!"

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Scripture Reading— Isaiah 41 : 6

"NEIGHBOR, LET ME
HELP YOU "
Dear Neighbor: Today my hands
are strong, so let me help you.
Tomorrow they may be weak, or old,
or sick and you will have to lighten my

load. But today my hands are strong,
so let me share your burden. For why
do we exist, if we cannot care for our
fellowman, walk his path, know his
sorrows? Neighbor, today my hands
are strong. Let me help you!— Gloria
M. White

PRAYER THOUGHT
As Christians, we should be serving
others in deeds of kindness. When all
else fails, try love: "Love never
faileth."

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Scripture Reading— John 8 : 12

THROUGH WHOM THE
LIGHT SHINES

As little Gail sat with her mother in
the sanctuary on the Lord's Day, she
looked with enchantment at the
figures in the beautiful stained glass
windows, vivified and glorified by the
light which filtered through them.

She whispered "Mommy, who are
those people?"

Mommy replied, "They are saints,
darling."

As they walked from church, Gail
said, "Mommy, now I know who
saints are . ' '

"That's fine, dear," replied mother.
"Who are they?"

"They are people the light shines
through! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Christians are redeemed boys and
girls, men and women that are living
saints through whom "the light of the
glorious gospel of Christ" shines.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
Scripture Reading— 1 John 3:18

LOVE WITH SKIN ON
Said a disillusioned youth to a
minister, "I am sick and tired of
hearing about God's love for me. I
want to see love with skin on it ! "

The youth wanted to see love
exemplified in deeds.

Said Henry Ward Beecher, "We
never know how much one loves till
we know how much he is willing to
endure and suffer for us. Suffering for
another measures love."

PRAYER THOUGHT

"I SOUGHT MY
BROTHER"
No one could tell me where my soul
might be,

I sought for God; He seemed to elude
me,

I sought my brother out and found all
three.

— Author Unknown

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
Scripture Reading— 2 Peter 2:21

WE KNOW BETTER
A salesman did his best to persuade
an elderly, weather-beaten farmer to
buy a set of books on scientific farm-
ing, but without success.

"No, I don't want those books," the
old man replied.

"But, sir," said the salesman, "if
you had these books you could be
twice the farmer you are ! ' '

"Son," drawled the farmer, "Idon'^
farm half as good as I know how,

now! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Most of us know better than we do.
It is better not to know than to know
and not do.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18
Scripture Reading— Habakkuk 2:20

HUSH, FOR GOD IS
NEAR

On the door of the church whenjj
John Wesley preached his first ser
mon on the following words: "Entei
this door as if the floor within wen:
gold, and every wall of jewels o|
priceless worth were made ; as if th<|
choir, in robes of fire, were singing
here; nor shout, nor rush, but hushl
for God is Here !

PRAYER THOUGHT
HOW NEAR
Lord of all being, throned afar,
Thy glory flames from sun and star; 1
Center and soul of every sphere,
Yet to each loving heart, how near!

Grant us Thy truth to make us free,
And kindling hearts that burn foi
Thee,

Till all Thy living altars claim,
One holy light, one heavenly flame !

— Oliver Wendell Holme.

(Devotions used by permission c i
Knight's Master Book of Ner
Illustrations, Eerdmans Press. )

3

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel"

mission woi

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro. N. C 27530

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

THE PERSECUTION OF
SIMPLE BELIEVERS

by Wayne King

| Jesus said it was inevitable that those
ijwho would faithfully follow Him would
■ suffer persecution in this world. He said
(that such harsh treatment could only be
[expected from a hostile world-system
fwhich has love only for its own kind. The
.'crushing and tragic thing, however, is
jthat so often believers ?re persecuted by
ijothers who also themselves profess to be
^Christians. And rather expectedly so, for
lit is clearly revealed that even the
'righteous Messiah was hounded and
persecuted more by the religious leaders
of His day than by any other class or
igroup of people. Yet something is clearly
.'wrong when people of different groups
who claim to be following the same God,
1 inflict slander, persecution, and injury
J upon each other.

There is a group of simple native folk
j on the island of Palawan who are known
Jias Tagbanuas. Because they were poor
and primitive and only one of several
cultural minorities in the Philippines, no
I one seemed to care about them. Their
J) spiritual instruction was sadly lacking.
; Then God led Pastor Jimmy Basarte, an
;i ordained Free Will Baptist preacher, into
this area and his compassion moved him
|to help them and minister to them. He
preached the gospel unto them, he loved
them, and led many of them to the Lord.
I A great number were baptized. Word
{trickled out to the surrounding barrios
i that the Tagbanuas had embraced the
Protestant faith.

Then all at once, some of the Roman
Catholics in the neighboring village of
Caroray suddenly became very interested
in these Tagbanuas. They traveled out to
see these primitive folk and began to talk

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

to them about religion. They expressed
their unhappiness that the Tagbanuas
had chosen to serve the Lord in a
Protestant denomination, rather than in
the Catholic church. They intimidated
these new believers, threatening to have
certain privileges withdrawn from them if
they continued to associate with those
"Baptists." They told them that God
would punish them if they did not join the
Roman Catholic Church instead. They
even gave a recent illustration of what
would happen to them. "Have you heard
about the great earthquake that occurred
in Mindanao a few days ago7' they said.
"Did you know that the Roman Catholics
were the only ones who escaped the
great tidal wave that occurred af-
terwards? Did you know that the
Muslims and the Protestants— the
Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals were
the ones who suffered the most
casualties? The Roman Catholics were
spared. Now if you do not reject your
Protestant beliefs, a similar catastrophe
is going to befall you just like it did those
people in Mindanao."

Well, the truth of the matter is that
most of the people who perished in the
recent Philippine earthquake and tidal
wave were Muslims, since the area
directly affected was inhabited primarily
by Muslims. If the majority of people
living there had been Catholics or
Protestants, they would have been wiped
out by the disaster just like the Muslims
were. Clearly, these Catholic folk were
distorting the facts to intimidate and
threaten the new believers into em-
bracing Catholicism rather than
Protestantism. And since the Tagbanuas

are simple people and basically
superstitious as most native folk are, and
since the Roman Catholic Church is the
oldest church in the Philippines, has the
most prestige and power, and claims the
majority of the Filipino population for its
membership, many of the Tagbanuas
could not help but believe them. Some of
these native people had been con-
templating receiving Christ as their
Saviour and being baptized by the Free
Will Baptist pastor, but now they became
troubled and afraid to do so. Yet the
majority of those who had previously
been saved, continued to be faithful and
true to the Lord in spite of the
misleadings of men.

It is sad to say but some had rather
increase their own ranks than to see
sinners delivered from the power of sin.
Yet the fact remains that many of these
Tagbanuas would have died and gone to
hell had not Pastor Basarte gone in and
preached the gospel to them and they
believed. Oppositions and trials such as
this hinder the work, but as Brother
Jimmy continues to assure these new
believers from the Word of God, and as
faithful Christians back home like you
continue to pray, "Christ will build His
church and the gates of hell will not
prevail against it." God will give the
victory. It has already been promised!

PASTOR RECEIVES
THANKSGIVING GIFT

One way that Marsh Swamp Free Will
Baptist Church near Sims celebrated
Thanksgiving this year was by receiving
donations for a love offering for the
pastor, the Rev. Adrian Grubbs.

Shown presenting the offering of
$1,146 to Mr. Grubbs is one of Marsh
Swamp's oldest deacons in length of
service, Mr. Lester Fulghum.

9

Mount jmX+K
Olive College

NEW BUILDINGS PROGRESS

REPORTED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

A progress report on the 25th Anniversary New Buildings Program was
presented to the Board of Trustees of Mount Olive College at a recent meeting by W.
Nathan Reynolds, chairman of the steering committee and special assistant to the
Mount Olive College president.

The steering committee was appointed in September by Dr. W. Burkette Raper,
president, to identify the function and activities which should be located in each unit
of the College Union-College Hall complex. The complex will include five functional
units within a two building structure. They include a physical education-convention
center, student union, food services, fine arts center and administrative offices.

Five subcommittees were then selected, each chaired by a member of the
steering committee and including other faculty members, staff and students to make
recommendations to the steering committee regarding space requirements, number
of offices or rooms, and any other factors which might bear on the usefulness of that
unit within the complex.

It is expected that the subcommittees will complete their work before the
Christmas holidays to be submitted to the president for review. The architectural firm
of Hayes and Howell will begin preparation of revised schematic drawings which will
then be reviewed by the board of trustees. It is hoped to have working drawings for
construction by late summer or early fall of 1977. Construction progress will depend
upon availability of funds. No priorities have been set as to which unit will be con-
structed first.

The steering committee members
consist of Dr. Wayne Wiley, dean; Dr.
Hilda Owens, dean of students; Mr.
Charles Harrell, business manager; Mr.
Gary Barefoot, representative from the
faculty; and Craig Garvin, representative
from the student body.

FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAM
CELEBRATED $1 MILLION RAISED

One of the highlights of Mount Olive:
College's 25th Anniversary Program on
Founder's Day, November 23, was the:
announcement that the first $1 million:
had been raised toward the five-year goal:
of $7 million.

Dr. W. Burkette Raper, president of:
the College, reported to trustees, faculty,!
students and guests at the Founder's:
Day Program that since the Anniversary:
Fund was begun in July of last year, the:
College has received more than'
$800,000 in gifts, annuities and en-|
dowments and that an additional!
$200,000 has been committed in firm;
pledges.

"We believe we have made a goodi
beginning toward reaching our goal of $7
million by the end of 1980," declared Dr.;
Raper.

THREE SPEAKERS REFLECT

The theme for the 1976 Founder's Day
Program was "Great Moments in the
History of Mount Olive College," and
featured three speakers.

The Rev. David W. Hansley ol
LaGrange, a founding trustee and first
Chairman of the Board, commented or
the period of founding and earl\
beginnings of the College.

Mrs. Lorelle Martin of Mount Olive,!
now in her twentieth year of teaching afj
the College, reflected over her twenty1!
years of service and shared some of the
highlights of her experiences during the1)
growth of Mount Olive.

The Rev. Robert May of Ahoskie 1
current president of the Free Will Baptis |l
State Convention of North Carolina anc I
alumnus of Mount Olive, recalled hisj
most vivid memories as a student anc]
reflected on Mount Olive College from his^
position as president of the state con-]
vention.

The Founders Day prayer was given tyl
Dr. Michael R. Pelt, chairman of the)
Department of Religion.

Special music was provided by thc|

10

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

jMount Olive College Chorus and the
Mount Olive Singers. Certificates of
Appreciation were presented to per-
isonnel and trustees of the College who
jhad completed six years of service since
*:he 1975 Founders Day Program.

PROGRESS MADE FOR
NEW BUILDINGS

The twenty-fifth anniversary goals of
^he College include two major building
jrojects, a Physical Education-
convention Center and a College Union
complex which will provide facilities for
student activities, food services, fine arts
and administrative offices.

The State Convention of Free Will
[Baptists authorized the establishment of
a junior college in 1951. In 1953, an
jabandoned school building in Mount
Olive was purchased and the state
^convention approved the location of the
(College in Mount Olive. The College
ibegan operation in Mount Olive with an
^enrollment of 22 students in 1954.
] Today, the College has assets of over $5
"million.

earnings are used to support the general
educational services of the College.

FWB HERITAGE CERTIFICATE
PRESENTED

The Free Will Baptist Heritage
Foundation certificate was presented to
2 Mrs. E. C. Morris of Walstonburg in
honor of her late husband at the annual
Founders Day program at Mount Olive
College on November 23. Shown during
the presentation are, from left: Mr. and
Mrs. Jesse Proctor of Walstonburg, who
presented the certificate; Mrs. Morris;
[land President W. Burkette Raper. Mr.
Morris devoted sixty years of his life in
ministerial service to Free Will Baptist
churches.

The Heritage Foundation is an en-
dowment fund for Mount Olive College to
| which more than $20,000 has been
* contributed in honor and tribute to our
denominational leaders. These funds are
! permanently invested and each year the

BEAVERDAM CHURCH ATTENDS
HIGH SCHOOL DAY

Beaverdam Free Will Baptist Church in
Columbus County brought a bus load to
the annual High School Day held this fall
at Mount Olive College. Among the 27
participants was Debbie Housend who
has been accepted for admission for the
fall semester, 1977. Mrs. Shelby Jean
Edwards, youth leader at Beaverdam,
was there along with Mrs. Debbie
Godwin, Mrs. Edna McPherson, Mr.
Tommy Sellars, and Mr. John Byrd,
adult leaders.

IN MEMORY
OF

MRS. ANNIE OUTLAW KENNEDY

by

Faye Taylor Kennedy
Pink Hill, North Carolina

My mother was a pal to me,
We worked and played together;
But now she's gone, I'll labor on,
Until we meet forever.

Come back in spirit Mother dear,
And teach me more and more
That I in life no wrong shall do,
And meet with you on Heaven's shore.

I know you loved me Mother dear,
As only a mother could do;
You'd sacrifice your happiness,
If you could show me God above.

I miss you, oh! I miss you,

No earthly tongue can tell;

How much you meant to my sad heart,

We both knew, oh! so well.

I would not fail to mention, dear
The worthy things you loved ,
Your flowers and your friends,
They both meant Heaven above.

Your flowers were so beautiful,

That people far and near

Would stop and praise them to your face,

And say they were so dear.

Dear Mother, I gave the thoughts to you,
For the life you lived with me.
It helps me when temptations come,
The right and best to see.

So God will bless you Mother,
Who lived a heavenly life,
And taught your children of the things
That lead at last to Christ.

THE DIFFERENCE

I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't take time to pray.

Problems just tumbling about me,
And heavier came each task;.,
"Why doesn't God help me?" 1 won-
dered.

He answered: "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty—
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me,
He said: "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence,
I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided:
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.

—Author Unknown

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

1 1 AVE you ever felt like a king or
queen for a day? An old man with
tears running down his wrinkled cheeks,
his eyes shining through the tears told
the guests that came by how much it
meant to him to have them come by and
shake his hand and wish him well. His
wife, her heart beating so fast at the
sight of all the lovely people coming in.
Oh! how good it made us both feel to
have our church family, friends, and our
own growing family meeting in joy, love,
and happiness. If you've never had the
privilege of sitting and watching the best
"friendship" being shared by all, you've
lost a great gift.

I've often said and also heard it said,
"Give me my roses while I live." Dear
friends, we had our roses and more. The
love of our children and friends spilled
over and was wiped up in our memory

LOVE IN ACTION

by Mrs. Hershel Bowen
Winteiville

(Mr. and Mrs. Bowen recently celebrated their 38th
wedding anniversary with a reception held at Reedy
Branch Free Will Baptist Church and she wishes to
share this special moment in her life with you.)

and hearts forever.

Nothing can make me feel so humble
as someone sharing his or her love with
me. The touch of a cheek, a smile just for
me or a kiss— these things a king or
queen may not have. But for this day it
was ours to have and to hold. God has
given us so much, the love of our
friends, our four children, and our
beautiful grandchildren. We did not wear
a crown today, but oh, I'm so thankful
God has promised for us a crown if only
we will ask and receive it.

On this day as each person came by to
speak to us, I could think of something
good each one of them had done for us.
Yes, I could go on for hours naming the
goodness and kindness of our church
family, friends, and our own family. I'm
sure God has granted you, the readers,
the above goodness of people. If only all

of us could love and be loved each day! j
this day was for us, this world would 9 j
a wonderful place in which to live.

Florence Nightingale once wrol
' ' Live your life while you have it. Life is
splendid gift. There is nothing small in
For the greatest things grow by God'
law out of the smallest. But to live yoi
life you must discipline it. You must
flitter it away in fair purpose, erring a<!
or inconstant will, but make yot
thoughts, your acts, all work to the sar
end and that end, not self but God. Th«
is what we call character. ' '

God thank you for all our family af
lovely friends. Help us to love each othf
and forgive us our sins. Keep us in yc
loving care each day. And may our hant
do your will and our feet walk in yoi
way.

Gift C er-tiTicale

4

AYDEN BIBLE & BOOKSTORE
Ayden, North Carolina 28513

Presented to_

This Certificate is good for merchandise to the value of
Dollars when presented to the above store.

From.

Issued by.
Date:

19.

s

i
i

Why not consider a Gift Certificate

from the Free Will Baptist Press

Foundation for Christmas? These

certificates may be obtained and are

redeemable at the Ayden Bible and
Bookstore or any of its branch stores at
Smithfield, New Bern, or Wilson, North
Carolina.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

12

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS

News Notes

ree Union Church
resents Outdoor Pageant

The annual Christmas pageant at the
/(ree Union Free Will Baptist Church near
■Valstonburg will be presented on
Ibunday, December 12, at 6:30 p. m.

■ his will be an outdoor pageant, entitled
■'Under the Stars." In case of rain, the
■rogram will be held December 19 at
11:30 p. m.

I The Rev. C. L. Patrick, pastor, along
with the church members, extend a very

■ ordial welcome to everyone to come and
leceive a blessing this season of the
I rear.

■Marsh Swamp Church
■Treats Children's Home

■ The children and staff of the Free Will

ITlaptist Children's Home were en-
Jertained with a weiner roast on Sunday
■fternoon, November 14, by Mary
■tachel's class of the Marsh Swamp
■hurch Sunday school located near
Sims.

Bud Baker, class president, drove the
Shurch bus with members and their
families totaling approximately fifty
■eople. Mr. Baker's employer, Carolina
■hemical Company, furnished all the
lood with a few exceptions. Mr. and Mrs.
Jjiill Nichols and class members also
Insisted with the preparing of the food.
1 Due to inclement weather, the class
was served in the dining hall. The food
ind fellowship were enjoyed by all.

south Conference
late Changed

I The Piedmont District Youth Con-
ference scheduled for December 1 1 , has
jeen changed to Saturday, January 8,

■977.
I

■fleeting of Ministerial
Association To Be Held

1 The Mid-Year Spiritual Life Con-
ference of the North Carolina Ministerial
Association of Original Free Will Baptists
Irill meet January 14, 1977. The time
Mnd place is to be announced.

i j

REFLECT

1 Said Charles Dickens, "Reflect upon
i)ur present blessings, of which every
Ian has many; not on your past
lisfortunes, of which all men have
"bme."

SOLVE THE PUZZLE

I V E

A R

C 0

S I D E R

Y —

F D I T A T I 0 N

psalm m 5 n i mmt

In last week's puzzle the verse Psalm 5:1 was hidden. As you block out the
letters B, F, H, J, K, Q, U, X, and Z, the verse reads: "Give ear to my words, 0
LORD, consider my meditation" (Psalm 5:1).

Celebrate the birthday of our
Lord with Corrie ten Boom!

Corrie recalls the Christ-centered Dutch
Christmases of her youth, and die special joy
around her family's holiday table. Deliglrtfulh-
illustrated on every page, diis festive volume
includes Corrie's favorite Christ- j
mas story from die Gospel of Luke.
A book you'll reread, a remem-
brance you'll give at holiday
time for many years to come!

$3.95

AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

811 North Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

to

EXECUTIVE Mm

**»//
*****

DEPARTMENT

GOVERNOR JAMES E. HOLSHOUSER, JR.

WHEREAS, all NoAth CaAolinians an.e conceAned oveA the many deaths
and injuAies nesulting ^Kom moton vehicle accident* in ouA State, each yeoA;
and

WHEREAS, tnagedies on ouA stneets and kighway-b one. 0(J special
conceAn to Month Canolina' b Aeligious leadeAS Mho, by the. veAy natuAe o^
theln. duties and Aesponsibilities , deal almost dally with the aftermath o{
highway coltiiions; and

WHEREAS, the cleAgyman it, called, upon ^Aequently to o^eA condo-
lences to a family in a mannen. that he knows mill be inadequate to compensate
(jOA the family' i, oveApowening gniefa and sense o& lot>t>; and

WHEREAS, I am again asking all pas tons , pAiests and nabbii in Month
CaAolLna to devote one day 0(j wonship to the instruction ofa thein. congAegations
in the impontance o& higliway i,a^ety as a civic and AeLigiouS AesponsibttLty;

THEREFORE, I pAocJUvm the month OfJ VecembeA, 1976
TRAFFIC SAFETY SABBATH MONTH IN WORTH CAROLINA
and commend thii> obienvance to ouA citizens.

By the Gov zn.no a:

James E. HolshouseA, Ja.

Raleigh, Nonth Can.oli.na

14

THE FREEWILL BAPTIS

IN OBSERVANCE OF
TRAFFIC SAFETY SABBATH MONTH

FROM "HE RIDES

The situation which involves the
olent death of thousands of people and
ie maiming of hundreds of thousands
ore, which brings an awful burden of
ief and suffering for hundreds of
ousands of persons over long periods
time, is one which must have its moral
id religious as well as social im-
ications. We have wrongly assumed
at traffic laws have no connection with
orality and righteousness. Of course,
affic laws are not directly of Divine
igin, but the truth is that the more
iportant ones have been instigated for
e benefit of human welfare and out of
spect for human life and therefore they
ave a basic moral and righteous
undation.

The authorities tell us that most of the
tal accidents on our highways are the
suit of a deliberate violation of a traffic
w. Such violations are a potential
tack against the well-being of others
fid are therefore essentially immoral, or
ey represent an attitude of contempt for
e value of human life and therefore are
essence sacriledge.
The doctrine of Christian love requires
spect for the life and person of others,
id many a person who displays the
most love and respect for others in
ost human relationships will forget
em almost entirely when behind the
heel of a powerful automobile. The rule
every man for himself suddenly takes
fer on the crowded highway, a
lilosophy which most people would be
locked to see put into other areas of
e.

The result we call an "accident."
aybe our terminology is mistaken. If a
an should become drunk and then walk
to a bank and steal $100, he, when
mght, would not only receive a prison
jntence but have remaining over him a
igma for life. He is a bank robber. But if
man becomes drunk and then robs
)meone of his life while driving his
jtomobile, while he receives a certain
unishment, not terribly severe, there is
Iten a sentimental pity rather than a
ligma which attaches to him.

HE FREE WILL BAPTIST

BESIDE YOU"

Of course, there are many occurrences
on the highways that kill and maim which
are truly accidental and therefore have no
moral connection. But when we modern
drivers deliberately and selfishly show
contempt for human life, which is
sacred, by scorning the safeguards set
up in society to protect that life, then we
cannot escape the fact that our acts are
not only criminal, but sinful.

The traffic authorities rightly tell us
that this is everyone's business.
Policemen and judges can try to enforce
the laws, but they cannot form the basic
attitudes in our society. We citizens must
do this. And if we could place the
criminal acts that take place on the high-
ways in the same category as other
criminal acts, making them out to be the
sin and shame they are, we would be
really attacking the source of one of our
greatest social evils.

A MOTORIST'S PRAYER

Our Heavenly Father, we ask this day
a particular blessing as we take the
wheel of our car. Grant us safe passage
through all the perils of travel; shelter
those who accompany us and protect us
from harm by Thy mercy; steady our
hands and quicken our eye that we may
never take another's life; guide us to our
destination safely, confident in the
knowledge that Thy blessings go with us
through darkness and light . . . sunshine
and shower . . . forever and ever.

Amen.

He Didn't Bring
My Mama Home

by Velma Harris

(The following poem was written for
Mrs. Bessie Hudson in memory of her
mother. The story is a true one, the
tragedy having occurred on December
12, 1923.)

My mama went with Daddy one day

To visit with her friends while he tended

his business his way.
Three of my sisters went so they could

play

With the children of the friends of

Mama's that day.
Mama was humble and happy as she

chatted away
With the friends she loved so dear—
Never dreaming she had anything to

fear.

I was eleven years old at that time;
My sister was younger— just about nine.
We kissed our mama as we left for
school,

We knew we had to follow all the rules.
It was almost four when we got home.
There was no one there; we were all
alone.

We ran around and did all the chores
And waited for Mama and Daddy to come

and unlock the doors.
The evening was fading fast away,
When a friend came by just to say
That there was a wreck on the old high-
way.

My mama and daddy and sisters three
Had had a wreck by the big pine tree.
My daddy and sisters came home alone,
For Daddy didn't bring my mama home.
It was so sad for my sisters and me;
And my daddy was lonely as he could be.
My mama had gone to Heaven with God
to see

The beautiful place He has prepared for

you and me.
In her heavenly home of rest
She'll want for us the very best.
If we love Him when we die,
We will meet Him there on high.
To each of us who watch and pray,
To hear His precious Word and obey.
And accept and honor His Son everyday,
His promise is for an eternal home
Where we will never be left alone.
I'm glad that my mama will be there
To welcome us children and my dad.
Then we will understand why,
My daddy and sisters came home alone
And why Daddy didn't bring my mama

home.

15

AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE
HOLIDAY HOURS

Monday— Thursday
Friday (thru December 17)
Saturday

8:30 A. M. -5:00 P. M.
8:30 A. M.-9:00 P. M.
9:00 A. M. -5:00 P. M.

(Smithfield, Wilson, and New Bern Stores Included)

Christmas Gift Suggestions

Bibles
Gift Books
Records
Sheet Music
Songbooks

Christmas Cards

Decorations

Games

Pictures

Posters

SHOP FOR YOUR
CHRISTMAS GIFTS

at

811 North Lee Street
Ayden, North Carolina

16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS1

HAPPY IN A SHANTY

The whole world is hungry for something, and not just for food! Hunger
comes in many forms: hunger for power, prestige, wealth, health, peace of
mind; and numerous other intangibles.

Although it has been shown that material things cannot bring lasting joy,
men and women still strive (until their last ounce of energy is gone) to ac-
cumulate all they can while they can.

Grand houses must be built— houses too large for comfort, but which,
paradoxically, become too small for the owners when they want to get away
from themselves.

The largest, sleekest, flashiest of cars must be purchased, in keeping with
their status— gas-propelled luxury often coupled with alcohol !

Furs from a hundred or more minks adorn the lady. Her coat must be the
thickest and rarest of hues. She must be better wrapped than her closest
friends.

Memberships in a dozen or more clubs is mandatory for both husband and
wife. After all, they must be the hub of that inner circle.

They set the pace with their jet-setting trips abroad and back, sometimes
on the weekends, and sometimes week upon week or month upon month.

They boast about their real estate holdings and that "valuable property on
the corner of Elm and Second" which they have just purchased.

They hold stock in at least five corporations, each more impressive than
the other (depending upon their frame of mind during the time of con-
versation).

They control the money in more than six partnerships. Everyone jumps
when they speak.

Ski lodges couldn't stay in operation without them, and beach resorts
might as well close down without their patronage. Their yachts and summer
homes are real "showcases."

Works of art weight their walls. They are proud to have paid a hundred
thousand dollars for a white canvas spotted with red and green paint in a
seemingly senseless pattern. Someone told them that they must have one of
these modern masterpieces and that everyone who is anyone has at least one
work by this artist. They can't wait until the next showing so they can grab up
another one.

Curio cabinets swell with rare porcelains and cut glass of the finest quality.

Crystal chandeliers drop beads of prism light everywhere and, however
beautiful, they seem too heavy a burden for the ornate ceilings.

Shelf after shelf of unread books stands at one end of the huge den ; a bigger
than big fireplace growls with flames, and above it hangs the mounted head of
a buck deer or a bull moose— the prize of last fall's hunt.

Furnishings: genuine leather, velvet, satin, solid mahogany, cherry, and
fruitwood; leaded and stained-glass; marble top and brass; oriental rugs and
tapestries of centuries past; the thickest of carpets and the most polished of
floors and checkered tiles.

Savings accounts are bulging; and more than a few banks would go broke
if these people decided to withdraw their funds.

Jewels fairly drip from neck and arm and hand. The larger the stones, the
happier the persons wearing them, and the more envious the friends and
acquaintances. An image must be maintained.

Their children are the most popular in the communities ; they attend the
best schools, wear the latest fashions, and enjoy all the marvelous wonders
that money can buy : parties, travel, and friends of like social status.

Rich, and richer than rich are they. They have more of everything than
they could possibly need. But why no real smiles to go along with all this af-
fluence? They do have everything in this world at their command, every
material thing desirable at their fingertips. Could it be that they lack the most
important ingredient required for a sense of well-being? Could it be that wealth
has pushed God out or has prevented His coming in?

What about the many poverty-stricken families who, even in their im-
poverished condition, can still praise their Father and trust Him to bless them?
Doesn't it all go to prove that happiness in a shanty is more to be desired than
discontent in a mansion?

Cover Photo by Camerigue

DECEMBER 15, 1976
Volume91 Number4

Edited and published weekly by the Free Wi
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Secorn
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mui
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to th
'publication dateof that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; on
year, $5.00 ; two years, $9 ; four years, $1 7 ; plu
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discourj
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t
the home of every member; names and ad
dresses to be provided by churches. Churche
are billed quarterly.

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists
are sent to one individual who in turn distribute
these A 50 percent discount is offered unde
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thi
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacl
article is given the person whose name appear
under the title or to the person submitting sail
article.

Items for publication should be addressed t<
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist, P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a. m — !
p m , Monday — Friday; 9 a. m. — 5 p. m.
Saturday.

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9:3(
a. m. — 5 p. m., Monday — Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hansley, President; Fred A. Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor ol Literature; Ralph A. Bowen. Assistant
Editor of Literature; Raymond T. Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

MEMORIES OF AN OLD-FASHIONED

CHRISTMAS

Author Unknown

^ORT of lonesome today, isn't
3 it? The stores are closed and
he few people on the streets
ook cold and are in a hurry. There is a
Christmas dinner in the flat, or in the
lotel, and then there will be good things
jo eat and a jolly time for a while, and
ihen you will hurry back to work and
[worry again.

i Remember the good old days when
Lou didn't hurry so much or worry at all?
,/ou lived in a little country town that was
nine miles from a week. The town has
pot changed much in all these years. You
iave. Some of the old folks have died
and the boys and girls you knew are the
Jjld folks now, living as quietly and
peacefully as did their fathers and
nothers— close to nature, close to the
toil, close to God.

Big families were fashionable in the
good old days, and when Father counted
Joses they numbered six. You lived in a
Dig frame house on the road that leads to
:he Baptist church and the post office,
j/ou knew everybody in town and
Everybody in town knew you. That was a
hice way to live.

You worked some and played much,
pur heart was light and there seemed to
De sunshine about you perpetually. And
that is fine, too.

Remember the big kitchen?

There were tiny lights of glass in the
windows, a big wood stove, a row of
;amps on the mantel, a motto on the wall
■ hat read, "Honor Thy Father and Thy
Mother," and meant every word of it.
3ver the stove hung great bunches of
Sweet corn and slabs of beef that were
slowly drying. Some of the happiest
periods of your life were spent in that old
itoom. Even now you could find your way
blindfolded into every corner of the old
house, from cellar to garret, couldn't
Lou?

Father and Mother believed in making
(Tiuch of holidays, and Thanksgiving and
•' Christmas were in the air as soon as
Fourth of July burns had healed.
It took a lot of getting ready. After
> Thanksgiving the tempo really picked
I up. There was another turkey to fatten,
the best vegetables to select. You knew

that on that day everything must be of
the best.

How the seasons have changed since
you've lived in a city. In the old days
there was snow on Christmas in that little
town. The air was crisp and clean. It was
like a square meal to breathe it. It
painted bright colors on the cheeks of a
boy about your size who had to run in
every little while to get the numb of his
fingers over the kitchen stove.

About nine o'clock Father hitched up
the big "bobs" and— glory! — let you
drive to the house. Mother got the family
together, and in a few minutes bells were
jingling and you were on your way to
church.

Remember, in those days you always
went to church on Christmas. At the
church you found folks from miles
around, and uncles and aunts and good
will a-plenty.

Perhaps you do not remember the
sermon. You were just a boy. It was solid
religion clear through. The old pastor
reminded the worshipers of their many
blessings; of the sun and the rain that
had given them bountiful harvests.

He thanked God for the peace that
rested on all parts of the country; for the
increase of charity, sympathy, brotherly
love; for the fact that enlightenment and
education were growing; for the Son
whose birthday we were celebrating and
who gave His life to save the world. And
for all, with bowed head, he gave credit
to the Great Ruler.

There was a prayer that was like a
beautiful hymn, and one of those carols
that thrilled the people, and benediction
was said and the little church organ
pealed joyfully as the worshipers slowly
passed from the church, visiting as they
went.

Did you notice how those who had no
good dinners waiting somehow found
themselves invited to the homes of those
who had? They are still doing God's work
in the same old way in that little town.
They are carrying food and comfort to the
sick and sorrowing and proving that this
is a beautiful world after all.

How warm and comfortable the old
home seemed after you return. There

were smells floating from the kitchen that
made you ravenous. Mother had on a big
apron, and every time the oven door
swung back a cloud of fragrance was
emitted that made you weak.

Finally there was the family at the
table. "Now, Father," Mother said, and
the good man bowed his head and ut-
tered a prayer of Christmas and
thanksgiving that should live with you to
your dying day. It was a prayer stripped
of cant and hypocrisy, and surely it went
straight to the Great White Throne that
you believed and still believe is
somewhere.

He thanked God for you, for his
beloved wife, for the Christ child, for his
ability to labor, and for his strength to
bear such afflictions as had been laid
upon him. For all that had been, for all
that might be, he thanked his Maker.
Amen.

Yes, there was heart in it, and sin-
cerity, and hope and trust. There were
tears in Mother's eyes, for she realized
that for two at that table the end of the
journey was almost in sight.

You couldn't forget the dinner. Father
carved the turkey and told a funny story
that made you laugh, even though you
had heard it many times. You had dark
meat and light meat and plenty of
stuffing and all the trimmings, and when
it was all over Father leaned back and
said, "I'm not hungry and I don't think
I'll eat any dinner."

Of course you laughed. That was his
oldest joke. Then he looked serious and
said that in France it was customary after
a good meal to kiss the cook. And he did
it. It made Mother blush prettily and he
laughed and told her that she looked like
a girl, and then she blushed some more,
and said she was the happiest woman in
the world.

And later, when the chores were done
and while the wind whistled around the
corners of the house, there was a family
group about the fire, and hickory nuts,
and chestnuts, cider, and apples, and
Father told bear stories, and you
wondered how a man could be so
brave— and you sat in Mother's lap and
she smoothed your hair.

Father's voice grew fainter and
fainter, and you never knew when
Mother undressed you, tucked you away
in your bed with a soft kiss, and
whispered, "God bless my littlest boy."

That is about all. It will not hurt you to
think about it on this Christmas day.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

3

CHRISTMAS
WISDOM

by the Rev. Graham Faucette

'/j/J ow when Jesus was born in
'/Bethlehem of Judaea in the
days of Herod the king, behold, there
came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is
born King of the Jews? for we have seen
his star in the east, and are come to
worship him" (Matthew 2:1, 2). The
journey that the wise men took was no
short or easy trip, like the short walk that
the shepherds made from the nearby
fields. These wise men must have
traveled for weeks in search of this king
of the Jews. But they felt sure their
findings would be worth far more than
the long trip that they must travel. Like
the shepherds, these men must have had
some kind of a revelation from God to
start them on their long journey. Not all
the human wisdom of that time, or this,
could have taught them that the star they
saw was pointing to a new king among
the Jews. But, somehow they knew that
it was.

But why did they stop in Jerusalem to
inquire about the new king? Why didn't
they continue on to Bethlehem? Matthew
doesn't give an answer. But they
possibly supposed a search for a king of
the Jews must end in the capital of the
Jews, so they stopped looking for the
star that would have led them on. Also,
it's possible that the star could not be
seen during the day, so they started
asking where this king was. Little did
they realize the widespread outburst of
enthusiasm their asking would cause.

"When Herod the king had heard
these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him" (Matthew 2:3).
King Herod was planning to be king as
long as he lived, and then as the custom
was it would belong to his son. He could
not bear the thought of a king coming
from another family and taking over the
kingship. If a child had been born that
would be king of the Jews, he certainly
wanted to know where he was; he had to
get an answer.

"And when he had gathered alt the
chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born. And they said

unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for
thus it is written by the prophet"
(Matthew 2:4, 5). At the end of the
journey, as well as its beginning, the
wise men needed the revelation of God to
guide them where Christ should be born,
where the newborn king was. With all
their wisdom, they accepted God's Word
and followed it as did the simple
shepherds of the fields.

"When they had heard the king, they
departed; and, lo, the star, which they
saw in the east, went before them, till it
came and stood over where the young
child was. When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy"
(Matthew 2:9, 10). So at the journey's
end it was seen that the star and the
Scripture pointed to the same spot.
God's creation and God's Word are never
in conflict, and both of them point to the
king. In this we too can be glad, simple
as the shepherds of Bethlehem or wise
as its scholars of the east, we must rely
on God.

"And when they were come into the
house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and
worshipped him: and when they had
opened their treasures, they presented
unto him gifts; gold and frankincense,
and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). Wise men
still worship Him, and still they open
wide their treasures to bring Him gifts.

Wise Men Seek Jesus ... If we are to
be wise in our day, we must make a
diligent search to know this same Jesus.
It's not enough to know about Him for
"this is eternal life to know Him."

Wise Men Are Divinely Guided ... The
star that they had seen in the east gave
them divine guidance to the house where
the young child was found. Men of
wisdom today are divinely guided by His
Word, the Bible.

Wise Men Rejoice in Heavenly
Guidance . . . When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Wise men rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory, in man's blind looking
for truth Heaven has intervened.

Wise Men Worship Jesus . . . "They
fell down and worshipped Him." Wise
men today realize their need for this king
born of the Jews.

Wise Men Bring Gifts to Jesus ... All
gifts we give can be meaningless without
first giving ourselves.

Wise Men Shun That Which Is
False ... The wise men were warned of

God of the cruel intents of Herod and the'
returned another way. Likewise, men o
wisdom know that if their lives are to bi
rich and full they must give heed to thi
many divinely given warnings to shui
that which is false.

IN MEMORY OF

THE REV. E. C. MORRIS

Early on the morning of October 21,
1976, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite
wisdom, beckoned to His eternal home
the Rev. E. C. Morris. As one minister sc
beautifully stated, "Surely, angels
opened the gates of Heaven and Goc!
announced— the preacher is coming
home."

The ministry of the Rev. Morris for'
over 62 years touched the lives of literally
thousands of people in the United States,;
and in 14 foreign countries. He soj
willingly gave of his time and efforts,
whenever and wherever he was needed;
The Rev. Morris kept a very detailed:
record of each day's activities during hisi
62 years in the Free Will Baptist
denomination, and as of October 17,'
1974 had preached 8,683 sermons,)
experiencing the joy of seeing many
souls saved.

Those who knew him best will
remember the pleasant way he greeted
everyone, always with a smile. He was
truly a man of God, for he walked and5
talked among men, as one dedicated to!
the cause of Christ, and proclaimed, "II1
God be for us, who can be against us."

The Rev. Morris will truly be missed1
as a husband, father, and Christian!
friend, but most of all as a dedicated'
minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Funeral services were conducted at
the Farmer Funeral Home Chapel in
Ayden and at the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Durham with interment in the
Durham cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Mrs. Eunicei
T. Morris, of Walstonburg, one son, two
daughters, one sister, and one brother.

Anyone desiring to send memorial
contributions are requested to send themj
to the Free Will Baptist Home Mission!]
Board in care of the Rev. Taylor Hill.

The Rev. Morris penned many
beautiful and informative writings. The I
last poem he penned is entitled "They
Say I'm Growing Old" which has been
printed in the Baptist in a previous issue.

Respectfully submitted b)
Mrs. Peggy Gay

4

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
5:17

"SINCE JESUS CAME INTO
MY HEART"
Leighton Ford said, "We need a
great spiritual awakening that will
pause men to sing:

I have light in my soul for which long

I had sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart !
I have concern for the poor as I didn't

before,

! Since Jesus came into my heart!
have love for all mankind as I didn't
have before,

Since Jesus came into my heart !
'. have wept for our cities as I didn't
before,

Since Jesus came into my heart! ' "

PRAYER THOUGHT
If you have the love of Jesus Christ
n your heart, you may feel as though
jou are a new creature. You will find
'hat old things are passed away and
experience new things as a new and
vonderful beginning. Have you let

Jesus come into your heart?

I

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
Scripture Reading— Romans 8:37

WE ARE GOING TO
CONQUER YOU!
In 1942 George Leigh Mallory and a
)arty of Englishmen attempted to
icale Mount Everest. After enduring
ncredible hardships, they reached a
)ase camp at 25,000 feet. From this
)oint two of them set out for the
summit, but their heroic attempt
'ailed. Today Mallory and his com-
panion, Irvine, lie buried under the
sternal snows of that Himalayan
jeak. Their colleagues returned to
England to tell their story. One of
tf hem addressed a large London
ill jiudience. He stood before an enlarged
Jhotograph of Mount Everest. After
le had described the difficulties and

tragedies of their expedition, the man
turned and addressed the mountain.

"Everest," he said, "we tried to
conquer you once, but you over-
powered us. We tried to conquer you a
second time and again you were too
much for us. But Everest, I want you
to know that we are going to conquer
you, for you can't grow any bigger,
but we can! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
When we have power from on High,
God's children can triumph over
humanly impossible difficulties.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 1 : 18, 19

THE PRICE OF WORLD
REVOLUTION

Billy Graham said, "Some time ago
millions of young Chinese Red Guards
were marching through the streets of
Peking, chanting the words, 'Without
the shedding of blood, there will be no
revolution ! '

"This seems to be the belief of the
Communists. When I was in Moscow
some years ago, I asked the Intourist
guide who was showing us around,
'What does the five-pointed star in
your flag signify?'

"She replied, 'The five points stand
for the five continents of the world.
The red represents the blood that will
have to be shed to bring the revolution
to the world ! ' "

PRAYER THOUGHT
The shedding of the blood of the
sinless Son of God was necessary to
redeem man from sin and eternal
death; this blood was not shed by
corruptible things but with the
precious blood of Christ.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Scripture Reading— 2 Corinthians
5:21

TO BED A SLAVE -AWAKENED
FREE

Mark Twain wrote about a slave
who lived in Missouri on a narrow
neck of land that jutted out into the
Mississippi River. The current ran
swiftly at that point and gradually cut
through the neck of land. One night it
completely severed it.

According to the law, as soon as the
land was cut free from Missouri, it
became part of Illinois. Hence the
slave who had gone to bed in Missouri
awakened a free man, for Illinois was
a free state.

PRAYER THOUGHT
This is what God does for us in
Christ. We come to Him defiled and
unclean, but when we claim His
salvation, we are made righteous.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23
Scripture Reading— Ephesians 2:4,

5

"LOVE FOUND A WAY"
Helen Keller became blind and deaf
when nineteen months old. Her
mother lamented, "If I said it once, I
said it a thousand times: 'Helen, if
only there were some way for me to
let you know how much I really love
you!' "

PRAYER THOUGHT
God found a way to show His great

love for us:
O the love that drew salvation's plan!
O the grace that brought it down to

man!

O the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
Scripture Reading— Matthew 9 : 36

COMPLACENTLY REJOICING
As Hudson Taylor, founder of the
China Inland Mission, stood to preach
before a great audience in Bristol,
England, he experienced great
spiritual agony. Later, he said, "I was
unable to bear the sight of a
congregation of a thousand or more
Christians, complacently rejoicing in
their own salvation, while millions
are perishing for lack of knowl-
edge—lost!"

PRAYER THOUGHT
How unlike the Saviour are God's
children when they have no solicitous
concern for perishing souls. As Christ
looked upon the shepherdless
multitudes, He met them with
compassion.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
Scripture Reading— Luke 2:7-14

WE HONOR HIS BIRTH
Jesus asleep in the manger,

Joseph and Mary nearby,
Greeting the birth of our Saviour,

Bright shines a star in the sky.

Shepherds on guard in the nighttime

Listen to angels who sing,
"Glory to God in the highest,

Peace in the name of our King. ' '

(continued on page 15)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

5

Scriptural basis: "... Emmanuel, . . .
God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

GOD WITH US

The people of God through the ages
felt that they should have a God to serve
them who was not in some far-off place.
They felt that they in turn would be able
to serve their God if He were where they
could see Him and know of His presence.
God, after Adam's sin, did not walk with
man. God will not walk with sinful men
even now. During this time, God dealt
with men through His ordained, or
appointed, or His anointed leaders.
Moses was God's man who served as
mediator. Others were men of God called
to be prophets. The spirit of the Lord
came down upon them and com-
municated the message of God to them
and then left them. The people at one
time, kept pestering God for a king until
He allowed them to anoint Saul. King
Saul was their first anointed king
through the will of God.

Finally, God announced through Isaiah
the prophet that He would indeed come

and live with his people. "Therefore the
Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear
a son, and shall call his name
Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). For more than
seven hundred years the Jews looked for
their Messiah! Every Jewish mother
hoped and prayed that their daughter
would be the virgin who would become
the Mother of God. This longing desire
and faithful expectation remained in the
hearts of many. However, when an angel
made the announcement to Joseph that
Mary, his espoused wife, was with child
by the Holy Ghost, he believed. He was
assured that ". . . that which is con-
ceived in her is of the Holy Ghost . . .
thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He
shall save His people from their sins"
(Matthew 1:20, 21).

And so, a virgin gave birth to a child
whose name was Emmanuel, God with
us. Jesus Christ was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of a virgin: And
therefore, the union of God and man was
perfected. Jesus Christ, God's divine
Son, had appeared to all men; His
business being to reconcile all men to
God through the sacrifice of Himself on
Calvary. The God-man arrived on earth
when Jesus Christ was born; And "unto
us a Son is given."

But when it became evident that Jesus
Christ of Bethlehem in Judea was
declared to be the Messiah, the Romans
began to squirm and prepare to resist
this claim, lest they be driven from
power. Everyone knew that Jesus was to
be King; but everyone did not wish to

accept Him as such. Even the Jews, safe
in their positions of government and
religious endeavors, became suspicious
and began to prog around for reasons
why they should not accept Christ as the
Messiah.

They tried to disgrace Him by
declaring Him to be an illegitimate son ol
an unwed mother. They watched Him
and prepared every fault of Christ (or,
what their ideas of faults of Christ were)
to resist and denounce Him. Even in the
years of Christ's earthly ministry, the
Jews continued to find fault and to deny
His rights to the throne. They turned
against Him in such a way that they even
contributed to the crucifixion of our Lord.

In the meantime, God was working
through the faithful few who believed in
Him. On the Day of Pentecost, the Lord
appeared in the person of the Holy Spirit,
and entered the hearts of all who ac-!
cepted the Lord and believed in Him on
that day. He has not left the earth, but in-
dwells the hearts of men every day and
everywhere. When He leaves the earth it
will be to take the saints with Him tot
Heaven where they will be with the Lord
forever. This is "Emmanuel, God with
us," and we have Him with us at all
times. He is with us in all the areas of our
existence upon this earth. He is King of
kings and Lord of lords.

The Lord is indeed a permanent
member of our household. He is no
visitor: He is no stranger. He is ever
present in our work, in our play, and in
our love. He is with us in weakness, in

(continued on page 15)

Children Loved Him

Oh, I'd like to have been living
On that wondrous, holy night
When the sky was filled with angels
And the shepherds bowed in fright;
When they hastened to the manger
Where the blessed Christ Child lay-
There asleep in blissful slumber
With the cattle and the hay.

Were there any children present
With the Baby Jesus there?
Watching Mary hold Him gently,
Kiss His hands and smooth His hair?
Though the Bible does not say so,
Still, I think there might have been;
Children loved Him when He grew up —
And I'm sure they loved Him then.

6

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

Victory Mission
Hope Mills, N. C.

West Hillsborough, N. C.

Heritage, Charlotte, N. C.

\

Free Spirit, Wilson, N. C.

Roanoke Rapids N. C.

WE ARE INDEED
THANKFUL FOR YOUR
LOVE AND ASSISTANCE

MAY THE PEACE
AND JOY OF
CHRISTMAS
ABIDE
WITH YOU ALWAYS

WE LOVE YOU
AND

JESUS LOVES YOU

Westwood Hills
Henderson, N. C. (stand in)

Faith, Leland, N. C.
(stand in)

Catalpa, Fayetteville, N. C.

Cape Colony, Edenton, N. C.

N. C. STATE HOME MISSIONS
AND CHURCH EXTENSION

L

Freedom, Lumberton, N. C.

t . 1

Happiness, Fayetteville, N. C.

HE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Mount W+K
Olive College

ROBERT MAY'S REMARKS
AT FOUNDERS DAY 1976

(The Rev. Robert May made the following remarks
at the 25th Anniversary of Founders Day 1976 in
Rodgers Chapel. The distinguished Mr. May is
currently serving as President of the State Convention
and as pastor of Hickory Chapel near Ahoskie He is
also an alumnus of Mount Olive College.)

To Dr. Raper, Trustees, Faculty,
Student Body and Friends, I thank you
for this opportunity to share in this
Founders Day program.

It was the fall of 1 959 that Mount Olive
College became a special part of my life.
Not only did it affect my life, but it in-
fluenced the lives of my wife and two
sons.

Several weeks prior to the opening of
College I came here in search of a house
to move into. Burkette Raper, my former
pastor, and I followed lead after lead of
available houses and apartments. The
housing situation was critical— the ones
that I thought I could afford. After several
fruitless efforts, we found a house that
was owned by Mrs. Lofton, the sister of
the Rev. Lloyd Vernon the first president
of Mount Olive College. She rented us the
house for a very reasonable price. One
great victory had been won!

I had given up my clerical job in Snow
Hill to make a complete break for Jesus
Christ. I now had joined the ranks of the
unemployed. Even in the fifties some
were out of work. With the help of Mr.
Raper and a local businessman, I soon
found a part-time job. Soon other op-
portunities came my way. With the help I
received from my home church, Hull
Road, and others, all our needs were
met. Another great victory had been
won!

When the first semester began, I was
a twenty-nine-year-old man among those
who were in their late teens. The ad-
justments that I needed to make were
accomplished. I found at Mount Olive
College a wonderful student body.

Studying for someone who had been
out of school for twelve years was not
easy. Yet, I found a faculty, and an

8

administration that went the second mile
to help me as a student. Some of those
are here today— Drs. Raper and Pelt and
Mrs. Martin. The end of each semester
were anxious moments. Why? Would I be
able to return the second semester? A
special thanks go to a very cooperative
wife— a well-trained faculty and most of
all to God. God called me to be a minister,
and Mount Olive College took what I gave
to God and better equipped me for His
work.

As the President of our State Con-
vention, I would like to take this op-
portunity to say "thanks" to the
trustees, president, faculty, staff, and
student body for making Mount Oiive
College a great success. You have not let
us down! Not only have we as a church
been blessed by our College but
thousands have been touched by its
influence.

It was in the year 1951 that the State
Convention of Free Will Baptists set into
motion this Institution, so small in its
infancy, that has done so well in twenty-
five years. God has used men and
women, who were dedicated in the field
of Christian education, to train thousands
that have walked through the doors of
Mount Olive College. This College has
been true to her commitment to God, and
the State Convention of Free Will
Baptists. Could we have survived as a
denomination had it not been for Mount
Olive? This is a question that has no
definite answer. Yet, as we look back
over the past twenty-five years, we see
every facet of society feeling the impact
of students that have entered Mount
Olive College to depart to serve.

GIFTS FOR
MOYE LIBRARY

Gifts to Moye Library, Mount Olive
College, during the month of November,
1976, totaled $371.50 and were as
follows:

In Memory of

Mrs. Carolyn Baddour by Mr. and
Mrs. Doug Connor, Mount Olive.

Mrs. Sonnie Dail by Mrs. Lora King,
Mount Olive.

Mr. Byron Davis by Mrs. Lora King,
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Gurney Davis by Mr. L. R.
Grimes, Mount Olive; Mrs. Sophia H.
Potts, Mount Olive; and Mrs. Lora King, I
Mount Olive.

Mrs. Lillian Giardina by Ms. Cordelle
Gunn, Reidsville.

Mrs. Patsy Howard by Mr. and Mrs.
Carl Powell, Kenansville; Mr. and Mrs.
Paul Ingram, Kenansville; and Mr. and
Mrs. Hubert Summerlin, Kenansville.

Mr. Cecil Kornegay by Mr. and Mrs.
Clarence E. Jones and family, Goldsboro;
Janet and Ray Walker Jr., Mount Olive;:
Mr. and Mrs. James Sauls, Mount Olive;
and Mrs. Ethel Walker and children,!
Mount Olive.

Ms. Emma Barker Mallard by Miss;
Margaret Carol Banks, Trenton.

Mr. W. Wade Mallard by Miss!
Margaret Carol Banks, Trenton.

The Rev. E. C. Morris by Mr. and Mrs. j
Jack Dail, Winterville.

Mrs. Ellie Eason Rice by Woman's!
Auxiliary, First Free Will Baptist Church,,
Greenville.

Mrs. Hilda Rollins by Woman's
Auxiliary, Free Union Free Will Baptist1
Church, Pinetown; Mrs. Effie Webb, Elm
City; and Mrs. Daisy Owens and mother,
Elm City.

Mrs. Fannie Scott by Ladies Auxiliary,
New Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Church,
Grantsboro.

Mr. Edward E. Shackleford by Mr.
and Mrs. Eugene Case, Tarboro.

Mrs. Cora L. Spivey by Central,
Conference of the North Carolina State ,
Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. 1

Mr. George B. Stevens by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

Mr. Benjamin F. Taylor by Mr. and
Mrs. Johnnie J. Wooten, Farmville.

Mrs. Maria Ervin Tingle by Mr. and
Mrs. Ottis Miller, Beulaville.

Mr. Arthur Weeks by Mr. and Mrs.
Bryce Ficken, Mount Olive.

Mr. Henry Wilson by Mr. and Mrs.
John Southerland, Goldsboro; Mrs. Lora
King, Mount Olive.

In Honor of

Jason Clark Dail by Mount Olive
College Alumni Association, Mount Olive.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

GIFTS

North Carolina Free Will Baptist
Woman's Auxiliary Convention.

TRUSTEES RECEIVE CERTIFICATES

At the 1976 Founders Day Program of
pfount Olive College, three trustees were
presented certificates of appreciation for
heir services on the board. (Left to right)
|r. Hervy B. Kornegay Sr. of Mount
j)live, member of the board since 1970
he Rev. C. M. Coats of Smithfield
liember of the board 1971-1975; Mrs
ij^lice Hurget Barrow of Snow Hill
jlnember of the board since 1970; and Dr
I. Burkette Raper, president of the
College.

Doming Events . . .

December 25— Christmas Carousel Of
Music— Mount Olive College
! Beginning at 11 P. M. on Channel 7,
f Washington, North Carolina.

'January 10— Spring Semester Begins
— Mount Olive College.

m

- P.N S I.U A H^-tl

tneWrince of Race

'A Christian Home

for Boys and Girls'

free will bptist

children s 1

MIDDLESEX, NORTH CAROLINA
ISAM WEEKS, Superintendent

BARBECUE SUPPER

The Holly Springs Free Will Baptist
Church of Newport sponsored a bar-
becue supper on December 4, with all
proceeds going to the Free Will Baptist
Children's Home.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE!

Mr. Gilbert Slaughter, the Rev. Sam Weeks; and
the Rev. J. B. Starnes, church pastor.

The supper is an annual event and
was the best one yet! They raised
$2,351 .05 for the Children's Home.

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Slaughter
donated the barbecue with other church
members providing the "trimmings."

The Gilbert Slaughter family

The church in a joint effort sold tickets
and put forth a lot of hard work to make
this supper such a tremendous success!

We appreciate our home church so
much for its love and support to God's
ministry here of caring for children.

Sammy and I attended the supper,
along with the Memorial Chapel Trio. We
enjoyed the fellowship and the delicious
supper.

In Christ,

Sam and Gladys Weeks

Pictured above is Tim Mills of the

Children's Home on his brand new wild
fire bicycle which was presented to him
on Sunday, December 5, by the Creech
Circle of the LaGrange Free Will Baptist
Church.

The Memorial Chapel trio, of which
Tim is a member, sang during the
morning worship service. The church
served a delicious lunch in the fellowship
hall following the service at which time
the members presented the bicycle to
Tim. It was a very happy surprise to a
very deserving little boy!

The Rev. and Mrs. Weeks and Pam
Ellis accompanied the trio, consisting of
Linda, Kim, and Tim Mills, to this
beautiful new church. We wish to ex-
press our heartfelt appreciation to the
LaGrange church for its love and sup-
port.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The Rev. Edgar Benton's ad-
dress has been changed. His
previous address was Route 1, Box
395 A, Freemont. His present
address is: The Rev. Edgar
Benton, P. 0. Box 296, Verona,
North Carolina 28540.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

9

L/Wo'ments

Dear Maggie,

I was reared in a Christian home and am very thankful for that. But I don't think
I found out what being a Christian was all about until my husband accepted the call to
become a minister. We had prayed about it and he decided to go to a Christian
college. Our first concern was financial needs we would have, especially having two
children. Our home churches very quickly announced their support by means of the
church and individual members. We learned to depend on God for every decision,
every bill that was due, everything that we needed. We prayed positively knowing He
would meet our needs as He saw best. My husband recently graduated from college
with honors, praise God, and is now attending one of the Baptist seminaries. Again
our main problem is financial support but we know through trusting God we will make
it.

I am so thankful for Christian friends who have supported us in so many ways. I
thank God for one of His greatest gifts— friends.

DB

Wake Forest

News Notes

Trinity Observes
Special Service

Trinity Free Will Baptist Church of
Pantego observed a special service
Sunday, November 28, as "Old
Fashioned Sunday." With apparel of old
fashion costumes, the day began with
Bible school at 10 a. m., followed by the
presenting of a bulletin board, displaying
pictures of the development of the
building, a list of former pastors and
clerks from the year 1889 until the
present. Also on display were interesting
records written by members that are now
deceased. Flowers from the auxiliary
were presented to the church in honor of
founding fathers and deceased mem-
bers.

The history of the church was
prepared by Lynn Harris Paul, a 1970
graduate of Mount Olive College, and
presented by Andrew Paul.

Following the special singing, the
pastor, the Rev. Paul Grubbs, a graduate
of Mount Olive College and presently a
senior at Atlantic Christian College,
brought the morning message.

Concluding the day was a picnic lunch
and fellowship hour with former
members, friends, and church members
which proved to be a blessing to all.

White Oak Presents
Christmas Program

White Oak Free Will Baptist Church,
located near Maysville, will present a
Christmas program December 23 at 7:30
p. m. The program will be performed by
the Sunbeams and youth of the church.

The program will focus on the birth of
Christ. The pastor and members of the
church extend an invitation for all to
attend.

GOD'S
WONDERFUL GIFT

by Ruby Roberts
Asheville, North Carolina
Some shepherds were watching their

flock one night.
As they gazed up toward Heaven, they

beheld a great sight.
A host of bright angels from the Heavenly

throne had come
with glad tidings of a wonderful one.

Isaiah told us a child would be born, and

that a great
light would shine out of the dark. Many

had forgotten that
promise so true, seeking worldly

pleasures, as often we do.
But the wise men from the east

remembered it well,
And a beautiful star guided them to

Bethlehem.

There they found the Holy Baby borned in

a manger, we're
told, They worshipped the Saviour

bringing frankincense,
myrrh and gold. Mary knew that the way

for Him would
be hard, and often she pondered those

things in her heart.
She knew her baby, so lovely and sweet,

had been sent to
make the plan of redemption complete.

He would grow up to manhood, much

sorrow would see.
Then would die on a cross for you and for

me.

His loved ones so gently laid Him in a
grave.

But just like He told them, He arose in

three days.
He has gone back to Heaven, the

Scripture fulfilled,
Answering our prayers, when we pray in

His will.

He's coming back to the earth once
more,

But not the little babe, as He was before.
With power and great glory He will

descend from
the throne, And all the redeemed, He will

claim as
His own.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ont

'The M ou ntaintop Experience'

ull<gtin

Mr and Mrs. Douglas Skinner, Managers
Black Mountain. N C

CRAGMONT ASSEMBLY TREASURER'S
REPORT NOVEMBER 1976

Balance Brought Forward November 1,
976:

Receipts

Albemarle District

Albemarle Sunday School Convention
: Shiloh

Sidney
Cape Fear District

Bethel

;: Cape Fear Youth Fellowship
Central District
Bethany

Dilda's Grove Sunday School
Elm Grove
First, Tarboro
j Fourth Union

Otter's Creek Sunday School
Second Union
Eastern District
Bridgeton
Dublin Grove

Fifth Sunday School Convention
Gray Branch
Western District
First, Wilson
Milbournie
Rosebud
Sherron Acres
Stoney Creek
Unity, Durham
Other

North Carolina Free Will Baptist
Woman's Auxiliary Convention
Total Receipts
Total for Which to Account

6.00
17.75
25.00

25.00
150.00

28.46
42.79
75.00
100.00
6.67
9.40
13.21

18.00
25.00
10.00
50.00

250.00
23.00
33.00
41.50
1,000.00
5.00

Disbursements

Douglas Skinner, Salary
W. E. Stewart Plumbing Co.
John R. Reid, Architect
Black Mountain Fire Department (Con-
tribution)

1,112.01
750.00
224.36
375.00

25.00

$ 2,329.67

48.75

175.00

275.53

103.00

1,352.50

2,137.55 2,137.55

4,092.33
$ 6,422.00

First Citizen's Bank
to Main Building

Account)

3,191.83

Total Disbursements
Balance On Hand
December 1 , 1976

5,678.20
$ 743.80

EARMARKED FUNDS

Main Building Fund $34,823.79

General Savings 16,929.97

Chapel Fund 3,424.43

General Fund 743.80

Total in Bank $55,921.99

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. A. B. Chandler, Treasurer

P. 0. Box 298

Oriental, North Carolina 28571
I WISH

I wish I had been in that multitude,

Which Jesus so bountifully fed,
I would like to have been that little lad

Who gave of his fishes and bread.
Yet even today I can go to Him,

Away from the turmoil and strife,
And ask Him food for my fainting soul,

And partake of the Bread of Life!

I wish I'd been there when He healed the
sick,

And seen Him give sight to the blind,
I'd like to have heard all His wondrous
words,

So tender and loving and kind.
Yet even today He restores the sight

Of those who in darkness grope,
And speaks gentle words to my aching
heart,

Reviving my faith and my hope!

I wish I'd been one of the chosen twelve,
Who walked with the Lord day by day,
And heard His instructions, His words of
love,

His promise to lead all the way,
Yet even today I can walk with Him,

Can sit at His feet and be still,
And learn from His Word to trust and
obey,

To joyfully bend to His will!

Elizabeth Kieke
(a blind poet)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For December 26

GOD'S PROMISE FULFILLED

Lesson Text: Luke 2:25-38
Memory Verse: Luke 2:30, 31

I. INTRODUCTION

How do you suppose you would have
felt had you been a priest in the temple
and Joseph and Mary had brought the
Baby Jesus to you for your blessing?
Perhaps if this had been just another
child it would have meant a routine thing,
but if you had known this was the Son of
God it would have been an entirely
different matter.

This is exactly what happened to a
certain old man who lived in Jerusalem
when Jesus was born. This man's name
was Simeon, and he was a devout man
who believed in God and believed that the
Messiah would come. There is no
evidence that he was a priest but cer-
tainly he had many of the fine qualities
any priest would have.

The important thing in our story today
is that this old man realized the ambition
of a lifetime: to see the coming of Jesus,
the fulfillment of God's promise to
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and even in the
beginning, to Adam and Eve (Genesis
3:15). It took many hundreds of years for
God to keep His promise but there was
never a time when He had no intention of
so doing. God never fails His own Word.
Oftentimes we fail to keep our vows to
Him, but He always keeps His to us.

Thus far this month we have seen the
announcement of Jesus' coming, the
anticipation of the event, and how it was
celebrated when it came. In today's
lesson we see the fulfillment of the
blessed event of Jesus' birth and how
His coming brought such great joy to so
many — The Advanced Quarterly (F. W.
B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. God has given an abundance of
evidence of His being. It is found in
nature, in people, and in His Word.

B. God is not just God of the young.
He cares for us all through life. He may

12

intensify our blessings as we near our
time to complete this life.

C. We should strive to open our
hearts and our doors to all. The salvation
prepared by God is intended to exclude
no one.

D. In the midst of Mary's joy she
was told of the sword that would pierce
her soul. Later, when this happened at
the cross, that which caused her sorrow
brought us salvation and joy.

E. Our cooperation, our faith, our
faithfulness will make it possible for
God's salvation to come to men in our
day. As we lift up Christ in word and life,
others, too, can "see His sal-
vation '—Standard Lesson Commen-
tary

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. Christmas is over. In a very short
time, the trees will be discarded, the
lights will be packed up for another year;
the celebration is over. But is Christmas
really over. If it means only the good
time, the tinsel and glamour that
surrounds its celebration, it is over. But
if Christmas means to us the coming of
the Son of God into the world to be the
Saviour of all who will believe on Him, it
is never over. Is Christmas over for you?

B. Dwight L. Moody once said, "A
man filled with the Spirit of God will be
very hopeful. He knows the future is
bright because the God of grace is able to
do great things. ' ' If we are filled with the
Spirit we have the blessed hope that
Jesus is indeed our very own and that He
has kept the promise of God to bring
salvation to all who will repent and
believe. In the life of such persons God
can and will do great things.

C. A recent popular song
"Promises, Promises" portrays a young
person who has grown tired of making
promises because they are so easily
forgotten and hard to keep. Do we not
often find ourselves in the same
situation? We make promises and
honestly intend to keep them but we
soon fail. We simply forget, or we decide
that we have made a promise which is

too hard to keep. When we are saved, wj
promise God that we will live differentlyl
that we will live consecrated Christiaj
lives, but we don't do it. We join thf
church and promise to be faithful i|
attending the services, but we don't d
it. But God always keeps His promises;!
He is a God you can count on. Go|
promised to send His Son into the worl|
to redeem the world from sin, and H
kept His promise. Jesus' coming into th
world was a fulfillment of Old Testamen
promises.

D. "The first question to ask at this
season of the year is: What kind of God
does Christmas call upon us to worship'1
God makes Christmas, CHRISTMAS. Gocj
makes Christmas, CHRISTIAN. Whethe
the 'in' color this season is pink, orchid'
or red; whether candles for the table
should be long, medium, or short, it 1
what God has done for the world— wha
God is doing for the world at Christ'
mastime— that is the issue. — Selected

A Legend

There's a beautiful legend
That's never been told —
It may have been known
To the Wise Men of old-
How three little children
Came early at dawn,
With hearts that were sad
To where Jesus was born.
One could not see,
One was too lame to play;
While the other, a mute,
Not a word could he say.
Yet, led by His star,
They came there to peep
At the little Lord Jesus
With eyes closed in sleep.
But how could the Christ Child,
So lovely and fair,
Not waken and smile
When He heard their glad prayer,
Of hope at His coming,
Of faith in His birth,
Of praise at His bringing
God's peace to the earth?

And, there, as the light
Softly came through the door,
The lad that was lame
Stood upright once more.
The boy that was mute
Started sweetly to sing-
While the child that was blind
Looked with joy on the King!

— Author Unknown

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

stony corner

THE ELVES AND

(Note: Some of the earliest childhood stories we
member having had read or told to us are as fresh
Ggj day as yesterday. We choose to print a few in this
ilumn, in the hope that they will rekindle the spark
childhood fantasy, and, in turn, remind us again of
le moralistic value of little stories.)

/MANY years ago there lived an
l'l honest Shoemaker, but no matter
ow hard he worked, he was always very
oor. At last he had just enough leather
3ft to make one pair of shoes. That night
efore going to bed, he cut off the leather
nd left it on his workbench, thinking he
i/ould have an early start on his work
vhen he awakened in the morning.
The next morning, much to his great
urprise and joy, he found a beautiful
lair of shoes perfectly made. He looked
It them very carefully but could not find
me false stitch.

He called his wife and they both
vondered who could have done this, for
he shoes were far better in every way
han any the Shoemaker had ever made.

In a very short time a customer came
n and, seeing the shoes, was so much
Dleased with them that he paid the
Shoemaker twice as much as he would
jiave for an ordinary pair.
; With this money the Shoemaker
pought enough leather to make two pairs
bf shoes.

That night he cut the leather as he had
done the evening before. When morning
Ipame, there on the workbench were two
pairs of shoes, more beautifully made
than the pair of the day before.

The Shoemaker and his wife were
overjoyed at their good fortune. Presently
bther customers came. They too were
delighted to find such splendid shoes
land were willing to pay more than they
had ever paid before.

With this money the Shoemaker was
able to buy enough leather to make four
pairs of shoes. He cut the leather as
usual at night and in the morning, there
on the workbench were four pairs of
shoes.

THE SHOEMAKER

Buyers soon came in who were very
glad to find such shoes as these.

So it kept on— whatever the Shoe-
maker would cut out at night would
be found nicely finished in the morning.

The fame of his shoes spread far and
wide and people came from all over the
countryside to buy them.

By now the Shoemaker and his wife
were very rich indeed.

One night just before Christmas, the
Shoemaker and his wife were sitting
before the fire talking about their unusual
good fortune.

"I wonder," said the Shoemaker,
"just who it is that comes at night and
does my work for me. Whoever it is is
very good indeed. Let us sit up tonight
and watch."

His wife agreed, and that evening they
left the candles burning and hid behind a
curtain in a corner of the room .

Just at midnight two little elves came
dancing in. Going over to the workbench,
they started to work at once. Their little
fingers fairly flew and they stitched and
hammered so fast that the watchers
could scarcely believe their eyes.

Long before daylight they had finished
their work. Then sweeping up all the
scraps they left everything in perfect
order.

When the elves had gone, the
Shoemaker's wife said: "These little
people have been very good to us. Let us
do something for them in return. I
noticed how very thin their little jackets
were. I shall make two little suits of
clothes and two little warm caps. You
make two little pairs of shoes."

They worked all day and that evening
they put the little suits, caps and shoes
on the bench, instead of the work they
had been in the habit of leaving.

On the stroke of twelve, in came the
little elves. Over they went to the work-
bench. Instead of finding the leather cut
out ready to make into shoes, they found

to their great joy two lovely little red suits
and caps and two little pairs of shoes to
match.

In the twinkle of an eye they were
dressed. Then clapping their hands in
high glee, they danced and whirled
around the room and out the door over
the snow. The Shoemaker and his wife
never saw them again, but from that time
on they had everything they needed, and
lived happily to the end of their days.

"So that a man shall say, Verily there
is a reward for the righteous: . . ."
(Psalm 58:11).

LITTLE FINGERS

"If we knew the little fingers

Pressed against the window pane,
Would be cold and stiff tomorrow,

Never trouble us again, —
Would the bright eyes of our darling

Catch the frown upon our brow?
Would the prints of rosy fingers

Vex us then, as they do now?

' 'Ah, those little ice cold fingers-
How they point our memories back

To the hasty words and actions
Strewn along our backward track!

How those little hands remind us,
As in snowy grace they lie,

Not to scatter thorns, but roses,
For our reaping by and by."

— R. T. Cross

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

13

MINISTERS' WIDOWS' FUND

LIST

The following is a list of ministers
participating in the Ministers' Widows'
Fund as of November 30, 1976. For any
additional information contact the North
Carolina Board of Superannuation, in
care of the Rev. Walter Reynolds, P. 0.
Box 474, Ayden, North Carolina 28513.

R. W. Allman, Saratoga; KemeryArd,
Clayton; Henry Armstrong, Dunn; J. R.
Aycock, Kenly; Owen K. Arthur Jr.,
Aurora; Gary Bailey, Ayden; J. T. Bailey
Sr., Wadesboro; L. E. Ballard,
Greenville; Jimmie L. Barfield, Kenly;
Lloyd Barnette, Kinston; W. D. Barrow,
Dunn; N. B. Barrow, Snow Hill; N. D.
Beamon, Snow Hill; J. P. Barrow,
LaGrange; Edgar Benton, Verona; Luther
Bissette, Sims; Dewey Boling, Clayton;
C. F. Bowen, Goldsboro; W. L.
Brickhouse, Columbia; R. C. Brisson,
St. Paul; Franklin Brinson, Stokes;
Thomas Brooks, Thomasville; Noah
Brown, New Bern; Dallas Bryson, Holly
Ridge; Hubert Burress, Pinetops; Jesse
Caton, Raleigh; David R. Cauley, Kin-
ston; Roy L. Cauley, Dover; A. B.
Chandler, Oriental; F. B. Cherry, Pine
Level; R. C. Cherry, Micro; C. M. Coats,
Smithfield; Clyde Cox, Wilson; M. E.
Cox, Elm City; E. F. Crary, Kinston; W.
L. Dale, Goldsboro; Bruce Dudley, Mount
Olive; Lester L. Duncan Jr., Wilson;
DeWayne Eakes, Lucama; E. E.
Edwards, Chocowinity; Eddie Edwards,
Vanceboro; J. A. Evans, Seven Springs;
0. B. Everett Sr., Sneads Ferry; T. C.
Farmer, Beaufort; E. E. Edwards,
Chocowinity; Eddie Edwards, Vance-
boro; J. A. Evans, Seven Springs; 0.
B. Everett Sr., Sneads Ferry; T. C.
Farmer, Beaufort; Graham Faucette,
Kenly; Wiley Ferrell, Selma; Bill Futch,
Kinston; Foy Futrelle, Goldsboro; Francis
Garner, Pinetown; C. Felton Godwin,
Newton Grove; J. B. Godwin, Selma; M.
E. Godwin, Dunn; Donald A. Gray, Deep
Run; George Greene, Elm City; Frank R.
Harrison, Mount Olive; Bobby Harrell,
Seven Springs; C. B. Hansley, Newport;
James Hardee, Elizabethtown; Raymond
W. Hardison, New Bern; Lloyd Hargis,
Clayton; Leslie Hawley, Kenly; Taylor
Hill, Fayetteville; R. N. Hinnant,
Louisiana; James E. Howard, Merritt;
Alton Howard, Fayetteville; Joseph H.
Ingram, Goldsboro; Paul Jenkins,

Kannapolis; James F. Johnson, Hamlet;
Joe H. Johnson, Kenly; Emmitt Jones,
Mount Olive; James V. Joyner, Kenly;
Wayne King, Philippines; A. Graham
Lane, New Bern; Robert Langley,
Middlesex; W. 0. Lassiter, Four Oaks;
John R. Lee, Four Oaks; William L.
Littleton, Beulaville; James Lupton,
Pikeville; L. B. Manning, Fountain; W.
A. Martin, Benson; W. R. Martin, Micro;
Alton Mason, Harkers Island; Robert
May, Ahoskie; R. H. Mason, Ayden; W.
J. Mayo, Winterville; Tom Miller Jr.,
Hookerton; Ed Miles, Goldsboro; Hilery
Minchew, Kenly; Rom L. Moore,
Clayton; J. B. Narron, Charleston, S. C;
C. H. Overman, Ayden; Maurice Owens,
Wilson; John Owens, Mount Olive; W. C.
Overton, Ahoskie; L. L. Parker, Sneads
Ferry; Ronnie Parker, Clinton; Walton E.
Parrish, Kenly; C. L. Patrick, Wals-
tonburg; Michael Pelt, Mount Olive;

Jack Phillips Jr., New Bern; Cedric Dl
Pierce Jr., Dunn; W. M. Pollard
Greenville; Wesley Price, Seven Springs
W. B. Raper, Mount Olive; Charle:
Rengrow, Fremont; Walter Reynolds
Ayden; Clifton Rice, Kinston; Fre<
Rivenbark, Durham; Robert Rollins
Snow Hill; J. E. Rowe, Newport; R. T
Sasser, Wilson; Boyd Shook, Selma
Floyd Smith, Selma; S. A. Smith!
Beulaville; Preston Smith, Kenly
Grayson L. Spencer, Trinity; J. Walte
Stanley, Four Oaks; J. B. Starnes'
Newport; Willie Stilley, New Bern'
Eugene Sumner, Raleigh; Ralph Sumner'
Bridgeton; Luther Swinson, Pikeville; E.
C. Taylor, Benson; • Bobby Taylor,
Winterville; L. L. Therrell, Kannapolis;
Cooper P. Thompson, Four Oaks; Jj
Elmer Thompson, Smithfield; James E,|
Timmons, Texas; Donald Venable, Cove
City; Lloyd Vernon, Mount Olive; LevieJ.!
Ward, Tabor City; Sam Weeks, Mid-
dlesex; John R. Williams, Wilson; W. H.
Willis, Kinston; Willis Wilson, Win-
terville; L. B. Woodall Jr., Smithfield;.
and Marvin Waters, Pinetown.

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14

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

^^Answerira Your

Questions

Question: Please explain, "I know,
nd am persuaded by the Lord Jesus,
lat there is nothing unclean of the itself:
ut to him that esteemeth any thing to be
nclean, to him it is unclean" (Romans
4:14). What does the author mean by
nothing is unclean of itself"?
Answer: This has reference to these
ems prohibited in the Jews' diet by the
losaic Law. For an example, the meat of
o creature who did not part the hoof and
hew the cud was considered clean and,
lerefore, might not be used as a part of
ie Jews' diet from the giving of the law
n Mount Sinai until the giving up the
host by Christ on Mount Calvary. Until
hrist's death, the Holy of Holies was
urtained off from the holy place in the
;mple by a very substantial curtain,
i/hen Christ breathed His last breath on
ie Cross, the curtain was miraculously
nt from top to the bottom. That single
vent brought the Jewish age to its
onclusion. From that very instant until
le Rapture of the Church both Jew and
fentile received salvation the instant
ney believed on Christ as is taught in
ohn 3:14-17 and John 3:36.

Every lamb or other animal slain in
iehalf of a sinner prior to that symbolized
Jhrist in all that happened to Him on the
loss. Every article composing the
abernacle and each used in its services
n one way or another symbolized Jesus
'the Lamb of God" that taketh away the
in of the world. He, the Lamb, gave His
ffe as a ransom before the foundation
ind was given by God the Father as the
iamb, slain from the foundation of the
Jvorld.

"The next day John seeth Jesus
coming unto him, and saith, Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
if the world" (John 1:29). "And all that
dwell upon the earth shall worship him,
whose names are not written in the book
)f life of the Lamb slain from the
oundation of the world" (Revelation
1:8).

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, we are warned
hat in the end of this age false teachers

by J. P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N . C. 28551

controlled by evil spirits will teach not to
eat certain meats which means that in
part there will be a revival of Judaism
including limiting the followers to certain
meats. "For every creature of God is
good, and nothing to be refused, if it be
received with thanksgiving: For it is
sanctified by the word of God and
prayer' ' (1 Timothy 4:4, 5).

God had His good reasons why in the
Levitical system certain meats were
excluded from His followers' diet, but it
is nonsense for a certain cult or
denomination to do that. The New
Testament teaches: "For if the blood of
bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an
heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth
to the purifying of the flesh: how much
more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered himself
without spot to God, purge your con-
science from dead works to serve the
living God? ... So Christ was once
offered to bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for him shall he
appear the second time without sin unto
salvation" (Hebrews 9:13, 14, 28);
"For it is not possible that the blood of
bulls and of goats should take away
sins" (Hebrews 10:4); 1 John 1:7 says
". . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin."

So we see that the old was "a pat-
tern" or symbol of the new. The old
including various washings and
cleanings was used as a means by which
to effectively present Christ. The ab-
staining from eating of the meat of
certain animals was a part of that
symbolic teaching of the law to bring us
to Christ. Now that He has come we eat
such meats as were then excluded
unless there be some other reason why
we should refrain from eating them.

George H. Sandison answers a similar
question in his book 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered as follows:

"Paul was sweeping away all the
dietary and ceremonial laws of the
Jewish code. They were so much
rubbish from his standpoint. At the same

time, he did not wish to hurt anyone's
prejudices. If a man had honestly and
sincerely come to the conclusion that a
certain practice was sinful, and yet
indulged in it, h3 would be committing
sin, because he would be doing what he
believed to be wrong. The practice might
not be really sinful, but it would be sinful
for him, because it was a violation of his
conscience. The Talmud gives a case in
point. If a Jew in traveling lost count of
the days of the week and was found
working on the Sabbath, he was
blameless; but if knowing it was the
Sabbath he was working, he would
deserve to be stoned."

Family Devotions

(continued from page 5)
Jesus asleep in the manger,

Lowly God's Son came to earth,
Bringing us gifts beyond value,
Grateful, we honor His birth.

Geoffrey Hall

PRAYER THOUGHT
Christmas is a time of great
rejoicing! Once a year we take time to
celebrate our Saviour's birthday. We
should rejoice every day and praise
our Saviour who came to earth to
make our lives more livable.

(Devotions used by permission of
Knight's Up-To-The-Minute Il-
lustrations, Moody Press. )

Unmitigated Truth

(continued from page 6)
sorrow, and grief; He is with us when we
are sick or lonely, happy or sad. He
shares our happy times with us and sits
with us in heavenly places.

God with us means just what it says.
He will never leave us nor forsake us.
The Christian is the only one who has
this glorious benefit. The sinner and the
ungodly do not have Emmanuel because
they still belong to the god of this world.
It has not been revealed to them, but,
one day, (maybe too late) they will realize
their mistake.

God owns the souls of men. If they are
obedient to Him God will receive them in
Heaven, and will give them everlasting
joy, peace, and glory. If, however, they
never obey God and be saved, God will
send them to hell where all wicked men,
fallen angels, and the devil will remain
until the consumation of all things; and
then they will be delivered up to be cast
into the everlasting lake of fire!

fhE FREE WILL BAPTIST

15

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16

THE FREE WILL BAPTIS"

WERE NOT INDEED THE ANGELS
WHO APPEARED TO THE SHEPHERDS
"ANGELS OF MERCY"?

eDITCft

ANGELS OF MERCY-AT CHRISTMASTIME AND ALWAYS!

by

Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant Editor

The phrase "Angels of Mercy" might well be applied to many of the
professional groups of our society, but in this incident I would like to apply it to
our dedicated doctors and nurses.

Pardon me for citing a personal incident that happened a few months ago.
While shopping in the town of Kinston, I suffered an acute heart attack. Not
knowing what had happened to me (but knowing it was something bad) , I drove
my car about four blocks to my brother-in-law's home. His being a laboratory
and x-ray technician and his wife being a registered nurse led them to know
immediately what had happened. After calling the emergency room, my
brother-in-law rushed me to Lenoir Memorial Hospital. There these "Angels of
Mercy" took charge. (Later I learned if we had been ten minutes later, it would
have been too late for me. )

And while I was in the hospital for four weeks, these "Angels of Mercy"
were at my beckoning call.

After staying home for ten days, again I had to return to the hospital for
another week. Again these "Angels of Mercy" did everything they possibly
could to help me and my family.

Not just during this one incident, but on several occasions previous to this
have I been in the hands of these "Angels of Mercy" ; and each time with their
tender, loving hands, and of course the hands of God guiding these "Angels," I
have been able to pull through.

The Scriptures refer to angels several times, each time as being spiritual
beings, superior to man. They also have power and intelligence not known to
man.

The Bible speaks of mercy as the act of having compassion or forbearance
shown to an offender.

Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, taught His disciples: "Blessed are the
merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).

We also remember the Parable of the Good Samaritan as recorded in Luke
10:30-36. This parable states that the priest and Levite passed by the person
who needed help, not even looking upon him. But the Samaritan has com-
passion on him, bound up his wounds, and took him to an inn and cared for him.
When Jesus asked His disciples which of the three did the right thing, they
answered: "... He that shewed mercy on him. ..." (Luke 10:37).

No, I haven't gotten away from my subject, for I believe since the
beginning of time we have had "Angels of Mercy." Take the Trinity: God the
Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; the twelve disciples; our law
enforcement officers ; and the various church groups, to name a few. Probably
you have your own group of "Angels of Mercy" and are thankful for the times
they have come to your rescue.

Our dedicated ministers would certainly be classified as "Angels of
Mercy." When a misfortune befalls most of us, who is one of the first persons
we call? Our pastor (an "Angel of Mercy").

Pray that we remember these "Angels of Mercy," not only when we need
them, but all through this new year, 1977. And as we consider the importance of
this Christmas season that is upon us, we certainly remember the angel who
appeared to the Virgin Mary to tell her that God was sending His Son, Jesus, to
save the world. How merciful indeed to know that one can be cleansed of his
sins! Also, we remember how on the hillside many years ago that angels ap-
peared to the shepherds— the first to be told that the Christ Child had come.
While it might seem unusual for us to place these angels in the category of
"Angels of Mercy," we know that, in actuality, they were indeed.

As I think of the blessings bestowed upon me, I too, shout with the angels,"
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke
2:14).

(At the time of this writing, Mr. Bowen is recuperating at home.)

Cover Photo by Luoma

DECEMBER 22, 1976
Volume 91 Number 3

Edited and published weekly by the Free Will
Baptist Press Foundation, Inc., 811 North Le«j
Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513. Second
class postage paid at Ayden, North Carolina.

All materials to be placed in any issue mus!
be in the hands of the editor six days prior to thf
'publication dateof that issue.

All subscriptions are payable in advance; oni|
year, $5.00; two years, $9; four years, $17; pluJ
sales tax where it applies.

Every Family Plan: A 25 percent discount
given when local churches send the "Baptist" t<?
the home of every member, names and ad(
dresses to be provided by churches. Churches;
are billed quarterly

Bundle Plan: Lots of 25 or more "Baptists''
are sent to one individual who in turn distributes'
these. A 50 percent discount is offered undej
this plan.

The contents herein do not necessarily reflec
the beliefs or policies of the editor or of Thi;
Free Will Baptist. The responsibility for eacf
article is given the person whose name appears'
under the title or to the person submitting saic
article.

Items for publication should be addressed tc
the Editor, The Free Will Baptist. P. O. Box 158
Ayden, North Carolina 2851 3.

Bookstore Hours: Ayden, 8:30 a m — f
p m , Monday — Friday ; 9 a. m — 5 p. m.
Saturday

Smithfield, New Bern, and Wilson. 9:3C
a. m — 5 p. m., Monday— Saturday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D. W. Hanstey, President; Fred A Rivenbark
Vice-President; Hubert Burress, Secretary;
James B. Hardee, C. Felton Godwin, Robert
May, and Dewey C. Boling.

Free Will Baptist Press Foundation, Inc.

Walter Reynolds, Manager; Tommy Manning
Editor ol Literature; Ralph A. Bowen, Assistan'
Editor of Literature; Raymond T Sasser
Comptroller.

2

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

CHRISTLESS
WORLD

by the late Rev. E. C. Morris
Walstonburg , North Carolina

(The Free Will Baptist, December
21, 1938)

1/E are once more celebrating the
¥/ anniversary of Christ's birth, we
;all it Christmas— the gladdest,
brightest and happiest day of all the
ear. I think it will enable us to ap-
oreciate Christmas more if we will, just
or a little while, think what the world
would be if there had been no Christ. The
Scene will become brighter if we will
w lave in the background a heavy dark
curtain of the thought of a Christless
world. What if Christ had not come and
we had no Christmas to celebrate!

Job, no doubt, had such a thought in
nind when he saw man a sinner, and
asked how it was possible for him to be
ustified before God. The Apostle John
was thinking in such terms when he
said, "He that believeth not is con-
demned already." Paul was musing on a
dark scene when he wrote to the
Ephesian Christians, that before they had
been quickened by Christ they were
dead in trespasses and in sins." If
there had been no Saviour, this would be
a Christless world and no eclipse could
be so dark.

Did you ever hear of that strange old
egend of a world that grew colorless in a
single night? The ciouds became lifeless,
spongy vapors, the waves turned pale
and motionless; the fire fled from the
diamond and light from every gem; the
metal gleaming of the jeweled orbs faded
away slowly; all as the stars at the break
of day? The world turned into a
3 sculptor's cold animated stone. Those
(that dwelt upon the earth were saddened
Hand bewildered at the change, and never
lr ceased to mourn for the beautiful tint of
i flowers and grasses, and the vanished
hue of the sunset clouds. All nature was

: Ithe FREE WILL BAPTIST

in mourning, and wore a lead-colored
robe. Never more would diamonds
sparkle, or rubies shine, or dewdrops
glisten in the morning light. Never more
would there be a rainbow on the cloud, or
silver in the falling raindrops. The ex-
panse of lake or sea would nevermore
reflect a blue heaven, or the stars or the
sun. The world had passed into eclipse
— into the shadow of death.

Of course, this is just an old legend;
but it is a parable which suggests a
picture of the world without Christ. My,
what a dark, dead dismal world this
would be without a Saviour! What an
awful world it would be in the total
eclipse of a Christless condition! What if
we had no Christmas to celebrate!

What would be the effect of blotting
Christmas out of the world's Calendar?
No story of the wondrous birth to tell! No
comfort in trouble! No hope as we think
of eternity! No salvation from the
blighting effects of sin! A world without
Christ, reeking and staggering under the
burden and suffering of sin, looking
hopelessly into a black starless night. A
Christless world means a heathen world.
As we read pagan history, or the history
of a people who had wandered away from
God, times such as the world was in just
before the coming of Christ, what an
awful condition it was in! We can get an
idea of what it would mean if Christ had
not been born.

I have read somewhere of a dreamer
who had dreamed that the Bible had been
blotted out of existence. When he opened
his Bible, he found only blank pages,
and all Bibles were the same. Turning in
bewilderment to other books, he found
their pages spotted with blank spaces,

and examination disclosed the fact that
every blank space was due to a Bible text
of passage that had been erased. Not
only were religious books riddled with
such blank gaps, but Milton and
Shakespeare and all great classics had
been so punctured and slashed by the
critical knife that had been cut out of
them all Bible allusions that they were
scarcely readable, and all literature of
Christendom had been ruined.

We have read in various publication
how that Hitler, the Dictator of Germany,
has so revised the Bible as to have no
reference to the Hebrew or Jew; but
suppose we were to cut out of the
Scriptures all reference or allusions to
Christ, we would have nothing more than
a hand full of shredded paper. What a
multilated book we would have with
Christ taken out!

What would a Christless world mean?
It would mean a hopeless world.
Christmas Day has been well called the
"Birthday of Hope." Christ is the hope
of the world. He put life into the world.

It would mean a paralyzed world, for
there is no action where there is no hope.
Men will put forth no effort to improve
conditions where there is no hope. Christ
energizes the world because he is the
hope of the world.

It would mean a lost world. It may be
possible to think of an ocean without a
harbor, or a sky without a sun, or a
garden without a flower, or a face
without a smile; but we are confronted by
the unthinkable when we try to imagine a
world with holiness and happiness in it
and Christ left out of it.

Are we now ready to appreciate and
make known the Christmas message?
Are we ready to yield wholeheartedly to
Christ and let him be our Saviour? On
that first Christmas morning, the angels
gave to each individual shepherd a
message. "Unto you is born this day a
Saviour." This is the only way one can
truly hear the Christmas message. It is a
personal message, and is vain if we think
of it any other way. This is not a
Christless world, unless we fail to accept
the Christ of Christmas, the Christ who is
the Christmas bringer to the world and
the Christmas bringer to each individual
soul ready to receive him.

May we listen again to the heavenly
host and rejoice in Christ our Saviour;
then go and tell the glad story anew to all
with whom we may associate at this glad
season.

t

NO PROXIES AT CHRISTMAS

by the Rev. Lareau N. Thorwall

"And he sent them to Bethlehem,
and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have
found him, bring me word again, that
I may come and worship him also"
(Matthew 2:8).

t

i
t

4

Many people hope and expect to find the joys of Christmas and of Christ through someone or
something else, but your friends cannot find Christ for you

P HRISTMAS has come! In the weeks
^ of preparation for this joyous season
our minds and hearts are filled with
anticipation. There has burned within us
a silent hope that somehow this
Christmas will be different, that its
sacred blessedness will help us to truly
find Christmas for ourselves.

Sometime ago a certain pastor told of
his experience in a crowded department
store. It seems that a saleslady had
found a lost child. Turning to the
floorwalker she said, "What are you
doing with lost children this year?" It is
quite common for children to be lost in
the Christmas rush, but there are scores
of others who because of the spiritual
darkness of their hearts are lost and
need to find Christmas. Yes, Christ for
themselves. King Herod's directive to
these wise men leaves a lasting lesson
for us, for if we truly find Christ, this
Christmas will be more than we dreamed
it ever could be. Note with me three
certain truths from these words in
Matthew.

WE CANNOT FIND CHRIST THROUGH
OTHERS

What we mean is, no one else can find
Christ for us. While it is true that God
uses others as instruments to lead us to
His Son, we still must make the
discovery for ourselves. Herod's motive
was without warmth and earnestness to
resolve the pangs of his troubled heart,
and yet there is still a message from the
lips of a man who never did find Him.
Hear them again, "Go and search

diligently and when ye have found Him,
bring me word." He simply refused to
make the discovery for himself. As with
many today, he wanted knowledge by
proxy.

Friends cannot find Christ for you. The
minister cannot find Christ for you. The
church cannot find Christ for you. You
must find Christ for yourself. The whole
scene of Christmas Joy is centered
around the ageless truth, that they found
the Christ Child! Yes, they had a per-
sonal encounter with Him.

Let me ask you. Have you found Christ
and Christmas for yourself?

WE MUST BE SURE THAT WE HAVE
FOUND CHRIST FOR OURSELVES

The prophet said, in speaking of His
coming, "Ye shall seek for me and find
me when thou dost search for me with all
thine heart." Anybody who wants to find
Him may do so! Study with me the
contrast of the nativity scene. The wise
men found Him, but the king did not. The
shepherds found Him, but the scribes
did not. All of them had the same
privilege, but only a few of them made
the discovery.

At this very moment there is a cry
within your soul for a real Christmas— a
365 day-a-year Christmas, where each
day is real because Christ is real. You've
tried to get closer to the meaning of
Christmas by becoming a little more
sentimental. Perhaps you've said a lot of
nice things, or you have read sweet
sayings, but somehow down within the
depths of your soul you are not sure that

you have found Christmas for yourseJ
How it must grieve the heart of trf
Heavenly Father who sees a people sin]
and speak of the glories and magnificei
person of the manger, yet who still are r|
different, who are still self-centered . .
unchanged . . . unregenerate . . .an;
doomed to a Christless eternity. You sau
"Please don't talk this way, for 'tis th[l
season to be jolly." Yes, friend, that!
is, and the jolly, jovial spirit that i
genuine comes only through justificatio
by faith. This is the real and lasting spin
of Christmas.

WHEN ONE FINDS CHRIST, HE WANT
OTHERS TO FIND HIM ALSO

Here is where Christmas lives
something of a spiritual consequence1
After finding Christ, we are told that th;
Shepherds made known abroad th
saying which was told them concernin'
the Christ Child. They wanted Christ t
be known everywhere and they wante-
Christ to be known by everyone.

As we enjoy the blessings from thl
Christ who came, and as we experience
these blessings in finding Him fo;
ourselves, may we tell others about Hin|
also, for this experience is one to be told
The best Christmas you could ever havf
would be to say at this very moment1
"Lord, You came for my sake. You wen
to Calvary's Cross. You became Victo,
over the grave for my sake that all my sir!
and shame might be removed. Now
believe Thee. Now I receive Thee. Now
will by Thy grace live for Thee. ' '

Then you have found Christmas foi
yourself!

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
The Free Will Baptist Press
Foundation and its bookstores at
Ayden, Smithfield, New Bern, and
Wilson will be closed for the
holidays December 25 and 27. The
bookstores will reopen on Tuesday,
December 28, at the regular hours.
The Press Foundation, which is
closed on Saturday, will reopen for
business also Tuesday morning at
7:30.

4

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

1 — fST^^He-^X^^MQ-^A^^

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26
Scripture Reading— Luke 2:7-14

WHAT EACH ONE DID
l a rude stable cold,
he friendly beasts their stories told :
I," said the donkey, shaggy and
brown,

Carried His mother up hill and
down,

arried her safely to Bethlehem
town."

I," said the cow all white and red,
Gave Him my manger for His bed,
lave Him my hay to pillow His
head."

I," said the sheep, with the curly
horn,

Gave Him wool for His blanket
warm;

le wore my coat on Christmas
Morn."

I," said the camel, all yellow and
black,

Over the desert, upon my back,
$rought Him a gift in the Wise Man's
pack."

'I," said the dove, "from my rafter
high,

2ooed Him to sleep, that He should
not cry,

Ve cooed Him to sleep, my mate and
I."

^nd every beast, by some good spell
n the stable darkness, was able to tell
)f the gift he gave to Emmanuel.

—Robert Davis

PRAYER THOUGHT
During this season, we should ex-
press a satisfying love and not just a
seasonal affection stirred up by the
festivities of Christmas. What God
\vants more than anything else on His
birthday is the love of our hearts.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
Scripture Reading— Galatians 6 : 10

"GO AWAY"
In a newspaper, there was a brief
essay written by a sixth-grade Israeli
jboy in Jerusalem.

!THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

One day the Israeli saw coming
toward him a small Arab boy with
dirty feet and tattered clothes.
Holding out a package of chewing
gum, the boy pleaded, "Buy this! Inly
ten agorot! "

The Israeli walked faster, but the
little Arab trotted after him. Then the
Israeli shouted, "Go away! Leave me
alone ! ' '

Sad-faced, the little Arab boy
walked away. Then the Israeli lad
became sad. He thought, "Why did I
act so cruelly?" Tears came to his
eyes. He tried to find the small Arab
boy, but the boy had vanished in the
midst of the people.

Throughout the day, the Israeli boy
was troubled in his heart. He could not
forget the piteous plea, "Buy this!
Only ten agorot ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
How like that Jewish lad are many
of God's children — unresponsive to
the piteous pleas of bothered, bur-
dened ones about us. Let us love thy
neighbor as thyself!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28
Scripture Reading— Mark 10:51, 52

PINPOINTED PRAYER
Little Joan Teague prayed every
night for her uncle who was in Viet-
nam. After he was wounded three
times, he was sent to Hawaii.

Then Mom observed that Joan had
ceased to pray for her uncle. She
asked, "Joan, why have you stopped
praying for Uncle Buddy?"

Sweetly Joan replied, "Why, Mom,
I prayed that he would soon leave
Vietnam. God answered my prayers,
so there's no need to pray for him
anymore."

PRAYER THOUGHT
Definite prayer for definite need
brings the definite answer in God's
good time.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Scripture Reading— 1 Peter 2:5

THIS IS LIVING -STONE!
When David Livingstone's body was
brought to England for burial, a poem
written in his honor was printed in
Punch. One verse of the poem said :
He needs no epitaph to guard his
name,

Which men will prize while worthy
work is known,
He lived and died for good, be that his
fame,

Let marble crumble— this is
Livingstone !

PRAYER THOUGHT
When Christ builds His churches, it
is not with stone, steel and mortar,
but with living stones — redeemed
boys and girls, men and women.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Scripture Reading— Philippians 4:4

GLUM, GRUMPY, AND GROUCHY
Emmett Kelly, Jr., the famous
clown who is called the "Crown
Prince of Pantomime," never smiles.
He elicits laughter without saying a
word. His sad face, big red nose and
huge shoes are enough to create
smiles.

It is an open secret that behind his
unsmiling mask, Kelly laughs harder
than the people laughing at his antics.
Said he, "Laughter is one of God's
greatest gifts to the world. It is really
the answer to most of our problems.
There is never enough laughter.
Maybe, the infinite Being— God— is
using me to help start smiles around
the world. I believe in America with
all my hidden heart. Here, we are free
to smile. Here, our Maker makes
room for laughter ! ' '

PRAYER THOUGHT
Often there is too much gloom and
defeatism among Christians. Glum,
grumpy, grouchy people are
repellent. We need more joyous,
radiant Christians.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
Scripture Reading— Ecclesiastes
9:10

WHAT I CAN DO
Edward Hale, former chaplain of
the U. S. Senate, said, "lam only one,
but I am one. I can't do everything,
but I can do something. What I can do,
I ought to do, and what I ought to do,
by the grace of God, I shall do! "

PRAYER THOUGHT
Help me in all the work I do,
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I'd do for you,
Must needs be done for others.

Charles D. Meigs

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1
Scripture Reading— Job 36:11

A HAPPY NEW YEAR
A Happy New Year to all today !
(Continued on Page 6)

by the Rev. R. P. Harris

Scriptural basis: "For unto you is
born this day in the City of David a
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke
2:11).

THE BIRTHDAY OF A KING

The birthday of a King! How exciting!
Has any earthly king been born a king?
Not likely. Many were born in the right
family and in the right position— but
none were kings at birth. The birth of our
Saviour— King is indeed the greatest
news ever declared unto men. Without
this news, man could never have hope. It
is the one act of God that brought God
down to man, and in turn lifted man up to
God. The breach between God and man
is now closed and salvation is now of-
fered to all men.

But with every declaration of God for
the benefit of man meets opposition on
the part of Satan. It is amazing that so
many people allow Satan to tell them
what is right and proper for them. Look
how the devil's crowd celebrate
Christmas! Many celebrate by getting
drunk! They go on wild parties; they use
benefits and blessings of God to disgrace
His name and put Him to open shame.
How stupid can people become?

A few years ago, a minister was
speaking to a group of community
leaders in a church-school-related
program. He gave us a very pertinent
illustration of how we celebrate
Christmas. The language is mine but the
thoughts are his:

Just suppose you and your friends
were looking for something to do:
Something exciting and based upon
sufficient merit to attract a crowd of
fellows and girls that could enjoy doing
things together. One remembered a
certain guy among their set whose birth-
day would come up soon. They all agreed
to have a birthday party honoring their
friend. They would not tell him of their

plans. Word was passed around and
everyone began to formulate plans and to
buy gifts for each other.

As luck would have it, news leaked
about the party plans so that the one
being honored heard, as it were, through
the grapevine about the party. He
secretly awaited until the date of the
event. But as time drew near, he ex-
pected to see some signs of the
preparation. His mother surely would
know. A younger brother or sister ought
to know and would slip up and tell; but
nothing happened! That is, until the very
evening of the party, and the crowds
began to assemble at a friend's house
next door.

The friend next door had not given the
secret away and at the appointed hour
merry-making, singing, and dancing
took place. He (the honoree) watched
with impatience and anxiety as the crowd
grew and grew and every one seemed to
be so cheerful and happy. He thought
surely some one would come over and
insist that he go over and join the fun-
making, but no one came! He waited and
he waited. He could see through a
window that the crowd had stopped
singing and were now passing around
gifts and no one had yet invited him over.
Alas, the time of refreshments and the
giving out of gifts came. The time for
departure arrived and everyone left and
went home. He felt that he could stand it
no longer. How could they! He was
sorely depressed. They were supposed
to be his best friends. But look how they
treated me!

Now, how do you suppose our Lord
feels when we put on such acts in His
Name at Christmas! All Christians are
supposed to celebrate the Lord's birth-
day at Christmas. Many have honored
Him for nearly two thousand years on His
birthday. But now look at some of the
Christmas parties. Everybody honors
someone else other than Christ. They
honor each other and drink to each
other's health. Many get drunk! Many
eat, drink, and make merry with one
another. But not one gift is given to our
Lord. Not even the missionaries,
pastors, and other religious leaders are
honored! Ah, but some of them declare
they had the time of their lives!

Christmas affords us an opportunity to
worship and serve our blessed Lord.
Just suppose we pass up the opportunity
to help someone and show our love and
compassion for the down-and-outers. In

as much as we do it unto the brethren c
unto anyone who needs us we are doirn
it to our Lord. But we must be careful les
we do these thing in a selfish manner. I
must be done in the name of our Lon
and, indeed for His glory. This somewha
limits the things we can do in honor o
Christ.

Family Devotions

(Continued from Page 5)
Though winds are blowing and skies:

are gray,
And snow and icicles fill the air;
While mercury stands— I'll not say

where —

And each one's thinking "Oh dear! ot
dear!

A pretty way to begin the year !
But it lies with you, I'll whisper il
here.

To make me a sad or a merry year;
For all the sunshine that's in the sky
Will not bring smiles if you choose tc

cry;

Nor all the rain that the clouds can
hold

Will tarnish a soul that's bright as
gold.

And so, whatever your score may be,
Just please remember, and don't
blame me!

—St. Nicholas

PRAYER THOUGHT
As Christians, we should welcome
the new year with joy and happiness.
Let us bring in the new year with
living the kinds of lives that are
pleasing to our Sa viour.

(Devotions used by permission,
Knight's Master Book of New Il-
lustrations, Eerdmans Press.)

Editor's Note: Due to our policy oj
printing only 50 issues each year,
there will be no magazine for next
week and thus no Family Devotion.
Please use other inspiration readings
to continue your family devotions.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ONCE A YEAR

Kevin Harris
Age 10
Winterville, North Carolina
Christmas comes but once a year,
It's the time to spread good cheer
By giving gifts to ones so dear.

Christ was born on Christmas Day,
Wise men brought gifts from far away.
The shepherds knelt on the hay
To pray . . .

Thank you God for sending your Son,
To save us, our world,
And everyone!

A NOTE OF THANKS

Mrs. E. C. Morris and family wish to
express their love and appreciation to
every minister and friend for every
kindness shown during the illness and
passing of the Rev. E. C. Morris.

BIBLE CONFERENCE AND WATCH NIGHT SERVICE

December 31, 1976

PINE LEVEL FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Services

10:00 A. M. -12:00 Noon
2:00 P. M.-4:00 P. M.
8:00 P. M. — Midnight

Speakers

Dr. Donald Drake, President of
Piedmont Bible College; Dr. Ron
Hoelz, Pastor Temple Baptist Church,
Wilson

The Rev. Clyde Cox, Director of Music
Sponsor

CAROLINA BIBLE INSTITUTE
Floyd B. Cherry, President

ITHE FREE WILL BAPTIST

7

"Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel"

mission wor

at home and abroad.

Joseph Ingram
Foreign Missions
Director-Treasurer
P 0 Box 979
Goldsboro N C 27530

WALING THAT THEY

MIGHT HEAR

Aspen Grove Church
Youth Walk-a-thon

On November 1, 1976, a group of
young people and adults gathered at
Aspen Grove Free Will Baptist Church for
a new experience. Everyone kept looking
around to see who would be next to
appear. One after the other, they came
up until about twenty-five arrived .

The pastor, the Rev. Hubert Burress,
came along with some other adults. A
few minutes later all were called to the
educational building where they had hot
chocolate before they began the walk.
Boy, was this good, because the tem-
perature had dropped and the air was a
little cold. After a few minutes'
fellowship, the group was called together
for prayer.

The foreign mission director, the Rev.
Joe Ingram, who had come to take some
pictures and to wish the group well on its
endeavor to walk ten miles; led in a
prayer for the group's safety and God's
blessings.

The group was led by several adults
and the walk was begun. The results of
the day brought those involved nearer to

8

Taylor Hill
Home Missions
Director-Treasurer
1 207 Arsenal Ave
Fayetteville. N C 28305

each other and possibly gave them some
time to think of God's blessings while
walking.

After the walk ended, a total of
$645.42 was raised and sent to our
foreign mission work. As director of the
foreign mission work, I express to those
participating, the pastor, the Rev.
Burress, and all the leaders of Aspen
Grove church and especially the youth
who worked hard, deep appreciation for
this effort. I trust that God will bless
those of you who participated and will
bless the use of these funds for His
glory.

Just think what this group has done
and what you and your church could do
to help in sharing the gospel to all the
world. I trust that these young people
and leaders will not stop but plan now for
even a larger walk-a-thon for the year
1977. Why not make it a yearly event for
your church?

If your young people, Sunday school,
or auxiliary would like to sponsor such a
walk, please advise your foreign mission
director. He will be glad to provide the
necessary materials and suggestions on
how to have a walk-a-thon. Please make
the request to P. 0. Box 979, Goldsboro,
North Carolina 27530 or phone (919)
734-5846.

MINI-MISSION-GRAMS

THE "POUNDING"

My, what a sight! As they unloaded
the U Haul truck bearing all the boxes
and bags donated at the State Con-
vention for the Bible Institute, we stared
in unbelief! Wow! What a wonderful
thing you North Carolinians did, and how
we appreciate it.

Later as we went through each box
and separated items we were even more
thrilled. The self-rising flour, the home

canned pickles, jams, tomatoes, gree
beans, the shortening, the dis
detergents, a bottle of window cleanei
other cleansers, the beans, vegetables
fruits— every single thing that was senl
we thank the Lord for and we pray
special prayer for God to bless each cj
you who took part in the pounding. W
have already had two school session
since "the pounding" and it was so nicn
making out menus and cooking. Ou
pastors all took home a box of "goodies'
in September and they too send thei
gratitude to you for sharing with us.

"OUT OF THE MOUTH OF
BABES HAST THOU
ORDAINED STRENGTH"

The children had listened intently as
the Bible story of Elijah had been taught
Last week at the close of the children's
church, three girls had come forward tc
receive Christ as their Saviour. This'
week I wondered should an invitation be
given? I didn't want to pressure anyone
into making a decision— especially]
children. (This is how the Holy Spirit
works, and only if He is leading could
one be saved.) We had prayer, and then I]
hesitated a moment wondering whether
to say anything else, or not. A six-year-i
old hand went up.

"Yes, Jeanie?"

"I want to make things right with thei
Lord." There it was! The Holy Spirit was;
working and I had almost bypassed Him!,
Jeanie and I went into another room
where I explained Revelation 3:20 to her.
She prayed and asked Jesus to save her. j
Old doubtful me, I wanted to make sure. |

' 'Jeanie, if you really meant what you
said, then God heard you, and has
answered you. If so, where is Jesus ■
now?"

Her straight forward answer made me
feel like a "dummy." "In my life!" she
said, with her big brown eyes looking up
as if to say "of course."

SALVATION! So free! So simple!

A GIFT FOR THE DORM

We stood back and admired the dorm
bedroom. The walls had been swept, the
windows cleaned, the curtains washed,
the floor vacuumed and then lastly, the
beds made up for our pastors. The room
looked prettier than ever before, because
bedspreads were on all the beds. The

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

ladies auxiliary from the Community Free
Will Baptist Church in Weldon had sent
them to us! We wondered what the
pastors would think when they saw the
pretty beds. Although they didn't say
anything to us about it, I'm sure they
were very pleased. We appreciate this
project very much.

After school session, I was in for a
surprise! Our pastors, every one, must
have thought that the bedspreads were
pretty sheets! Not one bed had been
slept in. They had slept on top of the
spreads with a blanket for cover! This
time the top sheets were folded back. I
noticed that every bed had been slept in.
Many things are taught at a school, I
guess this was just one of them.

USED CLOTHING

From time to time in the past,
auxiliaries have sent boxes of used
clothing down to the institute for our
pastors and their churches of Mexico.
This year we have received a few of these
boxes, but could use more if anyone
would like to send them. When the
Browns came down for a visit in the
spring, they brought several boxes of
clothes which had been repaired by the
ladies of the Saratoga church. Mrs.
Brown told us that they had worked for
three days getting the clothes into usable
condition. They were really nice things
sent and were quickly taken. We have a
few ladies' clothes on hand now, but they
are what is left after being picked
through all year. We could especially use
some men's clothing and children's
clothing. Also, it would be nice if anyone
had some used toys that they could send
before Christmas. All of our pastors have
large families and I'm sure they would
greatly appreciate them.

I NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY

The Free Will Baptist Press!
i Foundation and its bookstores at^
Ayden, Smithfield, New Bern, and!
p Wilson will be closed Saturday,;
January 1 and Monday, January 3,j
; 1977, in observance of New Year's]
Day. They will all reopen Tuesday,'
January 4, at the usual hour.

Mount :iwX+K
Olive College

SINGERS ON WITN-TV

CHRISTMAS DAY

Friends of Mount Olive College are
invited to watch the Mount Olive College
Chorus and Singers on the annual WITN-
TV Channel 7 Christmas Carousel of
Music to be aired Christmas Day,
December 25 at 1 1 p.m.

The Singers will be under the direction
of Mrs. Irene Patten, Chairman of the
Music Department.

A LIFE-INCOME CONTRACT WITH
MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE

A life-income contract is a plan,
approved by Internal Revenue Service,
whereby donors can invest $1,000 or
more in Mount Olive College but receive
the income from their investments for
life. The donor also receives income tax
advantages which result in more
spendable income now.

The return from the investment can be
made payable monthly, quarterly, or
annually. Payments may be in a
guaranteed fixed amount or they may be
based upon the earnings of the in-
vestment, depending upon the nature of
the gift and the preferences of the donor.

The donor may also provide tor the
income to be paid for life to their spouse
or other beneficiary. When the contract
has been fulfilled, the principal passes to
the College as a memorial; therefore, it is
not subject to estate and inheritance
taxes.

To assure that our life-income con-
tracts are properly prepared and to
provide donors with accurate tax in-
formation, Mount Olive College has
retained the legal services of Conrad
Teitell of New York, one of the most
respected authorities in America on taxes
as related to charitable and educational
institutions. All funds placed with our
College under life income contracts are
safely invested to assure adequate
resources to provide full and prompt
payments to our donors.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF A
LIFE-INCOME CONTRACT

1. The satisfaction of making an
investment in God's work.

2. Increased current income through
Federal and State income tax savings. On
long-term securities capital gain taxes
may also be avoided.

3. Life-time earnings and savings
are safely invested by experienced and
expert counselors, thus relieving the
donor of detailed record keeping and
investment concerns.

4. Provides financial security for
donor by preventing dissipation of funds.

5. Life-income contracts are private
and cannot be set aside by disgruntled
heirs. Furthermore, they are removed
from probate, administrative and legal
expenses and are exempt from estate
taxes.

6. The joy of knowing while living
you have done something good that will
continue beyond your years on earth.

For more information contact:
President W. Burkette Raper, Mount
Olive College, Mount Olive, North
Carolina 28365; Phone (919) 658-2502

NO "BAPTIST" DECEMBER 29

In accordance with our policy of
printing only fifty issues of "The
Free Will Baptist" each year, there
will not be an issue on December
29. The next "Baptist" printed will
be the issue of January 5, 1977.

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

9

HISTORY OF TRINITY FREE
WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

by Mrs. Lynn Paul
Pantego, North Carolina

Records of the beginning of the Pungo
River Free Will Baptist Church are very
scarce. Damon Dodd, in his book The
Free Will Baptist Story, made these
comments on the founding of this
church: "It is highly probable that Paul
Palmer was instrumental in gathering
congregations other than Chowan,
Camden, and Onslow. Wherever the
number of converts were sufficient and a
local pastor could be secured, a church
was organized. Among them was the
church in New Bern set up in 1740, in
Beaufort on the Bay and Neuse Rivers in
1742, Swift Creek in Craven County, a
church on Pungo in Beaufort County, and
a church at Mattamuskeet in Hyde
County. While Palmer himself did not
organize all these churches, his im-
mediate converts did, so in reality it was
his influence that brought them into
existence."

This notation at the front of the oldest
available minute book of the Pungo
church gives further clues to the
founding of the church. "We obtain in
the information from the old record that
the Free Will Baptist Church known as
the Pungo River Church was duly (re-)
organized by Elders J. W. Linton and W.
H. Slaughter and the officers consist of
James Linton, Deacon, and Mariam M.
Allen, Rulin Elder, on the 16th day of
October, 1 879 and from that time onward
their is no record except one conference
in June, 1880 where Brother George
Allen was appointed treasurer and one in
1896 where Elder J. L. Linton was
elected Pastor for said Church . ' '

No further reference can be found of
the Pungo church until Harrison and
Bariield, in their History of the Free Will
Baptists of North Carolina, listed the
Pungo church as a member of the Bethel
Conference in 1830. On November 11-
14, 1830, the Bethel Conference met
with Grimsley church, Greene County. At
this meeting, the decision was made to
divide the Bethel Conference for con-
venience. The Pungo church was in-
cluded in the eastern division called the
Shiloh Conference. At this time it was
decided that the first meeting of the
newly organized Shiloh Conference was
to be held at the Pungo church.

As time passed the drinking of in-
toxicating beverages by church members
before going to church meetings became
a problem. These comments on the
situation were made by Harrison and
Barfield: "So much evil has resulted
from the practice of drinking before
going to meeting, and after returning
from it, that the Church at Pungo River,
as well as many respectable individuals
in that part of the country, have laid it
aside, and the bottle is now no longer
seen among the articles with which their
friends are entertained ..."

The members of the Pungo church met
in the Primitive Baptist Church building
several miles from the present Trinity
church building. Meetings were
discontinued during the Civil War, but
afterwards the meetings were
reorganized. The church building at
Union Grove was built in 1900 and the
first meetings were held in 1901 with the
Christian Church and the Free Will
Baptist Church sharing the same
building.

The oldest minutes of business
meetings were for the meeting in Sep-
tember, 1898, where it was voted to
send 50 cents as contribution to the
General Conference and J. F. Linton was
elected as pastor for the year 1 899.

In the minutes of June, 1899, Brother
Orestis Davis was appointed clerk of the
church.

It was interesting to note that in the
old record book, the list of members'
names were divided with the men's
names on one page and the women's
names on another just as they sat on
separate sides of the church.

Also in various conferences in the
early 1900's, members' names were
erased from the records for a set time for
various violations. This example was
found in June, 1901: "By move (a
brother's) name be dropped from the list
until June, 1902 for disorderly walk and
non-attendance. ' ' There are also records
of when such violations were forgiven.

As early as September, 1921, there
were recorded decisions to build a
separate building for the Free Will Baptist
Church and at times, committees were
appointed to look into the purchasing of
land, etc.. Once, in 1926, a motion was
made and carried to secure a particular
lot for a church building. But each time
plans were discontinued and the Union

Grove building would be repaired for
further use by the two groups.

Please note examples of the pastor's
salary of that period. In 1924— $18 per
month and in 1929— $351 was pledged
for the year.

In 1941 , a tornado wrecked the Unio
Grove building and the church used the
community building to hold its meetings.
At that time at a joint meeting of the two
churches, the decision was made to
build two separate buildings for the two
churches and a building fund was
established by the Pungo church. Land
was purchased from Mr. Jody Hodges.
In June, 1941 , the committee appointed
to dispose of our half of the Union Grove
building recommended that the church
sell its share of the building to the
Christian brethren for $250. The motion
was passed.

In the year 1942 the Sunday school
was organized.

When the church moved into its new
building, it was decided to change the
name. Brother W. A. Hales offered the
name "Trinity" and that name was
adopted. The first Sunday in August,
1943, was set for the dedication of the
building.

In June, 1944, plans were shown the
group for Sunday school rooms and the
committee was told to proceed with
plans. In 1947 the Sunday school rooms
were finally started.

In 1949 plans for the steeple were
submitted and the church voted to'
proceed.

In the years to come, Trinity Church
has continued to improve its building and
increase its ministry. In 1957 prayer
meeting was started. In 1959, restrooms
were added. In 1972 a central heating
system was installed and 1973 saw the
addition of central air conditioning.
Regular maintenance and repairs have
been made to keep the building in the
good condition it is in today.

While membership of the church has
declined, the church still holds regular
services— worship services twice a
month, Sunday school each Sunday
morning, league weekly, Bible study
prayer meeting weekly. Trinity also is
involved in actively supporting many of
our denominational enterprises as it has
from the beginning.

10

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

NEWS~&
JVOTES

Youth Rally Held

The Pee-Dee District Youth Rally held
their bi-monthly meeting November 15 at
7:30 p. m. at Oak Grove Free Will Baptist
Church.

The meeting was called to order by the
president, Tommy Simmons. Opening
song was "Come Ye Thankful People."
Prayer was led by the Rev. Billy Hardee.
Special singing and a play entitled "An
Unusual Thanksgiving" was performed
by the Oak Grove youth. New and old
business were discussed.

New officers were elected in Sep-
tember and they are as follows:
President, Tommy Simmons of Cypress
Creek church; vice-president, Dewey
Hester of White Oak church; secretary,
Donna Cartrette of Beaverdam church;
treasurer, Diane Caredy of Oak Grove;
reporter, Phyllis Godwin of Beaverdam
church; parliamentarian, Gary Cribb of

Cypress Creek; foreign mission
chairman, Mab McPherson of Beaverdam
church; home mission chairman, Linda
Bryan of Oak Grove church; benevolence
chairman, Gray Phyllips of Mt. Calvary
church; denominational enterprise,
David Hester of White Oak church.

The meeting was dismissed by prayer.
Refreshments were served and
fellowship followed.

Laymen's League Holds
Quarterly Meeting

The Laymen's League Fellowship of
the Central Conference held its quarterly
meeting Monday night, December 6,
1976, at the First Free Will Baptist
Church of Tarboro. Mr. Billy Trevathan
held devotion and then narrated a very
interesting film on his church's visit to
the Holy Lands.

The hour of fellowship was enjoyed by
an attendance of 52 members with ten
churches represented. During the
meeting a collection of $55 was taken
and sent to the Children's Home for use
toward their water project. Upon closing
with singing and prayer, they adjourned
to the fellowship hall for refreshments.

The next meeting of the fellowship will
be in March, and Bethany church near
Winterville will be the host.

THE BEST AND WORST

Christian love is at its best when
practiced on our neighbor at his worst.

NOTE OF THANKS

We would like to take this opportunity
to thank the ministers, loved ones, and
friends for the kindness and thought-
fulness shown to us during the illness
and death of our wife and mother. May
we express a special thank you for the
cards, letters, food, and gifts during this
time, but most of all, the prayers in our
behalf. May God richly bless all of you.

The Rev. Robert Rollins
and family

HELEN STEINER RICE

Somebody
Loves\bu!

This brand new collection of verses, each
one a perfect expression of God's love, will be welcomed by
Mrs. Rice's countless admirers as one of her finest, a
beautifully illustrated companion volume to the best-selling
Someone Cares. Regular edition, $6.95

Boxed keepsake edition, $8.95

Available at

AYDEN BIBLE AND BOOKSTORE

811 NORTH LEE STREET
AYDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28513
(OTHER BRANCHES INCLUDED)

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

11

Questions

by J . P. Barrow
Route 1 , Box 475
LaGrange. N. C. 28551

Question: Which bears the greater
guilt in the condemnation and crucifixion
of Christ the Jews or the Romans?

Answer: Both were guilty as can be,
however, when it comes to who made it a
point for deepest concern to wage a
campaign of relentless persecution
against Him day and night, and to hound
Him day and night like relentless dogs in
a chase, the Jews were the more ob-
noxiously determined at what ever the
cost to destroy Him and His influence.
When Pilate offered to release Jesus he
said to the Jews, ". . . Behold your
King" (John 19:14). "But they cried
out, Away with him, away with him,
crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall
I crucify your King? The chief priests
answered, We have no king but Caesar.
Then delivered he him therefore unto
them to be crucified. And they took
Jesus, and led him away" (John 19:15,
16).

The Jews demanded the arrest of
Jesus awhile before He was ap-
prehended, but the officers charged with
this responsibility became aware of the
power of His person. Here is the reason
they gave the Jews for not incarcerating
Him: "Then came the officers to the
chief priests and Pharisees; and they
said to them, Why have ye not brought
him? The officers answered, Never man
spake like this man. Then answered
them the Pharisees, Are ye also
deceived" (John 7:45-47).

In John 8:3-11, the scribes and
Pharisees bring an adulterous woman to
Jesus suggesting that she be stoned in
the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. Jesus
said the one without sin is to cast the
first stone; there being none sinless
among them they depart leaving Him and
the woman. He forgives the woman
which is in keeping with His mission to
the earth. These Jews and their
representatives followed Jesus from
Jerusalem to Galilee, back and forth
seeking to find cause for their ac-
cusations, but until God's time clock
designated the moment for His arrest
none were able to accomplish it. As the

hour was approaching, Jesus resorted to
the garden to pray. When the prayer was
finished, the hounds were close enough
on His trail that He identifies Himself to
them, but no one is able to lay hands on
Him. Note that in John 18:5, 6 the fact is
made clear that the officers cannot arrest
Jesus before His time. "As soon then as
he had said unto them, I am he, they
went backward, and fell to the ground"
(John 18:6).

When God's time had arrived, note
what takes place. Instead of obeying, the
Jews kept moving further from God and
finally rejected their Messiah. "Then the
band and the captain and officers of the
Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And
led him away to Annas first; for he was
father in law to Caiaphas, which was the
high priest that same year" (John
18:12, 13); "And the LORD appeared to
Solomon by night, and said unto him, I
have heard thy prayer, and have chosen
this place to myself for an house of
sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there
be no rain, or if I command the locusts to
devour the land, or if I send pestilence
among my people; If my people, which
are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land" (2
Chronicles 7:12-14).

The Jews sought Jesus to persecute
Him for healing a man. "The man
departed, and told the Jews that it was
Jesus, which had made him whole. And
therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus,
and sought to slay him, because he had
done these thingson the sabbath day. . . .
Therefore the Jews sought the more to
kill him, because he not only had broken
the sabbath, but said also that God was
his Father, making himself equal with
God" (John 5:15, 16, 18).

George H. Sandison makes the
following statements in answering a
similar question in 1000 Difficult Bible
Questions Answered:

"Both were guilty, although the onus
of the malevolent persecution of Christ

rests with the Jews. When they brought
him before Pilate and that official,
although representing the power of
Rome, and even admitting that he could
'find no fault' in Jesus weakly yielded to
the fanatical clamor for the sacrifice, he
became a principal with a full share of
responsibility for the tragedy that
followed. A stronger man, backed by the
Roman authority and convinced of the
injustice of the mob's demand, would
have resolutely refused to permit the :
innocent to suffer. History is full ofj
passages recording the nobility and '
justice of men whose firmness checked :
the commission of crimes in the name oi
law. Roman justice, even in that day,;
was proverbial. It was therefore the duty
of Pilate to have executed justice as
Governor of Judea. When he had
examined Christ and declared that he
'found no fault in him' (John 19:6), and
again when he declined to acknowledge
responsibility for the 'blood of this just J
person,' he was pledged by his judicial'
oaths to execute not injustice in]
obedience to clamor, but justice, even inj
the face of the whole Jewish nation. :
Roman laws governed Judea; the native;!
laws, secular and ecclesiastical, could I
only be recognized and enforced where:!
they did not conflict with those of Rome.
Pilate stifled the voice of conscience, sett
aside the result of his judicial inquiry,
disregarded the warning of his wife, and
basely consented to a murder in
obedience to Jewish clamor. The priests,
it is true never wavered in their demand
for the Saviour's death, and even warned
Pilate that if he refused to order the
execution he would not be Caesar's
friend. This touched the Governor's
weak point: his ambition. To stand well
with Caesar he gratified the populace and
ordered his troops to carry out their
wishes."

12

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

(Note' Some of the earliest childhood stories we
remember having had read or told to us are as fresh
today as yesterday We choose to print a few in this
column, in the hope that they will rekindle the spark
of childhood fantasy and, in turn, remind us again
the moralistic value of little stories )

story

BREMEN TOWN MUSICIANS

^7 HERE was once a Donkey who
•J had served his Master faithfully
or many years. As he was growing old
,nd was no longer able to carry the grain
o the mill, his Master decided to sell
lim.

When the Donkey learned of this he
ladliade up his mind to run away. He took
lie he road to Bremen Town, where he
hought he would become a traveling
Ige h usician . After walking some distance,
le met a Dog panting by the roadside.

'What is the matter, my friend?"
isked the Donkey. "You look very
downhearted to-day."

"Indeed I am," replied the Dog.
'Because I am not so young as I once
i(| was, my Master no longer wants me."
"Well," said the Donkey, "do not be
jnhappy about that; come with me to
Bremen. I am going to be a traveling
nusician . You may beat the drum and I
n(j[will bray."

The Dog agreed to this and off they
rotted.

Presently they met a Cat sitting by the
side of the road looking very sad indeed.

"Good morning, Tabby," said the
Donkey. "Why are you grieving this
bright summer day?"

"Oh, dearie me," replied the Cat,
'now that I am getting old and prefer to
sit by the fireplace instead of catching
mice, my Mistress wants to find a new
nome for me. So I ran away, but how am
to iive?"

"Come with us to Bremen Town,"
baid the Donkey. "I know you are a
splendid night singer. You may sing in
our band."

The Cat joined them and away they
went.

By and by they came to a farmyard.
Sitting on the gate was a Cock, crowing
with all his might.

"Good day, friend," said the Donkey.
"Why are you crowing so loud?"

"Oh," said the Cock, "this morning I
was crowing to let my Mistress know we

were going to have fine weather, when
she came and told the cook that company
was coming for supper and to make soup
of me. ' '

"Do not grieve over that," said the
Donkey. "You have a fine voice; come
with us to Bremen. We are going to be
traveling musicians. ' '

Off the four went, very happy and free-
hearted.

As Bremen was a long way off, they
had to spend a night in the wood. They
looked around for a place to rest and at
last found a fine large tree. The Dog and
the Donkey lay down at the foot. The Cat
found a resting place on a branch. The
Cock flew up to the very top.

Before settling down for the night, the
Cock looked around in all directions. Not
far off he saw a light shining through the
trees.

Calling down to his companions, he
told them that there must be a house
near by.

"If that is true," said the Donkey,
"let us go there instead of spending the
night here in the wood. I know that we
would all like a more comfortable place to
sleep.

They agreed and made their way out of
the wood. The light grew brighter and
brighter. At last they came to a house in
which lived a band of robbers.

The Donkey, who was the tallest,
looked in the window.

"What do you see?" asked the Cock.

"Oh," exclaimed the Donkey, "I see
a table spread with the best of things to
eat and drink, and a number of men
sitting around eating and making
merry. ' '

"That is just the place for us," said
the Cock.

After some talking they at last agreed
upon a plan to drive the robbers away.

The Donkey placed his forefeet upon
the window sill. The Dog jumped up on
his back. The Cat climbed up on the
Dog's shoulder. The Cock flew up on the
Cat's head.

When the signal was given, the

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

Donkey brayed, the Dog barked, the Cat
mewed, and the Cock crowed. Then with
a crash in they went through the win-
dow, the glass flying in all directions.

Hearing this terrible noise, the robbers
jumped up and ran and ran until they
were far from the house.

Left to themselves, the traveling
musicians finished the supper, then
putting out the lights, looked for places
to sleep.

The Donkey found some hay near the
gate. The Dog lay down behind the door.
The Cat curled up in front of the fire, and
the Cock flew up on the rafters of the
house.

Now the robbers, who had been
watching from a distance, seeing the
house in darkness, decided that they had
been too easily frightened.

The Captain ordered one of them to go
back to the house to see what had
happened.

He opened the door quietly, tiptoed
across the room, picked up a candle,
and stooped to light it from the bright
coals burning in the fireplace. But what
he thought were the coals proved to be
the eyes of the cat shining in the
darkness.

The Cat, now liking the joke, jumped
up and scratched both his hands.

The Dog, who had been sleeping,
awakened and sprang upon him as he
rushed out of the door.

As he ran through the gate, the
Donkey kicked him, and the Cock on top
of the house crowed "Cock-a-doodle-do,
Cock-a-doodle-do."

When the robber reached his com-
panions, he told them that an old witch
was in the house and that she scratched
him when he tried to light a candle. A
man with a knife stood behind a door and
stabbed him as he went by. At the gate
stood a monster who struck him with a
club, and on top of the house was a
judge who called out, "Bring the rascal
up to me."

The robbers never went back to the
house, but the traveling musicians liked
it so much that they lived there the rest of
their days.

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit
you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians
16:13).

13

St. Claire Bible Class

LESSON

For January 2

JESUS AFFIRMS HIS SONSHIP

Lesson Text: Luke 2:39-52
Memory Verse: Luke 2:49

I. INTRODUCTION

The exciting days of Jesus' birth amid
the praise of the shepherds, Simeon,
Anna, and others, were over, but the
wonderment remained in Mary's heart.
There was fear, too, because the wicked
Herod had threatened the Child. But
now, with the death of Herod, the fear
was gone and Joseph and Mary took the
small Child back to their home in
Nazareth of Galilee. There He would grow
up to be a man, but much of this time of
development is lost in the "silent years"
of Jesus' youth and early manhood.

However, the Bible tells us something
about the growth of the Child, and in our
lesson today we see Him both as an
infant of only a few months and later as a
boy of twelve. There is no reason to
doubt that He grew up as any normal boy
would. He was loved by His mother and
her husband Joseph, and was protected
and trained by them and the local rabbi
who was His pastor. He grew up in a
lowly home where God was revered, and
fed upon the Word of God until the hour
He was to go forth on His great mission
to redeem the world. Those hidden years
were the time of preparation for the short
ministry of a little over three years.

As we shall see, Jesus did not wait
until He was grown to declare His
Sonship; rather, He did so even as a lad
of twelve. His parents must have been
blessed by the evident result of their
training of Him in His early years. — Bible
Student (F. W. B.)

II. HINTS THAT HELP

A. Jesus' youth gives us the ideal
pattern for growth: (1) mentally, (2)
physically, (3) spiritually, and (4)
socially.

B. Jesus neglected no area of His
human development. He showed that the
§reatest health and happiness is

achieved as we develop not only
physically, but mentally, socially, and
spiritually as well.

C. When we accept our mission as
Christians, all other things become
secondary to serving God and doing His
will.

D. "Young men see visions; sons
and daughters prophesy. But let it all be
done, as Jesus did everything, in love,
not in rebellion against parental con-
trol. '— Tarbell's Teachers' Guide, 1964

— Selected

III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

A. It is well for us to remember that,
though Jesus was the Son of God and
possessed within Himself all of the
fullness of the Godhead, He was also just
as truly the Son of Mary, and possessed
all of those things which made Him
human in nature. This does not mean
that Jesus was half God and half man,
but it means that He was fully God and
fully man.

B. Jesus was not the only young boy
who learned of His destiny long before
He became a man. Many preachers,
evangelists, and missionaries today will
testify that God spoke to them in their
childhood about their eventual calling.
God does not always make His decisions
concerning our lifework on the spur of
the moment. In some instances He
formed His plan for our lives even before
we were born. How wise it is for parents
to dedicate their children early in life to
the will and plan of God for them! This
was what Mary did long before Jesus
entered the temple.

C. God revealed His divine plan and
purpose to Mary through Jesus. It was
not revealed all at once but gradually.
The same is true with us. However great
our conversion may be, we cannot fully
understand Jesus. Our faith and un-
derstanding grows through daily
communion and fellowship. We must not
try to run ahead of God, but we must
patiently wait for His revelation.

D. No Christian equals the perfectio l;
of the pattern. But just as an imperfeq
square is useful to a mathematician, ail
imperfect life can be useful to God. Th
wonderful thing is that as the imperfect
life is used more and more in God' j
service the lines and the angles begin ti
even up, and it approaches closer to thi!
perfect pattern set by Christ.

E. Surely the love of Jesus has madi;
children more responsible towari
parents and has caused parents to b<|
more kind and tender toward theil
children. But we must never allovi'
human affection and concern to keep us
from responding to the ultimate demands
of God upon our lives.

F. We know from Jesus' words ancl
actions that He was interested in the
physical activities of farming, building,
baking, and fishing. He also was
concerned about learning and un-
derstanding as His very early experience]
with the doctors in the temple shows. He!
enjoyed feasts, festivals, and marriage*
celebrations. He liked to visit withij
friends in the quiet of their homes. HeJ
was a man of prayer and was concerned:
with the understanding of the Scriptures.
The balance of Jesus' personality is at
constant challenge to us.

—Selected:

For January 9

JESUS ACCEPTS HIS CALLING

Lesson Text: Mark 1 :4-13
Memory Verse: Isaiah 11:2

I. INTRODUCTION

When a Christian feels he is called of
God to the gospel ministry there are at!
least five basic steps he takes.

First, he makes sure of the calling.
That is, he spends much time before the
Lord with the supposed calling a matter
of great and earnest prayer. He cannot
afford to make a mistake in this most
noble undertaking.

Second, having been thoroughly
convinced that the call is real and that it
is indeed from the Lord, the Christian
humbly accepts the calling and praises
God for the privilege of being chosen as
one of His ministers.

Third, he will announce his calling to
his church or other concerned group of
Christians, seeking their endorsement
and recommendation to the proper
authorities who will later ordain him.

14

THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

r There should be great rejoicing at this
n; point.

U Fourth, he should prepare himself
[through diligent study, either in some
r- Ischool or, if that is not possible, at home.

J Fifth, he will present himself for
J ordination after passing whatever
examination is required of him and then
]? accept a church and begin his ministry.

m In a sense this is what Jesus did. God

i sent Him to the earth under a divine call.
■He accepted that call and began
^preparation for His ministry. That
^preparation consisted of His baptism and
in the temptation in the wilderness.— The

Advanced Quarterly (F. W. B.)

aij

in! II. HINTS THAT HELP

' A. One must recognize that he is a
y( sinner and decide that he wants to live
for Christ. Repentance is a turning from
II sin to God.

ag B. John put Jesus first and
vi jrecognized that he was a servant to lead
H others to Jesus. Everything in our lives
is ought to exalt Jesus.

es C. Jesus held fast to God's Word
s 'and God's will. So must we in order that,
through Him, we may also know the
tel victory that overcomes the world .

D. We can examine ourselves to
'discover how we may be blocking Jesus'

. entrances into our lives or distorting
others' view of Him as they observe us.

E. Become imbued with the Word of
God and stay true to it. If the Word were
binding upon Jesus, it certainly is

li binding upon us. — Standard Lesson

ii Commentary

"8 III. ADDITIONAL TRUTHS

tli A. Though we go through days of
ltf darkness and tension, we must never
m think that God does not still love and care
oi for us. We know ii was not possible for

His own Son to avoid the wilderness and
111) its temptations, nor Gethsemane with its
Ii agonizing decision. But as angels
iai ministered to Him in the wilderness, as
;e an angel strengthened Him in
3! Gethsemane (Luke 22:43), so God's

heavenly ministers will be about us in our
li distress. We may not see them, but they
I will be there because God's love and care
ji will not fail. With the calm assurance of
)SI the psalmist we may say, "Though I
i walk through the valley of the shadow of

51 THE FREE WILL BAPTIST

death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with
me" (Psalm 23:4).

B. Sometimes we quibble about
God's commands and wonder how
"necessary" it is to do this or that.
Jesus' example seems to silence all
questions of this nature. If God clearly
wills us to do or not do something, it is
our duty, and should be our joy, to obey.
Jesus' baptism didn't seem to "do any
good" since He had no sin; but it did
show His willingness to do all that God
desired of His children. The subsequent
result, as we shall see, clearly revealed
that Jesus' decision was the right one.

C. We are baptized into Christ in
reenactment of His death, burial, and
resurrection. These events of Christ's
life were all future at the time that John
baptized.

D. Jesus traveled the way of
obedience into His ministry and through
it, even to death. Will you also follow the
way of obedience as you prepare for a full

life of Christian service, and as you
serve?

— Selected

A TRIBUTE TO

MR. PERCY JONES
It was a true privilege to have known
Mr. Percy Jones, for he was a person we
liked to see come in the store. He could
brighten up a day with only a few words.

He came in regularly to pick up the
literature for Trinity Free Will Baptist
Church. You could tell by his con-
versation how much he loved his church
and wanted to see it grow and how very
much he loved and trusted the Lord for
his to become a beautiful church built by
man out of love for their God. Although
he has gone on for his reward, his
memory will linger in many hearts and
especially in mine and the employees of
the Smithfield Bible and Bookstore.

Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Joyce J. Wood

CHRISTMAS HUNT

(Test Yourself)

The first letters of the missing words in the verses below spell CHRISTMAS. Do
you know what the words should be? If not, look in your Bible and then write the words
in the space provided.

Score ten points for every words you get correct without using your Bible and five
points for every word found by using the Bible. Perfect score: 90 points. Good luck!

C in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse (Proverbs 1:14).

H thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities (Psalm 51 :9).

not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when
he stumbleth (Proverbs 24:17).

I thy presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

S yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake (1 Peter 2:13).

T God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart (Psalm 73:1 ).

M will intreat the favour of the prince (Proverbs 19:6).

, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon
thee (Isaiah 60:1 ).

S waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (Proverbs 9:17)

15

CELEBRATE WITH US IN THE JOYOUS SPIRIT
OF CHRISTMAS WHICH
MAKES ALL LIFE WORTH LIVING

Let Him enter your
heart and touch you anew
that you might represent and
practice a better Christianity, both during
the Christmas season and the coming year.

THE MANAGEMENT AND PERSONNEL
OFTHE

FREE WILL BAPTIST PRESS FOUNDATION, INC

MANAGER'S OFFICE
Walter Reynolds, Manager
Raymond T. Sasser, Comptroller
Eunice Pierce, Secretary

BOOKKEEPING DEPARTMENT
Jack Mayo, Manager
Judy Dixon
Faye Coward

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
Tommy Manning, Editor
Ralph A. Bowen, Assistant Editor
Marjorie Manning
Pam McLawhorn
Verna H. McLawhorn
Hilda Sasser

J. Carlton Lucas, Illustrator

BOOKSTORE AND GIFT SHOP
Elizabeth Hill, Coordinator
Dorothy Crouch, Manager
Lossie Stokes
Elma Beddard
Ruby Tripp

SMITHFIELD BOOKSTORE
Joyce Wood, Manager
Estelle Martin
Joyce Brown

NEW BERN BOOKSTORE
Ellen Dixon, Manager
Mary E. Phipps
Jean Thomas
Maxine Maners

WILSON BOOKSTORE

Hattie N. Everton, Manager
Fannie Lee Dickerson
Bessie Grey DeKeyzzer
Judy Braswell

PRINTING AND FINISHING DEPT.

Marvin Hathaway, Production Manager

Wade Long

Johnny Taylor

Ernest Spain Jr.

Ronnie Pridgen

Dean Andrews

Sara Branch

Rebecca McLawhorn

Faye Avery

Helen McLawhorn

Eva Worthington

Leola Carawan

SHIPPING DEPARTMENT
Allan Gaskins

CUSTODIANS
Bonnie Carmon
Christine A, Lee

16

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST

For Reference

Not to be taken from this room